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Hou Y, Wang H, Wu J, Guo H, Chen X. Dissecting the pleiotropic roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung cancer: From carcinogenesis toward therapy. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1566-1595. [PMID: 38284170 DOI: 10.1002/med.22018] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The specific pulmonary structure to directly connect with ambient air makes it more susceptible to damage from airborne toxins. External oxidative stimuli and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in promoting lung carcinogenesis and development. The biological properties of higher ROS levels in tumor cells than in normal cells make them more sensitive and vulnerable to ROS injury. Therefore, the strategy of targeting ROS has been proposed for cancer therapy for decades. However, it is embarrassing that countless attempts at ROS-based therapies have had very limited success, and no FDA approval in the anticancer list was mechanistically based on ROS manipulation. Even compared with the untargetable proteins, such as transcription factors, ROS are more difficult to be targeted due to their chemical properties. Thus, the pleiotropic roles of ROS provide therapeutic potential for anticancer drug discovery, while a better dissection of the mechanistic action and signaling pathways is a prerequisite for future breakthroughs. This review discusses the critical roles of ROS in cancer carcinogenesis, ROS-inspired signaling pathways, and ROS-based treatment, exemplified by lung cancer. In particular, an eight considerations rule is proposed for ROS-targeting strategies and drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Heng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Research and Evaluation of Bioactive Molecules & College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
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2
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Ponzone L, Audrito V, Landi C, Moiso E, Levra Levron C, Ferrua S, Savino A, Vitale N, Gasparrini M, Avalle L, Vantaggiato L, Shaba E, Tassone B, Saoncella S, Orso F, Viavattene D, Marina E, Fiorilla I, Burrone G, Abili Y, Altruda F, Bini L, Deaglio S, Defilippi P, Menga A, Poli V, Porporato PE, Provero P, Raffaelli N, Riganti C, Taverna D, Cavallo F, Calautti E. RICTOR/mTORC2 downregulation in BRAF V600E melanoma cells promotes resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibition. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:105. [PMID: 38755661 PMCID: PMC11097536 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02010-1] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main drawback of BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAF/MEKi)-based targeted therapy in the management of BRAF-mutated cutaneous metastatic melanoma (MM) is the development of therapeutic resistance. We aimed to assess in this context the role of mTORC2, a signaling complex defined by the presence of the essential RICTOR subunit, regarded as an oncogenic driver in several tumor types, including MM. METHODS After analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas MM patients' database to explore both overall survival and molecular signatures as a function of intra-tumor RICTOR levels, we investigated the effects of RICTOR downregulation in BRAFV600E MM cell lines on their response to BRAF/MEKi. We performed proteomic screening to identify proteins modulated by changes in RICTOR expression, and Seahorse analysis to evaluate the effects of RICTOR depletion on mitochondrial respiration. The combination of BRAFi with drugs targeting proteins and processes emerged in the proteomic screening was carried out on RICTOR-deficient cells in vitro and in a xenograft setting in vivo. RESULTS Low RICTOR levels in BRAF-mutated MM correlate with a worse clinical outcome. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of low-RICTOR tumors display gene signatures suggestive of activation of the mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain (ETC) energy production. RICTOR-deficient BRAFV600E cells are intrinsically tolerant to BRAF/MEKi and anticipate the onset of resistance to BRAFi upon prolonged drug exposure. Moreover, in drug-naïve cells we observed a decline in RICTOR expression shortly after BRAFi exposure. In RICTOR-depleted cells, both mitochondrial respiration and expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) are enhanced, and their pharmacological inhibition restores sensitivity to BRAFi. CONCLUSIONS Our work unveils an unforeseen tumor-suppressing role for mTORC2 in the early adaptation phase of BRAFV600E melanoma cells to targeted therapy and identifies the NAMPT-ETC axis as a potential therapeutic vulnerability of low RICTOR tumors. Importantly, our findings indicate that the evaluation of intra-tumor RICTOR levels has a prognostic value in metastatic melanoma and may help to guide therapeutic strategies in a personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ponzone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Valentina Audrito
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Claudia Landi
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Enrico Moiso
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Chiara Levra Levron
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrua
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Aurora Savino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Gasparrini
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Enxhi Shaba
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Beatrice Tassone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Personal Care, dsm-firmenich, Kaiseraugst, 4303, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Saoncella
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Francesca Orso
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Daniele Viavattene
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marina
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Irene Fiorilla
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Giulia Burrone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Youssef Abili
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- GenomeUp, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Alessio Menga
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Valeria Poli
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Paolo Ettore Porporato
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Paolo Provero
- Neuroscience Department "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Nadia Raffaelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Daniela Taverna
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Enzo Calautti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy.
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Wang Y, Gao L, Wang F, Yu C, Chen C, Xia C. GPRC5A promotes paclitaxel resistance and glucose content in NSCLC. Anticancer Drugs 2024:00001813-990000000-00275. [PMID: 38602327 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common and malignant cancers worldwide. Chemotherapy has been widely used in the clinical setting, and paclitaxel is the first-line therapy for lung cancer patients but paclitaxel resistance is the main problem. First, we successfully established paclitaxel-resistant lung cancer cells treated with elevated doses of paclitaxel for 3 months, as confirmed by the CCK-8 assay. Paclitaxel-resistant cancer cells increased glucose content. Second, Gtex, Oncomine, and gene expression omnibus database data mining identified GPRC5A, G protein-coupled receptor, as the most prominent differentially expressed gene in drug-resistant datasets including gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and gefitinib overlapped with the microarray data from cancer cell metabolism. Third, qPCR analysis and western blot technique showed that GPRC5A mRNA and protein levels were significantly enhanced in paclitaxel-resistant lung cancer cells. Fourth, functional analysis was conducted by siRNA-mediated transient knockdown of GPRC5A. Silencing GPRC5A significantly decreased paclitaxel resistance and glucose content. In the end, retinoic acid substantially upregulated GPRC5A proteins and promoted glucose content in two lung cancer cells. Kaplan-Meier plot also confirmed that lung cancer patients with high expression of GPRC5A had a relatively lower survival rate. Our study provided a potential drug target GPRC5A, which may benefit lung cancer patients with acquired paclitaxel resistance in the future and a theoretical basis for future preclinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing
| | - Liang Gao
- Life Science and Health Engineering Department, Jiangnan University, Wuxi
| | - Feiyu Wang
- Life Science and Health Engineering Department, Jiangnan University, Wuxi
| | - Cunjun Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Life Science and Health Engineering Department, Jiangnan University, Wuxi
| | - Chunwei Xia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Zhang Y, Xiao B, Liu Y, Wu S, Xiang Q, Xiao Y, Zhao J, Yuan R, Xie K, Li L. Roles of PPAR activation in cancer therapeutic resistance: Implications for combination therapy and drug development. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176304. [PMID: 38142851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176304] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment or effective containment of cancer. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play an essential role in regulating energy homeostasis and determining cell fate. Despite of the pleiotropic roles of PPARs in cancer, numerous studies have suggested their intricate relationship with therapeutic resistance in cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of the roles of excessively activated PPARs in promoting resistance to modern anti-cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The mechanisms through which activated PPARs contribute to therapeutic resistance in most cases include metabolic reprogramming, anti-oxidant defense, anti-apoptosis signaling, proliferation-promoting pathways, and induction of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In addition, we discussed the mechanisms through which activated PPARs lead to multidrug resistance in cancer, including drug efflux, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and acquisition and maintenance of the cancer stem cell phenotype. Preliminary studies investigating the effect of combination therapies with PPAR antagonists have suggested the potential of these antagonists in reversing resistance and facilitating sustained cancer management. These findings will provide a valuable reference for further research on and clinical translation of PPAR-targeting treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Zhang
- School of Medicine, The South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Bin Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Yunduo Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Shunhong Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Qin Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Yuhan Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Junxiu Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Ruanfei Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China
| | - Keping Xie
- School of Medicine, The South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Linhai Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, China.
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Ge Y, Ma S, Zhou Q, Xiong Z, Wang Y, Li L, Chao Z, Zhang J, Li T, Wu Z, Gao Y, Qu G, Xi Z, Liu B, Wu X, Wang Z. Oncogene goosecoid is transcriptionally regulated by E2F1 and correlates with disease progression in prostate cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023:00029330-990000000-00861. [PMID: 37997674 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although some well-established oncogenes are involved in cancer initiation and progression such as prostate cancer (PCa), the long tail of cancer genes remains to be defined. Goosecoid (GSC) has been implicated in cancer development. However, the comprehensive biological role of GSC in pan-cancer, specifically in PCa, remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of GSC in PCa development. METHODS We performed a systematic bioinformatics exploration of GSC using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression, Gene Expression Omnibus, German Cancer Research Center, and our in-house cohorts. First, we evaluated the expression of GSC and its association with patient prognosis, and identified GSC-relevant genetic alterations in cancers. Further, we focused on the clinical characterization and prognostic analysis of GSC in PCa. To understand the transcriptional regulation of GSC by E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Functional experiments were conducted to validate the effect of GSC on the tumor cellular phenotype and sensitivity to trametinib. RESULTS GSC expression was elevated in various tumors and significantly correlated with patient prognosis. The alterations of GSC contribute to the progression of various tumors especially in PCa. Patients with PCa and high GSC expression exhibited worse progression-free survival and biochemical recurrence outcomes. Further, GSC upregulation in patients with PCa was mostly accompanied with higher Gleason score, advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Mechanistically, the transcription factor, E2F1, stimulates GSC by binding to its promoter region. Detailed experiments further demonstrated that GSC acted as an oncogene and influenced the response of PCa cells to trametinib treatment. CONCLUSIONS GSC was highly overexpressed and strongly correlated with patient prognosis in PCa. We found that GSC, regulated by E2F1, acted as an oncogene and impeded the therapeutic efficacy of trametinib in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ge
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Sheng Ma
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Qinghai University Medical College, Xining, Qinghai 810001, China
| | - Zezhong Xiong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Le Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zheng Chao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Junbiao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Tengfei Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zixi Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Guanyu Qu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zirui Xi
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of Laohekou City, Xiangyang, Hubei 441800, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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Chen W, Park JI. Tumor Cell Resistance to the Inhibition of BRAF and MEK1/2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14837. [PMID: 37834284 PMCID: PMC10573597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAF is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, with an overall frequency of about 50%. Targeting BRAF and its effector mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) is now a key therapeutic strategy for BRAF-mutant tumors, and therapies based on dual BRAF/MEK inhibition showed significant efficacy in a broad spectrum of BRAF tumors. Nonetheless, BRAF/MEK inhibition therapy is not always effective for BRAF tumor suppression, and significant challenges remain to improve its clinical outcomes. First, certain BRAF tumors have an intrinsic ability to rapidly adapt to the presence of BRAF and MEK1/2 inhibitors by bypassing drug effects via rewired signaling, metabolic, and regulatory networks. Second, almost all tumors initially responsive to BRAF and MEK1/2 inhibitors eventually acquire therapy resistance via an additional genetic or epigenetic alteration(s). Overcoming these challenges requires identifying the molecular mechanism underlying tumor cell resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors and analyzing their specificity in different BRAF tumors. This review aims to update this information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jong-In Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
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Zhao Y, Zhu Y, Ding K, Li S, Liu T. Biomimetic nanovesicle co-delivery system impairs energy metabolism for cancer treatment. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:299. [PMID: 37633923 PMCID: PMC10463989 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02061-4] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells plays a crucial role in cancer development, metastasis and invasion. Cancer cells have a unique metabolism profile that could switch between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in order to satisfy a higher proliferative rate and enable survival in tumor microenvironment. Although dietary-based cancer starvation therapy has shown some positive outcomes for cancer treatment, it is difficult for patients to persist for a long time due to the adverse effects. Here in this study, we developed a specific M1 macrophage-derived membrane-based drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment. Both metformin and 3-Bromopyruvate were loaded into the engineered cell membrane-based biomimetic carriers (Met-3BP-Lip@M1) for the shutdown of energy metabolism in cancer cells via simultaneous inhibition of both glycolysis and oxygen consumption. The in vitro studies showed that Met-3BP-Lip@M1 had excellent cancer cell uptake and enhanced cancer cell apoptosis via cell cycle arrest. Our results also demonstrated that this novel biomimetic nanomedicine-based cancer starvation therapy synergistically improved the therapeutic efficiency against breast cancer cells by blocking energy metabolic pathways, which resulted in a significant reduction of cancer cell proliferation, 3D tumor spheroid growth as well as in vivo tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Kai Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Tianqing Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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8
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Kuhn E, Natacci F, Corbo M, Pisani L, Ferrero S, Bulfamante G, Gambini D. The Contribution of Oxidative Stress to NF1-Altered Tumors. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1557. [PMID: 37627552 PMCID: PMC10451967 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081557] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurofibromatosis-1 gene (NF1) was initially characterized because its germline mutation is responsible for an inherited syndromic disease predisposing tumor development, in particular neurofibromas but also various malignancies. Recently, large-scale tumor sequencing efforts have demonstrated NF1 as one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancer, being mutated in approximately 5-10% of all tumors, especially in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and different skin tumors. NF1 acts as a tumor suppressor gene that encodes neurofibromin, a large protein that controls neoplastic transformation through several molecular mechanisms. On the other hand, neurofibromin loss due to NF1 biallelic inactivation induces tumorigenic hyperactivation of Ras and mTOR signaling pathways. Moreover, neurofibromin controls actin cytoskeleton structure and the metaphase-anaphase transition. Consequently, neurofibromin deficiency favors cell mobility and proliferation as well as chromosomal instability and aneuploidy, respectively. Growing evidence supports the role of oxidative stress in NF1-related tumorigenesis. Neurofibromin loss induces oxidative stress both directly and through Ras and mTOR signaling activation. Notably, innovative therapeutic approaches explore drug combinations that further increase reactive oxygen species to boost the oxidative unbalance of NF1-altered cancer cells. In our paper, we review NF1-related tumors and their pathogenesis, highlighting the twofold contribution of oxidative stress, both tumorigenic and therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Kuhn
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (G.B.)
- Pathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Natacci
- Medical Genetics Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, 20144 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (L.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Luigi Pisani
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, 20144 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (L.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (G.B.)
- Pathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bulfamante
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (G.B.)
- Human Pathology and Molecular Pathology, TOMA Advanced Biomedical Assays S.p.A., 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Donatella Gambini
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, 20144 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (L.P.); (D.G.)
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9
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Wang W, Rong Z, Wang G, Hou Y, Yang F, Qiu M. Cancer metabolites: promising biomarkers for cancer liquid biopsy. Biomark Res 2023; 11:66. [PMID: 37391812 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00507-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer exerts a multitude of effects on metabolism, including the reprogramming of cellular metabolic pathways and alterations in metabolites that facilitate inappropriate proliferation of cancer cells and adaptation to the tumor microenvironment. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that aberrant metabolites play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis, and have the potential to serve as biomarkers for personalized cancer therapy. Importantly, high-throughput metabolomics detection techniques and machine learning approaches offer tremendous potential for clinical oncology by enabling the identification of cancer-specific metabolites. Emerging research indicates that circulating metabolites have great promise as noninvasive biomarkers for cancer detection. Therefore, this review summarizes reported abnormal cancer-related metabolites in the last decade and highlights the application of metabolomics in liquid biopsy, including detection specimens, technologies, methods, and challenges. The review provides insights into cancer metabolites as a promising tool for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Zhiwei Rong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guangxi Wang
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yan Hou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Clinical Research Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
- Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Mantang Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
- Peking University People's Hospital Thoracic Oncology Institute, Beijing, 100044, China.
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10
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Li G, Su G, Wang Y, Wang W, Shi J, Li D, Sui G. Integrative genomic analyses of promoter G-quadruplexes reveal their selective constraint and association with gene activation. Commun Biol 2023; 6:625. [PMID: 37301913 PMCID: PMC10257653 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) regulate DNA replication and gene transcription, and are enriched in promoters without fully appreciated functional relevance. Here we show high selection pressure on putative G4 (pG4) forming sequences in promoters through investigating genetic and genomic data. Analyses of 76,156 whole-genome sequences reveal that G-tracts and connecting loops in promoter pG4s display lower or higher allele frequencies, respectively, than pG4-flanking regions, and central guanines (Gs) in G-tracts show higher selection pressure than other Gs. Additionally, pG4-promoters produce over 72.4% of transcripts, and promoter G4-containing genes are expressed at relatively high levels. Most genes repressed by TMPyP4, a G4-ligand, regulate epigenetic processes, and promoter G4s are enriched with gene activation histone marks, chromatin remodeler and transcription factor binding sites. Consistently, cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTLs) are enriched in promoter pG4s and their G-tracts. Overall, our study demonstrates selective constraint of promoter G4s and reinforces their stimulative role in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyue Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Gongbo Su
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yunxuan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Wenmeng Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jinming Shi
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dangdang Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Guangchao Sui
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
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11
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He P, Feng J, Xia X, Sun Y, He J, Guan T, Peng Y, Zhang X, Liu M, Pang X, Chen Y. Discovery of a Potent and Oral Available Complex I OXPHOS Inhibitor That Abrogates Tumor Growth and Circumvents MEKi Resistance. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6047-6069. [PMID: 37130350 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Targeting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy. Here, we discovered a 1H-1,2,3-triazole derivative HP661 as a highly potent and orally available OXPHOS inhibitor that effectively blocked the activity of mitochondrial complex I. HP661 specifically compromised the mitochondrial oxygen consumption of high-OXPHOS lung cancer cells but not that of low-OXPHOS lung cancer cells or normal cells in the low nanomolar range. Notably, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor (trametinib)-resistant lung cancer cells with high levels of OXPHOS also showed marked sensitivity to HP661, as indicated by decreased clonogenic growth and increased cell apoptosis upon treatment. In a mouse model of high-OXPHOS lung cancer, HP661 treatment not only significantly suppressed tumor growth but also augmented the therapeutic efficacy of trametinib by impairing tumor mitochondrial respiration. In summary, we identified HP661 as a highly effective OXPHOS inhibitor to abrogate the growth of high OXPHOS-dependent tumors and conquer high OXPHOS-mediated drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Juanjuan Feng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai 201499, China
| | - Xinting Xia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jia He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Tian Guan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yangrui Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai 201499, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiufeng Pang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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