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Yan Y, Li S, Su L, Tang X, Chen X, Gu X, Yang G, Chi H, Huang S. Mitochondrial inhibitors: a new horizon in breast cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1421905. [PMID: 39027328 PMCID: PMC11254633 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1421905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, due to resistance to standard therapies such as endocrine therapy, anti-HER2 therapy and chemotherapy, continues to pose a major health challenge. A growing body of research emphasizes the heterogeneity and plasticity of metabolism in breast cancer. Because differences in subtypes exhibit a bias toward metabolic pathways, targeting mitochondrial inhibitors shows great potential as stand-alone or adjuvant cancer therapies. Multiple therapeutic candidates are currently in various stages of preclinical studies and clinical openings. However, specific inhibitors have been shown to face multiple challenges (e.g., single metabolic therapies, mitochondrial structure and enzymes, etc.), and combining with standard therapies or targeting multiple metabolic pathways may be necessary. In this paper, we review the critical role of mitochondrial metabolic functions, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, in metabolic reprogramming of breast cancer cells. In addition, we outline the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on metabolic pathways in different subtypes of breast cancer and mitochondrial inhibitors targeting different metabolic pathways, aiming to provide additional ideas for the development of mitochondrial inhibitors and to improve the efficacy of existing therapies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Yan
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Sijie Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lanqian Su
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinrui Tang
- Paediatrics Department, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Biology Department, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shangke Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Talab F, Alam A, Zainab, Ullah S, Elhenawy AA, Shah SAA, Ali M, Halim SA, Khan A, Latif A, Al-Harrasi A, Ahmad M. Novel hydrazone schiff's base derivatives of polyhydroquinoline: synthesis, in vitro prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitory activity and their Molecular docking study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38385366 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2319677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
This research work reports the synthesis of new derivatives of the hydrazone Schiff bases (1-17) based on polyhydroquinoline nucleus through multistep reactions. HR-ESIMS,1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy were used to structurally infer all of the synthesized compounds and lastly evaluated for prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitory activity. All the prepared products displayed good to excellent inhibitory activity when compared with standard z-prolyl-prolinal. Three derivatives 3, 15 and 14 showed excellent inhibition with IC50 values 3.21 ± 0.15 to 5.67 ± 0.18 µM, while the remaining 12 compounds showed significant activity. Docking studies indicated a good correlation with the biochemical potency of compounds estimated in the in-vitro test and showed the potency of compounds 3, 15 and 14. The MD simulation results confirmed the stability of the most potent inhibitors 3, 15 and 14 at 250 ns using the parameters RMSD, RMSF, Rg and number of hydrogen bonds. The RMSD values indicate the stability of the protein backbone in complex with the inhibitors over the simulation time. The RMSF values of the binding site residues indicate that the potent inhibitors contributed to stabilizing these regions of the protein, through formed stable interactions with the protein. The Rg. analysis assesses the overall size and compactness of the complexes. The maintenance of stable hydrogen bonds suggests the existence of favorable binding interactions. SASA analysis suggests that they maintained stable conformations without large-scale exposure to the solvent. These results indicate that the ligand-protein interactions are stable and could be exploited to design new drugs for disease treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiz Talab
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Alam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zainab
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Saeed Ullah
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ahmed A Elhenawy
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Art, Al Baha University, Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Syed Adnan Ali Shah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor D. E, Malaysia
- Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Products Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor D. E, Malaysia
| | - Mumtaz Ali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Ahsan Halim
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Abdul Latif
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Manzoor Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Lee JU, Song KS, Hong J, Shin H, Park E, Baek J, Park S, Baek AR, Lee J, Jang AS, Kim DJ, Chin SS, Kim UJ, Jeong SH, Park SW. Role of lung ornithine aminotransferase in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: regulation of mitochondrial ROS generation and TGF-β1 activity. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:478-490. [PMID: 38413821 PMCID: PMC10907606 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01170-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by aberrant lung remodeling and the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In a previous study, we found that the levels of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), a principal enzyme in the proline metabolism pathway, were increased in the lungs of patients with IPF. However, the precise role played by OAT in the pathogenesis of IPF is not yet clear. The mechanism by which OAT affects fibrogenesis was assessed in vitro using OAT-overexpressing and OAT-knockdown lung fibroblasts. The therapeutic effects of OAT inhibition were assessed in the lungs of bleomycin-treated mice. OAT expression was increased in fibrotic areas, principally in interstitial fibroblasts, of lungs affected by IPF. OAT levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of IPF patients were inversely correlated with lung function. The survival rate was significantly lower in the group with an OAT level >75.659 ng/mL than in the group with an OAT level ≤75.659 ng/mL (HR, 29.53; p = 0.0008). OAT overexpression and knockdown increased and decreased ECM component production by lung fibroblasts, respectively. OAT knockdown also inhibited transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF)-β1 activity and TGF-β1 pathway signaling. OAT overexpression increased the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activating proline dehydrogenase. The OAT inhibitor L-canaline significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced lung injury and fibrosis. In conclusion, increased OAT levels in lungs affected by IPF contribute to the progression of fibrosis by promoting excessive mitochondrial ROS production, which in turn activates TGF-β1 signaling. OAT may be a useful target for treating patients with fibrotic lung diseases, including IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Uk Lee
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Ki Sung Song
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Jisu Hong
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Hyesun Shin
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Eunji Park
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Junyeong Baek
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Shinhee Park
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Ae-Rin Baek
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Junehyuk Lee
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - An Soo Jang
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Do Jin Kim
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - Su Sie Chin
- Department of Pathology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - U-Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Environmental Health Center Kangwon National University, Gangwondaehakgil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Jeong
- Department of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Gachon University, Gil Medical Center, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Sung-Woo Park
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, 14584, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea.
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Li X, Zhang HS. Amino acid metabolism, redox balance and epigenetic regulation in cancer. FEBS J 2024; 291:412-429. [PMID: 37129434 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids act as versatile nutrients driving cell growth and survival, especially in cancer cells. Amino acid metabolism comprises numerous metabolic networks and is closely linked with intracellular redox balance and epigenetic regulation. Reprogrammed amino acid metabolism has been recognized as a ubiquitous feature in tumour cells. This review outlines the metabolism of several primary amino acids in cancer cells and highlights the pivotal role of amino acid metabolism in sustaining redox homeostasis and regulating epigenetic modification in response to oxidative and genetic stress in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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Ježek P, Jabůrek M, Holendová B, Engstová H, Dlasková A. Mitochondrial Cristae Morphology Reflecting Metabolism, Superoxide Formation, Redox Homeostasis, and Pathology. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:635-683. [PMID: 36793196 PMCID: PMC10615093 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2022.0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Mitochondrial (mt) reticulum network in the cell possesses amazing ultramorphology of parallel lamellar cristae, formed by the invaginated inner mitochondrial membrane. Its non-invaginated part, the inner boundary membrane (IBM) forms a cylindrical sandwich with the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Crista membranes (CMs) meet IBM at crista junctions (CJs) of mt cristae organizing system (MICOS) complexes connected to OMM sorting and assembly machinery (SAM). Cristae dimensions, shape, and CJs have characteristic patterns for different metabolic regimes, physiological and pathological situations. Recent Advances: Cristae-shaping proteins were characterized, namely rows of ATP-synthase dimers forming the crista lamella edges, MICOS subunits, optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) isoforms and mitochondrial genome maintenance 1 (MGM1) filaments, prohibitins, and others. Detailed cristae ultramorphology changes were imaged by focused-ion beam/scanning electron microscopy. Dynamics of crista lamellae and mobile CJs were demonstrated by nanoscopy in living cells. With tBID-induced apoptosis a single entirely fused cristae reticulum was observed in a mitochondrial spheroid. Critical Issues: The mobility and composition of MICOS, OPA1, and ATP-synthase dimeric rows regulated by post-translational modifications might be exclusively responsible for cristae morphology changes, but ion fluxes across CM and resulting osmotic forces might be also involved. Inevitably, cristae ultramorphology should reflect also mitochondrial redox homeostasis, but details are unknown. Disordered cristae typically reflect higher superoxide formation. Future Directions: To link redox homeostasis to cristae ultramorphology and define markers, recent progress will help in uncovering mechanisms involved in proton-coupled electron transfer via the respiratory chain and in regulation of cristae architecture, leading to structural determination of superoxide formation sites and cristae ultramorphology changes in diseases. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 635-683.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Ježek
- Department No. 75, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Jabůrek
- Department No. 75, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Holendová
- Department No. 75, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Engstová
- Department No. 75, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Dlasková
- Department No. 75, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
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Pentjuss A, Bolmanis E, Suleiko A, Didrihsone E, Suleiko A, Dubencovs K, Liepins J, Kazaks A, Vanags J. Pichia pastoris growth-coupled heme biosynthesis analysis using metabolic modelling. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15816. [PMID: 37739976 PMCID: PMC10516909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42865-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Soy leghemoglobin is one of the most important and key ingredients in plant-based meat substitutes that can imitate the colour and flavour of the meat. To improve the high-yield production of leghemoglobin protein and its main component-heme in the yeast Pichia pastoris, glycerol and methanol cultivation conditions were studied. Additionally, in-silico metabolic modelling analysis of growth-coupled enzyme quantity, suggests metabolic gene up/down-regulation strategies for heme production. First, cultivations and metabolic modelling analysis of P. pastoris were performed on glycerol and methanol in different growth media. Glycerol cultivation uptake and production rates can be increased by 50% according to metabolic modelling results, but methanol cultivation-is near the theoretical maximum. Growth-coupled metabolic optimisation results revealed the best feasible upregulation (33 reactions) (1.47% of total reactions) and 66 downregulation/deletion (2.98% of total) reaction suggestions. Finally, we describe reaction regulation suggestions with the highest potential to increase heme production yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agris Pentjuss
- Microbiology and Biotechnology Institute, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, Riga, 1004, Latvia.
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia.
| | - Emils Bolmanis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Street 1 K-1, Riga, 1067, Latvia
| | - Anastasija Suleiko
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia
- Bioreactors.Net AS, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia
| | - Elina Didrihsone
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia
| | - Arturs Suleiko
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia
- Bioreactors.Net AS, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia
| | - Konstantins Dubencovs
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia
- Bioreactors.Net AS, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia
| | - Janis Liepins
- Microbiology and Biotechnology Institute, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, Riga, 1004, Latvia
| | - Andris Kazaks
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Street 1 K-1, Riga, 1067, Latvia
| | - Juris Vanags
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia
- Bioreactors.Net AS, Dzerbenes Street 27, Riga, 1006, Latvia
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7
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Luo D, Ratnayake R, Atanasova KR, Paul VJ, Luesch H. Targeted and functional genomics approaches to the mechanism of action of lagunamide D, a mitochondrial cytotoxin from marine cyanobacteria. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115608. [PMID: 37201874 PMCID: PMC10353561 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Lagunamide D, a cyanobacterial cyclodepsipeptide, exhibits potent antiproliferative activity against HCT116 colorectal cancer cells (IC50 5.1 nM), which were used to probe the mechanism of action. Measurements of metabolic activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase 3/7 activity and cell viability indicate the rapid action of lagunamide D on mitochondrial function and downstream cytotoxic effects in HCT116 cells. Lagunamide D preferentially targets the G1 cell cycle population and arrests cells in G2/M phase at high concentration (32 nM). Transcriptomics and subsequent Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified networks related to mitochondrial functions. Lagunamide D induced mitochondrial network redistribution at 10 nM, suggesting a mechanism shared with the structurally related aurilide family, previously reported to target mitochondrial prohibitin 1 (PHB1). Knockdown and chemical inhibition of ATP1A1 sensitized the cells to lagunamide D, as also known for aurilide B. We interrogated potential mechanisms behind this synergistic effect between lagunamide D and ATP1A1 knockdown by using pharmacological inhibitors and extended the functional analysis to a global level by performing a chemogenomic screen with a siRNA library targeting the human druggable genome, revealing targets that modulate susceptibility to lagunamide D. In addition to mitochondrial targets, the screen revealed hits involved in the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, suggesting lagunamide D might exert its effects by additionally affecting proteostasis. Our analysis illuminated cellular processes of lagunamide D that can be modulated in parallel to mitochondrial functions. The identification of potential synergistic drug combinations that can alleviate undesirable toxicity may open possibilities to resurrect this class of compounds for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danmeng Luo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Ranjala Ratnayake
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Kalina R Atanasova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Valerie J Paul
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, United States
| | - Hendrik Luesch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
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8
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Ni R, Li Z, Li L, Peng D, Ming Y, Li L, Liu Y. Rethinking glutamine metabolism and the regulation of glutamine addiction by oncogenes in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1143798. [PMID: 36959802 PMCID: PMC10029103 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1143798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamine, the most abundant non-essential amino acid in human blood, is crucial for cancer cell growth and cancer progression. Glutamine mainly functions as a carbon and nitrogen source for biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and redox homeostasis maintenance in cancer cells. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism is a notable metabolic characteristic of cancer cells. Some carcinogen-driven cancers exhibit a marked dependence on glutamine, also known as glutamine addiction, which has rendered the glutamine metabolic pathway a breakpoint in cancer therapeutics. However, some cancer cells can adapt to the glutamine unavailability by reprogramming metabolism, thus limiting the success of this therapeutic approach. Given the complexity of metabolic networks and the limited impact of inhibiting glutamine metabolism alone, the combination of glutamine metabolism inhibition and other therapeutic methods may outperform corresponding monotherapies in the treatment of cancers. This review summarizes the uptake, transport, and metabolic characteristics of glutamine, as well as the regulation of glutamine dependence by some important oncogenes in various cancers to emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, we discuss a glutamine metabolic pathway, the glutaminase II pathway, that has been substantially overlooked. Finally, we discuss the applicability of polytherapeutic strategies targeting glutamine metabolism to provide a new perspective on cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ni
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Peng
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Ming
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of pharmacy, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Li, ; Yao Liu,
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Li, ; Yao Liu,
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Liu W, Yang HS, Zheng SY, Luo HH, Feng YF, Lei YY. Oxidative stress genes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: construction of a novel prognostic signature and characterization of tumor microenvironment infiltration. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:406. [PMID: 36180848 PMCID: PMC9523924 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04956-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress plays an important role in the progression of various types of tumors. However, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has seldom been explored. This study aimed to discover prognostic markers associated with oxidative stress in ESCC to improve the prediction of prognosis and help in the selection of effective immunotherapy for patients. Results A consensus cluster was constructed using 14 prognostic differentially expressed oxidative stress-related genes (DEOSGs) that were remarkably related to the prognosis of patients with ESCC. The infiltration levels of neutrophils, plasma cells, and activated mast cells, along with immune score, stromal score, and estimated score, were higher in cluster 1 than in cluster 2. A prognostic signature based on 10 prognostic DEOSGs was devised that could evaluate the prognosis of patients with ESCC. Calculated risk score proved to be an independent clinical prognostic factor in the training, testing, and entire sets. P53 signaling pathway was highly enriched in the high-risk group. The calculated risk score was positively related to the infiltration levels of resting mast cells, memory B cells, and activated natural killer (NK) cells and negatively associated with the infiltration levels of M1 and M2 macrophages. The relationship between clinical characteristics and risk score has not been certified. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for sorafenib and gefitinib were lower for patients in the low-risk group. Conclusion Our prognostic signature based on 10 prognostic DEOSGs could predict the disease outcomes of patients with ESCC and had strong clinical value. Our study improves the understanding of oxidative stress in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and provides insights for developing improved and efficient immunotherapy strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04956-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao-Shuai Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Shao-Yi Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong-He Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Fen Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yi-Yan Lei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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Han B, Sun Y, Zhang X, Yue P, Tian M, Yan D, Yin F, Qin B, Zhao Y. Exogenous proline enhances susceptibility of NSCLC to cisplatin via metabolic reprogramming and PLK1-mediated cell cycle arrest. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:942261. [PMID: 35910374 PMCID: PMC9330219 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.942261] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of cisplatin resistance is still the main factor limiting the therapeutic effect of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is urgent to elucidate the resistance mechanism and develop novel treatment strategies. Targeted metabolomics was first performed to detect amino acids’ content in cisplatin-resistant cancer cells considering the relationship between tumour metabolic rearrangement and chemotherapy resistance and chemotherapy resistance. We discovered that levels of most amino acids were significantly downregulated, whereas exogenous supplementation of proline could enhance the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin, evidenced by inhibited cell viability and tumour growth in vitro and xenograft models. In addition, the combined treatment of proline and cisplatin suppressed ATP production through disruption of the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis identified the cell cycle as the top enriched pathway in co-therapy cells, accompanied by significant down-regulation of PLK1, a serine/threonine-protein kinase. Mechanistic studies revealed that PLK1 inhibitor (BI2536) and CDDP have synergistic inhibitory effects on NSCLC cells, and cells transfected with lentivirus expressing shPLK1 showed significantly increased toxicity to cisplatin. Inhibition of PLK1 inactivated AMPK, a primary regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest via FOXO3A-FOXM1 axis mediated transcriptional inhibition in cisplatin-resistant cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that exogenous proline exerts an adjuvant therapeutic effect on cisplatin resistance, and PLK1 may be considered an attractive target for the clinical treatment of cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Han
- Department of Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Bingjie Han,
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- Department of Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaofen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ping Yue
- Department of Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meiling Tian
- Department of Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dan Yan
- Department of Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fanxiang Yin
- Department of Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Qin
- Department of Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Huynh TYL, Oscilowska I, Szoka L, Piktel E, Baszanowska W, Bielawska K, Bucki R, Miltyk W, Palka J. Metformin Induces PRODH/POX-Dependent Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:869413. [PMID: 35733940 PMCID: PMC9207455 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.869413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the antineoplastic activity of metformin (MET) is well established, the underlying mechanism of the activity is not understood. Since MET activates AMP kinase (AMPK) and proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX) is stimulated by AMPK ligands (implicated in the regulation of cancer cell survival/apoptosis), the effect of MET on PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis in wild-type MCF-7 cells (MCF-7WT) and POX knockdown MCF-7 cells (MCF-7crPOX cells) was studied. PRODH/POX catalyzes proline degradation generating ROS-induced apoptosis or autophagy. Availability of proline for PRODH/POX functions is regulated by the activity of prolidase (enzyme releasing proline from imidodipeptides), collagen biosynthesis (process consuming proline), and metabolism of proline, ornithine, and glutamic acid. We have found that MET is cytotoxic for MCF-7 cells (IC50∼17 mM), and to the lower extent for MCF-7crPOX cells (IC50∼28 mM). In MCF-7WT cells, the effect was accompanied by the inhibition of DNA biosynthesis, collagen biosynthesis, stimulation of ROS formation, AMPKα phosphorylation, and expression of prolidase, p53, caspase 8, caspase 9, and cleaved PARP. In MET-treated MCF-7crPOX cells, the processes were less affected than in MCF-7WT cells and the expression of caspase 9 was decreased, while cleaved caspase 8 and cleaved PARP were not detected. The effects were accompanied by an increase in the prolidase activity and proline concentration. The mechanism for MET-induced apoptosis involves the up-regulation of prolidase activity and a decrease in collagen biosynthesis contributing to an increase in the concentration of substrate (proline) for PRODH/POX-dependent ROS formation and activation of caspases −9 and −8. The data suggest that PRODH/POX participates in the MET-induced intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Yen Ly Huynh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ilona Oscilowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Lukasz Szoka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Weronika Baszanowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bielawska
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Wojciech Miltyk
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Jerzy Palka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
- *Correspondence: Jerzy Palka,
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12
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Qu L, Liu C, Ke C, Zhan X, Li L, Xu H, Xu K, Liu Y. Atractylodes lancea Rhizoma Attenuates DSS-Induced Colitis by Regulating Intestinal Flora and Metabolites. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 50:525-552. [PMID: 35114907 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x22500203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. is a herb widely used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric ulcer, spleen deficiency, and diarrhea. In China, people fry raw A. lancea (SCZ) together with wheat bran to make bran-fried A. lancea (FCZ). Ancient Chinese texts have documented that FCZ can enhance the function of regulating the intestines and stomach. Nevertheless, the effect and mechanism of SCZ and FCZ on ulcerative colitis (UC) are still unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of SCZ and FCZ and their mechanisms on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. The chemical constituents of SCZ and FCZ were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) with six reference compounds. The effects of SCZ and FCZ were investigated based on their effects on weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length shortening, goblet cell loss, and pathological changes using the colons from a mouse model of DSS-induced UC. The effects of SCZ and FCZ on levels of the inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text], interleukin-6, interleukin-1[Formula: see text], mucoprotein (MUC2), tight protein (ZO-1, occludin), and the activation of macrophages were determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). 16s RNA sequencing technology was used to detect the composition of the intestinal flora in each group. Nontargeted metabonomics was used to detect the serum metabolite levels of mice in each group. Pearson analysis was used to determine the correlation between the intestinal flora, metabolites, and pathological indices. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the genes of different metabolite-related enzymes. A pseudogerm free (PGF) mouse model was used to verify whether the effect of SCZ and FCZ in UC depends on the regulation of intestinal flora. SCZ and FCZ could inhibit weight loss and decrease the DAI score, colon length shortening, goblet cell loss, and the extent of pathological changes in the colons of mice with DSS-induced colitis. Moreover, SCZ and FCZ inhibited the decrease in MUC2, ZO-1, occludin, production of pro-inflammatory factors, and activation of pro-inflammatory macrophages in colonic tissue. The effect of FCZ was better than that of SCZ. SCZ and FCZ not only inhibited the abundance of harmful bacteria and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, but also regulated the metabolism of disease-related metabolites such as amino acid and cholesterol metabolism. Both preparations inhibited the gene expression (Slc6A7, PRODH, Sdsl, HMGCR, SREBP-2) of different metabolite-related enzymes. In the PGF mouse model, the above effects were not observed. Rhizoma Atractylodes was effective in alleviating DSS-induced UC in mice, and FCZ was found to be superior to SCZ. The mechanism of action of FCZ and SCZ is mainly related to the regulation of intestinal flora and their associated metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghang Qu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China
| | - Chunlian Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China
| | - Chang Ke
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China
| | - Xin Zhan
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China
| | - Lanqing Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China
| | - Haiying Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China
| | - Kang Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China.,Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China
| | - Yanju Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China.,Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan 430065, P. R. China
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13
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Harmati M, Bukva M, Böröczky T, Buzás K, Gyukity-Sebestyén E. The role of the metabolite cargo of extracellular vesicles in tumor progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:1203-1221. [PMID: 34957539 PMCID: PMC8825386 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10014-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metabolomic reprogramming in tumor and stroma cells is a hallmark of cancer but understanding its effects on the metabolite composition and function of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) is still in its infancy. EVs are membrane-bound sacs with a complex molecular composition secreted by all living cells. They are key mediators of intercellular communication both in normal and pathological conditions and play a crucial role in tumor development. Although lipids are major components of EVs, most of the EV cargo studies have targeted proteins and nucleic acids. The potential of the EV metabolome as a source for biomarker discovery has gained recognition recently, but knowledge on the biological activity of tumor EV metabolites still remains limited. Therefore, we aimed (i) to compile the list of metabolites identified in tumor EVs isolated from either clinical specimens or in vitro samples and (ii) describe their role in tumor progression through literature search and pathway analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Harmati
- Laboratory of Microscopic Image Analysis and Machine Learning, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mátyás Bukva
- Laboratory of Microscopic Image Analysis and Machine Learning, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Immunology, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tímea Böröczky
- Laboratory of Microscopic Image Analysis and Machine Learning, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Immunology, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Buzás
- Laboratory of Microscopic Image Analysis and Machine Learning, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Immunology, University of Szeged, 6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Edina Gyukity-Sebestyén
- Laboratory of Microscopic Image Analysis and Machine Learning, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre - Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.
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14
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Forlani G, Sabbioni G, Ragno D, Petrollino D, Borgatti M. Phenyl-substituted aminomethylene-bisphosphonates inhibit human P5C reductase and show antiproliferative activity against proline-hyperproducing tumour cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:1248-1257. [PMID: 34107832 PMCID: PMC8205077 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1919890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In certain cancers, such as breast, prostate and some lung and skin cancers, the gene for the enzyme catalysing the second and last step in proline synthesis, δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) reductase, has been found upregulated. This leads to a higher proline content that exacerbates the effects of the so-called proline-P5C cycle, with tumour cells effectively using this method to increase cell survival. If a method of reducing or inhibiting P5C reductase could be discovered, it would provide new means of treating cancer. To address this point, the effect of some phenyl-substituted derivatives of aminomethylene-bisphosphonic acid, previously found to interfere with the catalytic activity of plant and bacterial P5C reductases, was evaluated in vitro on the human isoform 1 (PYCR1), expressed in E. coli and affinity purified. The 3.5-dibromophenyl- and 3.5-dichlorophenyl-derivatives showed a remarkable effectiveness, with IC50 values lower than 1 µM and a mechanism of competitive type against both P5C and NADPH. The actual occurrence in vivo of enzyme inhibition was assessed on myelogenous erythroleukemic K562 and epithelial breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines, whose growth was progressively impaired by concentrations of the dibromo derivative ranging from 10-6 to 10-4 M. Interestingly, growth inhibition was not relieved by the exogenous supply of proline, suggesting that the effect relies on the interference with the proline-P5C cycle, and not on proline starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forlani
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sabbioni
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniele Ragno
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Petrollino
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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15
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Lewoniewska S, Oscilowska I, Huynh TYL, Prokop I, Baszanowska W, Bielawska K, Palka J. Troglitazone-Induced PRODH/POX-Dependent Apoptosis Occurs in the Absence of Estradiol or ERβ in ER-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10204641. [PMID: 34682765 PMCID: PMC8538344 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary PRODH/POX (proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes proline degradation generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Estrogens limit proline availability for PRODH/POX by stimulating collagen biosynthesis. It has been considered that estrogens determine efficiency of troglitazone (TGZ)-induced PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The studies were performed in wild-type and PRODH/POX-silenced estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells and estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells. DNA and collagen biosynthesis were determined by radiometric method, ROS production was measured by fluorescence assay, protein expression was determined by Western blot and proline concentration by LC/MS analysis. We found that: i/TGZ-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 occurs only in the absence of estradiol or ERβ, ii/the process is mediated by PRODH/POX, iii/and is facilitated by proline availability for PRODH/POX by TGZ-dependent inhibition of collagen biosynthesis (proline utilizing process). The data suggest that combined TGZ and anti-estrogen treatment could be considered in experimental therapy of ER negative breast cancers. Abstract The impact of estradiol on troglitazone (TGZ)-induced proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX)-dependent apoptosis was studied in wild-type and PRODH/POX-silenced estrogen receptor (ER) dependent MCF-7 cells and ER-independent MDA-MB-231 cells. DNA and collagen biosynthesis were determined by radiometric method, prolidase activity evaluated by colorimetric method, ROS production was measured by fluorescence assay. Protein expression was determined by Western blot and proline concentration by LC/MS analysis. PRODH/POX degrades proline yielding reactive oxygen species (ROS). Estrogens stimulate collagen biosynthesis utilizing free proline and limiting its availability for PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis. TGZ cytotoxicity was highly pronounced in wild-type MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in medium without estradiol or in the cells cultured in medium with estradiol but deprived of ERβ (by ICI-dependent degradation), while in PRODH/POX-silenced cells the process was not affected. The TGZ cytotoxicity was accompanied by increase in PRODH/POX expression, ROS production, expression of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9 and PARP, inhibition of collagen biosynthesis, prolidase activity and decrease in intracellular proline concentration. The phenomena were not observed in PRODH/POX-silenced cells. The data suggest that TGZ-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in medium without estradiol or deprived of ERβ is mediated by PRODH/POX and the process is facilitated by proline availability for PRODH/POX by TGZ-dependent inhibition of collagen biosynthesis. It suggests that combined TGZ and antiestrogen treatment could be considered in experimental therapy of estrogen receptor negative breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Lewoniewska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Ilona Oscilowska
- Department of Analysis and Bioanalysis of Medicines, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Thi Yen Ly Huynh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Izabela Prokop
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Weronika Baszanowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Bielawska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Jerzy Palka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-748-5706
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16
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Misiura M, Ościłowska I, Bielawska K, Pałka J, Miltyk W. PRODH/POX-Dependent Celecoxib-Induced Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090874. [PMID: 34577574 PMCID: PMC8471327 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Celecoxib (Cx), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase 2, induces apoptosis of cancer cells. However, the mechanism of the chemopreventive effect remains not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the role of PRODH/POX that is involved in the regulation of apoptosis induced by celecoxib. MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and the corresponding MCF-7 cell line with silenced PRODH/POX (MCF-7shPRODH/POX) were used. The effects of Cx on cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle were evaluated. The expressions of protein markers for apoptosis (Bax, caspase 9, and PARP) and autophagy (Atg5, Beclin 1, and LC3A/B) were investigated by Western immunoblotting. To analyze the proline metabolism, collagen biosynthesis, prolidase activity, proline concentration, and the expression of proline-related proteins were evaluated. The generation of ATP, ROS, and the ratio of NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH were determined to test the effect of Cx on energetic metabolism in breast cancer cells. It has been found that Cx attenuated MCF-7 cell proliferation via arresting the cell cycle. Cx induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, while in MCF-7shPRODH/POX, autophagy occurred more predominantly. In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, Cx affected proline metabolism through upregulation of proline biosynthesis, PRODH/POX and PYCRs expressions, PEPD activity, and downregulation of collagen biosynthesis. In MCF-7shPRODH/POX clones, these processes, as well as energetic metabolism, were remarkably suppressed. The data for the first time suggest that celecoxib induces apoptosis through upregulation of PRODH/POX in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Misiura
- Department of Analysis and Bioanalysis of Medicines, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilińskiego1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (M.M.); (K.B.)
| | - Ilona Ościłowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilińskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (I.O.); (J.P.)
| | - Katarzyna Bielawska
- Department of Analysis and Bioanalysis of Medicines, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilińskiego1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (M.M.); (K.B.)
| | - Jerzy Pałka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilińskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (I.O.); (J.P.)
| | - Wojciech Miltyk
- Department of Analysis and Bioanalysis of Medicines, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilińskiego1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (M.M.); (K.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-748-5845
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17
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Activation of proline metabolism maintains ATP levels during cocaine-induced polyADP-ribosylation. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1903-1915. [PMID: 34417893 PMCID: PMC8651605 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03065-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine is a commonly abused drug worldwide. Acute as well as repeated exposure to cocaine activates persistent cellular and molecular changes in the brain reward regions. The effects of cocaine are predominantly mediated via alterations in neuronal gene expression by chromatin remodeling. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) catalyzed PARylation of chromatin has been reported as an important regulator of cocaine-mediated gene expression. PARP-1 dependent ADP-ribosylation is an energy-dependent process. In this study, we investigated the cellular energy response to cocaine-induced upregulation of PARP-1 expression. Exposure of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells to varying concentrations of cocaine resulted in the induction of PARP-1 dependent PARylation of p53 tumor suppressor. Further analysis revealed that PARylation of p53 by cocaine treatment resulted in nuclear accumulation of p53. However, induction and nuclear accumulation of p53 did not correlate with neuronal apoptosis/cell death upon cocaine exposure. Interestingly, cocaine-induced p53 PARylation resulted in the induction of proline oxidase (POX)—a p53 responsive gene involved in cellular metabolism. Given that cocaine-induced p53 PARylation is an energy-dependent process, we observed that cocaine-induced PARP-1/p53/POX axes alters cellular energy metabolism. Accordingly, using pharmacological and genetic studies of PARP-1, p53, and POX, we demonstrated the contribution of POX in maintaining cellular energy during neuronal function. Collectively, these studies highlight activation of a novel metabolic pathway in response to cocaine treatment.
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18
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Shen Y, Zhang Y, Li W, Chen K, Xiang M, Ma H. Glutamine metabolism: from proliferating cells to cardiomyocytes. Metabolism 2021; 121:154778. [PMID: 33901502 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2021.154778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glutamine is a major energy source for rapidly dividing cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells and cancer cells. Reliance on glutamine is therefore regarded as a metabolic hallmark of proliferating cells. Moreover, reprogramming glutamine metabolism by various factors, including tissue type, microenvironment, pro-oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes, can facilitate stem cell fate decisions, tumor recurrence, and drug resistance. However, the significance of glutamine metabolism in cardiomyocytes, an end-differentiated cell type, is not fully understood. Existing evidence suggests important roles of glutamine metabolism in the development of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we have focused on glutaminolysis and its regulatory network in proliferating cells. We have summarized current findings about the role of glutamine utilization in cardiomyocytes and have discussed possibilities of targeting glutamine metabolism for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Shen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Wudi Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Kaijie Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Meixiang Xiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.
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19
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YÜKSEL B, DEVECİ ÖZKAN A. The Role of Citrus Nobiletin on Oxidative Stress Levels and Superoxide Dismutase Activities in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. COMMAGENE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.31594/commagene.895415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Nitric Oxide Modulates Metabolic Processes in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137068. [PMID: 34209132 PMCID: PMC8268115 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic requirements and functions of cancer and normal tissues are vastly different. Due to the rapid growth of cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment, distorted vasculature is commonly observed, which creates harsh environments that require rigorous and constantly evolving cellular adaption. A common hallmark of aggressive and therapeutically resistant tumors is hypoxia and hypoxia-induced stress markers. However, recent studies have identified alterations in a wide spectrum of metabolic pathways that dictate tumor behavior and response to therapy. Accordingly, it is becoming clear that metabolic processes are not uniform throughout the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic processes differ and are cell type specific where various factors promote metabolic heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, within the tumor, these metabolically distinct cell types can organize to form cellular neighborhoods that serve to establish a pro-tumor milieu in which distant and spatially distinct cellular neighborhoods can communicate via signaling metabolites from stroma, immune and tumor cells. In this review, we will discuss how biochemical interactions of various metabolic pathways influence cancer and immune microenvironments, as well as associated mechanisms that lead to good or poor clinical outcomes.
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Palka J, Oscilowska I, Szoka L. Collagen metabolism as a regulator of proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase-dependent apoptosis/autophagy. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1917-1925. [PMID: 33818628 PMCID: PMC8651534 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02968-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies on the regulatory role of amino acids in cell metabolism have focused on the functional significance of proline degradation. The process is catalysed by proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX), a mitochondrial flavin-dependent enzyme converting proline into ∆1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C). During this process, electrons are transferred to electron transport chain producing ATP for survival or they directly reduce oxygen, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducing apoptosis/autophagy. However, the mechanism for switching survival/apoptosis mode is unknown. Although PRODH/POX activity and energetic metabolism were suggested as an underlying mechanism for the survival/apoptosis switch, proline availability for this enzyme is also important. Proline availability is regulated by prolidase (proline supporting enzyme), collagen biosynthesis (proline utilizing process) and proline synthesis from glutamine, glutamate, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and ornithine. Proline availability is dependent on the rate of glycolysis, TCA and urea cycles, proline metabolism, collagen biosynthesis and its degradation. It is well established that proline synthesis enzymes, P5C synthetase and P5C reductase as well as collagen prolyl hydroxylases are up-regulated in most of cancer types and control rates of collagen biosynthesis. Up-regulation of collagen prolyl hydroxylase and its exhaustion of ascorbate and α-KG may compete with DNA and histone demethylases (that require the same cofactors) to influence metabolic epigenetics. This knowledge led us to hypothesize that up-regulation of prolidase and PRODH/POX with inhibition of collagen biosynthesis may represent potential pharmacotherapeutic approach to induce apoptosis or autophagic death in cancer cells. These aspects of proline metabolism are discussed in the review as an approach to understand complex regulatory mechanisms driving PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis/survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Palka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Ilona Oscilowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Lukasz Szoka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
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22
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Stum MG, Tadenev ALD, Seburn KL, Miers KE, Poon PP, McMaster CR, Robinson C, Kane C, Silva KA, Cliften PF, Sundberg JP, Reinholdt LG, John SWM, Burgess RW. Genetic analysis of Pycr1 and Pycr2 in mice. Genetics 2021; 218:6178002. [PMID: 33734376 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The final step in proline biosynthesis is catalyzed by three pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductases, PYCR1, PYCR2, and PYCR3, which convert pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) to proline. Mutations in human PYCR1 and ALDH18A1 (P5C Synthetase) cause Cutis Laxa (CL), whereas mutations in PYCR2 cause hypomyelinating leukodystrophy 10 (HLD10). Here, we investigated the genetics of Pycr1 and Pycr2 in mice. A null allele of Pycr1 did not show integument or CL-related phenotypes. We also studied a novel chemically-induced mutation in Pycr2. Mice with recessive loss-of-function mutations in Pycr2 showed phenotypes consistent with neurological and neuromuscular disorders, including weight loss, kyphosis, and hind-limb clasping. The peripheral nervous system was largely unaffected, with only mild axonal atrophy in peripheral nerves. A severe loss of subcutaneous fat in Pycr2 mutant mice is reminiscent of a CL-like phenotype, but primary features such as elastin abnormalities were not observed. Aged Pycr2 mutant mice had reduced white blood cell counts and altered lipid metabolism, suggesting a generalized metabolic disorder. PYCR1 and -2 have similar enzymatic and cellular activities, and consistent with previous studies, both were localized in the mitochondria in fibroblasts. Both PYCR1 and -2 were able to complement the loss of Pro3, the yeast enzyme that converts P5C to proline, confirming their activity as P5C reductases. In mice, Pycr1; Pycr2 double mutants were sub-viable and unhealthy compared to either single mutant, indicating the genes are largely functionally redundant. Proline levels were not reduced, and precursors were not increased in serum from Pycr2 mutant mice or in lysates from skin fibroblast cultures, but placing Pycr2 mutant mice on a proline-free diet worsened the phenotype. Thus, Pycr1 and -2 have redundant functions in proline biosynthesis, and their loss makes proline a semi-essential amino acid. These findings have implications for understanding the genetics of CL and HLD10, and for modeling these disorders in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pak P Poon
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | | | - Carolyn Robinson
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Coleen Kane
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | | | - Paul F Cliften
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | | | - Simon W M John
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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23
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Kuo MT, Chen HHW, Feun LG, Savaraj N. Targeting the Proline-Glutamine-Asparagine-Arginine Metabolic Axis in Amino Acid Starvation Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010072. [PMID: 33477430 PMCID: PMC7830038 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proline, glutamine, asparagine, and arginine are conditionally non-essential amino acids that can be produced in our body. However, they are essential for the growth of highly proliferative cells such as cancers. Many cancers express reduced levels of these amino acids and thus require import from the environment. Meanwhile, the biosynthesis of these amino acids is inter-connected but can be intervened individually through the inhibition of key enzymes of the biosynthesis of these amino acids, resulting in amino acid starvation and cell death. Amino acid starvation strategies have been in various stages of clinical applications. Targeting asparagine using asparaginase has been approved for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Targeting glutamine and arginine starvations are in various stages of clinical trials, and targeting proline starvation is in preclinical development. The most important obstacle of these therapies is drug resistance, which is mostly due to reactivation of the key enzymes involved in biosynthesis of the targeted amino acids and reprogramming of compensatory survival pathways via transcriptional, epigenetic, and post-translational mechanisms. Here, we review the interactive regulatory mechanisms that control cellular levels of these amino acids for amino acid starvation therapy and how drug resistance is evolved underlying treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macus Tien Kuo
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Helen H. W. Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan;
| | - Lynn G. Feun
- Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Niramol Savaraj
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Miami Veterans Affairs Heaithcare System, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
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24
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Comparison of the Effects of Nonprotein and Protein Nitrogen on Apoptosis and Autophagy of Rumen Epithelial Cells in Goats. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112079. [PMID: 33182520 PMCID: PMC7696569 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Proteins provide important raw materials for the self-renewal of cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Cell self-renewal is inseparable from the coordination between apoptosis and autophagy. Previous researchers have explored whether different nitrogen sources are linked to activation or inhibition of apoptosis/autophagy. However, information on the regulatory mechanism of apoptosis and autophagy induced by different nitrogen sources among cells in the gastrointestinal tract is limited. This study attempted to compare the effects of different nitrogen sources on apoptosis and autophagy of rumen epithelial cells in goats through molecular biology techniques such as flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. On the basis of the obtained results, we found that autophagy had a less obvious ameliorative effect on ruminal epithelial cell apoptosis after treatment with protein nitrogen than after treatment with nonprotein nitrogen. Abstract Protein nutrition is particularly important for the self-renewal processes of gastrointestinal epithelial cells. The self-renewal of cells is inseparable from the interaction between apoptosis and autophagy. However, there are few reports on the relationship between different nitrogen sources and apoptosis/autophagy. In this study, the relative protein expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), caspase-3, and p62 was significantly higher (p < 0.05), while that of Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, Beclin1, and Microtuble-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II) was significantly lower (p < 0.05), in the NH4Cl group in comparison with the NH4Cl + 4-phenylbutyric acid (4PBA) group. In addition, the relative protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 was significantly higher (p < 0.05), while that of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl was decreased significantly (p < 0.05), in the NH4Cl + 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) group and the methionine (Met) + 3-MA group in comparison with the NH4Cl group. Furthermore, the relative protein expression of Beclin1 and LC3B-II was significantly lower (p < 0.05), while that of p62 was significantly higher (p < 0.05), in the NH4Cl + Z-VAD-FMK group and the Met + Z-VAD-FMK group in comparison with the NH4Cl group. In conclusion, our results suggested that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress played a critical role in the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy induced by NH4Cl and Met. Autophagy had a more obvious ameliorative effect on ruminal epithelial cell apoptosis after treatment with nonprotein nitrogen than after treatment with protein nitrogen. These findings may reveal the molecular mechanism of apoptosis and autophagy induced by nonprotein nitrogen and protein nitrogen.
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Cancer Alters the Metabolic Fingerprint of Extracellular Vesicles. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113292. [PMID: 33172086 PMCID: PMC7694806 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer alters cell metabolism. How these changes are manifested in the metabolite cargo of cancer-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) remains poorly understood. To explore these changes, EVs from prostate, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), colon cancer cell lines, and control EVs from their noncancerous counterparts were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation and analyzed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), electron microscopy (EM), Western blotting, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Although minor differences between the cancerous and non-cancerous cell-derived EVs were observed by NTA and Western blotting, the largest differences were detected in their metabolite cargo. Compared to EVs from noncancerous cells, cancer EVs contained elevated levels of soluble metabolites, e.g., amino acids and B vitamins. Two metabolites, proline and succinate, were elevated in the EV samples of all three cancer types. In addition, folate and creatinine were elevated in the EVs from prostate and CTCL cancer cell lines. In conclusion, we present the first evidence in vitro that the altered metabolism of different cancer cells is reflected in common metabolite changes in their EVs. These results warrant further studies on the significance and usability of this metabolic fingerprint in cancer.
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26
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Bojarska J, Remko M, Breza M, Madura I, Fruziński A, Wolf WM. A Proline-Based Tectons and Supramolecular Synthons for Drug Design 2.0: A Case Study of ACEI. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E338. [PMID: 33114370 PMCID: PMC7692516 DOI: 10.3390/ph13110338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Proline is a unique, endogenous amino acid, prevalent in proteins and essential for living organisms. It is appreciated as a tecton for the rational design of new bio-active substances. Herein, we present a short overview of the subject. We analyzed 2366 proline-derived structures deposited in the Cambridge Structure Database, with emphasis on the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The latter are the first-line antihypertensive and cardiological drugs. Their side effects prompt a search for improved pharmaceuticals. Characterization of tectons (molecular building blocks) and the resulting supramolecular synthons (patterns of intermolecular interactions) involving proline derivatives, as presented in this study, may be useful for in silico molecular docking and macromolecular modeling studies. The DFT, Hirshfeld surface and energy framework methods gave considerable insight into the nature of close inter-contacts and supramolecular topology. Substituents of proline entity are important for the formation and cooperation of synthons. Tectonic subunits contain proline moieties characterized by diverse ionization states: -N and -COOH(-COO-), -N+ and -COOH(-COO-), -NH and -COOH(-COO-), -NH+ and -COOH(-COO-), and -NH2+ and -COOH(-COO-). Furthermore, pharmacological profiles of ACE inhibitors and their impurities were determined via an in silico approach. The above data were used to develop comprehensive classification, which may be useful in further drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bojarska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (A.F.); (W.M.W.)
| | - Milan Remko
- Remedika, Luzna 9, 85104 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Martin Breza
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Slovak Technical University, Radlinskeho 9, SK-81237 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Izabela Madura
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Fruziński
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (A.F.); (W.M.W.)
| | - Wojciech M. Wolf
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (A.F.); (W.M.W.)
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27
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Wilk P, Wątor E, Weiss MS. Prolidase - A protein with many faces. Biochimie 2020; 183:3-12. [PMID: 33045291 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prolidase is a metal-dependent peptidase specialized in the cleavage of dipeptides containing proline or hydroxyproline on their C-termini. Prolidase homologues are found in all kingdoms of life. The importance of prolidase in human health is underlined by a rare hereditary syndrome referred to as Prolidase Deficiency. A growing number of studies highlight the importance of prolidase in various other human conditions, including cancer. Some recent studies link prolidase's activity-independent regulatory role to tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the enzyme or engineered variants have some applications in biotechnology. In this short review, we aim to highlight different aspects of the protein the importance of which is increasingly recognized over the last years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Wilk
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Wątor
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Manfred S Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489, Berlin, Germany
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28
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Lv JJ, Song WT, Li XM, Gao JM, Yuan ZL. Synthesis of a New Phenyl Chlormethine-Quinazoline Derivative, a Potential Anti-Cancer Agent, Induced Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Mediating Sirt1/Caspase 3 Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:911. [PMID: 32670058 PMCID: PMC7332554 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Quinazoline derivatives display multiple pharmacological activities and target various biological receptors. Based on the skeleton of quinazoline core, we designed and synthesized three new quinazoline-phenyl chlormethine conjugates (I–III) bearing a Schiff base (C = N) linker, and investigated their anti-tumor effects on HepG2-xenografted tumor and human cancer cell line HepG2. Among these compounds, compound II showed better inhibitory effect against HepG2 cells. In the present study, TUNEL staining, western blot, molecular docking, and siRNA were used to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of compound II towards hepatoma. Compound II inhibited HepG2-xenografted tumor growth in nude mice. Moreover, Compound II not only up-regulated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and active-caspase 3 level, but also down-regulated Sirt1 expression and its activity, as well as PGC-1α expression. Furthermore, compound II also significantly suppressed the promotion of HepG2 cell proliferation, as evidenced by MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Of note, the cytotoxicity of Compound II on HepG2 cells mainly via regulating Sirt1/caspase 3 signaling pathway, consisting with the results in vivo. Intriguingly, z-DEVD-FMK, a caspase 3 inhibitor, almost abolished the inhibitory effects of compound II. Of note, knockdown of caspase 3 by siRNA significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of compound II on HepG2. Interestingly, compound II directly bonded to Sirt1, indicating that Sirt1 might be a promising therapeutic target of compound II. In summary, our findings reveal that compound II, a new synthetical phenyl chlormethine-quinazoline derivative, contributes to the apoptosis of HepG2 cells both in vivo and in vitro through mediating Sirt1/caspase 3 singling pathway. These findings demonstrate that compound II may be a new potent agent against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Lv
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Guizhou International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base for Medical Photo-Theranostics Technology and Innovative Drug Development, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Wen-Ting Song
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Guizhou International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base for Medical Photo-Theranostics Technology and Innovative Drug Development, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xin-Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Guizhou International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base for Medical Photo-Theranostics Technology and Innovative Drug Development, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jian-Mei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Guizhou International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base for Medical Photo-Theranostics Technology and Innovative Drug Development, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ze-Li Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Guizhou International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base for Medical Photo-Theranostics Technology and Innovative Drug Development, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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29
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D'Aniello C, Patriarca EJ, Phang JM, Minchiotti G. Proline Metabolism in Tumor Growth and Metastatic Progression. Front Oncol 2020; 10:776. [PMID: 32500033 PMCID: PMC7243120 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells show a formidable capacity to survive under stringent conditions, to elude mechanisms of control, such as apoptosis, and to resist therapy. Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support uncontrolled proliferation and metastatic progression. Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity are hallmarks of cancer cells, which endow them with aggressiveness, metastatic capacity, and resistance to therapy. This heterogeneity is regulated by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli including those from the tumor microenvironment. Increasing evidence points to a key role for the metabolism of non-essential amino acids in this complex scenario. Here we discuss the impact of proline metabolism in cancer development and progression, with particular emphasis on the enzymes involved in proline synthesis and catabolism, which are linked to pathways of energy, redox, and anaplerosis. In particular, we emphasize how proline availability influences collagen synthesis and maturation and the acquisition of cancer cell plasticity and heterogeneity. Specifically, we propose a model whereby proline availability generates a cycle based on collagen synthesis and degradation, which, in turn, influences the epigenetic landscape and tumor heterogeneity. Therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic-epigenetic axis hold great promise for the treatment of metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina D'Aniello
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Eduardo J. Patriarca
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - James M. Phang
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
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