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Keerthana CK, Rayginia TP, Shifana SC, Anto NP, Kalimuthu K, Isakov N, Anto RJ. The role of AMPK in cancer metabolism and its impact on the immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1114582. [PMID: 36875093 PMCID: PMC9975160 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key metabolic sensor that is pivotal for the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK contributes to diverse metabolic and physiological effects besides its fundamental role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Aberrancy in AMPK signaling is one of the determining factors which lead to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. The activation of AMPK and its downstream signaling cascades orchestrate dynamic changes in the tumor cellular bioenergetics. It is well documented that AMPK possesses a suppressor role in the context of tumor development and progression by modulating the inflammatory and metabolic pathways. In addition, AMPK plays a central role in potentiating the phenotypic and functional reprogramming of various classes of immune cells which reside in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, AMPK-mediated inflammatory responses facilitate the recruitment of certain types of immune cells to the TME, which impedes the development, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Thus, AMPK appears to play an important role in the regulation of anti-tumor immune response by regulating the metabolic plasticity of various immune cells. AMPK effectuates the metabolic modulation of anti-tumor immunity via nutrient regulation in the TME and by virtue of its molecular crosstalk with major immune checkpoints. Several studies including that from our lab emphasize on the role of AMPK in regulating the anticancer effects of several phytochemicals, which are potential anticancer drug candidates. The scope of this review encompasses the significance of the AMPK signaling in cancer metabolism and its influence on the key drivers of immune responses within the TME, with a special emphasis on the potential use of phytochemicals to target AMPK and combat cancer by modulating the tumor metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenicheri Kizhakkeveettil Keerthana
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Tennyson Prakash Rayginia
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | | | - Nikhil Ponnoor Anto
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Kalishwaralal Kalimuthu
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Noah Isakov
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ruby John Anto
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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2
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Lee S, Yang HK, Lee HJ, Park DJ, Kong SH, Park SK. Systematic review of gastric cancer-associated genetic variants, gene-based meta-analysis, and gene-level functional analysis to identify candidate genes for drug development. Front Genet 2022; 13:928783. [PMID: 36081994 PMCID: PMC9446437 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.928783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Despite being a powerful tool to identify novel variants, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are not sufficient to explain the biological function of variants. In this study, we aimed to elucidate at the gene level the biological mechanisms involved in gastric cancer (GC) development and to identify candidate drug target genes. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review for GWAS on GC following the PRISMA guidelines. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-level meta-analysis and gene-based analysis (GBA) were performed to identify SNPs and genes significantly associated with GC. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), disease network, pathway enrichment, gene ontology, gene-drug, and chemical interaction analyses were conducted to elucidate the function of the genes identified by GBA. Results: A review of GWAS on GC identified 226 SNPs located in 91 genes. In the comprehensive GBA, 44 genes associated with GC were identified, among which 12 genes (THBS3, GBAP1, KRTCAP2, TRIM46, HCN3, MUC1, DAP3, EFNA1, MTX1, PRKAA1, PSCA, and ABO) were eQTL. Using disease network and pathway analyses, we identified that PRKAA, THBS3, and EFNA1 were significantly associated with the PI3K-Alt-mTOR-signaling pathway, which is involved in various oncogenic processes, and that MUC1 acts as a regulator in both the PI3K-Alt-mTOR and P53 signaling pathways. Furthermore, RPKAA1 had the highest number of interactions with drugs and chemicals. Conclusion: Our study suggests that PRKAA1, a gene in the PI3K-Alt-mTOR-signaling pathway, could be a potential target gene for drug development associated with GC in the future. Systematic Review Registration: website, identifier registration number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangjun Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Han-Kwang Yang
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyuk-Joon Lee
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Do Joong Park
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Kong
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sue K. Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Sue K. Park,
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3
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Wu Z, Xu C, Zheng T, Li Q, Yang S, Shao J, Guan W, Zhang S. A critical role of AMP-activated protein kinase in regulating intestinal nutrient absorption, barrier function, and intestinal diseases. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3705-3716. [PMID: 35892164 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most important organs in animals, the intestine is responsible for nutrient absorption and acts as a barrier between the body and the environment. Intestinal physiology and function require the participation of energy. 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a classical and highly expressed energy regulator in intestinal cells, regulates the process of nutrient absorption and barrier function and is also involved in the therapy of intestinal diseases. Studies have yielded findings that AMPK regulates the absorption of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids in the intestine primarily by regulating transportation systems, as we detailed here. Moreover, AMPK is involved in the regulation of the intestinal mechanical barrier and immune barrier through manipulating the expression of tight junctions, antimicrobial peptides, and secretory immunoglobulins. In addition, AMPK also participates in the regulation of intestinal diseases, which indicates that AMPK is a promising therapeutic target for intestinal diseases and cancer. In this review, we summarized the current understanding regarding how AMPK regulates intestinal nutrient absorption, barrier function, and intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Wu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengfei Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Tenghui Zheng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qihui Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siwang Yang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayuan Shao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wutai Guan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Wang LH, Chang CC, Cheng CY, Liang YJ, Pei D, Sun JT, Chen YL. MCRS1 Expression Regulates Tumor Activity and Affects Survival Probability of Patients with Gastric Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061502. [PMID: 35741311 PMCID: PMC9221628 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Surgery remains the first-choice treatment. Chemotherapy is considered in the middle and advanced stages, but has limited success. Microspherule protein 1 (MCRS1, also known as MSP58) is a protein originally identified in the nucleus and cytoplasm that is involved in the cell cycle. High expression of MCRS1 increases tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastasis. The mechanistic relationships between MCSR1 and proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) remain to be elucidated. We clarified these relationships using immunostaining of tumor tissues and normal tissues from patients with gastric cancer. High MCRS1 expression in gastric cancer positively correlated with Ki-67, Caspase3, CD31, Fibronectin, pAKT, and pAMPK. The hazard ratio of high MCRS1 expression was 2.44 times that of low MCRS1 expression, negatively impacting patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Han Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan; (L.-H.W.); (C.-Y.C.)
| | - Chih-Chun Chang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan;
| | - Chiao-Yin Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan; (L.-H.W.); (C.-Y.C.)
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan;
| | - Yao-Jen Liang
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan;
| | - Dee Pei
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242, Taiwan;
| | - Jen-Tang Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 220, Taiwan; (L.-H.W.); (C.-Y.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.-T.S.); (Y.-L.C.); Tel.: +886-2-7728-1843 (J.-T.S.); +886-2-8792-3311 (ext. 16756) (Y.-L.C.)
| | - Yen-Lin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (J.-T.S.); (Y.-L.C.); Tel.: +886-2-7728-1843 (J.-T.S.); +886-2-8792-3311 (ext. 16756) (Y.-L.C.)
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5
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Wang C, Huang B, Sun L, Wang X, Zhou B, Tang H, Geng W. MK8722, an AMPK activator, inhibiting carcinoma proliferation, invasion and migration in human pancreatic cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112325. [PMID: 34656065 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MK8722 is a potent and systemic pan-AMPK activator. It is an effective, direct, allosteric activator of AMPK complex in many mammals. This study tried to explore the underlying anti-cancer molecular mechanism of MK8722 in human pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs). METHODS The anti-proliferation, invasion and migration functions of MK8722 in human pancreatic cancer analyzed by real time cellular analysis, colony formation assay, cell migration assay, transwell assay and flow cytometery analysis. Moreover, the potential targeted signaling pathway was tested via RNA-seq and pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS In the present study, we investigated the anti-PCCs effects of MK8722 on two different human pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1 and Patu8988). The results showed that MK8722 significantly inhibited human tumor cells proliferation and migration/invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the influence of MK8722 was examined by analyzing the expression of potential key genes and pathways, which may provide novel insights to the mechanism of MK8722. CONCLUSION The inhibition of pancreatic cancer by MK8722 through a number of pathways that inhibit carcinoma proliferation, invasion and migration. The potential effect of MK8722 might be determined by regulating the expression of AL162151, IER2, REPIN1, KRT80 to inhibit cycle arrest and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Baojun Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Linxiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Baofeng Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongli Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wujun Geng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Wenzhou Key Laboratory of perioperative medicine (NO. 2021HZSY0037).
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6
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Hu XL, Zhu YJ, Hu CH, You L, Wu J, He XY, Huang WJ, Wu ZH. Ghrelin Affects Gastric Cancer Progression by Activating AMPK Signaling Pathway. Biochem Genet 2021; 59:652-667. [PMID: 33442814 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-020-10022-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR), Ghrelin is aberrant expressed in multiple malignant carcinoma, and involved in regulating a number of progression of cancer, especially in metastasis and proliferation. However, the precise role of Ghrelin in tumorigenesis of gastric cancer (GC) is still poorly understood. In this study, we extensively investigated the roles and mechanisms of Ghrelin in human gastric cancer. Ghrelin levels in cancer tissues and cell lines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Functional studies were performed after Ghrelin overexpressed or knockdown in AGS cell line. Cell proliferation was evaluated in by MTT and clone formation assays. The wound healing and Transwell system were used to assess the cell migration and invasive ability of GC cells. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and metabolic assays were performed to reveal the function of Warburg effect in the process. Ghrelin was lowly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of Ghrelin inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis by activating the AMPK pathway, while D-[lys3]-GHRP-6 (a GHSR agonist) treatment relieved the effect, promoting tumorigenesis. Ghrelin knockdown increased the glucose uptake and lactic acid release, suggesting that Ghrelin elicited an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK pathway to inhibit gastric tumorigenesis. Ghrelin inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by eliciting an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lin Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Jun Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Hua Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Li You
- Department of Pharmacy, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Huang
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Zong-Hui Wu
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China.
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Tao L, Yu H, Liang R, Jia R, Wang J, Jiang K, Wang Z. Rev-erbα inhibits proliferation by reducing glycolytic flux and pentose phosphate pathway in human gastric cancer cells. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:57. [PMID: 31591390 PMCID: PMC6779746 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rev-erbα is a nuclear receptor, which regulates circadian rhythm, inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism. We previously showed Rev-erbα reduction in human gastric cancer, which is associated with TMN stages and poor prognosis. We hypothesized that Rev-erbα modulates proliferation via glycolytic flux and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in gastric cancer. Knockdown of Rev-erbα significantly increased proliferation as well as glycolytic flux and the PPP in human gastric cancer cells. These effects were reduced by a Rev-erbα agonist GSK4112 in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Rev-erbα was recruited on the promoters of PFKFB3 and G6PD genes, thereby inhibiting their gene transcription. GSK4112 treatment reduced PFKFB3 and G6PD gene expression, which was not affected by BMAL1 knockdown. Pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis and the PPP using corresponding PFKFB3 and G6PD inhibitors attenuated Rev-erbα knockdown-induced proliferation in gastric cancer cells. GSK4112 treatment was not able to reduce proliferation in SGC-7901 overexpressing both PFKFB3 and G6PD genes. Both PFKFB3 and G6PD were overexpressed in patients with gastric cancer, and positively correlated with the TMN stages. The PPP and glycolysis were enhanced in gastric cancer tissues of patients with low expression of Rev-erbα compared to the patients with high expression of Rev-erbα. In conclusion, Rev-erbα reduction causes gastric cancer progression by augmenting the PPP and glycolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Tao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyuan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru Jia
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengguang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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Cui XL, Li KJ, Ren HX, Zhang YJ, Liu XD, Bu BG, Wang L. Extract of Cycas revoluta Thunb. enhances the inhibitory effect of 5-fluorouracil on gastric cancer cells through the AKT-mTOR pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:1854-1864. [PMID: 31057299 PMCID: PMC6478614 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i15.1854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is one of the most common and deadly malignancies worldwide. Despite recent medical progress, the 5-year survival rate of gastric cancer is still unsatisfactory. 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) is one of the first-line antineoplastic treatments for gastric cancer, as it can effectively induce cancer cell apoptosis. However, the effect of 5-Fu is limited due to drug resistance of the malignant tumor. Previous studies have reported that Sotetsuflavone from Cycas revoluta Thunb. can markedly suppress lung cancer cell proliferation by apoptosis, though its effect on gastric cancer remains unknown.
AIM To investigate the inhibitory effect of Cycas revoluta Thunb. and to determine whether it can overcome gastric cancer cell drug resistance to 5-Fu.
METHODS Cell viability was examined to determine whether the natural extract of Cycas revoluta Thunb. induced gastric cancer cell death. The half-maximal effective concentration and the half-maximal lethal concentration were calculatede. Wound-healing and transwell assays were performed to examine gastric cancer cell motility. Clonogenic assays were performed to investigate the synergistic effects of Cycas revoluta Thunb. with 5-Fu, and apoptotic bodies were detected by Hoechst staining. Western blotting was performed to examine the expression of related proteins and to investigate the molecular mechanism of Cycas revoluta Thunb.-induced cancer cell apoptosis. The expressions of proteins, including mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p-AKT, were detected in different combinations of treatments for 48 h, then analyzed by ECL detection.
RESULTS Gastric cancer cells were more sensitive to the natural extract of Cycas revoluta Thunb. compared to normal gastric epithelial cells, and the extract effectively inhibited gastric cancer cell migration and invasion. The extract improved the anti-cancer effect of 5-Fu by enhancing the chemosensitization of gastric cancer cells. Extract plus 5-Fu further reduced the expression of the drug-resistance-related proteins p-AKT and mTOR after 48 h compared to 5-Fu alone. Compared to 5-Fu treatment alone, mTOR and p-AKT expression was significantly reduced by about 50% and 75%, respectively. We also found that the natural extract of Cycas revoluta Thunb. further increased 5-Fu-induced gastric cancer cell apoptosis. Expression of apoptosis-related protein X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and apoptosis inducing factor were significantly reduced and increased, respectively, in the 5-Fu-resistant gastric cancer line SGC-7901/R treated with extract plus 5-Fu, while the expression of survivin did not change.
CONCLUSION The natural extract of Cycas revoluta Thunb. effectively inhibited gastric cancer cell growth and enhanced the anti-cancer effect of 5-Fu through the AKT-mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Liang Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056001, Hebei Province, China
| | - Ke-Ji Li
- Department of Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056001, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hai-Xia Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056001, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yong-Jian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056001, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056001, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bao-Guo Bu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056001, Hebei Province, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
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Zheng GD, Hu PJ, Chao YX, Zhou Y, Yang XJ, Chen BZ, Yu XY, Cai Y. Nobiletin induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma C666-1 cells through regulating PARP-2/SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway. Food Sci Nutr 2019; 7:1104-1112. [PMID: 30918653 PMCID: PMC6418462 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Nobiletin, a major polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) from citri reticulatae pericarpium (CRP), can inhibit several forms of cancer proliferation. However, the effects of nobiletin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) C666-1 cells remain largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay was used to measure cell vitality. Flow cytometry was performed to measure the apoptosis rate. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were applied to determine the expression of mRNA and protein, respectively. RESULTS We showed that the proliferation rate of C666-1 cells was inhibited and the apoptosis rate was raised after treating with nobiletin. Moreover, nobiletin inhibited the expression of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-2 (PARP-2), and the tumor suppression effect of nobiletin on C666-1 is associated with PARP-2-dependent pathway. CONCLUSION We demonstrated for the first time that nobiletin inhibited the growth of C666-1 cells, which may be relative to its regulation on PARP-2/SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway. Our result implied that nobiletin may serve as a strategy to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Dong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyState Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 511436China
| | - Ping Jun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyState Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 511436China
| | - Ying Xin Chao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyState Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 511436China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyState Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 511436China
| | - Xiu Juan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyState Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 511436China
| | - Bai Zhong Chen
- Guangdong Xinbaotang Biological Technology Co, LtdJiangmenChina
| | - Xi Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyState Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 511436China
| | - Yi Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyState Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou 511436China
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10
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Identification of small molecule inhibitors for differentially expressed miRNAs in gastric cancer. Comput Biol Chem 2018; 77:442-454. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Tan W, Zhong Z, Carney RP, Men Y, Li J, Pan T, Wang Y. Deciphering the metabolic role of AMPK in cancer multi-drug resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 56:56-71. [PMID: 30261277 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a curious bottleneck in cancer research and chemotherapy, whereby some cells rapidly adapt to the tumor microenvironment via a myriad of heterogeneous metabolic activities. Despite being a major impediment to treatment, there is a silver lining: control over metabolic regulation could be an effective approach to overcome or correct resistance pathways. In this critical review, we comprehensively and carefully curated and analyzed large networks of previously identified proteins associated with metabolic adaptation in MDR. We employed data and text mining to study and categorize more than 600 studies in PubMed, with particular focus on AMPK, a central and fundamental modulator in the energy metabolism network that has been specifically implicated in cancer MDR pathways. We have identified one protein set of metabolic adaptations with 137 members closely related to cancer MDR processes, and a second protein set with 165 members derived from AMPK-based networks, with 28 proteins found at the intersection between the two sets. Furthermore, according to genomics analysis of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) provisional data, the highest alteration frequency (80.0%) of the genes encoding the intersected proteins (28 proteins), ranked three cancer types with quite remarkable significance across 166 studies. The hierarchical relationships of the entire identified gene and protein networks indicate broad correlations in AMPK-mediated metabolic regulation pathways, which we use decipher and depict the metabolic roles of AMPK and demonstrate the potential of metabolic control for therapeutic intervention in MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu province 730000, China; Micro-Nano Innovations (MiNI) Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60202, United States; Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078, China
| | - Randy P Carney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Yongfan Men
- Micro-Nano Innovations (MiNI) Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Jiannan Li
- Micro-Nano Innovations (MiNI) Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Tingrui Pan
- Micro-Nano Innovations (MiNI) Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078, China.
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12
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Park JB, Lee JS, Lee MS, Cha EY, Kim S, Sul JY. Corosolic acid reduces 5‑FU chemoresistance in human gastric cancer cells by activating AMPK. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:2880-2888. [PMID: 30015846 PMCID: PMC6102703 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
5‑Fluorouracil (5‑FU) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents for gastric cancer. Resistance to 5‑FU‑based chemotherapy remains the major obstacle in the treatment of gastric cancer. A growing body of evidence has suggested that adenosine monophosphate‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) is pivotal for chemoresistance. However, the mechanism by which AMPK regulates the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer remains unclear. In the present study, how corosolic acid enhanced the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer cells to 5‑FU via AMPK activation was investigated. A 5‑FU‑resistant gastric cancer cell line (SNU‑620/5‑FUR) was established, which had a marked increase in thymidine synthase (TS) expression but reduced AMPK phosphorylation when compared with the parental cell line, SNU‑620. AMPK regulation by 5‑aminoimidazole‑4‑carboxamide ribonucleotide or compound c was revealed to be markedly associated with TS expression and 5‑FU‑resistant cell viability. In addition, corosolic acid activated AMPK, and decreased TS expression and the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin/4E‑binding protein 1 in a dose‑dependent manner. Corosolic acid treatment significantly reduced cell viability while compound c reversed corosolic acid‑induced cell growth inhibition. The 5‑FU‑resistance sensitization effect of corosolic acid was determined by the synergistic reduction of TS expression and inhibition of cell viability in the presence of 5‑FU. The corosolic acid‑induced AMPK activation was markedly increased by additional 5‑FU treatment, while compound c reversed AMPK phosphorylation. In addition, compound c treatment reversed corosolic acid‑induced apoptotic markers such as capase‑3 and PARP cleavage, and cytochrome c translocation to cytosol, in the presence of 5‑FU. Corosolic acid treatment in the presence of 5‑FU induced an increase in the apoptotic cell population based on flow cytometry analysis. This increase was abolished by compound c. In conclusion, these results implied that corosolic acid may have therapeutic potential to sensitize the resistance of gastric cancer to 5‑FU by activating AMPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Beom Park
- Department of Surgery, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Sun Lee
- Biomedical Research Institute, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Cha
- Biomedical Research Institute, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Kim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Sul
- Department of Surgery, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
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13
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Wang X, Wang N, Wei X, Yu H, Wang Z. REV-ERBα reduction is associated with clinicopathological features and prognosis in human gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:1499-1506. [PMID: 30008829 PMCID: PMC6036475 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a serious threat to human health. Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (REV-ERBα) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor family that regulates lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses and circadian rhythms. However, the role of REV-ERBα in the pathogenesis of human gastric cancer is unclear. The present study employed gastric cancer tissues from 74 patients and determined the association between REV-ERBα expression with clinicopathological variables and prognosis. Furthermore, the association between REV-ERBα and apoptosis in undifferentiated and moderately differentiated human gastric cancer cells was determined. It was identified that REV-ERBα expression was decreased in gastric cancer, which was positively associated with poor differentiation (P=0.009), T stage (P=0.001), Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TMN) stage (P=0.001) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.007). In the survival analysis, the 3- and 5-year survival times of patients were significantly associated with REV-ERBα expression (P=0.009 and P=0.002, respectively). Low REV-ERBα expression was associated with poor prognosis (P<0.05). Concurrently, cleaved caspase-3 expression was downregulated, whereas expression levels of Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were upregulated in gastric cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. REV-ERBα activator GSK4112 caused apoptosis in SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cell lines. REV-ERBα levels were decreased in human gastric cancer, which was associated with poor differentiation, TMN stages and poor prognosis. REV-ERBα is a potential biomarker for tumor development and prognosis, and a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Nana Wang
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Haoyuan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Zhengguang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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14
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Song K, Zhao W, Wang W, Zhang N, Wang K, Chang Z. Individualized predictive signatures for 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in right- and left-sided colon cancer. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:1939-1948. [PMID: 29700901 PMCID: PMC5989868 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐based adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is widely used for the treatment of colon cancer. Colon cancers with different primary tumor locations are clinically and molecularly distinct, implied through their response to 5‐FU‐based ACT. In this work, using 69 and 133 samples of patients with stage II‐III right‐sided and left‐sided colon cancer (RCC and LCC) treated with post‐surgery 5‐FU‐based ACT, we preselected gene pairs whose relative expression orderings were significantly correlated with the disease‐free survival of patients by univariate Cox proportional hazards model. Then, from the identified prognostic‐related gene pairs, a forward‐stepwise selection algorithm was formulated to search for an optimal subset of gene pairs that resulted in the highest concordance index, referred to as the gene pair signature (GPS). We identified prognostic signatures, 3‐GPS and 5‐GPS, for predicting response to 5‐FU‐based ACT of patients with RCC and LCC, respectively, which were validated in independent datasets of GSE14333 and GSE72970. With the aid of the signatures, the transcriptional and genomic characteristics between the predicted responders and non‐responders were explored. Notably, both in RCC and LCC, the predicted responders to 5‐FU‐based ACT were characterized by hypermutation, whereas the predicted non‐responders were characterized by frequent copy number alternations. Finally, in comparison with the established relative expression ordering‐based signature, which was developed without considering the differences between RCC and LCC, the newly proposed signatures had a better predictive performance. In conclusion, 3‐GPS or 5‐GPS can robustly predict response to 5‐FU‐based ACT for patients with RCC or LCC, respectively, in an individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Song
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenyuan Zhao
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chang
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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15
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Law BYK, Gordillo-Martínez F, Qu YQ, Zhang N, Xu SW, Coghi PS, Mok SWF, Guo J, Zhang W, Leung ELH, Fan XX, Wu AG, Chan WK, Yao XJ, Wang JR, Liu L, Wong VKW. Thalidezine, a novel AMPK activator, eliminates apoptosis-resistant cancer cells through energy-mediated autophagic cell death. Oncotarget 2018; 8:30077-30091. [PMID: 28404910 PMCID: PMC5444727 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers illustrating resistance towards apoptosis is one of the main factors causing clinical failure of conventional chemotherapy. Innovative therapeutic methods which can overcome the non-apoptotic phenotype are needed. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is the central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, metabolism, and autophagy. Our previous study showed that the identified natural AMPK activator is able to overcome apoptosis-resistant cancer via autophagic cell death. Therefore, AMPK is an ideal pharmaceutical target for chemoresistant cancers. Here, we unravelled that the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid thalidezine is a novel direct AMPK activator by using biolayer interferometry analysis and AMPK kinase assays. The quantification of autophagic EGFP-LC3 puncta demonstrated that thalidezine increased autophagic flux in HeLa cancer cells. In addition, metabolic stress assay confirmed that thalidezine altered the energy status of our cellular model. Remarkably, thalidezine-induced autophagic cell death in HeLa or apoptosis-resistant DLD-1 BAX-BAK DKO cancer cells was abolished by addition of autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) and AMPK inhibitor (compound C). The mechanistic role of autophagic cell death in resistant cancer cells was further supported through the genetic removal of autophagic gene7 (Atg7). Overall, thalidezine is a novel AMPK activator which has great potential to be further developed into a safe and effective intervention for apoptosis- or multidrug-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Yuen Kwan Law
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Flora Gordillo-Martínez
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Yuan Qing Qu
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Ni Zhang
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Su Wei Xu
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Paolo Saul Coghi
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Simon Wing Fai Mok
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Jianru Guo
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Elaine Lai Han Leung
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xing Xing Fan
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - An Guo Wu
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Wai Kit Chan
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xiao Jun Yao
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Jing Rong Wang
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
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16
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Lee KC, Lin CT, Chang SF, Chen CN, Liu JL, Huang WS. Effect of AICAR and 5-Fluorouracil on X-ray Repair, Cross-Complementing Group 1 Expression, and Consequent Cytotoxicity Regulation in Human HCT-116 Colorectal Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112363. [PMID: 29117108 PMCID: PMC5713332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the most common chemotherapy agent of CRC. A high level of X-ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) in cancer cells has been associated with the drug resistance occurrence. Moreover, the activation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been indicated to regulate the cancer cell survival. Thus, this study was aimed to examine whether XRCC1 plays a role in the 5-FU/AMPK agonist (AICAR)-induced cytotoxic effect on CRC and the underlying mechanisms. Human HCT-116 colorectal cells were used in this study. It was shown that 5-FU increases the XRCC1 expression in HCT-116 cells and then affects the cell survival through CXCR4/Akt signaling. Moreover, 5-FU combined with AICAR further result in more survival inhibition in HCT-116 cells, accompanied with reduced CXCR4/Akt signaling activity and XRCC1 expression. These results elucidate the role and mechanism of XRCC1 in the drug resistance of HCT-116 cells to 5-FU. We also demonstrate the synergistic inhibitory effect of AMPK on 5-FU-inhibited HCT-116 cell survival under the 5-FU and AICAR co-treatment. Thus, our findings may provide a new notion for the future drug regimen incorporating 5-FU and AMPK agonists for the CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko-Chao Lee
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Tsong Lin
- Center for General Education, National Formosa University, Yunlin 632, Taiwan.
- Department of Wood Based Materials and Design, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 600, Taiwan.
| | - Shun-Fu Chang
- Department of Medical Research and Development, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chiayi Branch, Chiayi 613, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Nan Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 600, Taiwan.
| | - Jing-Lan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chiayi Branch, Chiayi 600, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Shih Huang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 613, Taiwan.
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17
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Cheng X, Chen B, Pan Y, Guo L, Feng W, Dong Y. Simultaneous Quantification of 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside and Its Active Metabolite 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranotide in Mice Plasma by LC–MS/MS. Chromatographia 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10337-017-3392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Wang Z, Xiong F, Wang X, Qi Y, Yu H, Zhu Y, Zhu H. Nuclear receptor retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha promotes apoptosis but is reduced in human gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:11105-11113. [PMID: 28052040 PMCID: PMC5355250 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoid-related orphan receptor α (RORα) is a nuclear receptor, which regulates inflammation and immune responses, lipid metabolism and circadian rhythm. Although RORα suppresses breast tumor invasion, it is unknown whether RORα is dysregulated in gastric cancer leading to cellular survival. Therefore, we hypothesize that RORα is dysfunctional in gastric carcinoma and this causes decreased apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. To test this hypothesis, we employed human gastric cancer tissues with different stages to determine RORα expression, as well as in vitro human gastric cancer cells to determine how RORα is reduced during apoptosis. We found that the expression of RORα was reduced in gastric tissues with cancer, and this correlated with increased TNM stages. The mechanisms underlying RORα reduction is due to the reduced activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a selective AMPK activator AICAR increased RORα activation and level in human gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, AICAR treatment increased RORα recruitment on the promoters of tumor suppressor genes (i.e., FBXM7, SEMA3F and p21) leading to apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells. Taken together, RORα reduction occurs in gastric cancer leading to the survival of tumor cells, which is attenuated by AMPK. Therefore, both RORα and AMPK are potential targets for the intervention and therapy in gastric carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengguang Wang
- Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Fangyuan Xiong
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoshan Wang
- Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Yijun Qi
- Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Haoyuan Yu
- Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Huaqing Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
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19
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Ke Z, Wang G, Yang L, Qiu H, Wu H, Du M, Chen J, Song J, Jia X, Feng L. Crude terpene glycoside component from Radix paeoniae rubra protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemic injury via activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 206:160-169. [PMID: 28549860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Radix paeoniae rubra, also known as chishao (CS), is a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine that can promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis. It has been widely used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China. Although terpene glycoside (TG), the major component in CS, has been shown to possess cardioprotective properties, the mechanism underlying CS-TG's preventive effect against myocardial ischemia injury is unknown. This study was conducted to explore the protective and curative effects of CS-TG against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischemic injury in rats and investigate the underlying myocardial protective mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS A rat model of ISO-induced myocardial ischemia was established to evaluate the protective effect of CS-TG in ameliorating heart injury. Myocardial ischemia was induced by administering ISO (40mg/kg/d) subcutaneously for 2 days. Serum was collected and analyzed for the levels of different cardiac biomarkers, and heart tissues were isolated and prepared for ATP analysis, glycogen content determination, histopathology assay, and ultrastructure observation. The regulatory effects of CS-TG on myocardial apoptosis in rats were studied by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 were detected by western blotting. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were conducted to examine whether the CS-TG's cardioprotective effects were linked to the inhibition of apoptosis via activation of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway. RESULTS CS-TG (300mg/kg/d) significantly decreased serum levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in ISO-induced myocardial ischemic rats. Analysis of ATP and glycogen contents, myocardial ultrastructure, and pathological examination showed that CS-TG (300mg/kg/d) significantly improved energy metabolism and alleviated myocardial injury in vivo. In addition, the expression of p-AKT and p-mTOR in rats subjected to CS-TG significantly elevated, while the levels of caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 dramatically reduced. Moreover, treatment with LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, abrogated CS-TG (200μg/mL) induced down-regulation of cleaved caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 in the serum. CONCLUSIONS CS-TG protects the heart from ISO-induced myocardial ischemia, potentially by improving cardiac energy metabolism and inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis via activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, CS -TG might be a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongcheng Ke
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huangshan University, Huangshan, Anhui, 245041, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
| | - Huihui Qiu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
| | - Mei Du
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
| | - Jie Song
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
| | - Xiaobin Jia
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China.
| | - Liang Feng
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Material Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China.
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20
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Sun Y, Zhang D, Mao M, Lu Y, Jiao N. Roles of p38 and JNK protein kinase pathways activated by compound cantharidin capsules containing serum on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of human gastric cancer cell line. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:1809-1817. [PMID: 28810654 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of compound cantharides capsules (CCCs) on the viability and apoptosis of human gastric cancer cell lines, BGC-823 and SGC-7901, and to detect its regulation of gene expression levels, as well as its inhibition mechanisms. Each cell line was grouped into a control group, CCC serum group, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group, combination therapy group (CCC serum + 5-FU) and serum control group. Growth curves were measured and flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell viability. The mRNA expression level of proliferation-related C-MYC and p53 genes were assayed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein phosphorylation levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and IκB were assayed by western blotting. The combined CCC serum and 5-FU group exhibited a higher inhibition rate in both cell lines and CCC serum therapy demonstrated a similar effect to 5-FU treatment, as demonstrated in the MTT and cell growth assay. Combined therapy significantly decreased the C-MYC mRNA expression levels and increased p53 mRNA expression levels (P<0.05). Combined therapy of 5-FU and CCC was more significant compared with CCC serum or 5-FU only (P<0.05). P38 and JNK-related protein phosphorylation are involved in apoptosis initiated by CCC combined 5-FU therapy. Combined therapy was able to significantly inhibit human gastric cancer cell growth (P<0.05), and advance cell apoptosis compared with CCC serum only. CCC serum resulted in downregulation of the c-Myc gene and upregulation of the p53 gene. p38 and JNK-related protein phosphorylation is involved in the inhibition of cell viability and apoptosis of human gastric cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zibo City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zibo, Shandong 255300, P.R. China
| | - Dejuan Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Laboratory, Zibo City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zibo, Shandong 255300, P.R. China
| | - Mao Mao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zibo City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zibo, Shandong 255300, P.R. China
| | - Yangping Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zibo City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zibo, Shandong 255300, P.R. China
| | - Ning Jiao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zibo City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zibo, Shandong 255300, P.R. China
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Wang L, Chen X, Du Z, Li G, Chen M, Chen X, Liang G, Chen T. Curcumin suppresses gastric tumor cell growth via ROS-mediated DNA polymerase γ depletion disrupting cellular bioenergetics. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2017; 36:47. [PMID: 28359291 PMCID: PMC5374654 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0513-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Curcumin, as a pro-apoptotic agent, is extensively studied to inhibit tumor cell growth of various tumor types. Previous work has demonstrated that curcumin inhibits cancer cell growth by targeting multiple signaling transduction and cellular processes. However, the role of curcumin in regulating cellular bioenergetic processes remains largely unknown. Methods Western blotting and qRT-PCR were performed to analyze the protein and mRNA level of indicated molecules, respectively. RTCA, CCK-8 assay, nude mice xenograft assay, and in vivo bioluminescence imaging were used to visualize the effects of curcmin on gastric cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Seahorse bioenergetics analyzer was used to investigate the alteration of oxygen consumption and aerobic glycolysis rate. Results Curcumin significantly inhibited gastric tumor cell growth, proliferation and colony formation. We further investigated the role of curcumin in regulating cellular redox homeostasis and demonstrated that curcumin initiated severe cellular apoptosis via disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis, thereby enhancing cellular oxidative stress in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, curcumin dramatically decreased mtDNA content and DNA polymerase γ (POLG) which contributed to reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption and aerobic glycolysis. We found that curcumin induced POLG depletion via ROS generation, and POLG knockdown also reduced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activity and cellular glycolytic rate which was partially rescued by ROS scavenger NAC, indiating POLG plays an important role in the treatment of gastric cancer. Data in the nude mice model verified that curcumin treatment significantly attenuated tumor growth in vivo. Finally, POLG was up-regulated in human gastric cancer tissues and primary gastric cancer cell growth was notably suppressed due to POLG deficiency. Conclusions Together, our data suggest a novel mechanism by which curcumin inhibited gastric tumor growth through excessive ROS generation, resulting in depletion of POLG and mtDNA, and the subsequent disruption of cellular bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Wang
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science, Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiwen Chen
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuanyun Du
- School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gefei Li
- School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mayun Chen
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Wenzhou Medical University, University-Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
| | - Tongke Chen
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Wenzhou Medical University, University-Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
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Hu Q, Yi P. Gastric cancer associated signaling pathways and interventions. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:576-583. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i7.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in China, and main traditional treatments are surgery and chemotherapy. However, since the majority of cases of gastric cancer are diagnosed in the late stage, the best chance of operation has been missed. What's more, some cases are not sensitive to chemotherapy. Therefore, the management of metastasis and spread of gastric cancer is a big challenge. With the development of medical molecular biology, more and more signaling pathways have been elucidated. Blocking these signaling pathways may reverse cancer occurrence and development, improve the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy, and prevent cancer cell metastasis. This article reviews the signaling pathways closely related to gastric cancer, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, AMPK pathway, NF-kappa B-COX-2 pathway and HNF4a-Wnt pathway, with an aim to provide new clues to the clinical treatment of this malignancy.
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Cheng J, Zhang T, Ji H, Tao K, Guo J, Wei W. Functional characterization of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling in tumorigenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2016; 1866:232-251. [PMID: 27681874 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a ubiquitously expressed metabolic sensor among various species. Specifically, cellular AMPK is phosphorylated and activated under certain stressful conditions, such as energy deprivation, in turn to activate diversified downstream substrates to modulate the adaptive changes and maintain metabolic homeostasis. Recently, emerging evidences have implicated the potential roles of AMPK signaling in tumor initiation and progression. Nevertheless, a comprehensive description on such topic is still in scarcity, especially in combination of its biochemical features with mouse modeling results to elucidate the physiological role of AMPK signaling in tumorigenesis. Hence, we performed this thorough review by summarizing the tumorigenic role of each component along the AMPK signaling, comprising of both its upstream and downstream effectors. Moreover, their functional interplay with the AMPK heterotrimer and exclusive efficacies in carcinogenesis were chiefly explained among genetically altered mice models. Importantly, the pharmaceutical investigations of AMPK relevant medications have also been highlighted. In summary, in this review, we not only elucidate the potential functions of AMPK signaling pathway in governing tumorigenesis, but also potentiate the future targeted strategy aiming for better treatment of aberrant metabolism-associated diseases, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China; Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hongbin Ji
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixiong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianping Guo
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Metformin and AICAR regulate NANOG expression via the JNK pathway in HepG2 cells independently of AMPK. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:11199-208. [PMID: 26939902 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
NANOG, a marker of stemness, impacts tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in cancer cells. In human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), upregulation of NANOG is associated with metastasis and a low survival rate, while its downregulation results in a lower colony formation rate and enhanced chemosensitivity. Metformin, an agent widely used for diabetes treatment, and AICAR, another AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, have been reported to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer. Although inhibitory effects of metformin on NANOG in pancreatic cancer cells and of AICAR in mouse embryonic stem cells have been described, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain uncertain in HCC. In this study, we used the HepG2 cell line and found that metformin/AICAR downregulated NANOG expression with decreased cell viability and enhanced chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Moreover, metformin/AICAR inhibited c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity, and blockade of either the JNK MAPK pathway or knockdown of JNK1 gene expression reduced NANOG levels. The upregulation of NANOG and phospho-JNK by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was abrogated by metformin/AICAR. Additionally, although transient upregulation of NANOG within 2 h of treatment with metformin/AICAR was concordant with both JNK and AMPK activation, increased NANOG expression with activation of JNK was also observed following AMPK inhibition with compound C. Taken together, our data suggest that metformin/AICAR regulate NANOG expression via the JNK MAPK pathway in HepG2 cells independently of AMPK, and that this JNK/NANOG signaling pathway may offer new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HCC.
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