3-Bromopyruvate induces rapid human prostate cancer cell death by affecting cell energy metabolism, GSH pool and the glyoxalase system

Multimodal Imaging of Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment in Response to an Antiglycolytic Drug

Lipid metabolism and glycolysis play crucial roles in the progression and metastasis of cancer, and the use of 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) as an antiglycolytic agent has shown promise in killing pancreatic cancer cells. However, developing an effective strategy to avoid chemoresistance requires the ability to probe the interaction of cancer drugs with complex tumor-associated microenvironments (TAMs). Unfortunately, no robust and multiplexed molecular imaging technology is currently available to analyze TAMs. In this study, the simultaneous profiling of three protein biomarkers using SERS nanotags and antibody-functionalized nanoparticles in a syngeneic mouse model of pancreatic cancer (PC) is demonstrated. This allows for comprehensive information about biomarkers and TAM alterations before and after treatment. These multimodal imaging techniques include surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), immunohistochemistry (IHC), polarized light microscopy, second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), and untargeted liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The study reveals the efficacy of 3-BP in treating pancreatic cancer and identifies drug treatment-induced lipid species remodeling and associated pathways through bioinformatics analysis.

3-Bromopyruvate overcomes cetuximab resistance in human colorectal cancer cells by inducing autophagy-dependent ferroptosis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cetuximab, in combination with chemotherapy, is effective for treating patients with wild-type KRAS/BRAF metastatic CRC (mCRC). However, intrinsic or acquired drug resistance often limits the use of cetuximab. In this study, we investigated the potential of co-treatment with 3-Bromopyruvate (3-BP) and cetuximab to overcome cetuximab resistance in CRC, both in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that the co-treatment of 3-BP and cetuximab synergistically induced an antiproliferative effect in both CRC cell lines with intrinsic cetuximab resistance (DLD-1 (KRASG13D/-) and HT29 (BRAFV600E)) and in a cetuximab-resistant cell line derived from Caco-2 with acquired resistance (Caco-2-CR). Further analysis revealed that co-treatment induced ferroptosis, autophagy, and apoptosis. Mechanistically, co-treatment inhibited FOXO3a phosphorylation and degradation and activated the FOXO3a/AMPKα/pBeclin1 and FOXO3a/PUMA pathways, leading to the promotion of ferroptosis, autophagy, and apoptosis in DLD-1 (KRASG13D/-), HT29 (BRAFV600E), and Caco-2-CR cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that co-treatment with 3-BP and cetuximab could be a promising strategy to overcome cetuximab resistance in human CRC.

3-Bromopyruvate Suppresses the Malignant Phenotype of Vemurafenib-Resistant Melanoma Cells

(1) BRAF mutations are associated with high mortality and are a substantial factor in therapeutic decisions. Therapies targeting BRAF-mutated tumors, such as vemurafenib (PLX), have significantly improved the overall survival of melanoma patients. However, patient relapse and low response rates remain challenging, even with contemporary therapeutic alternatives. Highly proliferative tumors often rely on glycolysis to sustain their aggressive phenotype. 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) is a promising glycolysis inhibitor reported to mitigate resistance in tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of 3BP as an antineoplastic agent for PLX-resistant melanoma treatment. (2) The effect of 3BP alone or in combination with PLX on viability, proliferation, colony formation, cell death, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal marker and metabolic protein expression, extracellular glucose and lactate, and reactive species were evaluated in two PLX-resistant melanoma cell lines. (3) 3BP treatment, which was more effective as monotherapy than combined with PLX, disturbed the metabolic and epithelial-mesenchymal profile of PLX-resistant cells, impairing their proliferation, migration, and invasion and triggering cell death. (4) 3BP monotherapy is a potent metabolic-disrupting agent against PLX-resistant melanomas, supporting the suppression of the malignant phenotype in this type of neoplasia.

Mitochondrial Respiratory Complexes as Targets of Drugs: The PPAR Agonist Example

Mitochondrial bioenergetics are progressively acquiring significant pathophysiological roles. Specifically, mitochondria in general and Electron Respiratory Chain in particular are gaining importance as unintentional targets of different drugs. The so-called PPAR ligands are a class of drugs which not only link and activate Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors but also show a myriad of extrareceptorial activities as well. In particular, they were shown to inhibit NADH coenzyme Q reductase. However, the molecular picture of this intriguing bioenergetic derangement has not yet been well defined. Using high resolution respirometry, both in permeabilized and intact HepG2 cells, and a proteomic approach, the mitochondrial bioenergetic damage induced by various PPAR ligands was evaluated. Results show a derangement of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism more complex than one related to a simple perturbation of complex I. In fact, a partial inhibition of mitochondrial NADH oxidation seems to be associated not only with hampered ATP synthesis but also with a significant reduction in respiratory control ratio, spare respiratory capacity, coupling efficiency and, last but not least, serious oxidative stress and structural damage to mitochondria.

Novel insights into the anti-cancer effects of 3-bromopyruvic acid against castration-resistant prostate cancer

3-bromopyruvic acid (3-BP), a small molecule alkylating agent, has been emerged as a glycolytic inhibitor with anticancer activities. However, the effects of 3-BP on the growth and metastasis in prostate cancer have not been well investigated. Here we investigated the anti-cancer effects of 3-BP on prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cell growth, apoptosis, migration, motility, and invasion were examined. The tumor growth ability was determined using a xenograft murine model. Transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq was performed to explore the mechanism of action of 3-BP. Our experimental results showed that 3-BP effectively inhibits prostate cancer cell growth, especially in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells. Moreover, 3-BP induces apoptosis and suppresses cell migration, motility, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasion in CRPC cells. In addition, 3-BP also attenuates tumor growth in a xenograft murine model. Through transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq, 3-BP significantly regulates the cell cycle pathway and decreases the expression of downstream cycle cycle-associated genes in CRPC cells. The results of cell cycle analysis indicated that 3-BP arrests cell cycle progression at G2/M in CRPC cells. These results suggest that 3-BP has the potential in inhibiting CRPC progression and might be a promising drug for CRPC treatment.

Combined Usage of Trimetazidine With 3-Bromopyruvate May Lead to Cardiotoxicity by Activating Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Rats

ABSTRACT

The energy used by the heart is generated mainly by the metabolism of fatty acids and glucose. Trimetazidine (TMZ) inhibits fatty acid metabolism and is used for the treatment of heart diseases such as heart failure. 3-Bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) can suppress glucose metabolism, and it is considered a promising candidate agent for tumor therapy. Because TMZ and 3-BrPA can separately inhibit the 2 main cardiac energy sources, it is necessary to investigate the effects of 3-BrPA combined with TMZ on the heart. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a control group, a TMZ group, a 3-BrPA group, and a 3-BrPA + TMZ group. Weight was recorded every day, and echocardiography was performed 14 days later. Heart function, the levels of adenosine triphosphate, oxidative stress-related factors (ROS, glutathione, oxidized glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity), and apoptosis in heart tissues were assessed to evaluate the effects of 3-BrPA and TMZ on the heart. In our study, no obvious changes occurred in the 3-BrPA group or the TMZ group compared with the control group. The combination of 3-BrPA and TMZ worsened heart function, decreased adenosine triphosphate levels, and increased oxidative stress and myocardial apoptosis. In conclusion, 3-BrPA and TMZ are not recommended for concurrent use.

3-Bromopyruvate-mediated MCT1-dependent metabolic perturbation sensitizes triple negative breast cancer cells to ionizing radiation

BACKGROUND

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a serious clinical challenge as it is an aggressive form of the disease that lacks estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and ERBB2 (formerly HER2) gene amplification, which limits the treatment options. The Warburg phenotype of upregulated glycolysis in the presence of oxygen has been shown to be prevalent in TNBC. Elevated glycolysis satisfies the energy requirements of cancer cells, contributes to resistance to treatment by maintaining redox homeostasis and generating nucleotide precursors required for cell proliferation and DNA repair. Expression of the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), which is responsible for the bidirectional transport of lactate, correlates with an aggressive phenotype and poor outcome in several cancer types, including breast cancer. In this study, 3-bromopyruvate (3BP), a lactate/pyruvate analog, was used to selectively target TNBC cells that express MCT1.

METHODS

The cytotoxicity of 3BP was tested in MTT assays using human TNBC cell lines: BT20 (MCT1+/MCT4-), MDA-MB-23 (MCT1-/MCT4+), and BT20 in which MCT1 was knocked down (siMCT1-BT20). The metabolite profile of 3BP-treated and 3BP-untreated cells was investigated using LC-MS/MS. The extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of BT20 and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 3BP were measured using a Seahorse XF96 extracellular flux analyzer. The impact of ionizing radiation on cell survival, alone or in combination with 3BP pre-treatment, was evaluated using clonogenic assays.

RESULTS

Metabolomic analyses showed that 3BP causes inhibition of glycolysis, disturbance of redox homeostasis, decreased nucleotide synthesis, and was accompanied by a reduction in medium acidification. In addition, 3BP potentiated the cytotoxic effect of ionizing radiation, a treatment that is frequently used in the management of TNBC.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, MCT1-mediated metabolic perturbation in combination with radiotherapy is shown to be a promising strategy for the treatment of glycolytic tumors such as TNBC, overcoming the selectivity challenges of targeting glycolysis with glucose analogs.

Application of glutathione depletion in cancer therapy: Enhanced ROS-based therapy, ferroptosis, and chemotherapy

Glutathione (GSH) is an important member of cellular antioxidative system. In cancer cells, a high level of GSH is indispensable to scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and detoxify xenobiotics, which make it a potential target for cancer therapy. Plenty of studies have shown that loss of intracellular GSH makes cancer cells more susceptible to oxidative stress and chemotherapeutic agents. GSH depletion has been proved to improve the therapeutic efficacy of ROS-based therapy (photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and chemodynamic therapy), ferroptosis, and chemotherapy. In this review, various strategies for GSH depletion used in cancer therapy are comprehensively summarized and discussed. First, the functions of GSH in cancer cells are analyzed to elucidate the necessity of GSH depletion in cancer therapy. Then, the synthesis and metabolism of GSH are briefly introduced to bring up some crucial targets for GSH modulation. Finally, different approaches to GSH depletion in the literature are classified and discussed in detail according to their mechanisms. Particularly, functional materials with GSH-consuming ability based on nanotechnology are elaborated due to their unique advantages and potentials. This review presents the ingenious application of GSH-depleting strategy in cancer therapy for improving the outcomes of various therapeutic regimens, which may provide useful guidance for designing intelligent drug delivery system.

Crosstalk between hypoxia-sensing ULK1/2 and YAP-driven glycolysis fuels pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development

Autophagy and glycolysis are two catabolic processes that manipulate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development in response to hypoxia sensing, yet the underlying mechanism of how they are interlinked remain elusive. Methods: The functional roles of Unc-51 like kinase 1 and 2 (ULK1/2) in pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) transcription and glycolysis under hypoxia were assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, glucose consumption and lactate production assay. Co-immunoprecipitation, cellular ubiquitination, His-pulldown, in vitro protein kinase assay, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, CRISPR technology, in silico studies were adopted to determine the molecular mechanism. Correlation analyses were performed in KPC (Pdx1-Cre; LSL-KrasG12D/+; Trp53fl/+) mice and clinical samples from PDAC patients. Therapeutic potential of ULK1/2 inhibitor and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) or 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) was evaluated in cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of nude mice. Results: ULK1/2, but not ULK3, augments hypoxic glycolysis in PDAC cells mediated by PKM2 independent of BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3). Mechanistically, hypoxia stimulates ULK1 to translocate into nucleus, where it interacts with and phosphorylates yes-associated protein (YAP) at Ser227, resulting in YAP stabilization through blockade of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which in turn facilitates PKM2 transcription, glycolysis, cell proliferation in vitro as well as PDAC growth in mice. ULK1/2 is positively correlated with YAP and PKM2 in tumor tissues from KPC mice and clinical samples from PDAC patients. Pharmacological deactivation of ULK1/2 potentiates the antineoplastic efficacy of 2-DG and 3-BP in CDX and PDX models. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the Ser227 autophosphorylation-dependent nuclear YAP stabilization as a central node that couples ULK1/2-initiated autophagy to hypoxic glycolysis during PDAC development and propose that targeting ULK1/2 combined with 2-DG or 3-BP might be a feasible therapeutic strategy against PDAC.

Aberrant mitochondrial bioenergetics in the cerebral cortex of the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of fragile X syndrome

Impaired energy metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders including fragile X syndrome (FXS). We checked brain energy status and some aspects of cell bioenergetics, namely the activity of key glycolytic enzymes, glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle and mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes, in the cerebral cortex of the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS. We found that, despite a hyperactivation of MRC complexes, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is compromised, resulting in brain energy impairment in juvenile and late-adult Fmr1 KO mice. Thus, an altered mitochondrial energy metabolism may contribute to neurological impairment in FXS.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Plus Omega-3 Restores the Mitochondrial Complex I and F0F1-ATP Synthase Activities in PBMCs of Young Children with Down Syndrome: A Pilot Study of Safety and Efficacy

Down syndrome (DS) is a major genetic cause of intellectual disability. DS pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, and no specific pharmacological therapy is available. DYRK1A overexpression, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction were described in trisomy 21. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a multimodal nutraceutical with antioxidant properties. EGCG inhibits DYRK1A overexpression and corrects DS mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro. The present study explores safety profiles in DS children aged 1–8 years treated with EGCG (10 mg/kg/die, suspended in omega-3, per os, in fasting conditions, for 6 months) and EGCG efficacy in restoring mitochondrial complex I and F₀F₁-ATP synthase (complex V) deficiency, assessed on PBMCs. The Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales—Extended Revised (GMDS-ER) was used for developmental profiling. Results show that decaffeinated EGCG (>90%) plus omega-3 is safe in DS children and effective in reverting the deficit of mitochondrial complex I and V activities. Decline of plasma folates was observed in 21% of EGCG-treated patients and should be carefully monitored. GMDS-ER scores did not show differences between the treated group compared to the DS control group. In conclusion, EGCG plus omega-3 can be safely administered under medical supervision in DS children aged 1–8 years to normalize mitochondria respiratory chain complex activities, while results on the improvement of developmental performance are still inconclusive.

Biochemical Regulation of the Glyoxalase System in Response to Insulin Signaling

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive glycation metabolite and potentially induces dicarbonyl stress. The production of MG in cells is increased along with an increase in carbohydrate metabolism. The efficiency of the glyoxalase system, consisting of glyoxalase 1 (GlxI) and glyoxalase 2 (GlxII), is crucial for turning the accumulated MG into nontoxic metabolites. Converting MG-glutathione hemithioacetal to S-d-lactoylglutathione by GlxI is the rate-determining step of the enzyme system. In this study, we found lactic acid accumulated during insulin stimulation in cells, however, cellular MG and S-d-lactoylglutathione also increased due to the massive flux of glycolytic intermediates. The insulin-induced accumulation of MG and S-d-lactoylglutathione were efficiently removed by the treatment of metformin, possibly via affecting the glyoxalase system. With the application of isotopic ¹³C₃-MG, the flux of MG from extracellular and intracellular origins was dissected. While insulin induced an influx of extracellular MG, metformin inhibited the trafficking of MG across the plasma membrane. Therefore, metformin could maintain the extracellular MG by means of reducing the secretion of MG rather than facilitating the scavenging. In addition, metformin may affect the glyoxalase system by controlling the cellular redox state through replenishing reduced glutathione. Overall, alternative biochemical regulation of the glyoxalase system mediated by insulin signaling or molecules like biguanides may control cellular MG homeostasis.

Revisiting prostate cancer metabolism: From metabolites to disease and therapy

Prostate cancer (PCa), one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, still presents important unmet clinical needs concerning treatment. In the last years, the metabolic reprogramming and the specificities of tumor cells emerged as an exciting field for cancer therapy. The unique features of PCa cells metabolism, and the activation of specific metabolic pathways, propelled the use of metabolic inhibitors for treatment. The present work revises the knowledge of PCa metabolism and the metabolic alterations that underlie the development and progression of the disease. A focus is given to the role of bioenergetic sources, namely, glucose, lipids, and glutamine sustaining PCa cell survival and growth. Moreover, it is described as the action of oncogenes/tumor suppressors and sex steroid hormones in the metabolic reprogramming of PCa. Finally, the status of PCa treatment based on the inhibition of metabolic pathways is presented. Globally, this review updates the landscape of PCa metabolism, highlighting the critical metabolic alterations that could have a clinical and therapeutic interest.

Androgen Receptor Signaling and Metabolic and Cellular Plasticity During Progression to Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer

Metabolic reprogramming is associated with re/activation and antagonism of androgen receptor (AR) signaling that drives prostate cancer (PCa) progression to castration resistance, respectively. In particular, AR signaling influences the fates of citrate that uniquely characterizes normal and malignant prostatic metabolism (i.e., mitochondrial export and extracellular secretion in normal prostate, mitochondrial retention and oxidation to support oxidative phenotype of primary PCa, and extra-mitochondrial interconversion into acetyl-CoA for fatty acid synthesis and epigenetics in the advanced PCa). The emergence of castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) involves reactivation of AR signaling, which is then further targeted by androgen synthesis inhibitors (abiraterone) and AR-ligand inhibitors (enzalutamide, apalutamide, and daroglutamide). However, based on AR dependency, two distinct metabolic and cellular adaptations contribute to development of resistance to these agents and progression to aggressive and lethal disease, with the tumor ultimately becoming highly glycolytic and with imaging by a tracer of tumor energetics, 18F-fluorodoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Another major resistance mechanism involves a lineage alteration into AR-indifferent carcinoma such a neuroendocrine which is diagnostically characterized by robust 18F-FDG uptake and loss of AR signaling. PCa is also characterized by metabolic alterations such as fatty acid and polyamine metabolism depending on AR signaling. In some cases, AR targeting induces rather than suppresses these alterations in cellular metabolism and energetics, which can be explored as therapeutic targets in lethal CRPC.

Synthesis and metabolism of methylglyoxal, S-D-lactoylglutathione and D-lactate in cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Exploring the crossroad of eternal youth and premature aging

Both cancer and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are emerging as metabolic diseases in which aberrant/dysregulated glucose metabolism and bioenergetics occur, and play a key role in disease progression. Interestingly, an enhancement of glucose uptake, glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway occurs in both cancer cells and amyloid-β-resistant neurons in the early phase of AD. However, this metabolic shift has its adverse effects. One of them is the increase in methylglyoxal production, a physiological cytotoxic by-product of glucose catabolism. Methylglyoxal is mainly detoxified via cytosolic glyoxalase route comprising glyoxalase 1 and glyoxalase 2 with the production of S-D-lactoylglutathione and D-lactate as intermediate and end-product, respectively. Due to the existence of mitochondrial carriers and intramitochondrial glyoxalase 2 and D-lactate dehydrogenase, the transport and metabolism of both S-D-lactoylglutathione and D-lactate in mitochondria can contribute to methylglyoxal elimination, cellular antioxidant power and energy production. In this review, it is supposed that the different ability of cancer cells and AD neurons to metabolize methylglyoxal, S-D-lactoylglutathione and D-lactate scores cell fate, therefore being at the very crossroad of the "eternal youth" of cancer and the "premature death" of AD neurons. Understanding of these processes would help to elaborate novel metabolism-based therapies for cancer and AD treatment.

Diverse Stakeholders of Tumor Metabolism: An Appraisal of the Emerging Approach of Multifaceted Metabolic Targeting by 3-Bromopyruvate

Malignant cells possess a unique metabolic machinery to endure unobstructed cell survival. It comprises several levels of metabolic networking consisting of 1) upregulated expression of membrane-associated transporter proteins, facilitating unhindered uptake of substrates; 2) upregulated metabolic pathways for efficient substrate utilization; 3) pH and redox homeostasis, conducive for driving metabolism; 4) tumor metabolism-dependent reconstitution of tumor growth promoting the external environment; 5) upregulated expression of receptors and signaling mediators; and 6) distinctive genetic and regulatory makeup to generate and sustain rearranged metabolism. This feat is achieved by a "battery of molecular patrons," which acts in a highly cohesive and mutually coordinated manner to bestow immortality to neoplastic cells. Consequently, it is necessary to develop a multitargeted therapeutic approach to achieve a formidable inhibition of the diverse arrays of tumor metabolism. Among the emerging agents capable of such multifaceted targeting of tumor metabolism, an alkylating agent designated as 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) has gained immense research focus because of its broad spectrum and specific antineoplastic action. Inhibitory effects of 3-BP are imparted on a variety of metabolic target molecules, including transporters, metabolic enzymes, and several other crucial stakeholders of tumor metabolism. Moreover, 3-BP ushers a reconstitution of the tumor microenvironment, a reversal of tumor acidosis, and recuperative action on vital organs and systems of the tumor-bearing host. Studies have been conducted to identify targets of 3-BP and its derivatives and characterization of target binding for further optimization. This review presents a brief and comprehensive discussion about the current state of knowledge concerning various aspects of tumor metabolism and explores the prospects of 3-BP as a safe and effective antineoplastic agent.

Antimetabolic Agent 3-Bromopyruvate Exerts Myelopotentiating Action in a Murine Host Bearing a Progressively Growing Ascitic Thymoma

Tumor growth and its chemotherapeutic regimens manifest myelosuppression, which is one of the possible causes underlying the limited success of immunotherapeutic anticancer strategies. Hence, approaches are being designed to develop safer therapeutic regimens that may have minimal damaging action on the process of myelopoiesis. 3-Bromopyruvate (3-BP) is a highly potent antimetabolic agent displaying a broad spectrum antineoplastic activity. However, 3-BP has not been investigated for its effect on the process of myelopoiesis in a tumor-bearing host. Hence, in this investigation, we studied the myelopoietic effect of in vivo administration of 3-BP to a murine host bearing a progressively growing ascitic thymoma designated as Dalton's lymphoma (DL). 3-BP administration to the DL-bearing mice resulted in a myelopotentiating action, reflected by an elevated count of bone marrow cells (BMC) accompanied by augmented proliferative ability and a declined induction of apoptosis. The BMC of 3-BP-administered mice displayed enhanced responsiveness to macrophage colony-stimulating factor for colony-forming ability of myeloid lineage along with an enhanced differentiation of F4/80⁺ bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). BMDM differentiated from the BMC of 3-BP-administered DL-bearing mice showed an augmented response to lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ for activation, displaying an augmented tumor cytotoxicity, expression of cytokines, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, CD11c, TLR-4, and HSP70. These features are indicative of the differentiation of M1 subtype of macrophages. Thus, this study demonstrates the myelopotentiating action of 3-BP, indicating its hematopoietic safety and potential for reinforcing the differentiation of macrophages in a tumor-bearing host.

The evolving role of diet in prostate cancer risk and progression

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This overview examines the rationale for dietary interventions for prostate cancer by summarizing the current evidence base and biological mechanisms for the involvement of diet in disease incidence and progression.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent data have further solidified the association between insulin resistance and prostate cancer with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. Data also show that periprostatic adipocytes promote extracapsular extension of prostate cancer through chemokines, thereby providing a mechanistic explanation for the association observed between obesity and high-grade cancer. Regarding therapeutics, hyperinsulinemia may be the cause of resistance to phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitors in the treatment of prostate cancer, leading to new investigations combining these drugs with ketogenic diets.

SUMMARY

Given the recently available data regarding insulin resistance and adipokine influence on prostate cancer, dietary strategies targeting metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity should be further explored. In macronutrient-focused therapies, low carbohydrate/ketogenic diets should be favored in such interventions because of their superior impact on weight loss and metabolic parameters and encouraging clinical data. Micronutrients, including the carotenoid lycopene which is found in highest concentrations in tomatoes, may also play a role in prostate cancer prevention and prognosis through complementary metabolic mechanisms. The interplay between genetics, diet, and prostate cancer is an area of emerging focus that might help optimize therapeutic dietary response in the future through personalization.

Metastatic prostate cancer cells are highly sensitive to 3-bromopyruvic acid

AIMS

3-Bromopyruvate (3-BP), an alkylating agent and a glycolytic inhibitor, is a promising anticancer agent, which can be efficient also against multidrug-resistant cancer cells. The aim of this study was to examine how 3-BP affects the survival and mobility of rat (MAT-LyLu and AT-2) and human (DU-145 and PC-3) metastatic prostate cancer cell lines.

MAIN METHODS

Cytotoxicity was estimated with Neutral Red. Cell mobility was analyzed by time-lapse microscopic monitoring of trajectories of individual cells at 5-min intervals for 6h. ATP was estimated with luciferin/luciferase and glutathione (GSH) with o-phthalaldehyde. Actin cytoskeleton was visualized with phalloidin conjugated with Atto-488.

KEY FINDINGS

All metastatic prostate cell lines studied were very sensitive to 3-BP (IC₅₀ of 4-26μM). 3-Bromopyruvate drastically reduced cell movement even at concentrations of 5-10μM after 1h treatment. This compound depleted also cellular ATP and GSH, and disrupted actin cytoskeleton.

SIGNIFICANCE

The data obtained suggest that 3-BP can potentially be useful for treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and, especially, be efficient in limiting metastasis.

Tumor Energy Metabolism and Potential of 3-Bromopyruvate as an Inhibitor of Aerobic Glycolysis: Implications in Tumor Treatment

Tumor formation and growth depend on various biological metabolism processes that are distinctly different with normal tissues. Abnormal energy metabolism is one of the typical characteristics of tumors. It has been proven that most tumor cells highly rely on aerobic glycolysis to obtain energy rather than mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) even in the presence of oxygen, a phenomenon called “Warburg effect”. Thus, inhibition of aerobic glycolysis becomes an attractive strategy to specifically kill tumor cells, while normal cells remain unaffected. In recent years, a small molecule alkylating agent, 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA), being an effective glycolytic inhibitor, has shown great potential as a promising antitumor drug. Not only it targets glycolysis process, but also inhibits mitochondrial OXPHOS in tumor cells. Excellent antitumor effects of 3-BrPA were observed in cultured cells and tumor-bearing animal models. In this review, we described the energy metabolic pathways of tumor cells, mechanism of action and cellular targets of 3-BrPA, antitumor effects, and the underlying mechanism of 3-BrPA alone or in combination with other antitumor drugs (e.g., cisplatin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, etc.) in vitro and in vivo. In addition, few human case studies of 3-BrPA were also involved. Finally, the novel chemotherapeutic strategies of 3-BrPA, including wafer, liposomal nanoparticle, aerosol, and conjugate formulations, were also discussed for future clinical application.

The Sweet Surrender: How Myeloid Cell Metabolic Plasticity Shapes the Tumor Microenvironment

Immune cells are one of the most versatile cell types, as they can tailor their metabolic activity according to their required function. In response to diverse environmental cues, immune cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to support their differentiation, proliferation and pro-inflammatory effector functions. To meet a dramatic surge in energetic demand, immune cells rewire their metabolism to utilize aerobic glycolysis. This preferential use of glycolysis even under aerobic conditions is well established in tumor cells, and is known as the "Warburg effect." Tumor cells avidly use glucose for aerobic glycolysis, thereby creating a nutrient-starved microenvironment, outcompeting T cells for glucose, and directly inhibiting T-cell anti-tumoral effector function. Given that both immune and tumor cells use similar modes of metabolism in the tumor stroma, it is imperative to identify a therapeutic window in which immune-cell and tumor-cell glycolysis can be specifically targeted. In this review, we focus on the Warburg metabolism as well as other metabolic pathways of myeloid cells, which comprise a notable niche in the tumor environment and promote the growth and metastasis of malignant tumors. We examine how differential immune-cell activation triggers metabolic fate, and detail how this forbidding microenvironment succeeds in shutting down the vigorous anti-tumoral response. Finally, we highlight emerging therapeutic concepts that aim to target immune-cell metabolism. Improving our understanding of immunometabolism and immune-cell commitment to specific metabolic fates will help identify alternative therapeutic approaches to battle this intractable disease.

Bioorthogonal Profiling of a Cancer Cell Proteome Identifies a Large Set of 3-Bromopyruvate Targets beyond Glycolysis

3-Bromopyruvate (3BP) is a potential anticancer agent viewed as a glycolytic inhibitor that preferentially kills cancer cells through inhibition of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), resulting in severe energy depletion. We previously identified four cysteine residues in GAPDH that are alkylated by 3BP, resulting in its inactivation. However, we also showed that addition of excess pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis, was unable to rescue cells from 3BP treatment. This result indicates that GAPDH may not be the only relevant target and is consistent with the chemical reactivity of 3BP that should result in the modification of cysteine residues in many different proteins. To directly test this hypothesis, we first synthesized a probe of 3BP activity bearing an alkyne functionality, termed AO3BP, and then demonstrated that this probe could modify a variety of proteins in living cells. Subsequent competition of AO3BP labeling with pretreatment by 3BP identified 62 statistically significant proteins of various functions as targets of 3BP, confirming that 3BP labeling is indeed widespread. We conclude that 3BP's cytotoxic impact on cancer cells does not only result from selective inhibition of glycolysis but rather from a more widespread effect on cellular proteins that could be driven by the pharmacokinetics of the 3BP. These pleiotropic consequences should be considered when thinking about the potential toxicity of this highly reactive compound.

Including the mitochondrial metabolism of L-lactate in cancer metabolic reprogramming

Glucose avidity, high glycolysis and L-lactate production, regardless of oxygen availability, are the main traits of cancer metabolic reprogramming. The idea that mitochondria are dysfunctional in cancer, thus causing a glycolysis increase for ATP production and L-lactate accumulation as a dead-end product of glucose catabolism, has oriented cancer research for many years. However, it was shown that mitochondrial metabolism is essential for cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis and that L-lactate is a fundamental energy substrate with tumor growth-promoting and signaling capabilities. Nevertheless, the known ability of mitochondria to take up and oxidize L-lactate has remained ignored by cancer research. Beginning with a brief overview of the metabolic changes occurring in cancer, we review the present knowledge of L-lactate formation, transport, and intracellular oxidation and underline the possible role of L-lactate metabolism as energetic, signaling and anabolic support for cancer cell proliferation. These unexplored aspects of cancer biochemistry might be exploited for therapeutic benefit.

Protective and recuperative effects of 3-bromopyruvate on immunological, hepatic and renal homeostasis in a murine host bearing ascitic lymphoma: Implication of niche dependent differential roles of macrophages

3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) possesses promising antineoplastic potential, however, its effects on immunological homeostasis vis a vis hepatic and renal functions in a tumor bearing host remain unclear. Therefore, the effect of 3-BP administration to a murine host bearing a progressively growing tumor of thymoma origin, designated as Dalton's lymphoma (DL), on immunological, renal and hepatic homeostasis was investigated. Administration of 3-BP (4 mg/kg) to the tumor bearing host reversed tumor growth associated thymic atrophy and splenomegaly, accompanied by altered cell survival and repertoire of splenic, bone marrow and tumor associated macrophages (TAM). TAM displayed augmented phagocytic, tumoricidal activities and production of IL-1 and TNF-α. 3-BP-induced activation of TAM was of indirect nature, mediated by IFN-γ. Blood count of T lymphocytes (CD4⁺ & CD8⁺) and NK cells showed a rise in 3-BP administered tumor bearing mice. Moreover, 3-BP administration triggered modulation of immunomodulatory cytokines in serum along with refurbished hepatic and renal functions. The study indicates the role of altered cytokines balance, site specific differential macrophage functions and myelopoiesis in restoration of lymphoid organ homeostasis in 3-BP administered tumor bearing host. These observations will have long lasting impact in understanding of alternate mechanisms underlying the antitumor action of 3-BP accompanying appraisal of safety issues for optimizing its antineoplastic actions.

Glyoxalases in Urological Malignancies

Urological cancers include a spectrum of malignancies affecting organs of the reproductive and/or urinary systems, such as prostate, kidney, bladder, and testis. Despite improved primary prevention, detection and treatment, urological cancers are still characterized by an increasing incidence and mortality worldwide. While advances have been made towards understanding the molecular bases of these diseases, a complete understanding of the pathological mechanisms remains an unmet research goal that is essential for defining safer pharmacological therapies and prognostic factors, especially for the metastatic stage of these malignancies for which no effective therapies are currently being used. Glyoxalases, consisting of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) and glyoxalase 2 (Glo2), are enzymes that catalyze the glutathione-dependent metabolism of cytotoxic methylglyoxal (MG), thus protecting against cellular damage and apoptosis. They are generally overexpressed in numerous cancers as a survival strategy by providing a safeguard through enhancement of MG detoxification. Increasing evidence suggests that glyoxalases, especially Glo1, play an important role in the initiation and progression of urological malignancies. In this review, we highlight the critical role of glyoxalases as regulators of tumorigenesis in the prostate through modulation of various critical signaling pathways, and provide an overview of the current knowledge on glyoxalases in bladder, kidney and testis cancers. We also discuss the promise and challenges for Glo1 inhibitors as future anti-prostate cancer (PCa) therapeutics and the potential of glyoxalases as biomarkers for PCa diagnosis.

A perillyl alcohol-conjugated analog of 3-bromopyruvate without cellular uptake dependency on monocarboxylate transporter 1 and with activity in 3-BP-resistant tumor cells

The anticancer agent 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) is viewed as a glycolytic inhibitor that preferentially kills glycolytic cancer cells through energy depletion. However, its cytotoxic activity is dependent on cellular drug import through transmembrane monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT-1), which restricts its anticancer potential to MCT-1-positive tumor cells. We created and characterized an MCT-1-independent analog of 3-BP, called NEO218. NEO218 was synthesized by covalently conjugating 3-BP to perillyl alcohol (POH), a natural monoterpene. The responses of various tumor cell lines to treatment with either compound were characterized in the presence or absence of supplemental pyruvate or antioxidants N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH). Drug effects on glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) enzyme activity were investigated by mass spectrometric analysis. The development of 3-BP resistance was investigated in MCT-1-positive HCT116 colon carcinoma cells in vitro. Our results show that NEO218: (i) pyruvylated GAPDH on all 4 of its cysteine residues and shut down enzymatic activity; (ii) severely lowered cellular ATP content below life-sustaining levels, and (iii) triggered rapid necrosis. Intriguingly, supplemental antioxidants effectively prevented cytotoxic activity of NEO218 as well as 3-BP, but supplemental pyruvate powerfully protected cells only from 3-BP, not from NEO218. Unlike 3-BP, NEO218 exerted its potent cytotoxic activity irrespective of cellular MCT-1 status. Treatment of HCT116 cells with 3-BP resulted in prompt development of resistance, based on the emergence of MCT-1-negative cells. This was not the case with NEO218, and highly 3-BP-resistant cells remained exquisitely sensitive to NEO218. Thus, our study identifies a mechanism by which tumor cells develop rapid resistance to 3-BP, and presents NEO218 as a superior agent not subject to this cellular defense. Furthermore, our results offer alternative interpretations of previously published models on the role of supplemental antioxidants: Rather than quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS), supplemental NAC or GSH directly interact with 3-BP, thereby neutralizing the drug's cytotoxic potential before it can trigger ROS production. Altogether, our study introduces new aspects of the cytotoxic mechanism of 3-BP, and characterizes NEO218 as an analog able to overcome a key cellular defense mechanism towards this drug.

The lipid metabolism gene FTO influences breast cancer cell energy metabolism via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

The present study assessed the effect of the lipid metabolism, fat mass and the obesity-associated gene (FTO), on energy metabolism of breast cancer cells. The human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, and HCC1937 human breast cells were studied. Real-time PCR was used to measure the levels of FTO mRNA from breast cancer cells and normal breast cells. MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with miFTO inhibitor or inhibitor control, and cells were assessed for levels of lactic acid, ATP, pyruvate kinase activity, and hexokinase activity assay using specific kits. Western blot analysis was used to measure the levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p-PI3K, protein kinase B (Akt) and p-Akt in transfected breast cancer cells. The expression of FTO was significantly increased in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells compared with HCC1937 cells (P<0.01). The lactic acid content of breast cancer cells transfected with the miFTO inhibitor was significantly lower compared with cells transfected with the miFTO inhibitor control and nontransfected cells (P<0.05). The ATP content of breast cancer cells transfected with the miFTO inhibitor was significantly lower compared with the control group and inhibitor control group (P<0.05). The pyruvate kinase activity and hexokinase activity of breast cancer cells transfected with the miFTO inhibitor were significantly lower compared with the control group and inhibitor control group (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that after breast cancer cells were transfected with the miFTO inhibitor, the levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt and p-Akt were significantly lower than in the control group and inhibitor control group. In conclusion, the FTO gene is overexpressed in breast cancer cells. Overexpression of the FTO gene can promote breast cancer cell glycolysis and the mechanism is related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

The anticancer agent 3-bromopyruvate: a simple but powerful molecule taken from the lab to the bedside

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, 3-bromopyruvate (3BP), a simple alkylating chemical compound was presented to the scientific community as a potent anticancer agent, able to cause rapid toxicity to cancer cells without bystander effects on normal tissues. The altered metabolism of cancers, an essential hallmark for their progression, also became their Achilles heel by facilitating 3BP's selective entry and specific targeting. Treatment with 3BP has been administered in several cancer type models both in vitro and in vivo, either alone or in combination with other anticancer therapeutic approaches. These studies clearly demonstrate 3BP's broad action against multiple cancer types. Clinical trials using 3BP are needed to further support its anticancer efficacy against multiple cancer types thus making it available to more than 30 million patients living with cancer worldwide. This review discusses current knowledge about 3BP related to cancer and discusses also the possibility of its use in future clinical applications as it relates to safety and treatment issues.

Effect of 3-bromopyruvate acid on the redox equilibrium in non-invasive MCF-7 and invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

Novel approaches to cancer chemotherapy employ metabolic differences between normal and tumor cells, including the high dependence of cancer cells on glycolysis ("Warburg effect"). 3-Bromopyruvate (3-BP), inhibitor of glycolysis, belongs to anticancer drugs basing on this principle. 3-BP was tested for its capacity to kill human non-invasive MCF-7 and invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. We found that 3-BP was more toxic for MDA-MB-231 cells than for MCF-7 cells. In both cell lines, a statistically significant decrease of ATP and glutathione was observed in a time- and 3-BP concentration-dependent manner. Transient increases in the level of reactive oxygen species and reactive oxygen species was observed, more pronounced in MCF-7 cells, followed by a decreasing tendency. Activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) decreased in 3-BP treated MDA-MB-231 cells. For MCF-7 cells decreases of GR and GST activities were noted only at the highest concentration of 3-BP.These results point to induction of oxidative stress by 3-BP via depletion of antioxidants and inactivation of antioxidant enzymes, more pronounced in MDA-MB-231 cells, more sensitive to 3-BP.