1
|
Jacobs J, Iranpour R, Behrooz AB, da Silva Rosa SC, Ghavami S. The role of BCL2L13 in glioblastoma: turning a need into a target. Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 102:127-134. [PMID: 37988705 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2023-0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common aggressive central nervous system cancer. GBM has a high mortality rate, with a median survival time of 12-15 months after diagnosis. A poor prognosis and a shorter life expectancy may result from resistance to standard treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Temozolomide has been the mainstay treatment for GBM, but unfortunately, there are high rates of resistance with GBM bypassing apoptosis. A proposed mechanism for bypassing apoptosis is decreased ceramide levels, and previous research has shown that within GBM cells, B cell lymphoma 2-like 13 (BCL2L13) can inhibit ceramide synthase. This review aims to discuss the causes of resistance in GBM cells, followed by a brief description of BCL2L13 and an explanation of its mechanism of action. Further, lipids, specifically ceramide, will be discussed concerning cancer and GBM cells, focusing on ceramide synthase and its role in developing GBM. By gathering all current information on BCL2L13 and ceramide synthase, this review seeks to enable an understanding of these pieces of GBM in the hope of finding an effective treatment for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joadi Jacobs
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Rosa Iranpour
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simone C da Silva Rosa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Research Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, Academia of Silesia, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khade OS, Sasidharan S, Jain A, Maradani BS, Chatterjee A, Gopal D, Ravi Kumar RK, Krishnakumar S, Pandey A, Janakiraman N, Elchuri SV, Gundimeda S. Identification of dysregulation of sphingolipids in retinoblastoma using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109798. [PMID: 38246332 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109798] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare ocular cancer seen in children that counts for approximately 3% of all childhood cancers. It is found that mutation in RB1, a tumour Suppressor Gene on chromosome 13 as the cause of malignancy. Retinoblastoma protein is the target for ceramide to cause apoptosis. We studied lipidomics of two RB cell lines, one aggressive cell line (NCC-RbC-51) derived from a metastatic site and one non aggressive cell line (WERI-Rb1) in comparison with a control cell line (MIO-M1). Lipid profiles of all the cell lines were studied using high resolution mass spectrometer coupled to high performance liquid chromatography. Data acquired from all the three cell lines in positive mode were analyzed to identify differentially expressed metabolites. Several phospholipids and lysophospholipids were found to be dysregulated. We observed upregulation of hexosyl ceramides, and down regulation of dihydroceramides and higher order sphingoglycolipids hinting at a hindered sphingolipid biosynthesis. The results obtained from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry are validated by using qPCR and it was observed that genes involved in ceramide biosynthesis pathway are getting down regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omkar Surendra Khade
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sruthy Sasidharan
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ankit Jain
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Amit Chatterjee
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Divya Gopal
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | | | - Subramaniyan Krishnakumar
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India; Department of Histopathology, Radheshyam Stem Cell Biology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Centre for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Narayanan Janakiraman
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Sailaja V Elchuri
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India.
| | - Seetaramanjaneyulu Gundimeda
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim SJ, Seo I, Kim MH, Park JW, Kim S, Park WJ. Ceramide synthase 4 overexpression exerts oncogenic properties in breast cancer. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:183. [PMID: 37885013 PMCID: PMC10605224 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01930-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ceramide, a bioactive signaling sphingolipid, has long been implicated in cancer. Members of the ceramide synthase (CerS) family determine the acyl chain lengths of ceramides, with ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4) primarily generating C18-C20-ceramide. Although CerS4 is known to be overexpressed in breast cancer, its role in breast cancer pathogenesis is not well established. METHODS To investigate the role of CerS4 in breast cancer, public datasets, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE115577 and GSE96058) were analyzed. Furthermore, MCF-7 cells stably overexpressing CerS4 (MCF-7/CerS4) as a model for luminal subtype A (LumA) breast cancer were produced, and doxorubicin (also known as Adriamycin [AD])-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells were generated after prolonged treatment of MCF-7 cells with doxorubicin. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis assessed the clinical significance of CERS4 expression, while Student's t-tests or Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) compared gene expression and cell viability in different MCF-7 cell lines. RESULTS Analysis of the public datasets revealed elevated CERS4 expression in breast cancer, especially in the most common breast cancer subtype, LumA. Persistent CerS4 overexpression in MCF-7 cells activated multiple cancer-associated pathways, including pathways involving sterol regulatory element-binding protein, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and β-catenin. Furthermore, MCF-7/CerS4 cells acquired doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and tamoxifen resistance, with concomitant upregulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes, such as ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC4, and ABCG2. MCF-7/CerS4 cells were characterized by increased cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, CERS4 knockdown in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells resulted in reduced activation of cancer-associated pathways (NF-κB, Akt/mTOR, β-catenin, and EMT) and diminished chemoresistance, accompanied by ABCB1 and ABCC1 downregulation. CONCLUSIONS Chronic CerS4 overexpression may exert oncogenic effects in breast cancer via alterations in signaling, EMT, and chemoresistance. Therefore, CerS4 may represent an attractive target for anticancer therapy, especially in LumA breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jeong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Heukseok-lo 84, DongJak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Incheol Seo
- Department of Immunology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hee Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 07804, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Won Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 07804, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Kim
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Dalgubeol-daero 1095, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Jae Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Heukseok-lo 84, DongJak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Afrin F, Mateen S, Oman J, Lai JCK, Barrott JJ, Pashikanti S. Natural Products and Small Molecules Targeting Cellular Ceramide Metabolism to Enhance Apoptosis in Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4645. [PMID: 37760612 PMCID: PMC10527029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeting strategies have been used for years in order to control cancer progression and are often based on targeting various enzymes involved in metabolic pathways. Keeping this in mind, it is essential to determine the role of each enzyme in a particular metabolic pathway. In this review, we provide in-depth information on various enzymes such as ceramidase, sphingosine kinase, sphingomyelin synthase, dihydroceramide desaturase, and ceramide synthase which are associated with various types of cancers. We also discuss the physicochemical properties of well-studied inhibitors with natural product origins and their related structures in terms of these enzymes. Targeting ceramide metabolism exhibited promising mono- and combination therapies at preclinical stages in preventing cancer progression and cemented the significance of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer treatments. Targeting ceramide-metabolizing enzymes will help medicinal chemists design potent and selective small molecules for treating cancer progression at various levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farjana Afrin
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - Sameena Mateen
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - Jordan Oman
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - James C. K. Lai
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - Jared J. Barrott
- Cell Biology and Physiology, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Srinath Pashikanti
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alizadeh J, da Silva Rosa SC, Weng X, Jacobs J, Lorzadeh S, Ravandi A, Vitorino R, Pecic S, Zivkovic A, Stark H, Shojaei S, Ghavami S. Ceramides and ceramide synthases in cancer: Focus on apoptosis and autophagy. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151337. [PMID: 37392580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Different studies corroborate a role for ceramide synthases and their downstream products, ceramides, in modulation of apoptosis and autophagy in the context of cancer. These mechanisms of regulation, however, appear to be context dependent in terms of ceramides' fatty acid chain length, subcellular localization, and the presence or absence of their downstream targets. Our current understanding of the role of ceramide synthases and ceramides in regulation of apoptosis and autophagy could be harnessed to pioneer the development of new treatments to activate or inhibit a single type of ceramide synthase, thereby regulating the apoptosis induction or cross talk of apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells. Moreover, the apoptotic function of ceramide suggests that ceramide analogues can pave the way for the development of novel cancer treatments. Therefore, in the current review paper we discuss the impact of ceramide synthases and ceramides in regulation of apoptosis and autophagy in context of different types of cancers. We also briefly introduce the latest information on ceramide synthase inhibitors, their application in diseases including cancer therapy, and discuss approaches for drug discovery in the field of ceramide synthase inhibitors. We finally discussed strategies for developing strategies to use lipids and ceramides analysis in biological fluids for developing early biomarkers for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javad Alizadeh
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Simone C da Silva Rosa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Xiaohui Weng
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College, Fullerton, CA 92834, United States
| | - Joadi Jacobs
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Shahrokh Lorzadeh
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Amir Ravandi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Cir, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Rui Vitorino
- UnIC, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Stevan Pecic
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College, Fullerton, CA 92834, United States
| | - Aleksandra Zivkovic
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitaetstrasse 1, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitaetstrasse 1, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Niimi A, Limsirichaikul S, Kano K, Mizutani Y, Takeuchi T, Sawangsri P, Tran DQ, Kawamoto Y, Suzuki M. LASP1, CERS6, and Actin Form a Ternary Complex That Promotes Cancer Cell Migration. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2781. [PMID: 37345118 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
CERS6 is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients through d18:1/C16:0 ceramide (C16 ceramide)-mediated cell migration, though the detailed mechanism has not been elucidated. In the present study, examinations including co-immunoprecipitation, liquid chromatography, and tandem mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify a novel binding partner of CERS6. Among the examined candidates, LASP1 was a top-ranked binding partner, with the LIM domain possibly required for direct interaction. In accord with those findings, CERS6 and LASP1 were found to co-localize on lamellipodia in several lung cancer cell lines. Furthermore, silencing of CERS6 and/or LASP1 significantly suppressed cell migration and lamellipodia formation, whereas ectopic addition of C16 ceramide partially rescued those phenotypes. Both LASP1 and CERS6 showed co-immunoprecipitation with actin, with those interactions markedly reduced when the LASP1-CERS6 complex was abolished. Based on these findings, it is proposed that LASP1-CERS6 interaction promotes cancer cell migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Niimi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - Siripan Limsirichaikul
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
| | - Keiko Kano
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ItbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Mizutani
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takeuchi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - Patinya Sawangsri
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - Dat Quoc Tran
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kawamoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Japan
| | - Motoshi Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang M, Li Z, Liu Y, Ding X, Wang Y, Fan S. The ceramide synthase (CERS/LASS) family: Functions involved in cancer progression. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023:10.1007/s13402-023-00798-6. [PMID: 36947340 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00798-6] [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] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ceramide synthases (CERSes) are also known longevity assurance (LASS) genes. CERSes play important roles in the regulation of cancer progression. The CERS family is expressed in a variety of human tumours and is involved in tumorigenesis. They are closely associated with the progression of liver, breast, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, head and neck squamous cell, gastric, lung, prostate, oesophageal, pancreatic and blood cancers. CERSes play diverse and important roles in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and drug resistance. The differential expression of CERSes in tumour and nontumour cells and survival analysis of cancer patients suggest that some CERSes could be used as potential prognostic markers. They are also important potential targets for cancer therapy. METHODS In this review, we summarize the available evidence on the inhibitory or promotive roles of CERSes in the progression of many cancers. Furthermore, we summarize the identified upstream and downstream molecular mechanisms that may regulate the function of CERSes in cancer settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Zhangyun Li
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Xiao Ding
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China.
| | - Shaohua Fan
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Corsetto PA, Zava S, Rizzo AM, Colombo I. The Critical Impact of Sphingolipid Metabolism in Breast Cancer Progression and Drug Response. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032107. [PMID: 36768427 PMCID: PMC9916652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women in the world, and its management includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, whose effectiveness depends largely, but not exclusively, on the molecular subtype (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2+ and Triple Negative). All breast cancer subtypes are accompanied by peculiar and substantial changes in sphingolipid metabolism. Alterations in sphingolipid metabolite levels, such as ceramides, dihydroceramide, sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and sphingomyelin, as well as in their biosynthetic and catabolic enzymatic pathways, have emerged as molecular mechanisms by which breast cancer cells grow, respond to or escape therapeutic interventions and could take on diagnostic and prognostic value. In this review, we summarize the current landscape around two main themes: 1. sphingolipid metabolites, enzymes and transport proteins that have been found dysregulated in human breast cancer cells and/or tissues; 2. sphingolipid-driven mechanisms that allow breast cancer cells to respond to or evade therapies. Having a complete picture of the impact of the sphingolipid metabolism in the development and progression of breast cancer may provide an effective means to improve and personalize treatments and reduce associated drug resistance.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen H, He B, Ke F. Ceramide Synthase 6 Mediates Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Response to Chemotherapy Through RhoA- and EGFR-Mediated Signaling Pathways. J Breast Cancer 2022; 25:500-512. [PMID: 36479603 PMCID: PMC9807320 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2022.25.e47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Limited treatment options and lack of treatment sensitivity biomarkers make the clinical management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) challenging. Ceramide synthase 6 (CERS6) generates ceramides, which are key intermediates in sphingolipid biosynthesis and play important roles in cancer progression and resistance. METHODS CERS6 was analyzed to determine its potential as a treatment sensitivity biomarker. CERS6 levels were determined in patients with breast cancer, and the roles and downstream signaling of CERS6 were analyzed using cellular and biochemical assays. RESULTS Analysis of CERS6 expression in 195 patients with TNBC and their clinical response to chemotherapy revealed that individuals with CERS6 overexpression experienced significantly inferior responses to chemotherapy than those without CERS6 overexpression. Functional analysis demonstrated that although CERS6 overexpression did not affect TNBC cell growth and migration, it conferred chemoresistance. CERS6 inhibition significantly reduced growth, migration, and survival by suppressing the RhoA- and EGFR-mediated signaling pathways. Compared to control cells, CERS6-depleted cells were consistently less viable at different concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to demonstrate that CERS6 may serve as a treatment sensitivity biomarker in patients with TNBC in response to chemotherapy. In addition, our findings suggested that CERS6 may be a therapeutic target for TNBC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Feng Ke
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pal P, Atilla-Gokcumen GE, Frasor J. Emerging Roles of Ceramides in Breast Cancer Biology and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911178. [PMID: 36232480 PMCID: PMC9569866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the classic hallmarks of cancer is the imbalance between elevated cell proliferation and reduced cell death. Ceramide, a bioactive sphingolipid that can regulate this balance, has long been implicated in cancer. While the effects of ceramide on cell death and therapeutic efficacy are well established, emerging evidence indicates that ceramide turnover to downstream sphingolipids, such as sphingomyelin, hexosylceramides, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and ceramide-1-phosphate, is equally important in driving pro-tumorigenic phenotypes, such as proliferation, survival, migration, stemness, and therapy resistance. The complex and dynamic sphingolipid network has been extensively studied in several cancers, including breast cancer, to find key sphingolipidomic alterations that can be exploited to develop new therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes. Here, we review how the current literature shapes our understanding of how ceramide synthesis and turnover are altered in breast cancer and how these changes offer potential strategies to improve breast cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Purab Pal
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- Correspondence: (G.E.A.-G.); (J.F.)
| | - Jonna Frasor
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence: (G.E.A.-G.); (J.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Badr H, Blutrich R, Chan K, Tong J, Taylor P, Zhang W, Kafri R, Röst HL, Tsao MS, Moran MF. Proteomic characterization of a candidate polygenic driver of metabolism in non-small cell lung cancer. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167636. [PMID: 35595168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167636] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteome analysis revealed signatures of co-expressed upregulated metabolism proteins highly conserved between primary and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient-derived xenograft tumors (Li et al. 2014, Nat. Communications 5:5469). The C10 signature is encoded by seven genes (ADSS, ATP2A2, CTPS1, IMPDH2, PKM2, PTGES3, SGPL1) and DNA alterations in C10-encoding genes are associated with longer survival in a subset of NSCLC. To explore the C10 signature as an oncogenic driver and address potential mechanisms of action, C10 protein expression and protein-protein interactions were determined. In independent NSCLC cohorts, the coordinated expression of C10 proteins was significant and mutations in C10 genes were associated with better outcome. Affinity purification-mass spectrometry and in vivo proximity-based biotin identification defined a C10 interactome involving 667 proteins including candidate drug targets and clusters associated with glycolysis, calcium homeostasis, and nucleotide and sphingolipid metabolism. DNA alterations in genes encoding C10 interactome components were also found to be associated with better survival. These data support the notion that the coordinated upregulation of the C10 signature impinges metabolic processes that collectively function as an oncogenic driver in NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heba Badr
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Ron Blutrich
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Chan
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Jiefei Tong
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Paul Taylor
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; SPARC BioCentre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wen Zhang
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Ran Kafri
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Hannes L Röst
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; Departments of Medical Biophysics and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Michael F Moran
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada; SPARC BioCentre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kim SJ, Lee JH, Park WJ, Kim S. Bioinformatic Exploration for Prognostic Significance of Sphingolipid Metabolism-Related Genes in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Using the Cancer Genome Atlas Cohort. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:4423-4434. [PMID: 34413672 PMCID: PMC8370849 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s328376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sphingolipid metabolism is a highly controlled process that is involved in regulating bioactive lipid signaling pathways and serves important roles in several cellular processes in breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which is characterized by the malignant proliferation of the ductal epithelium and stromal invasion, is the most common type of breast cancer. Recent advances in genetic research have accelerated the discovery of novel prognostic factors and therapeutic targets for the disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of sphingolipid metabolism-related genes in female IDC. Methods The present study used gene expression RNAseq data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas breast invasive carcinoma (TCGA BRCA) datasets. Results Sphingolipid metabolism-related genes exhibited dysregulated mRNA expression levels in IDC. The Student's t-test revealed that SMPDL3B, B4GALNT1, LPAR2, and LASS2 were significantly upregulated, while LASS3, LPAR1, B4GALT6, GAL3ST1, HPGD, ST8SIA1, UGT8, and S1PR1 were significantly downregulated in female IDC tissues compared with normal solid tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses revealed that high SMPDL3B mRNA expression levels were associated with good prognosis in female IDC, suggesting that SMPDL3B plays a tumor suppressor role. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to report that dysregulated expressions of SMPDL3B are significantly associated with age, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, and histological subtype. Conclusion Taken together, our study indicated that SMPDL3B may have a pathophysiological role and serve as a novel prognostic biomarker in IDC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jeong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Lee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jae Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Kim
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Medical Science, Keimyung University, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Cancer Research, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Brothers KM, Harvey SAK, Shanks RMQ. Transcription Factor EepR Is Required for Serratia marcescens Host Proinflammatory Response by Corneal Epithelial Cells. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070770. [PMID: 34202642 PMCID: PMC8300729 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Relatively little is known about how the corneal epithelium responds to vision-threatening bacteria from the Enterobacterales order. This study investigates the impact of Serratia marcescens on corneal epithelial cell host responses. We also investigate the role of a bacterial transcription factor EepR, which is a positive regulator of S. marcescens secretion of cytotoxic proteases and a hemolytic surfactant. We treated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of human corneal limbal epithelial cells with wild-type bacterial secretomes. Our results show increased expression of proinflammatory and lipid signaling molecules, while this is greatly altered in eepR mutant-treated corneal cells. Together, these data support the model that the S. marcescens transcription factor EepR is a key regulator of host-pathogen interactions, and is necessary to induce proinflammatory chemokines, cytokines, and lipids.
Collapse
|
14
|
Shi H, Niimi A, Takeuchi T, Shiogama K, Mizutani Y, Kajino T, Inada K, Hase T, Hatta T, Shibata H, Fukui T, Chen-Yoshikawa TF, Nagano K, Murate T, Kawamoto Y, Tomida S, Takahashi T, Suzuki M. CEBPγ facilitates lamellipodia formation and cancer cell migration through CERS6 upregulation. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:2770-2780. [PMID: 33934437 PMCID: PMC8253294 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceramide synthase 6 (CERS6) promotes lung cancer metastasis by stimulating cancer cell migration. To examine the underlying mechanisms, we performed luciferase analysis of the CERS6 promoter region and identified the Y-box as a cis-acting element. As a parallel analysis of database records for 149 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cancer patients, we screened for trans-acting factors with an expression level showing a correlation with CERS6 expression. Among the candidates noted, silencing of either CCAAT enhancer-binding protein γ (CEBPγ) or Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) reduced the CERS6 expression level. Following knockdown, CEBPγ and YBX1 were found to be independently associated with reductions in ceramide-dependent lamellipodia formation as well as migration activity, while only CEBPγ may have induced CERS6 expression through specific binding to the Y-box. The mRNA expression levels of CERS6, CEBPγ, and YBX1 were positively correlated with adenocarcinoma invasiveness. YBX1 expression was observed in all 20 examined clinical lung cancer specimens, while 6 of those showed a staining pattern similar to that of CERS6. The present findings suggest promotion of lung cancer migration by possible involvement of the transcription factors CEBPγ and YBX1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiao Shi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan.,Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsuko Niimi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takeuchi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kazuya Shiogama
- Department of Morphology and Cell Function, School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Mizutani
- Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Taisuke Kajino
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenichi Inada
- Diagnostic Pathology, Bantane Hospital, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Hase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hatta
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shibata
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takayuki Fukui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Kazuki Nagano
- Department of Pathophysiological Laboratory Science, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Murate
- Department of Pathophysiological Laboratory Science, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | | | - Shuta Tomida
- Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Takahashi
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Motoshi Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Oncology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Alternative splicing of ceramide synthase 2 alters levels of specific ceramides and modulates cancer cell proliferation and migration in Luminal B breast cancer subtype. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:171. [PMID: 33568634 PMCID: PMC7876150 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Global dysregulation of RNA splicing and imbalanced sphingolipid metabolism has emerged as promoters of cancer cell transformation. Here, we present specific signature of alternative splicing (AS) events of sphingolipid genes for each breast cancer subtype from the TCGA-BRCA dataset. We show that ceramide synthase 2 (CERS2) undergoes a unique cassette exon event specifically in Luminal B subtype tumors. We validated this exon 8 skipping event in Luminal B cancer cells compared to normal epithelial cells, and in patient-derived tumor tissues compared to matched normal tissues. Differential AS-based survival analysis shows that this AS event of CERS2 is a poor prognostic factor for Luminal B patients. As Exon 8 corresponds to catalytic Lag1p domain, overexpression of AS transcript of CERS2 in Luminal B cancer cells leads to a reduction in the level of very-long-chain ceramides compared to overexpression of protein-coding (PC) transcript of CERS2. We further demonstrate that this AS event-mediated decrease of very-long-chain ceramides leads to enhanced cancer cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, our results show subtype-specific AS of sphingolipid genes as a regulatory mechanism that deregulates sphingolipids like ceramides in breast tumors, and can be explored further as a suitable therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang Y, Wang H, Chen T, Wang H, Liang X, Zhang Y, Duan J, Qian S, Qiao K, Zhang L, Liu Y, Wang J. C24-Ceramide Drives Gallbladder Cancer Progression Through Directly Targeting Phosphatidylinositol 5-Phosphate 4-Kinase Type-2 Gamma to Facilitate Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Activation. Hepatology 2021; 73:692-712. [PMID: 32374916 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The wide prevalence of chemoresistance and compromised early diagnosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC) has led to poor patient prognosis, requiring sustained efforts for the identification of effective biomarkers and therapeutic intervention. Ceramides have emerged as intracellular signaling molecules linked to tumorigenesis and therapeutic response in cancers. However, the clinical relevance of ceramides with GBC has not been investigated. APPROACH AND RESULTS In the present study, we revealed aberrant gene expressions (e.g., serine palmitoyltransferase 1 [SPTLC1] and ceramide synthase 2 [CERS2]) of de novo ceramide biosynthesis and length-specific ceramide production in GBC tissues. Analyses of serum ceramide pattern in healthy controls, gallbladder stone, and GBC patients identified C24-Ceramide as a potential diagnostic biomarker for patients with GBC. Importantly, elevation of SPTLC1, CERS2, and its product, C24-Ceramide, was associated with tumor staging, distal metastasis, and worse prognosis. In line with this, C24 -Ceramide promoted GBC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, C24-Ceramide directly bound to phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase type-2 gamma (PIP4K2C), a regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), to facilitate mTOR complex formation and activation. C6-Ceramide, an analogue of natural ceramide, competed with C24-Ceramide for PIP4K2C binding, thereby abrogating C24-Ceramide-mediated mTOR signaling activation and oncogenic activity. Furthermore, stimulation with C6-Ceramide significantly suppressed the proliferative and metastatic capacity of GBC cells in vitro and in vivo, which was dependent on PIP4K2C. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the clinical relevance of ceramide metabolism with GBC progression and identify C24-Ceramide as a diagnostic biomarker for GBC. We propose that PIP4K2C is indispensable for C6-Ceramide as a potential therapeutic intervention for GBC through a direct competition with C24-Ceramide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonglong Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic SurgeryRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic SurgeryRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic SurgeryRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Haolu Wang
- The University of Queensland Diamantina InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia.,Gallipoli Medical Research InstituteGreenslopes Private HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Xiaowen Liang
- The University of Queensland Diamantina InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia.,Gallipoli Medical Research InstituteGreenslopes Private HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic SurgeryRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jinlin Duan
- Department of Pathology Affiliated Tongren HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shenjiao Qian
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic SurgeryRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ke Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH)Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences of Shanghai Medical SchoolFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Clinical Stem Cell CenterRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic SurgeryRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Alkaline ceramidase family: The first two decades. Cell Signal 2020; 78:109860. [PMID: 33271224 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Ceramidases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of ceramide, dihydroceramide, and phytoceramide into sphingosine (SPH), dihydrosphingosine (DHS), and phytosphingosine (PHS), respectively, along with a free fatty acid. Ceramidases are classified into the acid, neutral, and alkaline ceramidase subtypes according to the pH optima for their catalytic activity. YPC1 and YDC1 were the first alkaline ceramidase genes to be identified and cloned from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae two decades ago. Subsequently, alkaline ceramidase genes were identified from other species, including one Drosophila melanogaster ACER gene (Dacer), one Arabidopsis thaliana ACER gene (AtACER), three Mus musculus ACER genes (Acer1, Acer2, and Acer3), and three Homo sapiens ACER genes (ACER1, ACER2, and ACER3). The protein products of these genes constitute a large protein family, termed the alkaline ceramidase (ACER) family. All the biochemically characterized members of the ACER family are integral membrane proteins with seven transmembrane segments in the Golgi complex or endoplasmic reticulum, and they each have unique substrate specificity. An increasing number of studies suggest that the ACER family has diverse roles in regulating sphingolipid metabolism and biological processes. Here we discuss the discovery of the ACER family, the biochemical properties, structures, and catalytic mechanisms of its members, and its role in regulating sphingolipid metabolism and biological processes in yeast, insects, plants, and mammals.
Collapse
|
18
|
Suzuki M, Cao K, Kato S, Mizutani N, Tanaka K, Arima C, Tai MC, Nakatani N, Yanagisawa K, Takeuchi T, Shi H, Mizutani Y, Niimi A, Taniguchi T, Fukui T, Yokoi K, Wakahara K, Hasegawa Y, Mizutani Y, Iwaki S, Fujii S, Satou A, Tamiya-Koizumi K, Murate T, Kyogashima M, Tomida S, Takahashi T. CERS6 required for cell migration and metastasis in lung cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:11949-11959. [PMID: 32902157 PMCID: PMC7579715 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids constitute a class of bio‐reactive molecules that transmit signals and exhibit a variety of physical properties in various cell types, though their functions in cancer pathogenesis have yet to be elucidated. Analyses of gene expression profiles of clinical specimens and a panel of cell lines revealed that the ceramide synthase gene CERS6 was overexpressed in non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, while elevated expression was shown to be associated with poor prognosis and lymph node metastasis. NSCLC profile and in vitro luciferase analysis results suggested that CERS6 overexpression is promoted, at least in part, by reduced miR‐101 expression. Under a reduced CERS6 expression condition, the ceramide profile became altered, which was determined to be associated with decreased cell migration and invasion activities in vitro. Furthermore, CERS6 knockdown suppressed RAC1‐positive lamellipodia/ruffling formation and attenuated lung metastasis efficiency in mice, while forced expression of CERS6 resulted in an opposite phenotype in examined cell lines. Based on these findings, we consider that ceramide synthesis by CERS6 has important roles in lung cancer migration and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Motoshi Suzuki
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Ke Cao
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Seiichi Kato
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoki Mizutani
- Department of Medical Technology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kouji Tanaka
- Department of Medical Technology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chinatsu Arima
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mei Chee Tai
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norie Nakatani
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yanagisawa
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takeuchi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hanxiao Shi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Mizutani
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Atsuko Niimi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Taniguchi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takayuki Fukui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kohei Yokoi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keiko Wakahara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hasegawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yukiko Mizutani
- Laboratory of Biomembrane and Biofunctional Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Soichiro Iwaki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fujii
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Satou
- Department of Medical Technology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keiko Tamiya-Koizumi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Murate
- Department of Medical Technology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mamoru Kyogashima
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shuta Tomida
- Department of Biobank, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Takahashi
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Amjad E, Asnaashari S, Sokouti B, Dastmalchi S. Systems biology comprehensive analysis on breast cancer for identification of key gene modules and genes associated with TNM-based clinical stages. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10816. [PMID: 32616754 PMCID: PMC7331704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67643-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), as one of the leading causes of death among women, comprises several subtypes with controversial and poor prognosis. Considering the TNM (tumor, lymph node, metastasis) based classification for staging of breast cancer, it is essential to diagnose the disease at early stages. The present study aims to take advantage of the systems biology approach on genome wide gene expression profiling datasets to identify the potential biomarkers involved at stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV as well as in the integrated group. Three HER2-negative breast cancer microarray datasets were retrieved from the GEO database, including normal, stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV samples. Additionally, one dataset was also extracted to test the developed predictive models trained on the three datasets. The analysis of gene expression profiles to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed after preprocessing and normalization of data. Then, statistically significant prioritized DEGs were used to construct protein-protein interaction networks for the stages for module analysis and biomarker identification. Furthermore, the prioritized DEGs were used to determine the involved GO enrichment and KEGG signaling pathways at various stages of the breast cancer. The recurrence survival rate analysis of the identified gene biomarkers was conducted based on Kaplan-Meier methodology. Furthermore, the identified genes were validated not only by using several classification models but also through screening the experimental literature reports on the target genes. Fourteen (21 genes), nine (17 genes), eight (10 genes), four (7 genes), and six (8 genes) gene modules (total of 53 unique genes out of 63 genes with involving those with the same connectivity degree) were identified for stage I, stage II, stage III, stage IV, and the integrated group. Moreover, SMC4, FN1, FOS, JUN, and KIF11 and RACGAP1 genes with the highest connectivity degrees were in module 1 for abovementioned stages, respectively. The biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions were demonstrated for outcomes of GO analysis and KEGG pathway assessment. Additionally, the Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 33 genes were found to be significant while considering the recurrence-free survival rate as an alternative to overall survival rate. Furthermore, the machine learning calcification models show good performance on the determined biomarkers. Moreover, the literature reports have confirmed all of the identified gene biomarkers for breast cancer. According to the literature evidence, the identified hub genes are highly correlated with HER2-negative breast cancer. The 53-mRNA signature might be a potential gene set for TNM based stages as well as possible therapeutics with potentially good performance in predicting and managing recurrence-free survival rates at stages I, II, III, and IV as well as in the integrated group. Moreover, the identified genes for the TNM-based stages can also be used as mRNA profile signatures to determine the current stage of the breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Amjad
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Solmaz Asnaashari
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Babak Sokouti
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Siavoush Dastmalchi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Evaluation of CERS2 Gene as a Potential Biomarker for Bladder Cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:3875147. [PMID: 31636736 PMCID: PMC6766133 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3875147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The ceramide synthase 2 (CERS2) gene has been linked to tumour recurrence and invasion in many different types of cancers including bladder cancer. In this study, the expression levels of CERS2 in bladder cancer cell lines were analysed using qRT-PCR and the protein expression in clinical bladder cancer histopathological specimens were examined via immunohistochemistry. The potential utility of CERS2 as a predictive biomarker of response to oncolytic virotherapy was assessed by correlating the CERS2 mRNA expression to IC50 values of cells treated with the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), AF2240 strain. This study demonstrates that CERS2 is differentially expressed in different types of bladder cancer cell lines and that the siRNA-mediated downregulation of the expression of CERS2 reduces the migratory potential of UMUC1 bladder cancer cells. However, there were no significant correlations between the expression levels of the CERS2 protein with bladder cancer grade/stage or between the IC50 values of cells treated with NDV and CERS2 expression. Although the utility of CERS2 expression may be limited, its potential as an antimigration cancer therapeutic should be further examined.
Collapse
|
21
|
Brachtendorf S, El-Hindi K, Grösch S. WITHDRAWN: Ceramide synthases in cancer therapy and chemoresistance. Prog Lipid Res 2019:100992. [PMID: 31442523 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2019.100992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Brachtendorf
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Khadija El-Hindi
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - Sabine Grösch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Clinical and pathological significance of Homo sapiens ceramide synthase 2 (CerS-2) in diverse human cancers. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20181743. [PMID: 30988071 PMCID: PMC6504659 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20181743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Homo sapiens ceramide synthase 2 (CerS-2) plays an important role in inhibiting invasion and metastasis of tumor cells and has been reported as a tumor metastasis suppressor gene in diverse cancers. Thus, low level of CerS-2 protein might suggest a bad prognosis and up-regulation of CerS-2 protein might act as a promising therapeutic strategy for malignant tumors. In this review, we discussed the expression, as well as the clinical and pathological significance of CerS-2 in diverse human cancers. The pathological processes and molecular pathways regulated by CerS-2 were also summarized.
Collapse
|
23
|
Brachtendorf S, El-Hindi K, Grösch S. Ceramide synthases in cancer therapy and chemoresistance. Prog Lipid Res 2019; 74:160-185. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
24
|
Hwang S, Gustafsson HT, O'Sullivan C, Bisceglia G, Huang X, Klose C, Schevchenko A, Dickson RC, Cavaliere P, Dephoure N, Torres EM. Serine-Dependent Sphingolipid Synthesis Is a Metabolic Liability of Aneuploid Cells. Cell Rep 2019; 21:3807-3818. [PMID: 29281829 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.11.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidy disrupts cellular homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological responses and adaptation to aneuploidy are not well understood. Deciphering these mechanisms is important because aneuploidy is associated with diseases, including intellectual disability and cancer. Although tumors and mammalian aneuploid cells, including several cancer cell lines, show altered levels of sphingolipids, the role of sphingolipids in aneuploidy remains unknown. Here, we show that ceramides and long-chain bases, sphingolipid molecules that slow proliferation and promote survival, are increased by aneuploidy. Sphingolipid levels are tightly linked to serine synthesis, and inhibiting either serine or sphingolipid synthesis can specifically impair the fitness of aneuploid cells. Remarkably, the fitness of aneuploid cells improves or deteriorates upon genetically decreasing or increasing ceramides, respectively. Combined targeting of serine and sphingolipid synthesis could be exploited to specifically target cancer cells, the vast majority of which are aneuploid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunyoung Hwang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - H Tobias Gustafsson
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ciara O'Sullivan
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gianna Bisceglia
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Xinhe Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and the Lucille Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Christian Klose
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Andrej Schevchenko
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Robert C Dickson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and the Lucille Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Paola Cavaliere
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Noah Dephoure
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Eduardo M Torres
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Uen YH, Fang CL, Lin CC, Hseu YC, Hung ST, Sun DP, Lin KY. Ceramide synthase 6 predicts the prognosis of human gastric cancer: It functions as an oncoprotein by dysregulating the SOCS2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Mol Carcinog 2018; 57:1675-1689. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.22888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yih-Huei Uen
- Department of Surgery; Asia University Hospital; Taichung Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology; Asia University; Taichung Taiwan
- Department of Surgery; Tainan Municipal An-Nan Hospital; Tainan Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lang Fang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine; Taipei Medical University; Taipei Taiwan
- Department of Pathology; Wan Fang Hospital; Taipei Medical University; Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chan Lin
- Department of Medical Research; Chi Mei Medical Center; Tainan Taiwan
| | - You-Cheng Hseu
- Department of Cosmeceutics; China Medical University; Taichung Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology; Asia University; Taichung Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ting Hung
- Department of Medical Research; Chi Mei Medical Center; Tainan Taiwan
| | - Ding-Ping Sun
- Department of Surgery; Chi Mei Medical Center; Tainan Taiwan
- Department of Food Science and Technology; Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science; Tainan Taiwan
| | - Kai-Yuan Lin
- Department of Medical Research; Chi Mei Medical Center; Tainan Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology; Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science; Tainan Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Ceramides, important players in signal transduction, interact with multiple cellular pathways, including p53 pathways. However, the relationship between ceramide and p53 is very complex, and mechanisms underlying their coregulation are diverse and not fully characterized. The role of p53, an important cellular regulator and a transcription factor, is linked to its tumor suppressor function. Ceramides are involved in the regulation of fundamental processes in cancer cells including cell death, proliferation, autophagy, and drug resistance. This regulation, however, can be pro-death or pro-survival depending on cancer type, the balance between ceramide species, the rate of their synthesis and utilization, and the availability of a specific array of downstream targets. This chapter highlights the central role of ceramide in sphingolipid metabolism, its role in cancer, specific effectors in ceramide pathways controlled by p53, and coregulation of ceramide and p53 signaling. We discuss the recent studies, which underscore the function of p53 in the regulation of ceramide pathways and the reciprocal regulation of p53 by ceramide. This complex relationship is based on several molecular mechanisms including the p53-dependent transcriptional regulation of enzymes in sphingolipid pathways, the activation of mutant p53 through ceramide-mediated alternative splicing, as well as modulation of the p53 function through direct and indirect effects on p53 coregulators and downstream targets. Further insight into the connections between ceramide and p53 will allow simultaneous targeting of the two pathways with a potential to yield more efficient anticancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Jeffries
- Nutrition Research Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Natalia I Krupenko
- Nutrition Research Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States; Department of Nutrition, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sundaram S, Žáček P, Bukowski MR, Mehus AA, Yan L, Picklo MJ. Lipidomic Impacts of an Obesogenic Diet Upon Lewis Lung Carcinoma in Mice. Front Oncol 2018; 8:134. [PMID: 29868466 PMCID: PMC5958182 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming of lipid metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. Consumption of a high-fat obesogenic diet enhances spontaneous metastasis using a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model. In order to gain further insights into the mechanisms by which dietary fats impact cancer progression, we conducted a lipidomic analysis of primary tumors originated from LLC from mice fed with a standard AIN93G diet or a soybean oil-based high-fat diet (HFD). Hierarchical clustering heatmap analysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipids and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids demonstrated an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-containing phospholipids and a decrease in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)-containing lipids in tumors from mice fed the HFD. The quantities of 51 PC and 24 PE lipids differed in primary tumors of LLC from mice fed the control diet and the HFD. Analysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) lipids identified differences in 32 TAG (by brutto structure) between the two groups; TAG analysis by neutral loss identified 46 PUFA-containing TAG species that were higher in mice fed with the HFD than in the controls. Intake of the HFD did not alter the expression of the de novo lipogenesis enzymes (fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1). Our results demonstrate that the dietary fatty acid composition of the HFD is reflected in the higher order lipidomic composition of primary tumors. Subsequent studies are needed to investigate how these lipidomic changes may be used for targeted dietary intervention to reduce tumor growth and malignant progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Sundaram
- USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Petr Žáček
- USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Michael R Bukowski
- USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Aaron A Mehus
- USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Lin Yan
- USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Matthew J Picklo
- USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, ND, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Etoposide Upregulates Survival Favoring Sphingosine-1-Phosphate in Etoposide-Resistant Retinoblastoma Cells. Pathol Oncol Res 2017; 25:391-399. [DOI: 10.1007/s12253-017-0360-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
29
|
Wegner MS, Schiffmann S, Parnham MJ, Geisslinger G, Grösch S. The enigma of ceramide synthase regulation in mammalian cells. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 63:93-119. [PMID: 27180613 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ceramide synthases (CerS) are key enzymes in the lipid metabolism of eukaryotic cells. Their products, ceramides (Cer), are components of cellular membranes but also mediate signaling functions in physiological processes such as proliferation, skin barrier function and cerebellar development. In pathophysiological processes such as multiple sclerosis and tumor progression, ceramide levels are altered, which can be ascribed, partly, to dysregulation of CerS gene transcription. Most publications deal with the effects of altered ceramide levels on physiological and pathophysiological processes, but the regulation of the appropriate CerS is frequently not investigated. This is insufficient for the clarification of the role of ceramides, because most ceramide species are generated by at least two CerS. The mechanisms of CerS regulation are manifold and it seems that each CerS isoform is regulated individually. For this reason, we discuss the different CerS separately in this review. From transcriptional regulation to alteration of protein activity, the possibilities to influence CerS are diverse. Furthermore, CerS are influenced by a variety of molecules including hormones and lipids. Without claiming completeness, we provide a résumé of the regulatory mechanisms for each CerS in mammalian cells and how dysregulation of these mechanisms during physiological processes may lead to pathophysiological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marthe-Susanna Wegner
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael John Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabine Grösch
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Fan SH, Wang YY, Lu J, Zheng YL, Wu DM, Zhang ZF, Shan Q, Hu B, Li MQ, Cheng W. CERS2 suppresses tumor cell invasion and is associated with decreased V-ATPase and MMP-2/MMP-9 activities in breast cancer. J Cell Biochem 2016; 116:502-13. [PMID: 25213553 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Ceramide synthase 2 (CERS2) is the gene identified from a human liver cDNA library in 2001. Our previous studies have shown higher expression of CERS2 in the breast cancer patients was associated with fewer lymph node metastases. However, the molecular mechanism of CERS2 involved is unknown. Here, we found CERS2 was heterogeneously expressed in various breast cancer cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CERS2 in MCF7 cells, which are poorly invasive breast cancer cells, were obviously higher than that in the highly invasive cells MDA-MB-231. Results showed overexpression of CERS2 in MDA-MB-231 cells could significantly inhibit the migration and invasion ability, whereas CERS2 knockdown in MCF7 cells could significantly increase the migration and invasion ability. Overexpression of CERS2 in MDA-MB-231 cells significantly reduced the V-ATPase activity, increased the extracellular pH and decreased the pH-dependent activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). CERS2 knockdown in MCF7 cells significantly increased the V-ATPase activity, decreased the extracellular pH and increased the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Taken together, CERS2 can significantly inhibit breast cancer cell invasion and is associated with the decrease of the V-ATPase activity and extracellular hydrogen ion concentration, and in turn the activation of secreted MMP-2/MMP-9 and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which ultimately suppressed tumor's invasion. Thus, CERS2 may represent a novel target for selectively disrupting V-ATPase activity and the invasive potential of cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-hua Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Suzuki M, Cao K, Kato S, Komizu Y, Mizutani N, Tanaka K, Arima C, Tai MC, Yanagisawa K, Togawa N, Shiraishi T, Usami N, Taniguchi T, Fukui T, Yokoi K, Wakahara K, Hasegawa Y, Mizutani Y, Igarashi Y, Inokuchi JI, Iwaki S, Fujii S, Satou A, Matsumoto Y, Ueoka R, Tamiya-Koizumi K, Murate T, Nakamura M, Kyogashima M, Takahashi T. Targeting ceramide synthase 6-dependent metastasis-prone phenotype in lung cancer cells. J Clin Invest 2015; 126:254-65. [PMID: 26650179 DOI: 10.1172/jci79775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids make up a family of molecules associated with an array of biological functions, including cell death and migration. Sphingolipids are often altered in cancer, though how these alterations lead to tumor formation and progression is largely unknown. Here, we analyzed non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens and cell lines and determined that ceramide synthase 6 (CERS6) is markedly overexpressed compared with controls. Elevated CERS6 expression was due in part to reduction of microRNA-101 (miR-101) and was associated with increased invasion and poor prognosis. CERS6 knockdown in NSCLC cells altered the ceramide profile, resulting in decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro, and decreased the frequency of RAC1-positive lamellipodia formation while CERS6 overexpression promoted it. In murine models, CERS6 knockdown in transplanted NSCLC cells attenuated lung metastasis. Furthermore, combined treatment with l-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine liposome and the glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor D-PDMP induced cell death in association with ceramide accumulation and promoted cancer cell apoptosis and tumor regression in murine models. Together, these results indicate that CERS6-dependent ceramide synthesis and maintenance of ceramide in the cellular membrane are essential for lamellipodia formation and metastasis. Moreover, these results suggest that targeting this homeostasis has potential as a therapeutic strategy for CERS6-overexpressing NSCLC.
Collapse
|
32
|
Makoukji J, Raad M, Genadry K, El-Sitt S, Makhoul NJ, Saad Aldin E, Nohra E, Jabbour M, Sangaralingam A, Chelala C, Habib RH, Boulos F, Tfayli A, Boustany RM. Association between CLN3 (Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, CLN3 Type) Gene Expression and Clinical Characteristics of Breast Cancer Patients. Front Oncol 2015; 5:215. [PMID: 26528430 PMCID: PMC4601263 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Elucidation of underlying biology and molecular pathways is necessary for improving therapeutic options and clinical outcomes. CLN3 protein (CLN3p), deficient in neurodegenerative CLN3 disease is anti-apoptotic, and defects in the CLN3 gene cause accelerated apoptosis of neurons in CLN3 disease and up-regulation of ceramide. Dysregulated apoptotic pathways are often implicated in the development of the oncogenic phenotype. Predictably, CLN3 mRNA expression and CLN3 protein were up-regulated in a number of human and murine breast cancer-cell lines. Here, we determine CLN3 expression in non-tumor vs. tumor samples from fresh and formalin-fixed/paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast tissue and analyze the association between CLN3 overexpression and different clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer patients. Additionally, gene expression of 28 enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism was determined. CLN3 mRNA is overexpressed in tumor vs. non-tumor breast tissue from FFPE and fresh samples, as well as in mouse MCF7 breast cancer compared to MCF10A normal cells. Of the clinicopathological characteristics of tumor grade, age, menopause status, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), only absence of HER2 expression correlated with CLN3 overexpression. Sphingolipid genes for ceramide synthases 2 and 6 (CerS2; CerS6), delta(4)-desaturase sphingolipid 2 (DEGS2), and acidic sphingomyelinase (SMPD1) displayed higher expression levels in breast cancer vs. control tissue, whereas ceramide galactosyltransferase (UGT8) was underexpressed in breast cancer samples. CLN3 may be a novel molecular target for cancer drug discovery with the goal of modulation of ceramide pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Makoukji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Raad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Katia Genadry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Sally El-Sitt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Nadine J Makhoul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Ehab Saad Aldin
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics , Iowa City, IA , USA
| | - Eden Nohra
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Mark Jabbour
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Ajanthah Sangaralingam
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London , London , UK
| | - Claude Chelala
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London , London , UK
| | - Robert H Habib
- Outcomes Research Unit, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Fouad Boulos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Arafat Tfayli
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Rose-Mary Boustany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon ; Neurogenetics Program, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Park WJ, Brenner O, Kogot-Levin A, Saada A, Merrill AH, Pewzner-Jung Y, Futerman AH. Development of pheochromocytoma in ceramide synthase 2 null mice. Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22:623-32. [PMID: 26113602 PMCID: PMC5586043 DOI: 10.1530/erc-15-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the adrenal medulla and sympathetic and parasympathetic paraganglia, for which mutations in ∼15 disease-associated genes have been identified. We now document the role of an additional gene in mice, the ceramide synthase 2 (CerS2) gene. CerS2, one of six mammalian CerS, synthesizes ceramides with very-long (C22-C24) chains. The CerS2 null mouse has been well characterized and displays lesions in several organs including the liver, lung and the brain. We now demonstrate that changes in the sphingolipid acyl chain profile of the adrenal gland lead to the generation of adrenal medullary tumors. Histological analyses revealed that about half of the CerS2 null mice developed PCC by ∼13 months, and the rest showed signs of medullary hyperplasia. Norepinephrine and normetanephrine levels in the urine were elevated at 7 months of age consistent with the morphological abnormalities found at later ages. Accumulation of ceroid in the X-zone was observed as early as 2 months of age and as a consequence, older mice displayed elevated levels of lysosomal cathepsins, reduced proteasome activity and reduced activity of mitochondrial complex IV by 6 months of age. Together, these findings implicate an additional pathway that can lead to PCC formation, which involves alterations in the sphingolipid acyl chain length. Analysis of the role of sphingolipids in PCC may lead to further understanding of the mechanism by which PCC develops, and might implicate the sphingolipid pathway as a possible novel therapeutic target for this rare tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jae Park
- Department of Biological ChemistryWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South KoreaDepartment of Veterinary ResourcesWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelMonique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic ResearchDepartment of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, IsraelSchool of Biology and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and BioscienceGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA Department of Biological ChemistryWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South KoreaDepartment of Veterinary ResourcesWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelMonique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic ResearchDepartment of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, IsraelSchool of Biology and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and BioscienceGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA
| | - Ori Brenner
- Department of Biological ChemistryWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South KoreaDepartment of Veterinary ResourcesWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelMonique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic ResearchDepartment of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, IsraelSchool of Biology and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and BioscienceGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA
| | - Aviram Kogot-Levin
- Department of Biological ChemistryWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South KoreaDepartment of Veterinary ResourcesWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelMonique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic ResearchDepartment of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, IsraelSchool of Biology and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and BioscienceGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA Department of Biological ChemistryWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South KoreaDepartment of Veterinary ResourcesWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelMonique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic ResearchDepartment of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, IsraelSchool of Biology and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and BioscienceGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA
| | - Ann Saada
- Department of Biological ChemistryWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South KoreaDepartment of Veterinary ResourcesWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelMonique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic ResearchDepartment of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, IsraelSchool of Biology and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and BioscienceGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA
| | - Alfred H Merrill
- Department of Biological ChemistryWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South KoreaDepartment of Veterinary ResourcesWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelMonique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic ResearchDepartment of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, IsraelSchool of Biology and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and BioscienceGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA
| | - Yael Pewzner-Jung
- Department of Biological ChemistryWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South KoreaDepartment of Veterinary ResourcesWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelMonique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic ResearchDepartment of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, IsraelSchool of Biology and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and BioscienceGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA
| | - Anthony H Futerman
- Department of Biological ChemistryWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelDepartment of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South KoreaDepartment of Veterinary ResourcesWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelMonique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic ResearchDepartment of Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, IsraelSchool of Biology and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and BioscienceGeorgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mei F, You J, Liu B, Zhang M, Liu J, Zhang B, Pei F. LASS2/TMSG1 inhibits growth and invasion of breast cancer cell in vitro through regulation of vacuolar ATPase activity. Tumour Biol 2014; 36:2831-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2910-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|
35
|
Don AS, Lim XY, Couttas TA. Re-configuration of sphingolipid metabolism by oncogenic transformation. Biomolecules 2014; 4:315-53. [PMID: 24970218 PMCID: PMC4030989 DOI: 10.3390/biom4010315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The sphingolipids are one of the major lipid families in eukaryotes, incorporating a diverse array of structural variants that exert a powerful influence over cell fate and physiology. Increased expression of sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), which catalyses the synthesis of the pro-survival, pro-angiogenic metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), is well established as a hallmark of multiple cancers. Metabolic alterations that reduce levels of the pro-apoptotic lipid ceramide, particularly its glucosylation by glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), have frequently been associated with cancer drug resistance. However, the simple notion that the balance between ceramide and S1P, often referred to as the sphingolipid rheostat, dictates cell survival contrasts with recent studies showing that highly potent and selective SPHK1 inhibitors do not affect cancer cell proliferation or survival, and studies demonstrating higher ceramide levels in some metastatic cancers. Recent reports have implicated other sphingolipid metabolic enzymes such as acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) more strongly in cancer pathogenesis, and highlight lysosomal sphingolipid metabolism as a possible weak point for therapeutic targeting in cancer. This review describes the evidence implicating different sphingolipid metabolic enzymes and their products in cancer pathogenesis, and suggests how newer systems-level approaches may improve our overall understanding of how oncogenic transformation reconfigures sphingolipid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Don
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Xin Y Lim
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Timothy A Couttas
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sphingosine kinase 1 and cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90362. [PMID: 24587339 PMCID: PMC3937388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) is a key regulator of the dynamic ceramide/sphingosine 1-phosphate rheostat balance and important in the pathological cancer genesis, progression, and metastasis processes. Many studies have demonstrated SK1 overexpressed in various cancers, but no meta-analysis has evaluated the relationship between SK1 and various cancers. METHODS We retrieved relevant articles from the PubMed, EBSCO, ISI, and OVID databases. A pooled odds ratio (OR) was used to assess the associations between SK1 expression and cancer; hazard ratios (HR) were used for 5-year and overall survival. Review Manager 5.0 was used for the meta-analysis, and publication bias was evaluated with STATA 12.0 (Egger's test). RESULTS Thirty-four eligible studies (n=4,673 patients) were identified. SK1 positivity and high expression were significantly different between cancer, non-cancer, and benign tissues. SK1 mRNA and protein expression levels were elevated in the cancer tissues, compared with the normal tissues. SK1 positivity rates differed between various cancer types (lowest [27.3%] in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and highest [82.2%] in tongue squamous cell carcinoma). SK1 positivity and high expression were associated with 5-year survival; the HR was 1.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-2.94) for breast cancer, 1.58 (1.08-2.31) for gastric cancer, and 2.68 (2.10-3.44) for other cancers; the total cancer HR was 2.21 (95% CI, 1.83-2.67; P < 0.00001). The overall survival HRs were 2.09 (95% CI, 1.35-3.22), 1.56 (1.08-2.25), and 2.62 (2.05-3.35) in breast, gastric, and other cancers, respectively. The total effect HR was 2.21 (95% CI, 1.83-2.66; P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS SK1 positivity and high expression were significantly associated with cancer and a shorter 5-year and overall survival. SK1 positivity rates vary tremendously among the cancer types. It is necessary to further explore whether SK1 might be a predictive biomarker of outcomes in cancer patients.
Collapse
|
37
|
c-Src-induced activation of ceramide metabolism impairs membrane microdomains and promotes malignant progression by facilitating the translocation of c-Src to focal adhesions. Biochem J 2014; 458:81-93. [DOI: 10.1042/bj20130527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We found that c-Src up-regulation perturbs sphingolipid/cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains by activating ceramide synthesis, which contributes to malignant progression by promoting the translocation of c-Src from microdomains to focal adhesions/podosomes.
Collapse
|
38
|
Park JW, Park WJ, Futerman AH. Ceramide synthases as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in human diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2013; 1841:671-81. [PMID: 24021978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Ceramide is located at a key hub in the sphingolipid metabolic pathway and also acts as an important cellular signaling molecule. Ceramide contains one acyl chain which is attached to a sphingoid long chain base via an amide bond, with the acyl chain varying in length and degree of saturation. The identification of a family of six mammalian ceramide synthases (CerS) that synthesize ceramide with distinct acyl chains, has led to significant advances in our understanding of ceramide biology, including further delineation of the role of ceramide in various pathophysiologies in both mice and humans. Since ceramides, and the complex sphingolipids generated from ceramide, are implicated in disease, the CerS might potentially be novel targets for therapeutic intervention in the diseases in which the ceramide acyl chain length is altered. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled New Frontiers in Sphingolipid Biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Won Park
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 158-710, South Korea
| | - Woo-Jae Park
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-799, South Korea
| | - Anthony H Futerman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
The role of sphingolipids as bioactive signaling molecules that can regulate cell fate decisions puts them at center stage for cancer treatment and prevention. While ceramide and sphingosine have been established as antigrowth molecules, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) offers a progrowth message to cells. The enzymes responsible for maintaining the balance between these "stop" or "go" signals are the sphingosine kinases (SK), SK1 and SK2. While the relative contribution of SK2 is still being elucidated and may involve an intranuclear role, a substantial amount of evidence suggests that regulation of sphingolipid levels by SK1 is an important component of carcinogenesis. Here, we review the literature regarding the role of SK1 as an oncogene that can function to enhance cancer cell viability and promote tumor growth and metastasis; highlighting the importance of developing specific SK1 inhibitors to supplement current cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Heffernan-Stroud
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Non-surgical therapies for human malignancies must negotiate complex cell signaling pathways to impede cancer cell growth, ideally promoting death of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. For most of the past half century, medical approaches for treating cancer have relied primarily on cytotoxic chemotherapeutics that interfere with DNA replication and cell division, susceptibilities of rapidly dividing cancer cells. As a consequence, these therapies exert considerable cell stress, promoting the generation of ceramide through de novo synthesis and recycling of complex glycosphingolipids and sphingomyelin into apoptotic ceramide. Radiotherapy of cancer exerts similar geno- and cytotoxic cell stresses, and generation of ceramide following ionizing radiation therapy is a well-described feature of radiation-induced cell death. Emerging evidence now describes sphingolipids as mediators of death in response to newer targeted therapies, cementing ceramide generation as a common mechanism of cell death in response to cancer therapy. Many studies have now shown that dysregulation of ceramide accumulation-whether by reduced generation or accelerated metabolism-is a common mechanism of resistance to standard cancer therapies. The aims of this chapter will be to discuss described mechanisms of cancer resistance to therapy related to dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism and to explore clinical and preclinical approaches to interdict sphingolipid metabolism to improve outcomes of standard cancer therapies.
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Ceramide, a bioactive sphingolipid, is now at the forefront of cancer research. Classically, ceramide is thought to induce death, growth inhibition, and senescence in cancer cells. However, it is now clear that this simple picture of ceramide no longer holds true. Recent studies suggest that there are diverse functions of endogenously generated ceramides, which seem to be context dependent, regulated by subcellular/membrane localization and presence/absence of direct targets of these lipid molecules. For example, different fatty-acid chain lengths of ceramide, such as C(16)-ceramide that can be generated by ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6), have been implicated in cancer cell proliferation, whereas CerS1-generated C(18)-ceramide mediates cell death. The dichotomy of ceramides' function in cancer cells makes some of the metabolic enzymes of ceramide synthesis potential drug targets (such as Cers6) to prevent cancer growth in breast and head and neck cancers. Conversely, activation of CerS1 could be a new therapeutic option for the development of novel strategies against lung and head and neck cancers. This chapter focuses on recent discoveries about the mechanistic details of mainly de novo-generated ceramides and their signaling functions in cancer pathogenesis, and about how these mechanistic information can be translated into clinically relevant therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
|
42
|
Prestat E, de Morais SR, Vendrell JA, Thollet A, Gautier C, Cohen PA, Aussem A. Learning the local Bayesian network structure around the ZNF217 oncogene in breast tumours. Comput Biol Med 2013; 43:334-41. [PMID: 23375235 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we discuss and apply a novel and efficient algorithm for learning a local Bayesian network model in the vicinity of the ZNF217 oncogene from breast cancer microarray data without having to decide in advance which genes have to be included in the learning process. ZNF217 is a candidate oncogene located at 20q13, a chromosomal region frequently amplified in breast and ovarian cancer, and correlated with shorter patient survival in these cancers. To properly address the difficulties in managing complex gene interactions given our limited sample, statistical significance of edge strengths was evaluated using bootstrapping and the less reliable edges were pruned to increase the network robustness. We found that 13 out of the 35 genes associated with deregulated ZNF217 expression in breast tumours have been previously associated with survival and/or prognosis in cancers. Identifying genes involved in lipid metabolism opens new fields of investigation to decipher the molecular mechanisms driven by the ZNF217 oncogene. Moreover, nine of the 13 genes have already been identified as putative ZNF217 targets by independent biological studies. We therefore suggest that the algorithms for inferring local BNs are valuable data mining tools for unraveling complex mechanisms of biological pathways from expression data. The source code is available at http://www710.univ-lyon1.fr/∼aaussem/Software.html.
Collapse
|
43
|
Harrer H, Laviad EL, Humpf HU, Futerman AH. Identification of N
-acyl-fumonisin B1 as new cytotoxic metabolites of fumonisin mycotoxins. Mol Nutr Food Res 2012; 57:516-22. [DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201200465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Henning Harrer
- Institute of Food Chemistry; Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität; Münster Germany
| | - Elad L. Laviad
- Department of Biological Chemistry; Weizmann Institute of Science; Rehovot Israel
| | - Hans Ulrich Humpf
- Institute of Food Chemistry; Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität; Münster Germany
| | - Anthony H. Futerman
- Department of Biological Chemistry; Weizmann Institute of Science; Rehovot Israel
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
LASS2 enhances chemosensitivity of breast cancer by counteracting acidic tumor microenvironment through inhibiting activity of V-ATPase proton pump. Oncogene 2012; 32:1682-90. [PMID: 22580606 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A main obstacle to overcome during the treatment of tumors is drug resistance to chemotherapy; emerging studies indicate that a key factor contributing to this problem is the acidic tumor microenvironment. Here, we found that LASS2 expression was significantly lower in drug-resistant Michigan Cancer Foundation-7/adriamycin (MCF-7/ADR) human breast cancer cells than the drug-sensitive MCF-7 cells, and low expression of LASS2 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Our results showed that the overexpression of LASS2 in MCF-7/ADR cells increased the chemosensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic agents, including doxorubicin (Dox), whereas LASS2 knockdown in MCF-7 cells decreased the chemosensitivity. Cell-cycle analysis revealed a corresponding increase in apoptosis in the LASS2-overexpressing cells following Dox exposure, showing that the overexpression of LASS2 increased the susceptibility to Dox cytotoxicity. This effect was mediated by a significant increase in pHe (extracellular pH) and lysosomal pH, and more Dox entered the cells and stayed in the nuclei of cells. In nude mice, the combination of LASS2 overexpression and Dox significantly inhibited the growth of xenografts. Our findings suggest that LASS2 is involved in chemotherapeutic outcomes and low LASS2 expression may predict chemoresistance.
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Sphingolipid metabolism in metazoan cells consists of a complex interconnected web of numerous enzymes, metabolites and modes of regulation. At the centre of sphingolipid metabolism reside CerSs (ceramide synthases), a group of enzymes that catalyse the formation of ceramides from sphingoid base and acyl-CoA substrates. From a metabolic perspective, these enzymes occupy a unique niche in that they simultaneously regulate de novo sphingolipid synthesis and the recycling of free sphingosine produced from the degradation of pre-formed sphingolipids (salvage pathway). Six mammalian CerSs (CerS1-CerS6) have been identified. Unique characteristics have been described for each of these enzymes, but perhaps the most notable is the ability of individual CerS isoforms to produce ceramides with characteristic acyl-chain distributions. Through this control of acyl-chain length and perhaps in a compartment-specific manner, CerSs appear to regulate multiple aspects of sphingolipid-mediated cell and organismal biology. In the present review, we discuss the function of CerSs as critical regulators of sphingolipid metabolism, highlight their unique characteristics and explore the emerging roles of CerSs in regulating programmed cell death, cancer and many other aspects of biology.
Collapse
|
46
|
Hartmann D, Lucks J, Fuchs S, Schiffmann S, Schreiber Y, Ferreirós N, Merkens J, Marschalek R, Geisslinger G, Grösch S. Long chain ceramides and very long chain ceramides have opposite effects on human breast and colon cancer cell growth. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:620-8. [PMID: 22230369 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2011.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Ceramides are known to be key players in intracellular signaling and are involved in apoptosis, cell senescence, proliferation, cell growth and differentiation. They are synthesized by ceramide synthases (CerS). So far, six different mammalian CerS (CerS1-6) have been described. Recently, we demonstrated that human breast cancer tissue displays increased activity of CerS2, 4, and 6, together with enhanced generation of their products, ceramides C(16:0), C(24:0), and C(24:1). Moreover, these increases were significantly associated with tumor dignity. To clarify the impact of this observation, we manipulated cellular ceramide levels by overexpressing ceramide synthases 2, 4 or 6 in MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HCT-116 (colon cancer) cells, respectively. Overexpression of ceramide synthases 4 and 6 elevated generation of short chain ceramides C(16:0), C(18:0) and C(20:0), while overexpression of ceramide synthase 2 had no effect on ceramide production in vivo, presumably due to limited substrate availability, because external addition of very long chain acyl-CoAs resulted in a significant upregulation of very long chain ceramides. We also demonstrated that upregulation of CerS4 and 6 led to the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis, whereas upregulation of CerS2 increased cell proliferation. On the basis of our data, we propose that a disequilibrium between ceramides of various chain length is crucial for cancer progression, while normal cells require an equilibrium between very long and long chain ceramides for normal physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Hartmann
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Senkal CE, Ponnusamy S, Manevich Y, Meyers-Needham M, Saddoughi SA, Mukhopadyay A, Dent P, Bielawski J, Ogretmen B. Alteration of ceramide synthase 6/C16-ceramide induces activating transcription factor 6-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis via perturbation of cellular Ca2+ and ER/Golgi membrane network. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:42446-42458. [PMID: 22013072 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.287383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms that regulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis in cancer cells remain enigmatic. Recent data suggest that ceramide synthase1-6 (CerS1-6)-generated ceramides, containing different fatty acid chain lengths, might exhibit distinct and opposing functions, such as apoptosis versus survival in a context-dependent manner. Here, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the activation of one of the major ER stress response proteins, ATF-6, and subsequent apoptosis by alterations of CerS6/C(16)-ceramide. Induction of wild type (WT), but not the catalytically inactive mutant CerS6, increased tumor growth in SCID mice, whereas siRNA-mediated knockdown of CerS6 induced ATF-6 activation and apoptosis in multiple human cancer cells. Down-regulation of CerS6/C(16)-ceramide, and not its further metabolism to glucosylceramide or sphingomyelin, activated ATF-6 upon treatment with ER stress inducers tunicamycin or SAHA (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid). Induction of WT-CerS6 expression, but not its mutant, or ectopic expression of the dominant-negative mutant form of ATF-6 protected cells from apoptosis in response to CerS6 knockdown and tunicamycin or SAHA treatment. Mechanistically, ATF-6 activation was regulated by a concerted two-step process involving the release of Ca(2+) from the ER stores ([Ca(2+)](ER)), which resulted in the fragmentation of Golgi membranes in response to CerS6/C(16)-ceramide alteration. This resulted in the accumulation of pro-ATF-6 in the disrupted ER/Golgi membrane network, where pro-ATF6 is activated. Accordingly, ectopic expression of a Ca(2+) chelator calbindin prevented the Golgi fragmentation, ATF-6 activation, and apoptosis in response to CerS6/C(16)-ceramide down-regulation. Overall, these data suggest a novel mechanism of how CerS6/C(16)-ceramide alteration activates ATF6 and induces ER-stress-mediated apoptosis in squamous cell carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can E Senkal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Suriyan Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Yefim Manevich
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Marisa Meyers-Needham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Sahar A Saddoughi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Archana Mukhopadyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298
| | - Jacek Bielawski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Merrill AH. Sphingolipid and glycosphingolipid metabolic pathways in the era of sphingolipidomics. Chem Rev 2011; 111:6387-422. [PMID: 21942574 PMCID: PMC3191729 DOI: 10.1021/cr2002917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 527] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alfred H Merrill
- School of Biology, and the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kennedy AJ, Mathews TP, Kharel Y, Field SD, Moyer ML, East JE, Houck JD, Lynch KR, Macdonald TL. Development of amidine-based sphingosine kinase 1 nanomolar inhibitors and reduction of sphingosine 1-phosphate in human leukemia cells. J Med Chem 2011; 54:3524-48. [PMID: 21495716 DOI: 10.1021/jm2001053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that has been identified as an accelerant of cancer progression. The sphingosine kinases (SphKs) are the sole producers of S1P, and thus, SphK inhibitors may prove effective in cancer mitigation and chemosensitization. Of the two SphKs, SphK1 overexpression has been observed in a myriad of cancer cell lines and tissues and has been recognized as the presumptive target over that of the poorly characterized SphK2. Herein, we present the design and synthesis of amidine-based nanomolar SphK1 subtype-selective inhibitors. A homology model of SphK1, trained with this library of amidine inhibitors, was then used to predict the activity of additional, more potent, inhibitors. Lastly, select amidine inhibitors were validated in human leukemia U937 cells, where they significantly reduced endogenous S1P levels at nanomolar concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, McCormick Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Huang YL, Huang WP, Lee H. Roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate on tumorigenesis. World J Biol Chem 2011; 2:25-34. [PMID: 21537487 PMCID: PMC3083992 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v2.i2.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid with a variety of biological activities. It is generated from the conversion of ceramide to sphingosine by ceramidase and the subsequent conversion of sphingosine to S1P, which is catalyzed by sphingosine kinases. Through increasing its intracellular levels by sphingolipid metabolism and binding to its cell surface receptors, S1P regulates several physiological and pathological processes, including cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and autophagy. These processes are responsible for tumor growth, metastasis and invasion and promote tumor survival. Since ceramide and S1P have distinct functions in regulating in cell fate decision, the balance between the ceramide/sphingosine/S1P rheostat becomes a potent therapeutic target for cancer cells. Herein, we summarize our current understanding of S1P signaling on tumorigenesis and its potential as a target for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Li Huang
- Yuan-Li Huang, Department of Biotechnology, College of Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|