Metabolic reprogramming for cancer cells and their microenvironment: Beyond the Warburg Effect

Single-Cell Analyses Reveal the Metabolic Heterogeneity and Plasticity of the Tumor Microenvironment during Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer. In addition to metabolic alterations in the tumor cells, multiple other metabolically active cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the emergence of a tumor-specific metabolic milieu. Here, we defined the metabolic landscape of the TME during the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by performing single-cell RNA sequencing on 26 human patient specimens, including normal tissue, precancerous lesions, early stage cancer, advanced-stage cancer, lymph node metastases, and recurrent tumors. The analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity at the transcriptional, developmental, metabolic, and functional levels in different cell types. SPP1+ macrophages were identified as a protumor and prometastatic macrophage subtype with high fructose and mannose metabolism, which was further substantiated by integrative analysis and validation experiments. An inhibitor of fructose metabolism reduced the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages, reshaped the immunosuppressive TME, and suppressed tumor growth. In conclusion, this work delineated the metabolic landscape of HNSCC at a single-cell resolution and identified fructose metabolism as a key metabolic feature of a protumor macrophage subpopulation. Significance: Fructose and mannose metabolism is a metabolic feature of a protumor and prometastasis macrophage subtype and can be targeted to reprogram macrophages and the microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Interplay between altered metabolism and DNA damage and repair in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy and is often associated with both DNA repair deficiency and extensive metabolic reprogramming. While still emerging, the interplay between these pathways can affect ovarian cancer phenotypes, including therapeutic resistance to the DNA damaging agents that are standard-of-care for this tumor type. In this review, we will discuss what is currently known about cellular metabolic rewiring in ovarian cancer that may impact DNA damage and repair in addition to highlighting how specific DNA repair proteins also promote metabolic changes. We will also discuss relevant data from other cancers that could be used to inform ovarian cancer therapeutic strategies. Changes in the choice of DNA repair mechanism adopted by ovarian cancer are a major factor in promoting therapeutic resistance. Therefore, the impact of metabolic reprogramming on DNA repair mechanisms in ovarian cancer has major clinical implications for targeted combination therapies for the treatment of this devastating disease.

DEPDC1 affects autophagy-dependent glycolysis levels in human osteosarcoma cells by modulating RAS/ERK signaling through TTK

The current treatment for osteosarcoma (OS) is based on surgery combined with systemic chemotherapy, however, gene therapy has been hypothesized to improve patient survival rates. The density-enhanced protein domain 1 protein (DEPDC1) functions as a crucial determinant in the advancement of OS, which is highly expressed in OS cells. The current study was designed to delve into the effect and mechanism of DEPDC1 and phosphotyrosine-picked threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK) in OS. The expression of DEPDC1 and TTK in OS cells was detected by western blotting. Furthermore, the assessment of glycolysis encompassed the quantification of extracellular acidification rate, glucose uptake rate, lactate concentration, and the expression of glucose transporter 1, hexokinase 2, and pyruvate kinase M2. Finally, the functions of DEPDC1 and TTK in autophagy and ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling were determined by western blotting after interfering with DEPDC1 in SaOS-2 cells. The results revealed that DEPDC1 and TTK were upregulated in OS cell lines and interfering with DEPDC1 inhibited glycolysis and autophagy in OS cells. Furthermore, the STRING database suggested that DEPDC1 and TTK perform targeted binding. Notably, the results of the present study revealed that DEPDC1 upregulated RAS expression through TTK and enhanced ERK activity, thereby affecting glycolysis and autophagy in OS cells. Collectively, the present investigation demonstrated that DEPDC1 affected autophagy-dependent glycolysis levels of OS cells by regulating RAS/ERK signaling through TTK.

RBM5 suppresses proliferation, metastasis and glycolysis of colorectal cancer cells via stabilizing phosphatase and tensin homolog mRNA

BACKGROUND

RNA binding motif 5 (RBM5) has emerged as crucial regulators in many cancers.

AIM

To explore more functional and mechanistic exploration of RBM5 since the lack of research on RBM5 in colorectal cancer (CRC) dictates that is essential.

METHODS

Through Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, we analyzed RBM5 expression in colon adenocarcinoma and rectum adenocarcinoma tissues. For detecting the mRNA expression of RBM5, quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction was performed. Protein expression levels of RBM5, hexokinase 2, lactate dehydrogenase A, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-AKT), and AKT were determined via Western blot. Functionally, cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assay were performed to evaluate proliferation of CRC cells. Invasiveness and migration of CRC cells were evaluated through conducting transwell assays. Glucose consumption, lactate production and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) production were measured through a glucose assay kit, a lactate assay kit and an ATP production assay kit, respectively. Besides, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, half-life RT-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay were applied to detect interaction between RBM5 and PTEN. To establish a xenotypic tumor mice, CRC cells were subcutaneously injected into the right flank of each mouse. Protein expression of RBM5, Ki67, and PTEN in tumor tissues was examined using immunohistochemistry staining. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate tumor liver metastasis in mice.

RESULTS

We discovered down-regulation of RBM5 expression in CRC tissues and cells. RBM5 overexpression repressed proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Meantime, RBM5 impaired glycolysis in CRC cells, presenting as decreased glucose consumption, decreased lactate production and decreased ATP production. Besides, RBM5 bound to PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression. PTEN expression was positively regulated by RBM5 in CRC cells. The protein levels of PI3K and p-AKT were significantly decreased after RBM5 overexpression. The suppressive influences of RBM5 on glycolysis, proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells were partially counteracted by PTEN knockdown. RBM5 suppressed tumor growth and liver metastasis in vivo.

CONCLUSION

This investigation provided new evidence that RBM5 was involved in CRC by binding to PTEN, expanding the importance of RBM5 in the treatment of CRC.

The relationship between Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA), Warburg-subtype and survival: results from a large prospective series of colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA) is a recently identified haematoxylin & eosin (H&E)based histopathologic biomarker in gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), defined as direct contact between tumour cells and adipocytes at the tumour invasion front. The current study aimed at validating the prognostic relevance of SARIFA in a large population-based CRC series as well as at investigating the relationship between SARIFA-status and previously established Warburg-subtypes, both surrogates of the metabolic state of the tumour cells.

METHODS

SARIFA-status (positive versus negative) was determined on H&E slides of 1,727 CRC specimens. Warburg-subtype (high versus moderate versus low) data was available from our previous study. The associations between SARIFA-status, Warburg-subtype, clinicopathological characteristics and CRC-specific as well as overall survival were investigated.

RESULTS

28.7% (n=496) CRC were SARIFA-positive. SARIFA-positivity was associated with more advanced disease stage, higher pT category, and more frequent lymph node involvement (all p<0.001). SARIFA-positivity was more common in Warburg-high CRC. 44.2% (n=219) of SARIFA-positive CRCs were Warburg-high compared to 22.8% (n=113) being Warburg-low and 33.1% (n=164) being Warburg-moderate (p<0.001). In multivariable-adjusted analysis, patients with SARIFA-positive CRCs had significantly poorer CRC-specific (HRCRC-specific 1.65; 95% CI 1.41-1.93) and overall survival (HRoverall survival 1.46; 95% CI 1.28-1.67) independent of clinically known risk factors and independent of Warburg-subtype. Combining the SARIFA-status and the Warburg-subtype to a combination score (SARIFA-negative/Warburg-high versus SARIFA-positive/Warburg-low versus SARIFA-positive/Warburg-high, and so on) did not improve the survival prediction compared to the use of SARIFA-status alone (SARIFA-negative + Warburg-high: HRCRC-specific 1.08; 95% CI 0.84-1.38; SARIFA-positive + Warburg-low: HRCRC-specific 1.79; 95% CI 1.32-2.41; SARIFA-positive + Warburg-high: HRCRC-specific 1.58; 95% CI 1.23-2.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our current study is the by far largest external validation of SARIFA-positivity as a novel independent negative prognostic H&E-based biomarker in CRC. In addition, our study shows that SARIFA-positivity is associated with the Warburg-high subtype. Further research is warranted to provide a more mechanistic understanding of the underlying tumour biology. Based on our data, we conclude SARIFA-status should be implemented in pathologic routine practice to stratify CRC patients.

ASS1 Enhances Anoikis Resistance via AMPK/CPT1A-mediated Fatty Acid Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer

Metastasis is the leading cause of death in ovarian cancer (OC), with anoikis resistance being a crucial step for detached OC cells survival. Despite extensive research, targeting anoikis resistance remians a challenge. Here, we identify argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), a key enzyme in urea cycle, is markedly upregulated in OC cells in detached culture and is associated with increased anoikis resistance and metastasis. Disruption of the AMP/ATP balance by elevated ASS1 activates AMPK and its downstream factor, CPT1A. Then, ASS1 enhances FAO, leading to higher ATP generation and lipid utilization. Inhibition of CPT1A reverses ASS1-induced FAO. Our study gives some new functional insights into OC metabolism and represents a shift from traditional views, expanding ASS1's relevance beyond nitrogen metabolism to fatty acid metabolism. It uncovers how ASS1-induced FAO disrupts the AMP/ATP balance, leading to AMPK activation. By identifying the ASS1/AMPK/CPT1A axis as crucial for OC anoikis resistance and metastasis, our study opens up new avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Dependence on mitochondrial respiration of malignant T cells reveals a new therapeutic target for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma

Cancer metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as one of the cancer hallmarks that promote cell proliferation, survival, as well as therapeutic resistance. Up-to-date regulation of metabolism in T-cell lymphoma is poorly understood. In particular, for human angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) the metabolic profile is not known. Metabolic intervention could help identify new treatment options for this cancer with very poor outcomes and no effective medication. Transcriptomic analysis of AITL tumor cells, identified that these cells use preferentially mitochondrial metabolism. By using our preclinical AITL mouse model, mimicking closely human AITL features, we confirmed that T follicular helper (Tfh) tumor cells exhibit a strong enrichment of mitochondrial metabolic signatures. Consistent with these results, disruption of mitochondrial metabolism using metformin or a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor such as IACS improved the survival of AITL lymphoma-bearing mice. Additionally, we confirmed a selective elimination of the malignant human AITL T cells in patient biopsies upon mitochondrial respiration inhibition. Moreover, we confirmed that diabetic patients suffering from T-cell lymphoma, treated with metformin survived longer as compared to patients receiving alternative treatments. Taking together, our findings suggest that targeting the mitochondrial metabolic pathway could be a clinically efficient approach to inhibit aggressive cancers such as peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

NF2: An underestimated player in cancer metabolic reprogramming and tumor immunity

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a tumor suppressor gene implicated in various tumors, including mesothelioma, schwannomas, and meningioma. As a member of the ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM) family of proteins, merlin, which is encoded by NF2, regulates diverse cellular events and signalling pathways, such as the Hippo, mTOR, RAS, and cGAS-STING pathways. However, the biological role of NF2 in tumorigenesis has not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, cross-cancer mutations may exert distinct biological effects on tumorigenesis and treatment response. In addition to the functional inactivation of NF2, the codeficiency of other genes, such as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/B (CDKN2A/B), BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1), and large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2), results in unique tumor characteristics that should be considered in clinical treatment decisions. Notably, several recent studies have explored the metabolic and immunological features associated with NF2, offering potential insights into tumor biology and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. In this review, we consolidate the current knowledge on NF2 and examine the potential connection between cancer metabolism and tumor immunity in merlin-deficient malignancies. This review may provide a deeper understanding of the biological roles of NF2 and guide possible therapeutic avenues.

Metabolic reprogramming-driven homologous recombination and TCA cycle dysregulation contribute to poor prognoses in lung adenocarcinoma

Increasing evidence has shown that homologous recombination (HR) and metabolic reprogramming are essential for cellular homeostasis. These two processes are independent as well as closely intertwined. Nevertheless, they have rarely been reported in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We analysed the genomic, immune microenvironment and metabolic microenvironment features under different HR activity states. Using cell cycle, EDU and cell invasion assays, we determined the impacts of si-SHFM1 on the LUAD cell cycle, proliferation and invasion. The levels of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH) were determined by ELISA in the NC and si-SHFM1 groups of A549 cells. Finally, cell samples were used to extract metabolites for HPIC-MS/MS to analyse central carbon metabolism. We found that high HR activity was associated with a poor prognosis in LUAD, and HR was an independent prognostic factor for TCGA-LUAD patients. Moreover, LUAD samples with a high HR activity presented low immune infiltration levels, a high degree of genomic instability, a good response status to immune checkpoint blockade therapy and a high degree of drug sensitivity. The si-SHFM1 group presented a significantly higher proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase, lower levels of DNA replication, and significantly lower levels of cell migration and both TCA enzymes. Our current results indicated that there is a strong correlation between HR and the TCA cycle in LUAD. The TCA cycle can promote SHFM1-mediated HR in LUAD, raising their activities, which can finally result in a poor prognosis and impair immunotherapeutic efficacy.

Emerging roles of lactate in acute and chronic inflammation

Traditionally, lactate has been considered a 'waste product' of cellular metabolism. Recent findings have shown that lactate is a substance that plays an indispensable role in various physiological cellular functions and contributes to energy metabolism and signal transduction during immune and inflammatory responses. The discovery of lactylation further revealed the role of lactate in regulating inflammatory processes. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the paradoxical characteristics of lactate metabolism in the inflammatory microenvironment and highlight the pivotal roles of lactate homeostasis, the lactate shuttle, and lactylation ('lactate clock') in acute and chronic inflammatory responses from a molecular perspective. We especially focused on lactate and lactate receptors with either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects on complex molecular biological signalling pathways and investigated the dynamic changes in inflammatory immune cells in the lactate-related inflammatory microenvironment. Moreover, we reviewed progress on the use of lactate as a therapeutic target for regulating the inflammatory response, which may provide a new perspective for treating inflammation-related diseases.

Dual roles of HK3 in regulating the network between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common and deadliest extracranial solid tumor in children. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a strategy for attenuating tumor-promoting states. The crosstalk between cancer cells and TAMs plays a pivotal role in mediating tumor progression in NB. The overexpression of Hexokinase-3 (HK3), a pivotal enzyme in glucose metabolism, has been associated with poor prognosis in NB patients. Furthermore, it correlates with the infiltration of M2-like macrophages within NB tumors, indicating its significant involvement in tumor progression. Therefore, HK3 not only directly regulates the malignant biological behaviors of tumor cells, such as proliferation, migration, and invasion, but also recruits and polarizes M2-like macrophages through the PI3K/AKT-CXCL14 axis in neuroblastoma. The secretion of lactate and histone lactylation alterations within tumor cells accompanies this interaction. Additionally, elevated expression of HK3 in M2-TAMs was found at the same time. Modulating HK3 within M2-TAMs alters the biological behavior of tumor cells, as demonstrated by our in vitro studies. This study highlights the pivotal role of HK3 in the progression of NB malignancy and its intricate regulatory network with M2-TAMs. It establishes HK3 as a promising dual-functional biomarker and therapeutic target in combating neuroblastoma.

Multiple-matrix metabolomics analysis for the distinct detection of colorectal cancer and adenoma

OBJECTIVES

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality, current diagnostic tests for early-stage CRC and colorectal adenoma (CRA) are suboptimal. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore less invasive screening procedures for CRC and CRA diagnosis.

METHODS

Untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolic profiling approach was applied to identify candidate metabolites. We performed metabolomics profiling on plasma samples from 412 subjects including 200 CRC patients, 160 CRA patients and 52 normal controls (NC). Among these patients, 45 CRC patients, 152 CRA patients and 50 normal controls had their fecal samples tested simultaneously.

RESULTS

Differential metabolites were screened in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Three diagnostic models were further developed to identify cancer group, cancer stage, and cancer microsatellite status using those significant metabolites. The three-metabolite-only classifiers used to distinguish the cancer group always keeps the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) greater than 0.7. The AUC performance of the classifiers applied to discriminate CRC stage is generally greater than 0.8, and the classifiers used to distinguish microsatellite status of CRC is greater than 0.9.

CONCLUSION

This finding highlights potential early-driver metabolites in CRA and early-stage CRC. We also find potential metabolic markers for discriminating the microsatellite state of CRC. Our study and diagnostic model have potential applications for non-invasive CRC and CRA detection.

Metabolic Regulation-Mediated Reversion of the Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment for Potentiating Cooperative Metabolic Therapy and Immunotherapy

Tumor cells exhibit heightened glucose (Glu) consumption and increased lactic acid (LA) production, resulting in the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitates malignant proliferation and metastasis. In this study, we meticulously engineer an antitumor nanoplatform, denoted as ZLGCR, by incorporating glucose oxidase, LA oxidase, and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 that is camouflaged with a red blood cell membrane. Significantly, ZLGCR-mediated consumption of Glu and LA not only amplifies the effectiveness of metabolic therapy but also reverses the immunosuppressive TME, thereby enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of CpG-mediated antitumor immunotherapy. It is particularly important that the synergistic effect of metabolic therapy and immunotherapy is further augmented when combined with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Consequently, this engineered antitumor nanoplatform will achieve a cooperative tumor-suppressive outcome through the modulation of metabolism and immune responses within the TME.

Identification of pyruvic and maleic acid as potential markers for disease activity and prognosis in chronic urticaria

BACKGROUND

Population-based studies have highlighted the link between chronic urticaria (CU) and metabolic syndrome, and metabolic alterations have been revealed in CU. However, to our knowledge, a comprehensive metabolomics study on a large cohort of patients with CU has not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to explore the underlying metabolic subtypes and novel metabolite biomarkers for CU diagnosis and therapy.

METHODS

Plasma samples from 80 patients with CU and 82 healthy controls were collected for metabolomics quantification and bioinformatics analysis. Another independent cohort consisting of 144 patients with CU was studied to validate the findings. Bone marrow-derived mast cells and mice with IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis were used for in vitro and in vivo experiments, respectively.

RESULTS

We observed clear metabolome differences between CU patients and healthy controls. Meanwhile, differential metabolites N6-acetyl-l-lysine, l-aspartate, maleic acid, and pyruvic acid were used to construct random forest classifiers and achieved area under receiver operating characteristic curve values greater than 0.85, suggesting their potential as diagnostic biomarkers of CU. More importantly, by exploring the underlying metabolic subtypes of CU, we found that the low abundance of pyruvic acid and maleic acid was significantly related to the activity of CU, poor efficacy of second-generation H1 antihistamines, and short relapse-free time. The results were validated in the independent cohort. Moreover, supplementation with pyruvate or maleate could significantly attenuate IgE-mediated mast cell activation in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma pyruvic acid and maleic acid may be effective biomarkers for predicting disease activity, therapeutic efficacy, and prognosis for patients with CU.

Biochanin A - A G6PD inhibitor: In silico and in vitro studies in non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549)

Secondary metabolites from medicinal plants have a well-established therapeutic potential, with many of these chemicals having specialized medical uses. Isoflavonoids, a type of secondary metabolite, have little cytotoxicity against healthy human cells, making them interesting candidates for cancer treatment. Extensive research has been conducted to investigate the chemo-preventive benefits of flavonoids in treating various cancers. Biochanin A (BA), an isoflavonoid abundant in plants such as red clover, soy, peanuts, and chickpeas, was the subject of our present study. This study aimed to determine how BA affected glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in human lung cancer cells. The study provides meaningful insight and a significant impact of BA on the association between metastasis, inflammation, and G6PD inhibition in A549 cells. Comprehensive in vitro tests revealed that BA has anti-inflammatory effects. Molecular docking experiments shed light on BA's high binding affinity for the G6PD receptor. BA substantially decreased the expression of G6PD and other inflammatory and metastasis-related markers. In conclusion, our findings highlight the potential of BA as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment, specifically by targeting G6PD and related pathways. BA's varied effects, which range from anti-inflammatory capabilities to metastasis reduction, make it an appealing option for future investigation in the development of new cancer therapeutics.

Icaritin activates p53 and inhibits aerobic glycolysis in liver cancer cells

Metabolic reprogramming enables cancer cells to generate energy mainly through aerobic glycolysis, which is achieved by increasing the expression levels of glycolysis-related enzymes. Therefore, the development of drugs targeting aerobic glycolysis could be an effective strategy for cancer treatment. Icaritin (ICT) is an active ingredient from the Chinese herbal plant Epimedium with several biological activities, but its anti-cancer mechanism remains inconclusive. Using normal hepatocytes and hepatoma cells, our results showed that ICT suppressed cell proliferation and clonal formation and decreased glucose consumption and lactate production in liver cancer cells. In consistent, the mRNA and protein levels of several aerobic glycolysis-related genes were decreased upon ICT treatment. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the expression levels of the aerobic glycolysis-related proteins were correlated with the p53 status in hepatoma cells. Using PFT-α or siRNA-p53, our results confirmed that ICT regulated aerobic glycolysis in a p53-dependent manner. In addition, ICT was found to stabilize p53 at the post-translational level which might be mediated by inhibiting MDM2 expression and affecting its interaction with p53. Finally, our results demonstrated that ICT increased the levels of ROS that activated p53 via the p38 MAPK pathway. In conclusion, ICT increased intracellular ROS levels in liver cancer cells, which promoted the stabilization and activation of p53, inhibiting the expression of aerobic glycolysis-related genes and glycolysis, and ultimately leading to the suppression of liver cancer development.

Identification of MGMT promoter methylation as a specific lipid metabolism biomarker, reveals the feasibility of atorvastatin application in glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest tumors, and limited improvement in managing glioblastoma has been achieved in the past decades. The unmethylated promoter area of 6-O-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) is a significant biomarker for recognizing a subset of glioblastoma that is resistant to chemotherapy. Here we identified MGMT methylation can also work as a specific biomarker to classify the lipid metabolism patterns between methylated and unmethylated glioblastoma and verify the potential novel therapeutic strategy for unmethylated MGMT glioblastoma.

METHODS

Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer has been applied for non-targeted metabolome and targeted lipidomic profiling to explore the metabolism pattern correlated with MGMT promoter methylation. Transcriptome has been performed to explore the biological differences and the potential mechanism of lipid metabolism in glioblastoma samples. In vivo and ex vivo assays were performed to verify the anti-tumor activity of atorvastatin in the administration of glioblastoma.

RESULTS

Multi-omics assay has described a significant difference in lipid metabolism between MGMT methylated and unmethylated glioblastoma. Longer and unsaturated fatty acyls were found enriched in MGMT-UM tumors. Lipid droplets have been revealed remarkably decreased in MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma. In vivo and ex vivo assays revealed that atorvastatin and also together with temozolomide showed significant anti-tumor activity, and atorvastatin alone was able to achieve better survival and living conditions for tumor-hosting mice.

CONCLUSIONS

MGMT promoter methylation status might be a well-performed biomarker of lipid metabolism in glioblastoma. The current study can be the basis of further mechanism studies and implementation of clinical trials, and the results provide preclinical evidence of atorvastatin administration in glioblastoma, especially for MGMT unmethylated tumors.

The RAGE Axis: A Relevant Inflammatory Hub in Human Diseases

In 1992, a transcendental report suggested that the receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) functions as a cell surface receptor for a wide and diverse group of compounds, commonly referred to as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), resulting from the non-enzymatic glycation of lipids and proteins in response to hyperglycemia. The interaction of these compounds with RAGE represents an essential element in triggering the cellular response to proteins or lipids that become glycated. Although initially demonstrated for diabetes complications, a growing body of evidence clearly supports RAGE's role in human diseases. Moreover, the recognizing capacities of this receptor have been extended to a plethora of structurally diverse ligands. As a result, it has been acknowledged as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and functionally categorized as the RAGE axis. The ligation to RAGE leads the initiation of a complex signaling cascade and thus triggering crucial cellular events in the pathophysiology of many human diseases. In the present review, we intend to summarize basic features of the RAGE axis biology as well as its contribution to some relevant human diseases such as metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and chronic airways diseases, and cancer as a result of exposure to AGEs, as well as many other ligands.

Glutamine Supplementation as an Anticancer Strategy: A Potential Therapeutic Alternative to the Convention

Glutamine, a multifaceted nonessential/conditionally essential amino acid integral to cellular metabolism and immune function, holds pivotal importance in the landscape of cancer therapy. This review delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding both glutamine antagonism strategies and glutamine supplementation within the context of cancer treatment, emphasizing the critical role of glutamine metabolism in cancer progression and therapy. Glutamine antagonism, aiming to disrupt tumor growth by targeting critical metabolic pathways, is challenged by the adaptive nature of cancer cells and the complex metabolic microenvironment, potentially compromising its therapeutic efficacy. In contrast, glutamine supplementation supports immune function, improves gut integrity, alleviates treatment-related toxicities, and improves patient well-being. Moreover, recent studies highlighted its contributions to epigenetic regulation within cancer cells and its potential to bolster anti-cancer immune functions. However, glutamine implementation necessitates careful consideration of potential interactions with ongoing treatment regimens and the delicate equilibrium between supporting normal cellular function and promoting tumorigenesis. By critically assessing the implications of both glutamine antagonism strategies and glutamine supplementation, this review aims to offer comprehensive insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting glutamine metabolism for effective cancer management.

Recent advances in pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitors: Structures, inhibitory mechanisms and biological activities

Metabolism is reprogrammed in a variety of cancer cells to ensure their rapid proliferation. Cancer cells prefer to utilize glycolysis to produce energy as well as to provide large amounts of precursors for their division. In this process, cancer cells inhibit the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) by upregulating the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs). Inhibiting the activity of PDKs in cancer cells can effectively block this metabolic transition in cancer cells, while also activating mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and promoting apoptosis of cancer cells. To this day, the study of PDKs inhibitors has become one of the research hotspots in the field of medicinal chemistry. Novel structures targeting PDKs are constantly being discovered, and some inhibitors have entered the clinical research stage. Here, we reviewed the research progress of PDKs inhibitors in recent years and classified them according to the PDKs binding sites they acted on, aiming to summarize the structural characteristics of inhibitors acting on different binding sites and explore their clinical application value. Finally, the shortcomings of some PDKs inhibitors and the further development direction of PDKs inhibitors are discussed.

Targeting the Warburg effect: A revisited perspective from molecular mechanisms to traditional and innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer

Cancer reprogramming is an important facilitator of cancer development and survival, with tumor cells exhibiting a preference for aerobic glycolysis beyond oxidative phosphorylation, even under sufficient oxygen supply condition. This metabolic alteration, known as the Warburg effect, serves as a significant indicator of malignant tumor transformation. The Warburg effect primarily impacts cancer occurrence by influencing the aerobic glycolysis pathway in cancer cells. Key enzymes involved in this process include glucose transporters (GLUTs), HKs, PFKs, LDHs, and PKM2. Moreover, the expression of transcriptional regulatory factors and proteins, such as FOXM1, p53, NF-κB, HIF1α, and c-Myc, can also influence cancer progression. Furthermore, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circular RNAs play a vital role in directly regulating the Warburg effect. Additionally, gene mutations, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune system interactions are closely associated with the Warburg effect. Notably, the development of drugs targeting the Warburg effect has exhibited promising potential in tumor treatment. This comprehensive review presents novel directions and approaches for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients by conducting in-depth research and summarizing the bright prospects of targeting the Warburg effect in cancer.

Cellular senescence-driven transcriptional reprogramming of the MAFB/NOTCH3 axis activates the PI3K/AKT pathway and promotes osteosarcoma progression

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of bones and primarily occurs in adolescents and young adults. However, a second smaller peak of osteosarcoma incidence was reported in the elderly aged more than 60. Elderly patients with osteosarcoma exhibit different characteristics compared to young patients, which usually results in a poor prognosis. The mechanism underlying osteosarcoma development in elderly patients is intriguing and of significant value in clinical applications. Senescent cells can accelerate tumor progression by metabolic reprogramming. Recent research has shown that methylmalonic acid (MMA) was significantly up-regulated in the serum of older individuals and played a central role in the development of aggressive characteristics. We found that the significant accumulation of MMA in elderly patients imparted proliferative potential to osteosarcoma cells. The expression of MAFB was excessively up-regulated in osteosarcoma specimens and was further enhanced in response to MMA accumulation as the patient aged. Specifically, we first confirmed a novel molecular mechanism between cellular senescence and cancer, in which the MMA-driven transcriptional reprogramming of the MAFB-NOTCH3 axis accelerated osteosarcoma progression via the activation of PI3K-AKT pathways. Moreover, the down-regulation of the MAFB-NOTCH3 axis increased the sensitivity and effect of AKT inhibitors in osteosarcoma through significant inhibition of AKT phosphorylation. In conclusion, we confirmed that MAFB is a novel age-dependent biomarker for osteosarcoma, and targeting the MAFB-NOTCH3 axis in combination with AKT inhibition can serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for elderly patients with osteosarcoma in experimental and clinical trials.

tRF-1:30-Gly-CCC-3 inhibits thyroid cancer via binding to PC and modulating metabolic reprogramming

tRFs and tiRNAs (tRNA-derived fragments) are an emerging class of small noncoding RNAs produced by the precise shearing of tRNAs in response to specific stimuli. They have been reported to regulate the pathological processes of numerous human cancers. However, the biofunction of tRFs and tiRNAs in the development and progression of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not been reported yet. In this study, we aimed to explore the biological roles of tRFs and tiRNAs in PTC and discovered that a novel 5'tRNA-derived fragment called tRF-1:30-Gly-CCC-3 (tRF-30) was markedly down-regulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. Functionally, tRF-30 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of PTC cells. Mechanistically, tRF-30 directly bound to the biotin-dependent enzyme pyruvate carboxylase (PC), downregulated its protein level, interfered with the TCA cycle intermediate anaplerosis, and thus affected metabolic reprogramming and PTC progression. These findings revealed a novel regulatory mechanism for tRFs and a potential therapeutic target for PTC.

MTHFD1 regulates the NADPH redox homeostasis in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma

MYCN amplification is an independent poor prognostic factor in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma (NB). Further exploring the molecular regulatory mechanisms in MYCN-amplified NB will help to develop novel therapy targets. In this study, methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) was identified as the differentially expressed gene (DEG) highly expressed in MYCN-amplified NB, and it showed a positive correlation with MYCN and was associated with a poor prognosis of NB patients. Knockdown of MTHFD1 inhibited proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis of NB cells in vitro. Mouse model experiments validated the tumorigenic effect of MTHFD1 in NB in vivo. In terms of the mechanism, ChIP-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that MTHFD1 was directly activated by MYCN at the transcriptional level. As an important enzyme in the folic acid metabolism pathway, MTHFD1 maintained the NADPH redox homeostasis in MYCN-amplified NB. Knockdown of MTHFD1 reduced cellular NADPH/NADP+ and GSH/GSSG ratios, increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggered the apoptosis of NB cells. Moreover, genetic knockdown of MTHFD1 or application of the anti-folic acid metabolism drug methotrexate (MTX) potentiated the anti-tumor effect of JQ1 both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, MTHFD1 as an oncogene is a potential therapeutic target for MYCN-amplified NB. The combination of MTX with JQ1 is of important clinical translational significance for the treatment of patients with MYCN-amplified NB.

The role of blood metabolites in oral cancer: insights from a Mendelian randomization approach

Aim

This research aimed to explore the causal impact of blood metabolites on oral cancer using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The study endeavored to identify potential biomarkers for oral cancer's clinical management.

Materials and methods

Based on the large individual-level datasets from UK Biobank as well as GWAS summary datasets, we first constructed genetic risk scores (GRSs) of 486 human blood metabolites and evaluated the effect on oral cancer. Various statistical methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median, among others, were employed to analyze the potential causal relationship between blood metabolites and oral cancer. The sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochran's Q tests, funnel plots, leave-one-out analyses, and MR-Egger intercept tests.

Results

29 metabolites met the stringent selection criteria. Out of these, 14 metabolites demonstrated a positive association with oral cancer risk, while 15 metabolites indicated a protective effect against oral cancer. The IVW-derived estimates were significant, and the results were consistent across different statistical methodologies. Both the Cochran Q test and the MR-Egger intercept test indicated no heterogeneity and pleiotropy.

Conclusion

This MR study offers evidence of the role specific blood metabolites play in oral cancer, pinpointing several with potential risk or protective effects. These findings could be helpful for new diagnostic tools and treatments for oral cancer. While the results are promising, additional research is necessary to fully validate and refine these conclusions. This study serves as a foundational step towards more comprehensive understandings in the future.

Targeting ONECUT3 blocks glycolytic metabolism and potentiates anti-PD-1 therapy in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Reprogramming glucose metabolism, also known as the Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis), is a hallmark of cancers. Increased tumor glycolysis not only favors rapid cancer cell proliferation but reprograms the immune microenvironment to enable tumor progression. The transcriptional factor ONECUT3 plays key roles in the development of the liver and pancreas, however, limited is known about its oncogenic roles, particularly metabolic reprogramming.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting are applied to determine the expression pattern of ONECUT3 and its clinical relevance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Knockdown and overexpression strategies are employed to determine the in vitro and in vivo functions of ONECUT3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, and gene set enrichment analysis are used to decipher the molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

The glycolytic metabolism is inversely associated with T-cell infiltration in PDAC. ONECUT3 is identified as a key regulator for PDAC glycolysis and CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Genetic silencing of ONECUT3 inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell apoptosis, and reduces glycolytic metabolism as evidenced by glucose uptake, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rate. Opposite effects of ONECUT3 are observed in overexpression studies. ONECUT3 enhances aerobic glycolysis via transcriptional regulation of PDK1. Targeting ONECUT3 effectively suppresses tumor growth, increases CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and potentiates anti-PD-1 therapy in PDAC. Pharmacological inhibition of PDK1 also shows a synergistic effect with anti-PD-1 therapy. In clinical setting, ONECUT3 is closely associated with PDK1 expression and T-cell infiltration in PDAC and acts as an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals a previous unprecedented regulatory role of ONECUT3 in PDAC glycolysis and provides in vivo evidence that increased glycolysis is linked to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Moreover, targeting ONECUT3-PDK1 axis may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of PDAC.

Regulation of mitochondrial metabolism by autophagy supports leptin-induced cell migration

Leptin is an adipokine secreted by adipose tissue, which promotes tumor progression by activating canonical signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK. Recent studies have shown that leptin induces autophagy, and this process is involved in leptin-induced characteristics of malignancy. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process associated with different hallmarks of cancer, such as cell survival, migration, and metabolic reprogramming. However, its relationship with metabolic reprogramming has not been clearly described. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of leptin-induced autophagy in cancer cell metabolism and its association with cellular proliferation and migration in breast cancer cells. We used ER+/PR+ and triple-negative breast cancer cell lines treated with leptin, autophagy inhibition, or mitochondrial metabolism inhibitors. Our results show that leptin induces autophagy, increases proliferation, mitochondrial ATP production and mitochondrial function in ER+/PR+ cells. Importantly, autophagy was required to maintain metabolic changes and cell proliferation driven by leptin. In triple-negative cells, leptin did not induce autophagy or cell proliferation but increased glycolytic and mitochondrial ATP production, mitochondrial function, and cell migration. In triple negative cells, autophagy was required to support metabolic changes and cell migration, and autophagy inhibition decreased cellular migration similar to mitochondrial inhibitors. In conclusion, leptin-induced autophagy supports mitochondrial metabolism in breast cancer cells as well as glycolysis in triple negative cells. Importantly, leptin-induced mitochondrial metabolism promoted cancer cell migration.

Protein-Protein Interactions of Seryl-tRNA Synthetases with Emphasis on Human Counterparts and Their Connection to Health and Disease

Seryl-tRNA synthetases (SerRSs), members of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family, interact with diverse proteins, enabling SerRSs to enhance their role in the translation of the genetic message or to perform alternative functions in cellular processes beyond translation. Atypical archaeal SerRS interacts with arginyl-tRNA synthetase and proteins of the ribosomal P-stalk to optimize translation through tRNA channeling. The complex between yeast SerRS and peroxin Pex21p provides a connection between translation and peroxisome function. The partnership between Arabidopsis SerRS and BEN1 indicates a link between translation and brassinosteroid metabolism and may be relevant in plant stress response mechanisms. In Drosophila, the unusual heterodimeric mitochondrial SerRS coordinates mitochondrial translation and replication via interaction with LON protease. Evolutionarily conserved interactions of yeast and human SerRSs with m3C32 tRNA methyltransferases indicate coordination between tRNA modification and aminoacylation in the cytosol and mitochondria. Human cytosolic SerRS is a cellular hub protein connecting translation to vascular development, angiogenesis, lipogenesis, and telomere maintenance. When translocated to the nucleus, SerRS acts as a master negative regulator of VEGFA gene expression. SerRS alone or in complex with YY1 and SIRT2 competes with activating transcription factors NFκB1 and c-Myc, resulting in balanced VEGFA expression important for proper vascular development and angiogenesis. In hypoxia, SerRS phosphorylation diminishes its binding to the VEGFA promoter, while the lack of nutrients triggers SerRS glycosylation, reducing its nuclear localization. Additionally, SerRS binds telomeric DNA and cooperates with the shelterin protein POT1 to regulate telomere length and cellular senescence. As an antitumor and antiangiogenic factor, human cytosolic SerRS appears to be a promising drug target and therapeutic agent for treating cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and possibly obesity and aging.

SPC25 as a novel therapeutic and prognostic biomarker and its association with glycolysis, ferroptosis and ceRNA in lung adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Spindle pole body component 25 (SPC25) is an important cyclin involved in chromosome segregation and spindle dynamics regulation during mitosis. However, the role of SPC25 in lung adenocarcinoma (LAUD) is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The differential expression of SPC25 in tumor samples and normal samples was analyzed using TIMER, TCGA, GEO databases, and the correlation between its expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis in LUAD patients. Biological pathways that may be enriched by SPC25 were analyzed using GSEA. In vitro cell experiments were used to evaluate the effect of knocking down SPC25 expression on LUAD cells. Correlation analysis and differential analysis were used to assess the association of SPC25 expression with genes related to cell cycle, glycolysis, and ferroptosis. A ceRNA network involving SPC25 was constructed using multiple database analyses.

RESULTS

SPC25 was highly expressed in LUAD, and its expression level could guide staging and predict prognosis. GSEA found that high expression of SPC25 involved multiple cell cycles and glycolytic pathways. Knocking down SPC25 expression significantly affected the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of LUAD cells. Abnormal SPC25 expression levels can affect cell cycle progression, glycolytic ability and ferroptosis regulation. A ceRNA network containing SPC25, SNHG15/hsa-miR-451a/SPC25, was successfully predicted and constructed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal the association of up-regulation of SPC25 in LUAD and its expression with clinical features, prognosis prediction, proliferation migration, cell cycle, glycolysis, ferroptosis, and ceRNA networks. Our results indicate that SPC25 can be used as a biomarker in LUAD therapy and a target for therapeutic intervention.

Analyzing the impact of metabolism on immune cells in tumor microenvironment to promote the development of immunotherapy

Tumor metabolism and tumor immunity are inextricably linked. Targeting the metabolism of tumors is a point worth studying in tumor immunotherapy. Recently, the influence of the metabolism of tumors and immune cells on the occurrence, proliferation, metastasis, and prognosis of tumors has attracted more attention. Tumor tissue forms a specific tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition to tumor cells, there are also immune cells, stromal cells, and other cells in TME. To adapt to the environment, tumor cells go through the metabolism reprogramming of various substances. The metabolism reprogramming of tumor cells may further affect the formation of the tumor microenvironment and the function of a variety of cells, especially immune cells, eventually promoting tumor development. Therefore, it is necessary to study the metabolism of tumor cells and its effects on immune cells to guide tumor immunotherapy. Inhibiting tumor metabolism may restore immune balance and promote the immune response in tumors. This article will describe glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and immune cells in tumors. Besides, the impact of metabolism on the immune cells in TME is also discussed for analyzing and exploring tumor immunotherapy.

DMSA-coated IONPs trigger oxidative stress, mitochondrial metabolic reprograming and changes in mitochondrial disposition, hindering cell cycle progression of cancer cells

There is increasing interest in modulating the redox homeostasis of tumors since high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) make them more vulnerable to changes in these species. Nanomedicine offers promise in this context as such applications may provoke biological responses that induce ROS production. Indeed, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) can induce ROS accumulation through the so-called Fenton reaction of iron, further augmenting the ROS in tumors and overloading the antioxidant system beyond its capacity, thereby driving oxidative stress to a level that is incompatible with cell survival. Here, three different coatings for IONPs were compared to assess their intrinsic capacity to induce ROS production in cells. Of these coatings, dimercaptosuccinic acid-coated IONPs (DMSA-NPs) provoked the strongest ROS production, which was associated with the ability to reprogram the metabolism of cancer cells. This latter phenomenon involved shutting-down oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), shifting mitochondrial morphology towards a more elongated phenotype, reducing the total mitochondrial mass and ultimately, blocking cell proliferation by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Consequently, the data obtained highlights the importance of studying the chemical properties of IONPs, presenting DMSA-NPs as a novel tool to induce oxidative stress in cancer cells and alter their cell fate.

Deregulated transcription factors in the emerging cancer hallmarks

Cancer progression is a multifaceted process that entails several stages and demands the persistent expression or activation of transcription factors (TFs) to facilitate growth and survival. TFs are a cluster of proteins with DNA-binding domains that attach to promoter or enhancer DNA strands to start the transcription of genes by collaborating with RNA polymerase and other supporting proteins. They are generally acknowledged as the major regulatory molecules that coordinate biological homeostasis and the appropriate functioning of cellular components, subsequently contributing to human physiology. TFs proteins are crucial for controlling transcription during the embryonic stage and development, and the stability of different cell types depends on how they function in different cell types. The development and progression of cancer cells and tumors might be triggered by any anomaly in transcription factor function. It has long been acknowledged that cancer development is accompanied by the dysregulated activity of TF alterations which might result in faulty gene expression. Recent studies have suggested that dysregulated transcription factors play a major role in developing various human malignancies by altering and rewiring metabolic processes, modifying the immune response, and triggering oncogenic signaling cascades. This review emphasizes the interplay between TFs involved in metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, evading immune attacks, cellular senescence, and the maintenance of cancer stemness in cancerous cells. The insights presented herein will facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic modalities to tackle the dysregulated transcription factors underlying cancer.

NADPH Dynamics: Linking Insulin Resistance and β-Cells Ferroptosis in Diabetes Mellitus

This review offers an in-depth exploration of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) in metabolic health. It delves into how NADPH affects insulin secretion, influences insulin resistance, and plays a role in ferroptosis. NADPH, a critical cofactor in cellular antioxidant systems and lipid synthesis, plays a central role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. In adipocytes and skeletal muscle, NADPH influences the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, a hallmark of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. The review explores the mechanisms by which NADPH contributes to or mitigates insulin resistance, including its role in lipid and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. Parallelly, the paper investigates the dual nature of NADPH in the context of pancreatic β-cell health, particularly in its relation to ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death. While NADPH's antioxidative properties are crucial for preventing oxidative damage in β-cells, its involvement in lipid metabolism can potentiate ferroptotic pathways under certain pathological conditions. This complex relationship underscores the delicate balance of NADPH homeostasis in pancreatic health and diabetes pathogenesis. By integrating findings from recent studies, this review aims to illuminate the nuanced roles of NADPH in different tissues and its potential as a therapeutic target. Understanding these dynamics offers vital insights into the development of more effective strategies for managing insulin resistance and preserving pancreatic β-cell function, thereby advancing the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Specific gut microbiome signature predicts hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients with microvascular invasion

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess differences in intestinal microflora between patients with operable hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) with microvascular invasion (MVI) and those without MVI. Additionally, we investigated the potential of the microbiome as a non-invasive biomarker for patients with MVI.

METHODS

We analyzed the preoperative gut microbiomes (GMs) of two groups, the MVI (n = 46) and non-MVI (n = 56) groups, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing data. At the operational taxonomic unit level, we employed random forest models to predict MVI risk and validated the results in independent validation cohorts [MVI group (n = 17) and non-MVI group (n = 15)].

RESULTS

β diversity analysis, utilizing weighted UniFrac distances, revealed a significant difference between the MVI and non-MVI groups, as indicated by non-metric multidimensional scaling and principal coordinate analysis. We also observed a significant correlation between the characteristic intestinal microbial communities at the genus level and their main functions. Nine optimal microbial markers were identified, with an area under the curve of 79.76% between 46 MVI and 56 non-MVI samples and 79.80% in the independent verification group.

CONCLUSION

This pioneering analysis of the GM in patients with operable HBV-HCC with and without MVI opens new avenues for treating HBV-HCC with MVI. We successfully established a diagnostic model and independently verified microbial markers for patients with MVI. As preoperative targeted biomarkers, GM holds potential as a non-invasive tool for patients with HBV-HCC with MVI.

Inhibition of DHODH Enhances Replication-Associated Genomic Instability and Promotes Sensitivity in Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in the United States. De novo pyrimidine synthesis pathways generate nucleotides that are required for DNA synthesis. Approximately 38% of human endometrial tumors present with an overexpression of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). However, the role of DHODH in cancer cell DNA replication and its impact on modulating a treatment response is currently unknown. Here, we report that endometrial tumors with overexpression of DHODH are associated with a high mutation count and chromosomal instability. Furthermore, tumors with an overexpression of DHODH show significant co-occurrence with mutations in DNA replication polymerases, which result in a histologically high-grade endometrial tumor. An in vitro experiment demonstrated that the inhibition of DHODH in endometrial cancer cell lines significantly induced replication-associated DNA damage and hindered replication fork progression. Furthermore, endometrial cancer cells were sensitive to the DHODH inhibitor either alone or in combination with the Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitor. Our findings may have important clinical implications for utilizing DHODH as a potential target to enhance cytotoxicity in high-grade endometrial tumors.

Increased Lipogenesis Is Important for Hexavalent Chromium-Transformed Lung Cells and Xenograft Tumor Growth

Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is a known carcinogen and environmental health concern. It has been established that reactive oxygen species, genomic instability, and DNA damage repair deficiency are important contributors to the Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis mechanism. However, some hallmarks of cancer remain under-researched regarding the mechanism behind Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis. Increased lipogenesis is important to carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis in multiple types of cancers, yet the role increased lipogenesis has in Cr(VI) carcinogenesis is unclear. We report here that Cr(VI)-induced transformation of three human lung cell lines (BEAS-2B, BEP2D, and WTHBF-6) resulted in increased lipogenesis (palmitic acid levels), and Cr(VI)-transformed cells had an increased expression of key lipogenesis proteins (ATP citrate lyase [ACLY], acetyl-CoA carboxylase [ACC1], and fatty acid synthase [FASN]). We also determined that the Cr(VI)-transformed cells did not exhibit an increase in fatty acid oxidation or lipid droplets compared to their passage-matched control cells. Additionally, we observed increases in ACLY, ACC1, and FASN in lung tumor tissue compared with normal-adjacent lung tissue (in chromate workers that died of chromate-induced tumors). Next, using a known FASN inhibitor (C75), we treated Cr(VI)-transformed BEAS-2B with this inhibitor and measured cell growth, FASN protein expression, and growth in soft agar. We observed that FASN inhibition results in a decreased protein expression, decreased cell growth, and the inhibition of colony growth in soft agar. Next, using shRNA to knock down the FASN protein in Cr(VI)-transformed BEAS-2B cells, we saw a decrease in FASN protein expression and a loss of the xenograft tumor development of Cr(VI)-transformed BEAS-2B cells. These results demonstrate that FASN is important for Cr(VI)-transformed cell growth and cancer properties. In conclusion, these data show that Cr(VI)-transformation in vitro caused an increase in lipogenesis, and that this increase is vital for Cr(VI)-transformed cells.

The crosstalk among the physical tumor microenvironment and the effects of glucose deprivation on tumors in the past decade

The occurrence and progression of tumors are inseparable from glucose metabolism. With the development of tumors, the volume increases gradually and the nutritional supply of tumors cannot be fully guaranteed. The tumor microenvironment changes and glucose deficiency becomes the common stress environment of tumors. Here, we discuss the mutual influences between glucose deprivation and other features of the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxia, immune escape, low pH, and oxidative stress. In the face of a series of stress responses brought by glucose deficiency, different types of tumors have different coping mechanisms. We summarize the tumor studies on glucose deficiency in the last decade and review the genes and pathways that determine the fate of tumors under harsh conditions. It turns out that most of these genes help tumor cells survive in glucose-deprivation conditions. The development of related inhibitors may bring new opportunities for the treatment of tumors.

Single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing analysis to predict the role and clinical value of CD36 in lung squamous cell carcinoma

The majority of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which poses a challenge to the efficacy of chemotherapy. Therefore, the search for an early biomarker needs to be addressed. CD36 is a scavenger receptor expressed in various cell types. It has been reported that it is closely related to the occurrence and development of many kinds of tumours. However, its role in lung squamous cell carcinoma has not been reported. Our research aims to reveal the role of CD36 in lung squamous cell carcinoma by integrating single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing data. We used bioinformatics methods to explore the potential carcinogenicity of CD36 by analysing the data from the cancer genome map (TCGA), gene expression comprehensive map (GEO), human protein map (HPA) comparative toxicology genomics database (CTD) and other resources. Our study dissected the relationship between CD36 and prognosis and gene correlation, functional analysis, mutation of different tumours, infiltration of immune cells and exploring the interaction between CD36 and chemicals. The results showed that the expression of CD36 was heterogeneous. Compared with normal patients, the expression was low in lung squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, CD36 showed early diagnostic value in four kinds of tumours (LUSC, BLCA, BRCA and KIRC) and was positively or negatively correlated with the prognosis of different tumours. The relationship between CD36 and the tumour immune microenvironment was revealed by immunoinfiltration analysis, and many drugs that might target CD36 were identified by the comparative toxicological genomics database (CTD). In summary, through pancancer analysis, we found and verified for the first time that CD36 may play a role in the detection of lung squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, it has high specificity and sensitivity in detecting cancer. Therefore, CD36 can be used as an auxiliary index for early tumour diagnosis and a prognostic marker for lung squamous cell carcinoma.

Environmental cadmium exposure facilitates mammary tumorigenesis via reprogramming gut microbiota-mediated glutamine metabolism in MMTV-Erbb2 mice

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that has been widely reported to be linked to the onset and progression of breast cancer (BC). However, the mechanism of Cd-induced mammary tumorigenesis remains elusive. In our study, a transgenic mouse model that spontaneously develops tumors through overexpression of wild-type Erbb2 (MMTV-Erbb2) was constructed to investigate the effects of Cd exposure on BC tumorigenesis. The results showed that oral exposure to 3.6 mg/L Cd for 23 weeks dramatically accelerated tumor appearance and growth, increased Ki67 density and enhanced focal necrosis and neovascularization in the tumor tissue of MMTV-Erbb2 mice. Notably, Cd exposure enhanced glutamine (Gln) metabolism in tumor tissue, and 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON), a Gln metabolism antagonist, inhibited Cd-induced breast carcinogenesis. Then our metagenomic sequencing and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics confirmed that Cd exposure disturbed gut microbiota homeostasis, especially Helicobacter and Campylobacter abundance remodeling, which altered the gut metabolic homeostasis of Gln. Moreover, intratumoral Gln metabolism profoundly increased under Cd-elevated gut permeability. Importantly, depletion of microbiota with an antibiotic cocktail (AbX) treatment led to a significant delay in the appearance of palpable tumors, inhibition of tumor growth, decrease in tumor weight, reduction in Ki67 expression and low-grade pathology in Cd-exposed MMTV-Erbb2 mice. Also, transplantation of Cd-modulated microbiota decreased tumor latency, accelerated tumor growth, increased tumor weight, upregulated Ki67 expression and exacerbated neovascularization as well as focal necrosis in MMTV-Erbb2 mice. In summary, Cd exposure induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, elevated gut permeability and increased intratumoral Gln metabolism, leading to the promotion of mammary tumorigenesis. This study provides novel insights into environmental Cd exposure-mediated carcinogenesis.

ERRα promotes glycolytic metabolism and targets the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway to regulate pyroptosis in endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

Tumor cells can resist chemotherapy-induced pyroptosis through glycolytic reprogramming. Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) is a central regulator of cellular energy metabolism associated with poor cancer prognosis. Herein, we refine the oncogenic role of ERRα in the pyroptosis pathway and glycolytic metabolism.

METHODS

The interaction between ERRα and HIF-1α was verified using co-immunoprecipitation. The transcriptional binding sites of ERRα and NLRP3 were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay and cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag). Flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cell mito stress test, and extracellular acidification rate analysis were performed to investigate the effects of ERRα on the pyroptosis pathway and glycolytic metabolism. The results of these experiments were further confirmed in endometrial cancer (EC)-derived organoids and nude mice. In addition, the expression of ERRα-related pyroptosis genes was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus database.

RESULTS

Triggered by a hypoxic microenvironment, highly expressed ERRα could bind to the promoter of NLRP3 and inhibit caspase-1/GSDMD signaling, which reduced inflammasome activation and increased pyroptosis resistance, thereby resulting in the resistance of cancer cells to cisplatin. Moreover, ERRα activated glycolytic rate-limiting enzyme to bridge glycolytic metabolism and pyroptosis in EC. This phenomenon was further confirmed in EC-derived organoids and nude mice. CUT & Tag sequencing and The Cancer Genome Atlas database analysis showed that ERRα participated in glycolysis and programmed cell death, which resulted in EC progression.

CONCLUSIONS

ERRα inhibits pyroptosis in an NLRP3-dependent manner and induces glycolytic metabolism, resulting in cisplatin resistance in EC cells.

Rapid multi-task diagnosis of oral cancer leveraging fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy and deep learning algorithms

Introduction

Oral cancer, a predominant malignancy in developing nations, represents a global health challenge with a five-year survival rate below 50%. Nonetheless, substantial reductions in both its incidence and mortality rates can be achieved through early detection and appropriate treatment. Crucial to these treatment plans and prognosis predictions is the identification of the pathological type of oral cancer.

Methods

Toward this end, fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy emerges as an effective tool. This study combines Raman spectroscopy technology with deep learning algorithms to develop a portable intelligent prototype for oral case analysis. We propose, for the first time, a multi-task network (MTN) Raman spectroscopy classification model that utilizes a shared backbone network to simultaneously achieve different clinical staging and histological grading diagnoses.

Results

The developed model demonstrated accuracy rates of 94.88%, 94.57%, and 94.34% for tumor staging, lymph node staging, and histological grading, respectively. Its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compare closely with the gold standard: routine histopathological examination.

Discussion

Thus, this prototype proposed in this study has great potential for rapid, non-invasive, and label-free pathological diagnosis of oral cancer.

SL-scan identifies synthetic lethal interactions in cancer using metabolic networks

Exploiting synthetic lethality is a promising strategy for developing targeted cancer therapies. However, identifying clinically significant synthetic lethal (SL) interactions among a large number of gene combinations is a challenging computational task. In this study, we developed the SL-scan pipeline based on metabolic network modeling to discover SL interaction. The SL-scan pipeline identifies the association between simulated Flux Balance Analysis knockout scores and mutation data across cancer cell lines and predicts putative SL interactions. We assessed the concordance of the SL pairs predicted by SL-scan with those of obtained from analysis of the CRISPR, shRNA, and PRISM datasets. Our results demonstrate that the SL-scan pipeline outperformed existing SL prediction approaches based on metabolic networks in identifying SL pairs in various cancers. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating multiple data sources, particularly mutation data, when identifying SL pairs for targeted cancer therapies. The findings of this study may lead to the development of novel targeted cancer therapies.

Construction of the metabolic reprogramming-associated gene signature for clear cell renal cell carcinoma prognosis prediction

BACKGROUND

Metabolism reprogramming is a hallmark that associates tumor growth, metastasis, progressive, and poor prognosis. However, the metabolism-related molecular patterns and mechanism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain unclear. Herein, the purpose of this study was to identify metabolism-related molecular pattern and to investigate the characteristics and prognostic values of the metabolism-related clustering.

METHODS

We comprehensively analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and metabolism-related genes (MAGs) in ccRCC based on the TCGA database. Consensus clustering was used to construct a metabolism-related molecular pattern. Then, the biological function, molecular characteristics, Estimate/immune/stomal scores, immune cell infiltration, response to immunotherapy, and chemotherapy were analyzed. We also identified the DEGs between subclusters and constructed a poor signature and risk model based on LASSO regression cox analysis and univariable and multivariable cox regression analyses. Then, a predictive nomogram was constructed and validated by calibration curves.

RESULTS

A total of 1942 DEGs (1004 upregulated and 838 downregulated) between ccRCC tumor and normal samples were identified, and 254 MRGs were screened out from those DEGs. Then, 526 ccRCC patients were divided into two subclusters. The 7 metabolism-related pathways enriched in cluster 2. And cluster 2 with high Estimate/immune/stomal scores and poor survival. While, cluster 1 with higher immune cell infiltrating, expression of the immune checkpoint, IFN, HLA, immune activation-related genes, response to anti-CTLA4 treatment, and chemotherapy. Moreover, we identified 295 DEGs between two metabolism-related subclusters and constructed a 15-gene signature and 9 risk factors. Then, a risk score was calculated and the patients into high- and low-risk groups in TCGA-KIRC and E-MTAB-1980 datasets. And the prediction viability of the risk score was validated by ROC curves. Finally, the clinicopathological characteristics (age and stage), risk score, and molecular clustering, were identified as independent prognostic variables, and were used to construct a nomogram for 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival predicting. The calibration curves were used to verify the performance of the predicted ability of the nomogram.

CONCLUSION

Our finding identified two metabolism-related molecular subclusters for ccRCC, which facilitates the estimation of response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and prognosis after treatment.

Griddient: a microfluidic array to generate reconfigurable gradients on-demand for spatial biology applications

Biological tissues are highly organized structures where spatial-temporal gradients (e.g., nutrients, hypoxia, cytokines) modulate multiple physiological and pathological processes including inflammation, tissue regeneration, embryogenesis, and cancer progression. Current in vitro technologies struggle to capture the complexity of these transient microenvironmental gradients, do not provide dynamic control over the gradient profile, are complex and poorly suited for high throughput applications. Therefore, we have designed Griddent, a user-friendly platform with the capability of generating controllable and reversible gradients in a 3D microenvironment. Our platform consists of an array of 32 microfluidic chambers connected to a 384 well-array through a diffusion port at the bottom of each reservoir well. The diffusion ports are optimized to ensure gradient stability and facilitate manual micropipette loading. This platform is compatible with molecular and functional spatial biology as well as optical and fluorescence microscopy. In this work, we have used this platform to study cancer progression.

Insights into the tumor-stromal-immune cell metabolism cross talk in ovarian cancer

The ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a constellation of abundant cellular components, extracellular matrix, and soluble factors. Soluble factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, structural proteins, extracellular vesicles, and metabolites, are critical means of noncontact cellular communication acting as messengers to convey pro- or antitumorigenic signals. Vast advancements have been made in our understanding of how cancer cells adapt their metabolism to meet environmental demands and utilize these adaptations to promote survival, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The stromal TME contribution to this metabolic rewiring has been relatively underexplored, particularly in ovarian cancer. Thus, metabolic activity alterations in the TME hold promise for further study and potential therapeutic exploitation. In this review, we focus on the cellular components of the TME with emphasis on 1) metabolic signatures of ovarian cancer; 2) understanding the stromal cell network and their metabolic cross talk with tumor cells; and 3) how stromal and tumor cell metabolites alter intratumoral immune cell metabolism and function. Together, these elements provide insight into the metabolic influence of the TME and emphasize the importance of understanding how metabolic performance drives cancer progression.

Multidisciplinary docking, kinetics and X-ray crystallography studies of baicalein acting as a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor and determination of its' potential against glioblastoma in cellular models

Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) is the rate-determining enzyme in the glycogenolysis pathway. Glioblastoma (GBM) is amongst the most aggressive cancers of the central nervous system. The role of GP and glycogen metabolism in the context of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming is recognised, so that GP inhibitors may have potential treatment benefits. Here, baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) is studied as a GP inhibitor, and for its effects on glycogenolysis and GBM at the cellular level. The compound is revealed as a potent GP inhibitor against human brain GPa (Ki = 32.54 μM), human liver GPa (Ki = 8.77 μM) and rabbit muscle GPb (Ki = 5.66 μM) isoforms. It is also an effective inhibitor of glycogenolysis (IC50 = 119.6 μM), measured in HepG2 cells. Most significantly, baicalein demonstrated anti-cancer potential through concentration- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability for three GBM cell-lines (U-251 MG, U-87 MG, T98-G) with IC50 values of ∼20-55 μM (48- and 72-h). Its effectiveness against T98-G suggests potential against GBM with resistance to temozolomide (the first-line therapy) due to a positive O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) status. The solved X-ray structure of rabbit muscle GP-baicalein complex will facilitate structure-based design of GP inhibitors. Further exploration of baicalein and other GP inhibitors with different isoform specificities against GBM is suggested.

Metabolic Alterations in Canine Mammary Tumors

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are among the most common diseases in female dogs and share similarities with human breast cancer, which makes these animals a model for comparative oncology studies. In these tumors, metabolic reprogramming is known as a hallmark of carcinogenesis whereby cells undergo adjustments to meet the high bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands of rapidly proliferating cells. However, such alterations are also vulnerabilities that may serve as a therapeutic strategy, which has mostly been tested in human clinical trials but is poorly explored in CMTs. In this dedicated review, we compiled the metabolic changes described for CMTs, emphasizing the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and mitochondrial functions. We observed key factors associated with the presence and aggressiveness of CMTs, such as an increase in glucose uptake followed by enhanced anaerobic glycolysis via the upregulation of glycolytic enzymes, changes in glutamine catabolism due to the overexpression of glutaminases, increased fatty acid oxidation, and distinct effects depending on lipid saturation, in addition to mitochondrial DNA, which is a hotspot for mutations. Therefore, more attention should be paid to this topic given that targeting metabolic fragilities could improve the outcome of CMTs.

A novel metabolic subtype with S100A7 high expression represents poor prognosis and immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BLCA) represents a highly heterogeneous disease characterized by distinct histological, molecular, and clinical features, whose tumorigenesis and progression require aberrant metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells. However, current studies have not expounded systematically and comprehensively on the metabolic heterogeneity of BLCA.

METHODS

The UCSC XENA portal was searched to obtain the expression profiles and clinical annotations of BLCA patients in the TCGA cohort. A total of 1,640 metabolic-related genes were downloaded from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Then, consensus clustering was performed to divide the BLCA patients into two metabolic subtypes according to the expression of metabolic-related genes. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to measure the prognostic values of the metabolic subtypes. Subsequently, comparing the immune-related characteristics between the two metabolic subtypes to describe the immunological difference. Then, the Scissor algorithm was applied to link the metabolic phenotypes and single-cell transcriptome datasets to determine the biomarkers associated with metabolic subtypes and prognosis. Finally, the clinical cohort included 63 BLCA and 16 para-cancerous samples was used to validate the prognostic value and immunological correlation of the biomarker.

RESULTS

BLCA patients were classified into two heterogeneous metabolic-related subtypes (MRSs) with distinct features: MRS1, the subtype with no active metabolic characteristics but an immune infiltration microenvironment; and MRS2, the lipogenic subtype with upregulated lipid metabolism. These two subtypes had distinct prognoses, molecular subtypes distributions, and activations of therapy-related pathways. MRS1 BLCAs preferred to be immuno-suppressive and up-regulated immune checkpoints expression, suggesting the well-therapeutic response of MRS1 patients to immunotherapy. Based on the Scissor algorithm, we found that S100A7 both specifically up-regulated in the MRS1 phenotype and MRS1-tumor cells, and positively correlated with immunological characteristics. In addition, in the clinical cohort included 63 BLCA and 16 para-cancerous samples, S100A7 was obviously associated with poor prognosis and enhanced PD-L1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The metabolic subtype with S100A7 high expression recognizes the immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment and predicts well therapeutic response of immunotherapy in BLCA. The study provides new insights into the prognostic and therapeutic value of metabolic heterogeneity in BLCA.

Isoalantolactone Suppresses Glycolysis and Resensitizes Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells

Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic drug for ovarian cancer (OC) treatment. However, its efficacy is significantly limited due to the development of cisplatin resistance. Although the acquisition of cisplatin resistance is a complex process involving various molecular alterations within cancer cells, the increased reliance of cisplatin-resistant cells on glycolysis has gained increasing attention. Isoalantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Inula helenium L., possesses various pharmacological properties, including anticancer activity. In this study, isoalantolactone was investigated as a potential glycolysis inhibitor to overcome cisplatin resistance in OC. Isoalantolactone effectively targeted key glycolytic enzymes (e.g., lactate dehydrogenase A, phosphofructokinase liver type, and hexokinase 2), reducing glucose consumption and lactate production in cisplatin-resistant OC cells (specifically A2780 and SNU-8). Importantly, it also sensitized these cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Isoalantolactone-cisplatin treatment regulated mitogen-activated protein kinase and AKT pathways more effectively in cisplatin-resistant cells than individual treatments. In vivo studies using cisplatin-sensitive and resistant OC xenograft models revealed that isoalantolactone, either alone or in combination with cisplatin, significantly suppressed tumor growth in cisplatin-resistant tumors. These findings highlight the potential of isoalantolactone as a novel glycolysis inhibitor for treating cisplatin-resistant OC. By targeting the dysregulated glycolytic pathway, isoalantolactone offers a promising approach to overcoming drug resistance and enhancing the efficacy of cisplatin-based therapies.

STUB1-mediated ubiquitination regulates the stability of GLUD1 in lung adenocarcinoma

The dysregulation of glutamine metabolism provides survival advantages for tumors by supplementing tricarboxylic acid cycle. Glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1) is one of the key enzymes in glutamine catabolism. Here, we found that enhanced protein stability was the key factor for the upregulation of GLUD1 in lung adenocarcinoma. We discovered that GLUD1 showed a high protein expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells or tissues. We elucidated that STIP1 homology and U-box-containing protein 1 (STUB1) was the key E3 ligase responsible for ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of GLUD1. We further showed that lysine 503 (K503) was the main ubiquitination site of GLUD1, inhibiting the ubiquitination at this site promoted the proliferation and tumor growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Taken together, this study clarifies the molecular mechanism of GLUD1 in maintaining protein homeostasis in lung adenocarcinoma, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of anti-cancer drugs targeting GLUD1.