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Xie L, Wu Q, Li K, Khan MAS, Zhang A, Sinha B, Li S, Chang SL, Brody DL, Grinstaff MW, Zhou S, Alterovitz G, Liu P, Wang X. Tryptophan Metabolism in Alzheimer's Disease with the Involvement of Microglia and Astrocyte Crosstalk and Gut-Brain Axis. Aging Dis 2024; 15:2168-2190. [PMID: 38916729 PMCID: PMC11346405 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0134] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disease characterized by extracellular Amyloid Aβ peptide (Aβ) deposition and intracellular Tau protein aggregation. Glia, especially microglia and astrocytes are core participants during the progression of AD and these cells are the mediators of Aβ clearance and degradation. The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a complex interactive network between the gut and brain involved in neurodegeneration. MGBA affects the function of glia in the central nervous system (CNS), and microbial metabolites regulate the communication between astrocytes and microglia; however, whether such communication is part of AD pathophysiology remains unknown. One of the potential links in bilateral gut-brain communication is tryptophan (Trp) metabolism. The microbiota-originated Trp and its metabolites enter the CNS to control microglial activation, and the activated microglia subsequently affect astrocyte functions. The present review highlights the role of MGBA in AD pathology, especially the roles of Trp per se and its metabolism as a part of the gut microbiota and brain communications. We (i) discuss the roles of Trp derivatives in microglia-astrocyte crosstalk from a bioinformatics perspective, (ii) describe the role of glia polarization in the microglia-astrocyte crosstalk and AD pathology, and (iii) summarize the potential of Trp metabolism as a therapeutic target. Finally, we review the role of Trp in AD from the perspective of the gut-brain axis and microglia, as well as astrocyte crosstalk, to inspire the discovery of novel AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lushuang Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China
| | - Qiaofeng Wu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China
| | - Kelin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mohammed A S Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Zhang
- Biomedical Cybernetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bharati Sinha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sihui Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610075, China
| | - Sulie L Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
| | - David L Brody
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shuanhu Zhou
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gil Alterovitz
- Biomedical Cybernetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pinghua Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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2
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Liang J, Cheng ZY, Shan F, Cao Y, Xia QR. Serum indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase and tryptophan-2, 3-dioxygenase: potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1093-1099. [PMID: 38286858 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06542-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to observe the changes in the levels of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan-2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and investigate their potential role as novel biomarkers for diagnosing MDD. METHODS A total of 55 MDD patients and 55 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in the study. The severity of MDD was assessed using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-24) before and after treatment. The serum concentrations of IDO and TDO were measured at baseline and after treatment. The correlations between the serum levels of IDO and TDO and HAMD-24 scores were evaluated using Pearson's correlation test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the area under the curve (AUC) of serum levels of IDO and TDO for discriminating MDD patients from HC. RESULTS The serum IDO and TDO concentrations were significantly higher in patients with MDD at baseline than in healthy controls, and decreased significantly after 2 weeks or 1 month of treatment. The levels of IDO and TDO were significantly positively correlated with HAMD-24 scores. Furthermore, the AUC values for IDO and TDO were 0.999 and 0.966, respectively. CONCLUSION The study suggests that serum IDO and TDO may serve as novel biomarkers for diagnosing MDD. These findings may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of MDD and the development of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liang
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China
- Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China
- Anhui Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Zhuo-Yu Cheng
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China
- Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China
- Anhui Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Feng Shan
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China
- Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China
- Anhui Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Yin Cao
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China
- Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China
- Anhui Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Qing-Rong Xia
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China.
- Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hefei, China.
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3
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Savonije K, Meek A, Weaver DF. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase as a Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease and Geriatric Depression. Brain Sci 2023; 13:852. [PMID: 37371332 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroimmune-triggered neuroinflammation of the central nervous system is emerging as an important aetiopathogenic factor for multiple neurological disorders, including depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and others. Tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenic pathway, which is initiated by the indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1) enzyme, is a key regulator of the neuroimmune system and its associated neuroinflammatory effects. As discussed in this review, targeting the production of immunopathic and potentially neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites by inhibitory downregulation of IDO-1 may prove a viable target against inflammation-induced neurological conditions, particularly depression and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Savonije
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Autumn Meek
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Donald F Weaver
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Departments of Chemistry and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
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4
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Ciapała K, Pawlik K, Ciechanowska A, Mika J, Rojewska E. Effect of pharmacological modulation of the kynurenine pathway on pain-related behavior and opioid analgesia in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 461:116382. [PMID: 36681127 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the central nervous system are accompanied by changes in tryptophan metabolism, with the kynurenine pathway (KP) being the main route of its catabolism. Recently, KP metabolites, which are collectively called kynurenines, have become an area of intense research due to their ability to directly and indirectly affect a variety of classic neurotransmitter systems. However, the significance of KP in neuropathic pain is still poorly understood. Therefore, we designed several experiments to verify changes in the mRNA levels of KP enzymes in parallel with other factors related to this metabolic route after chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI model) in mice. The analysis revealed an increase in, Kmo, Kynu and Haoo mRNA levels in the spinal cord on the 7th day after CCI, while Kat1, Kat2, Tdo2, Ido2 and Qprt mRNA levels remain unchanged. Subsequent pharmacological studies provided evidence that modulation of KP by single intrathecal administration of 1-D-MT, UPF468 or L-kynurenine attenuates mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity and increases the effectiveness of selected opioids in mice as measured on day 7 after CCI. Moreover, our results provide the first evidence that the injection of L-kynurenine preceded by UPF468 (KMO inhibitor) is more effective at reducing hypersensitivity in animals with neuropathic pain. Importantly, L-kynurenine also exerts an analgesic effect after intravenous injections, which is enhanced by the administration of minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation. Additionally, L-kynurenine administered intrathecally and intravenously enhances analgesia evoked by all tested opioids (morphine, buprenorphine and oxycodone). Overall, our results indicate that the modulation of KP at different levels might be a new pharmacological tool in neuropathy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Ciapała
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pawlik
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agata Ciechanowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Mika
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Rojewska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland.
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5
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Bioinformatic Analysis of Kynurenine Pathway Enzymes and Their Relationship with Glioma Hallmarks. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12111054. [PMID: 36355137 PMCID: PMC9699055 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111054] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO), a rate limiting enzyme of the tryptophan catabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP), has been related with a lower survival and a poor patient prognosis on several solid tumors, including gliomas. However, the use of IDO inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment remains controversial in clinical trials and the role of other KP enzymes on tumor progression has remained poorly understood so far. Recently, different studies on different types of cancer have pointed out the importance of KP enzymes downstream IDO. Because of this, we conducted a bioinformatic analysis of the expression of different KP enzymes and their correlation with the gene expression of molecules related to the hallmarks of cancer in transcriptomic datasets from patients with different types of brain tumors including low grade gliomas, glioblastoma multiforme, neuroblastoma, and paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma. We found that KP enzymes that drive to NAD+ synthesis are overexpressed on different brain tumors compared to brain cortex data. Moreover, these enzymes presented positive correlations with the expression of genes related to immune response modulation, angiogenesis, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) signaling, and Rho GTPase expression. These correlations suggest the relevance of the expression of the KP enzymes in brain tumor pathogenesis.
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6
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Pallotta MT, Rossini S, Suvieri C, Coletti A, Orabona C, Macchiarulo A, Volpi C, Grohmann U. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1): an up-to-date overview of an eclectic immunoregulatory enzyme. FEBS J 2022; 289:6099-6118. [PMID: 34145969 PMCID: PMC9786828 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catalyzes the initial rate-limiting step in the degradation of the essential amino acid tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway. When discovered more than 50 years ago, IDO1 was thought to be an effector molecule capable of mediating a survival strategy based on the deprivation of bacteria and tumor cells of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Since 1998, when tryptophan catabolism was discovered to be crucially involved in the maintenance of maternal T-cell tolerance, IDO1 has become the focus of several laboratories around the world. Indeed, IDO1 is now considered as an authentic immune regulator not only in pregnancy, but also in autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and tumor immunity. However, in the last years, a bulk of new information-including structural, biological, and functional evidence-on IDO1 has come to light. For instance, we now know that IDO1 has a peculiar conformational plasticity and, in addition to a complex and highly regulated catalytic activity, is capable of performing a nonenzymic function that reprograms the expression profile of immune cells toward a highly immunoregulatory phenotype. With this state-of-the-art review, we aimed at gathering the most recent information obtained for this eclectic protein as well as at highlighting the major unresolved questions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Rossini
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | - Chiara Suvieri
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | - Alice Coletti
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | - Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | | | - Claudia Volpi
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | - Ursula Grohmann
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
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7
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Song X, Si Q, Qi R, Liu W, Li M, Guo M, Wei L, Yao Z. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1: A Promising Therapeutic Target in Malignant Tumor. Front Immunol 2022; 12:800630. [PMID: 35003126 PMCID: PMC8733291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.800630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a complex multifactorial and multistep process in which tumors can utilize a diverse repertoire of immunosuppressive mechanisms to evade host immune attacks. The degradation of tryptophan into immunosuppressive kynurenine is considered an important immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment. There are three enzymes, namely, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2), involved in the metabolism of tryptophan. IDO1 has a wider distribution and higher activity in catalyzing tryptophan than the other two; therefore, it has been studied most extensively. IDO1 is a cytosolic monomeric, heme-containing enzyme, which is now considered an authentic immune regulator and represents one of the promising drug targets for tumor immunotherapy. Collectively, this review highlights the regulation of IDO1 gene expression and the ambivalent mechanisms of IDO1 on the antitumoral immune response. Further, new therapeutic targets via the regulation of IDO1 are discussed. A comprehensive analysis of the expression and biological function of IDO1 can help us to understand the therapeutic strategies of the inhibitors targeting IDO1 in malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Song
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qianqian Si
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Rui Qi
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Weidan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital, Pingxiang County, Xingtai, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mengyue Guo
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhiyan Yao
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
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Ai Y, Luo S, Wang B, Xiao S, Wang Y. MiR-126-5p Promotes Tumor Cell Proliferation, Metastasis and Invasion by Targeting TDO2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Molecules 2022; 27:443. [PMID: 35056756 PMCID: PMC8779717 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
TDO2 is a key enzyme in the kynurenine metabolic pathway, which is the most important pathway of tryptophan metabolism. It has been shown that miRNAs are involved in cell metastasis through interaction with target mRNAs. In this study, we found 645 miRNAs that could be immunoprecipitated with TDO2 through the RNA-immunoprecipitation experiment. miR-126-5p was selected as the research target, which was also confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Through qRT-PCR analysis, it was verified that the overexpression of miR-126-5p promoted the expression of TDO2, PI3K/AKT and WNT1. Meanwhile, it was verified that overexpression of miR-126-5p can promote intracellular tryptophan metabolism by HPLC. We also verified the effects of miR-126-5p on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by cck-8, cell colony formation and trans-well assay in both HCCLM3 cells and HepG2 cells. In vivo experiments were also conducted to verify that miR-126-5p promoted tumor formation and growth via immunohistochemical detection of cell infiltration and proliferation to generate markers Ki-67, BAX, and VEGF. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-126-5p is a biomarker and a potential new treatment target in the progression of HCC via promoting the expression of TDO2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yefu Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, 299 BaYi Road, Wuhan 430065, China; (Y.A.); (S.L.); (B.W.); (S.X.)
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9
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Zhou S, Huang Y, Kuang Q, Yan S, Li H, Wu K, Wu F, Huang X. Kynurenine pathway metabolites are associated with gray matter volume in subjects with schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:941479. [PMID: 36016974 PMCID: PMC9395706 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.941479] [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] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been growing evidence of the existence of abnormalities in the kynurenine pathway (KP) and structural gray matter volume (GMV) in schizophrenia (SCZ). Numerous studies have suggested that abnormal kynurenine metabolism (KM) in the brain is clearly associated with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and may be one of the pathological mechanisms of SCZ. In this pilot study, we investigated whether there was a correlation between KP and GMV in schizophrenia patients. METHODS The plasma levels of KM were measured in 41 patients who met the Structured Clinical Interview of the Diagnostic IV criteria for schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and cortical thickness (as measured via magnetic resonance imaging) was obtained. RESULTS Our study showed no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of kynurenine (KYN), tryptophan (TRP), and KYNA/TRP (all p > 0.05), but kynurenic acid (KYNA) and the KYNA/KYN ratio were significantly higher in the schizophrenia subjects than in the healthy controls (F = 4.750, p = 0.032; F = 6.153, p = 0.015, respectively) after controlling for age and sex. Spearman's tests showed that KYN concentrations in SCZ patients were negatively correlated with GMV in the left front cingulate belt (r = -0.325, p = 0.046) and that KYN/TRP was negatively correlated with GMV in the left island (r = -0.396, p = 0.014) and right island (r = -0.385, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION Our findings appear to provide new insights into the predisposition of an imbalance in the relative metabolism of KYN/TRP and KYN to GMV in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiao Zhou
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qijie Kuang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Su Yan
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hehua Li
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengchun Wu
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingbing Huang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Huang Y, Zhao M, Chen X, Zhang R, Le A, Hong M, Zhang Y, Jia L, Zang W, Jiang C, Wang J, Fan X, Wang J. Tryptophan Metabolism in Central Nervous System Diseases: Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Aging Dis 2022; 14:858-878. [PMID: 37191427 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of L-tryptophan (TRP) regulates homeostasis, immunity, and neuronal function. Altered TRP metabolism has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases of the central nervous system. TRP is metabolized through two main pathways, the kynurenine pathway and the methoxyindole pathway. First, TRP is metabolized to kynurenine, then kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, anthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and finally 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid along the kynurenine pathway. Second, TRP is metabolized to serotonin and melatonin along the methoxyindole pathway. In this review, we summarize the biological properties of key metabolites and their pathogenic functions in 12 disorders of the central nervous system: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies, mainly since 2015, that investigated the metabolic pathway of TRP, focusing on changes in biomarkers of these neurologic disorders, their pathogenic implications, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic pathway. This critical, comprehensive, and up-to-date review helps identify promising directions for future preclinical, clinical, and translational research on neuropsychiatric disorders.
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11
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Gonzaga de França Lopes L, Gouveia Júnior FS, Karine Medeiros Holanda A, Maria Moreira de Carvalho I, Longhinotti E, Paulo TF, Abreu DS, Bernhardt PV, Gilles-Gonzalez MA, Cirino Nogueira Diógenes I, Henrique Silva Sousa E. Bioinorganic systems responsive to the diatomic gases O2, NO, and CO: From biological sensors to therapy. Coord Chem Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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12
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Büki A, Kekesi G, Horvath G, Vécsei L. A Potential Interface between the Kynurenine Pathway and Autonomic Imbalance in Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10016. [PMID: 34576179 PMCID: PMC8467675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by various symptoms including autonomic imbalance. These disturbances involve almost all autonomic functions and might contribute to poor medication compliance, worsened quality of life and increased mortality. Therefore, it has a great importance to find a potential therapeutic solution to improve the autonomic disturbances. The altered level of kynurenines (e.g., kynurenic acid), as tryptophan metabolites, is almost the most consistently found biochemical abnormality in schizophrenia. Kynurenic acid influences different types of receptors, most of them involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Only few data suggest that kynurenines might have effects on multiple autonomic functions. Publications so far have discussed the implication of kynurenines and the alteration of the autonomic nervous system in schizophrenia independently from each other. Thus, the coupling between them has not yet been addressed in schizophrenia, although their direct common points, potential interfaces indicate the consideration of their interaction. The present review gathers autonomic disturbances, the impaired kynurenine pathway in schizophrenia, and the effects of kynurenine pathway on autonomic functions. In the last part of the review, the potential interaction between the two systems in schizophrenia, and the possible therapeutic options are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Büki
- Department of Physiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 10., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.); (G.K.); (G.H.)
| | - Gabriella Kekesi
- Department of Physiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 10., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.); (G.K.); (G.H.)
| | - Gyongyi Horvath
- Department of Physiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 10., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.); (G.K.); (G.H.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6., H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6., H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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Bai MY, Lovejoy DB, Guillemin GJ, Kozak R, Stone TW, Koola MM. Galantamine-Memantine Combination and Kynurenine Pathway Enzyme Inhibitors in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Complex Psychiatry 2021; 7:19-33. [PMID: 35141700 PMCID: PMC8443947 DOI: 10.1159/000515066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route for L-tryptophan (L-TRP) metabolism, yielding a variety of bioactive compounds including kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), quinolinic acid (QUIN), and picolinic acid (PIC). These tryptophan catabolites are involved in the pathogenesis of many neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly when the KP becomes dysregulated. Accordingly, the enzymes that regulate the KP such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)/tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs), and kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) represent potential drug targets as enzymatic inhibition can favorably rebalance KP metabolite concentrations. In addition, the galantamine-memantine combination, through its modulatory effects at the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, may counteract the effects of KYNA. The aim of this review is to highlight the effectiveness of IDO-1, KAT II, and KMO inhibitors, as well as the galantamine-memantine combination in the modulation of different KP metabolites. KAT II inhibitors are capable of decreasing the KYNA levels in the rat brain by a maximum of 80%. KMO inhibitors effectively reduce the central nervous system (CNS) levels of 3-HK, while markedly boosting the brain concentration of KYNA. Emerging data suggest that the galantamine-memantine combination also lowers L-TRP, kynurenine, KYNA, and PIC levels in humans. Presently, there are only 2 pathophysiological mechanisms (cholinergic and glutamatergic) that are FDA approved for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction for which purpose the galantamine-memantine combination has been designed for clinical use against Alzheimer's disease. The alpha7 nicotinic-NMDA hypothesis targeted by the galantamine-memantine combination has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various CNS diseases. Similarly, KYNA is well capable of modulating the neuropathophysiology of these disorders. This is known as the KYNA-centric hypothesis, which may be implicated in the management of certain neuropsychiatric conditions. In line with this hypothesis, KYNA may be considered as the "conductor of the orchestra" for the major pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CNS disorders. Therefore, there is great opportunity to further explore and compare the biological effects of these therapeutic modalities in animal models with a special focus on their effects on KP metabolites in the CNS and with the ultimate goal of progressing to clinical trials for many neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y. Bai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroinflammation Group, Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David B. Lovejoy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroinflammation Group, Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gilles J. Guillemin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroinflammation Group, Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rouba Kozak
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Trevor W. Stone
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maju Mathew Koola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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Fluorine-18-Labeled PET Radiotracers for Imaging Tryptophan Uptake and Metabolism: a Systematic Review. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 22:805-819. [PMID: 31512038 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-019-01430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Due to its metabolism via the serotonin and kynurenine pathways, tryptophan plays a key role in multiple disease processes including cancer. Imaging tryptophan uptake and metabolism in vivo can be achieved with tryptophan derivative positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers. While human studies with such tracers have been confined to C-11-labeled compounds, preclinical development of F-18-labeled tryptophan-based radiotracers has surged in recent years. We performed a systematic review of studies reporting on such F-18-labeled tryptophan tracers to summarize and compare their biological characteristics and their potential for tumor imaging, with a particular focus on key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase [IDO] and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase [TDO]), which play an important role in tumoral immune resistance. From a PubMed search, English language articles including data on the preparation and radiochemical and/or biological characteristics of F-18-labeled tryptophan derivative radiotracers were reviewed. A total of 19 original papers included data on 15 unique radiotracers, the majority of which were synthesized with an adequate radiochemical yield. Automated synthesis was reported for 1-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tryptophan, the most extensively evaluated tracer thus far. Biodistribution studies showed high uptake in the pancreas, while the L-type amino acid transporter was the dominant transport mechanism for most of the reviewed tracers. Tracers tested for tumor uptake showed accumulation in tumor cell lines in vitro and in xenografts in vivo, often with favorable tumor-to-background uptake ratios in comparison with clinically used F-18-labeled radiotracers. Five tracers showed promise for imaging IDO activity, including 1-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tryptophan and a F-18-labeled analog of alpha-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan tested clinically in previous studies. Two radiotracers were metabolized by TDO but showed defluorination in vivo. In summary, most F-18-labeled tryptophan derivative PET tracers share common transport mechanisms and biodistribution characteristics. Several reported tracers could be candidates for further testing and validation toward PET imaging applications in a variety of human diseases.
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15
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Fang C, Hayashi S, Du X, Cai X, Deng B, Zheng H, Ishido S, Tsutsui H, Sheng J. Caffeine protects against stress-induced murine depression through activation of PPARγC1α-mediated restoration of the kynurenine pathway in the skeletal muscle. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7287. [PMID: 33790369 PMCID: PMC8012704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise prevents depression through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)-mediated activation of a particular branch of the kynurenine pathway. From kynurenine (KYN), two independent metabolic pathways produce neurofunctionally different metabolites, mainly in somatic organs: neurotoxic intermediate metabolites via main pathway and neuroprotective end product, kynurenic acid (KYNA) via the branch. Elevated levels of KYN have been found in patients with depression. Herein, we investigated whether and how caffeine prevents depression, focusing on the kynurenine pathway. Mice exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) exhibited depressive-like behaviours with an increase and decrease in plasma levels of pro-neurotoxic KYN and neuroprotective KYNA, respectively. However, caffeine rescued CMS-exposed mice from depressive-like behaviours and restored the plasma levels of KYN and KYNA. Concomitantly, caffeine induced a key enzyme converting KYN into KYNA, namely kynurenine aminotransferase-1 (KAT1), in murine skeletal muscle. Upon caffeine stimulation murine myotubes exhibited KAT1 induction and its upstream PGC-1α sustainment. Furthermore, a proteasome inhibitor, but not translational inhibitor, impeded caffeine sustainment of PGC-1α, suggesting that caffeine induced KAT1 by inhibiting proteasomal degradation of PGC-1α. Thus, caffeine protection against CMS-induced depression may be associated with sustainment of PGC-1α levels and the resultant KAT1 induction in skeletal muscle, and thereby consumption of pro-neurotoxic KYN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongye Fang
- Yunnan Research Center for Advanced Tea Processing, College of Pu-erh Tea, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Shuhei Hayashi
- Department of Microbiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Xiaocui Du
- Yunnan Research Center for Advanced Tea Processing, College of Pu-erh Tea, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Xianbin Cai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Deng
- Yunnan Rural Science and Technology Service Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongmei Zheng
- Yunnan Rural Science and Technology Service Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Satoshi Ishido
- Department of Microbiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsutsui
- Department of Microbiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Jun Sheng
- Yunnan Research Center for Advanced Tea Processing, College of Pu-erh Tea, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pu-erh Tea Science, The Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
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16
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Cao B, Chen Y, Ren Z, Pan Z, McIntyre RS, Wang D. Dysregulation of kynurenine pathway and potential dynamic changes of kynurenine in schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 123:203-214. [PMID: 33513412 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The kynurenine (KYN) pathway is postulated to play various roles in immune system dysregulation of schizophrenia (SCZ). We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association between six key metabolites of KYN pathway (i.e., tryptophan (TRP), KYN, quinolinic acid (QUIN), and kynurenic acid (KYNA)) and SCZ. Priori Bonferroni adjustments were conducted for multiple comparisons. In total, 42 studies that examined the relationship between the metabolites in KYN pathway mentioned above and SCZ in 4217 participants and nine studies that examined alterations of these metabolites after antipsychotic treatments were included. The results demonstrate that (1) subjects with prescribed medication had significantly higher KYN levels when compared to controls; (2) higher KYN levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), lower plasma KYN levels and higher CSF KYNA levels were associated with SCZ; (3) the KYN levels were higher in subjects with SCZ after antipsychotic treatments when compared with baseline. The evidence provides valuable insight of the potential underlying involvement of the KYN pathway in the pathogenesis of SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, 400715, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Southwest University), Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhongyu Ren
- College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Zihang Pan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dongfang Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China.
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Li L, Wang T, Li S, Chen Z, Wu J, Cao W, Wo Q, Qin X, Xu J. TDO2 Promotes the EMT of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Kyn-AhR Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 10:562823. [PMID: 33542896 PMCID: PMC7851084 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.562823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2), an enzyme involved in tryptophan (Trp) metabolism has been linked with some malignant traits of various cancers. Kyn, the main product of Trp metabolism pathway catalyzed by TDO2 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in tumor cells, was also demonstrated to activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which may regulate cancer growth and invasion in some malignancies. However, whether TDO2 participates in the metastasis and invasion of HCC has not been explored before. The underlying mechanism played by TDO2 in this process still requires further investigation. Here, we demonstrated that overexpression of TDO2 correlates with advanced stage or malignant traits in HCC patients. Knockdown or inhibition of TDO2 suppressed the migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential program happened in the initial phase of cancer metastasis. We found that in HCC cells, TDO2 promoted the EMT process evidenced by altered levels of biomarkers for EMT. Mechanically, TDO2 regulated the Kyn production in HCC cell via activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Together, these results indicate that TDO2 promotes the EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma through activating Kyn-AhR pathway, thereby participating in the metastasis and invasion of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanbao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengqian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanyue Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Wo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuebin Qin
- Division of Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Health Sciences Campus, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Junming Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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18
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Hoffmann D, Dvorakova T, Schramme F, Stroobant V, Van den Eynde BJ. Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase Expression Identified in Murine Decidual Stromal Cells Is Not Essential for Feto-Maternal Tolerance. Front Immunol 2020; 11:601759. [PMID: 33363543 PMCID: PMC7752949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.601759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) catalyze the rate-limiting step of tryptophan catabolism along the kynurenine pathway, which has important immuno suppressive properties, particularly in tumor cells and dendritic cells. The prominent expression of IDO1 in the placenta also suggested a role in preventing immune rejection of fetal tissues, and pharmacological inhibition of IDO1 induced abortion of allogeneic fetuses in mice. However, this was later challenged by the lack of rejection of allogeneic fetuses in IDO1-KO mice, suggesting that other mechanisms may compensate for IDO1 deficiency. Here we investigated whether TDO could contribute to feto-maternal tolerance and compensate for IDO1 deficiency in IDO1-KO mice. Expression of TDO mRNA was previously detected in placental tissues. We developed a new chimeric rabbit anti-TDO antibody to confirm TDO expression at the protein level and identify the positive cell type by immunohistochemistry in murine placenta. We observed massive TDO expression in decidual stromal cells, starting at day E3.5, peaking at day E6.5 then declining rapidly while remaining detectable until gestation end. IDO1 was also induced in decidual stromal cells, but only at a later stage of gestation when TDO expression declined. To determine whether TDO contributed to feto-maternal tolerance, we mated TDO-KO and double IDO1-TDO-KO females with allogeneic males. However, we did not observe reduced fertility. These results suggest that, despite its expression in decidual stromal cells, TDO is not a dominant mechanism of feto-maternal tolerance able to compensate for the absence of IDO1. Redundant additional mechanisms of immunosuppression likely take over in these KO mice. The massive expression of TDO during decidualization might suggest a role of TDO in angiogenesis or vessel tonicity, as previously described for IDO1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Hoffmann
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tereza Dvorakova
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florence Schramme
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Stroobant
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoit J Van den Eynde
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium.,de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Li S, Li L, Wu J, Song F, Qin Z, Hou L, Xiao C, Weng J, Qin X, Xu J. TDO Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5845-5855. [PMID: 32606795 PMCID: PMC7311207 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s252929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), encoded by the gene TDO2, is an enzyme that catalyses the first and rate-limiting step of tryptophan (Try) degradation in the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway in the liver. Recently, TDO has been demonstrated to be expressed in various human tumours, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of TDO in HCC is still not very clear. Here, we studied the role of TDO in HCC. Methods We demonstrated that TDO is overexpressed in human HCC tissues and is significantly correlated with malignant phenotype characteristics, including tumour size, tumour differentiation, vascular invasion, etc. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a poor overall survival rate in patients with TDO-overexpressing tumours. In addition, the effects of TDO on HCC tumour growth and metastasis were detected both in vivo and in vitro. TDO overexpression facilitated HCC cell growth, invasion and migration. Conclusion Our results suggest that TDO positively regulates HCC proliferation and invasion and acts as a new prognostic biomarker of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanbao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangbin Song
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyong Weng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuebin Qin
- Division of Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Health Sciences Campus, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Junming Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
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20
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Circular RNA circZNF566 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by sponging miR-4738-3p and regulating TDO2 expression. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:452. [PMID: 32532962 PMCID: PMC7293356 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
As a recently discovered noncoding RNA, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to play key roles in cancer biology; however, the detailed functions and mechanisms of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unclarified. RNA-seq analysis was used to screen the expression profiles of circRNAs in HCC. CircZNF566 expression in HCC tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. In vitro CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, transwell migration, and invasion assays and in vivo tumorigenesis and metastasis assays were conducted to determine the functions of circZNF566. Luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays were also performed to confirm the relationship between circZNF566 and miR-4738-3p. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays were employed to determine whether miR-4738-3p regulates tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) expression. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the level of TDO2 and determine its prognostic value. CircZNF566 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. High circZNF566 expression in HCC tissues was positively correlated with clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. Functionally, in vitro experiments showed that circZNF566 promoted HCC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, whereas in vivo experiments showed that circZNF566 promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis. Mechanistically, circZNF566 acted as a miR-4738-3p sponge to relieve the repressive effect of miR-4738-3p on its target TDO2. In addition, miR-4738-3p suppressed HCC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, while TDO2 was positively correlated with pathological features and poor prognosis and promoted cell migration, invasion, and proliferation in HCC. CircZNF566 is a novel tumor promoter in HCC and functions through the circZNF566/ miR-4738-3p /TDO2 axis; in addition, circZNF566 may serve as a novel diagnostic marker, prognostic indicator, and target for the treatment of HCC.
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21
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Hoffmann D, Dvorakova T, Stroobant V, Bouzin C, Daumerie A, Solvay M, Klaessens S, Letellier MC, Renauld JC, van Baren N, Lelotte J, Marbaix E, Van den Eynde BJ. Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase Expression Identified in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells and in Intratumoral Pericytes of Most Cancers. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 8:19-31. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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22
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Hao S, Huang G, Feng J, Li D, Wang K, Wang L, Wu Z, Wan H, Zhang L, Zhang J. Non-NF2 mutations have a key effect on inhibitory immune checkpoints and tumor pathogenesis in skull base meningiomas. J Neurooncol 2019; 144:11-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-019-03198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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23
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Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase inhibitory activities of tryptanthrin derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 160:133-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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24
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Plitman E, Iwata Y, Caravaggio F, Nakajima S, Chung JK, Gerretsen P, Kim J, Takeuchi H, Chakravarty MM, Remington G, Graff-Guerrero A. Kynurenic Acid in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Schizophr Bull 2017; 43:764-777. [PMID: 28187219 PMCID: PMC5472151 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbw221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that is derived from astrocytes as part of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation. Evidence suggests that abnormal KYNA levels are involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, this has never been assessed through a meta-analysis. A literature search was conducted through Ovid using Embase, Medline, and PsycINFO databases (last search: December 2016) with the search terms: (kynuren* or KYNA) and (schizophreni* or psychosis). English language studies measuring KYNA levels using any method in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls (HCs) were identified. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated to determine differences in KYNA levels between groups. Subgroup analyses were separately performed for nonoverlapping participant samples, KYNA measurement techniques, and KYNA sample source. The influences of patients' age, antipsychotic status (%medicated), and sex (%male) on study SMDs were assessed through a meta-regression. Thirteen studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. In the main analysis, KYNA levels were elevated in the patient group. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that KYNA levels were increased in nonoverlapping participant samples, and centrally (cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue) but not peripherally. Patients' age, %medicated, and %male were each positively associated with study SMDs. Overall, KYNA levels are increased in patients with schizophrenia, specifically within the central nervous system. An improved understanding of KYNA in patients with schizophrenia may contribute to the development of novel diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Plitman
- Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yusuke Iwata
- Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fernando Caravaggio
- Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shinichiro Nakajima
- Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Geriatric Mental Health Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Ku Chung
- Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philip Gerretsen
- Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Geriatric Mental Health Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julia Kim
- Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hiroyoshi Takeuchi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan;,Schizophrenia Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M. Mallar Chakravarty
- Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada;,Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gary Remington
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Schizophrenia Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Campbell Institute Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ariel Graff-Guerrero
- Multimodal Imaging Group, Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Geriatric Mental Health Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada;,Campbell Institute Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Serum kynurenic acid is reduced in affective psychosis. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1115. [PMID: 28463241 PMCID: PMC5534956 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A subgroup of individuals with mood and psychotic disorders shows evidence of inflammation that leads to activation of the kynurenine pathway and the increased production of neuroactive kynurenine metabolites. Depression is hypothesized to be causally associated with an imbalance in the kynurenine pathway, with an increased metabolism down the 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK) branch of the pathway leading to increased levels of the neurotoxic metabolite, quinolinic acid (QA), which is a putative N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist. In contrast, schizophrenia and psychosis are hypothesized to arise from increased metabolism of the NMDA receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid (KynA), leading to hypofunction of GABAergic interneurons, the disinhibition of pyramidal neurons and striatal hyperdopaminergia. Here we present results that challenge the model of excess KynA production in affective psychosis. After rigorous control of potential confounders and multiple testing we find significant reductions in serum KynA and/or KynA/QA in acutely ill inpatients with major depressive disorder (N=35), bipolar disorder (N=53) and schizoaffective disorder (N=40) versus healthy controls (N=92). No significant difference was found between acutely ill inpatients with schizophrenia (n=21) and healthy controls. Further, a post hoc comparison of patients divided into the categories of non-psychotic affective disorder, affective psychosis and psychotic disorder (non-affective) showed that the greatest decrease in KynA was in the affective psychosis group relative to the other diagnostic groups. Our results are consistent with reports of elevations in proinflammatory cytokines in psychosis, and preclinical work showing that inflammation upregulates the enzyme, kynurenine mono-oxygenase (KMO), which converts kynurenine into 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid.
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Yu CP, Song YL, Zhu ZM, Huang B, Xiao YQ, Luo DY. Targeting TDO in cancer immunotherapy. Med Oncol 2017; 34:73. [PMID: 28357780 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-017-0933-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) is a homotetrameric heme-containing protein catalyzing the initial step in the kynurenine pathway, which oxidates the 2,3-double bond of the indole ring in L-tryptophan and catalyzes it into kynurenine (KYN). The upregulation of TDO results in a decrease in tryptophan and the accumulation of KYN and its metabolites. These metabolites can affect the proliferation of T cells. Increasing evidence demonstrates that TDO is a promising therapeutic target in the anti-tumor process. Despite its growing popularity, there are only a few reviews focusing on TDO in tumors. Hence, we herein review the biological features and regulatory mechanisms of TDO. Additionally, we focus on the role of TDO in the anti-tumor immune response in different tumors. Finally, we also provide our viewpoint regarding the future developmental directions of TDO in cancer research, especially in relation to the development and application of TDO inhibitors as novel cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Peng Yu
- The Second Clinic Medical College, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yun-Lei Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zheng-Ming Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying-Qun Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Da-Ya Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China. .,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
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Abdel-Magid AF. Targeting the Inhibition of Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase (TDO-2) for Cancer Treatment. ACS Med Chem Lett 2017; 8:11-13. [PMID: 28105265 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.6b00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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