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Feng S, Aplin C, Nguyen TTT, Milano SK, Cerione RA. Filament formation drives catalysis by glutaminase enzymes important in cancer progression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1971. [PMID: 38438397 PMCID: PMC10912226 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The glutaminase enzymes GAC and GLS2 catalyze the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate, satisfying the 'glutamine addiction' of cancer cells. They are the targets of anti-cancer drugs; however, their mechanisms of activation and catalytic activity have been unclear. Here we demonstrate that the ability of GAC and GLS2 to form filaments is directly coupled to their catalytic activity and present their cryo-EM structures which provide a view of the conformational states essential for catalysis. Filament formation guides an 'activation loop' to assume a specific conformation that works together with a 'lid' to close over the active site and position glutamine for nucleophilic attack by an essential serine. Our findings highlight how ankyrin repeats on GLS2 regulate enzymatic activity, while allosteric activators stabilize, and clinically relevant inhibitors block, filament formation that enables glutaminases to catalyze glutaminolysis and support cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Feng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Cody Aplin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Thuy-Tien T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Shawn K Milano
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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Adamoski D, Dias MM, Quesñay JEN, Yang Z, Zagoriy I, Steyer AM, Rodrigues CT, da Silva Bastos AC, da Silva BN, Costa RKE, de Abreu FMO, Islam Z, Cassago A, van Heel MG, Consonni SR, Mattei S, Mahamid J, Portugal RV, Ambrosio ALB, Dias SMG. Molecular mechanism of glutaminase activation through filamentation and the role of filaments in mitophagy protection. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1902-1912. [PMID: 37857822 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01118-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Glutaminase (GLS), which deaminates glutamine to form glutamate, is a mitochondrial tetrameric protein complex. Although inorganic phosphate (Pi) is known to promote GLS filamentation and activation, the molecular basis of this mechanism is unknown. Here we aimed to determine the molecular mechanism of Pi-induced mouse GLS filamentation and its impact on mitochondrial physiology. Single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy revealed an allosteric mechanism in which Pi binding at the tetramer interface and the activation loop is coupled to direct nucleophile activation at the active site. The active conformation is prone to enzyme filamentation. Notably, human GLS filaments form inside tubulated mitochondria following glutamine withdrawal, as shown by in situ cryo-electron tomography of cells thinned by cryo-focused ion beam milling. Mitochondria with GLS filaments exhibit increased protection from mitophagy. We reveal roles of filamentous GLS in mitochondrial morphology and recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Adamoski
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marilia Meira Dias
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jose Edwin Neciosup Quesñay
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil
- Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zhengyi Yang
- EMBL Imaging Centre, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ievgeniia Zagoriy
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna M Steyer
- EMBL Imaging Centre, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Camila Tanimoto Rodrigues
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil
- Biological Sciences Department, School of Science, Purdue University, Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Alliny Cristiny da Silva Bastos
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bianca Novaes da Silva
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Renna Karoline Eloi Costa
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Zeyaul Islam
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alexandre Cassago
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Marin Gerard van Heel
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sílvio Roberto Consonni
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Simone Mattei
- EMBL Imaging Centre, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Mahamid
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Villares Portugal
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Martha Gomes Dias
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil.
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Cooper AJL, Dorai T, Pinto JT, Denton TT. Metabolic Heterogeneity, Plasticity, and Adaptation to "Glutamine Addiction" in Cancer Cells: The Role of Glutaminase and the GTωA [Glutamine Transaminase-ω-Amidase (Glutaminase II)] Pathway. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1131. [PMID: 37627015 PMCID: PMC10452834 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Many cancers utilize l-glutamine as a major energy source. Often cited in the literature as "l-glutamine addiction", this well-characterized pathway involves hydrolysis of l-glutamine by a glutaminase to l-glutamate, followed by oxidative deamination, or transamination, to α-ketoglutarate, which enters the tricarboxylic acid cycle. However, mammalian tissues/cancers possess a rarely mentioned, alternative pathway (the glutaminase II pathway): l-glutamine is transaminated to α-ketoglutaramate (KGM), followed by ω-amidase (ωA)-catalyzed hydrolysis of KGM to α-ketoglutarate. The name glutaminase II may be confused with the glutaminase 2 (GLS2) isozyme. Thus, we recently renamed the glutaminase II pathway the "glutamine transaminase-ω-amidase (GTωA)" pathway. Herein, we summarize the metabolic importance of the GTωA pathway, including its role in closing the methionine salvage pathway, and as a source of anaplerotic α-ketoglutarate. An advantage of the GTωA pathway is that there is no net change in redox status, permitting α-ketoglutarate production during hypoxia, diminishing cellular energy demands. We suggest that the ability to coordinate control of both pathways bestows a metabolic advantage to cancer cells. Finally, we discuss possible benefits of GTωA pathway inhibitors, not only as aids to studying the normal biological roles of the pathway but also as possible useful anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J. L. Cooper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA; (T.D.); (J.T.P.)
| | - Thambi Dorai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA; (T.D.); (J.T.P.)
- Department of Urology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - John T. Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, 15 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA; (T.D.); (J.T.P.)
| | - Travis T. Denton
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA 99164, USA
- Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA 99164, USA
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Zhu L, Chang X, Zhang S, Bai X, Finko AV, Xu X, Bian J, Liu X, Huang H. Enhancing the affinity of novel GLS1 allosteric inhibitors by targeting key residue Lys320. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:1393-1414. [PMID: 37610850 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: A series of novel GLS1 irreversible allosteric inhibitors targeting Lys320 might have robust enzyme inhibitory activity and potent antitumor activity. Materials & methods: Novel GLS1 allosteric inhibitors targeting Lys320 were synthesized and their anticancer activity was assessed. Moreover, GLS1 protein was used as a model system to analyze the reactivity of these electrophilic groups in GLS1 irreversible allosteric inhibitors with other amino acids, including tyrosine, histidine, serine and threonine, using biochemical and biophysical assays. Results: AC16 exhibited robust GLS1 inhibitory activity, antiproliferative effect in vitro, good plasma stability and potential covalent addition with GLS1 K320. Conclusion: This study opens a novel avenue for the design of robust irreversible GLS1 inhibitors targeting the allosteric site K320.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhu
- Center of Drug Screening & Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, PR China
| | - Xiujin Chang
- Center of Drug Screening & Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, PR China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Shengpeng Zhang
- Center of Drug Screening & Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, PR China
| | - Xiumei Bai
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Alexander V Finko
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Xi Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Center of Drug Screening & Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, PR China
| | - Huidan Huang
- Center of Drug Screening & Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, PR China
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Feng S, Aplin C, Nguyen TTT, Milano SK, Cerione RA. Filament formation drives catalysis by glutaminase enzymes important in cancer progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.16.528860. [PMID: 36824706 PMCID: PMC9949068 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.16.528860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The glutaminase enzymes GAC and GLS2 catalyze the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate, satisfying the 'glutamine addiction' of cancer cells. They are the targets of anti-cancer drugs; however, their mechanisms of activation and catalytic activity have been unclear. Here we demonstrate that the ability of GAC and GLS2 to form filaments is directly coupled to their catalytic activity and present their cryo-EM structures which provide an unprecedented view of the conformational states essential for catalysis. Filament formation guides an 'activation loop' to assume a specific conformation that works together with a 'lid' to close over the active site and position glutamine for nucleophilic attack by an essential serine. Our findings highlight how ankyrin repeats on GLS2 regulate enzymatic activity, while allosteric activators stabilize, and clinically relevant inhibitors block, filament formation that enables glutaminases to catalyze glutaminolysis and support cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Feng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University,
Ithaca, New York, 14853
| | - Cody Aplin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University,
Ithaca, New York, 14853
| | - Thuy-Tien T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University,
Ithaca, New York, 14853
| | - Shawn K. Milano
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University,
Ithaca, New York, 14853
| | - Richard A. Cerione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University,
Ithaca, New York, 14853
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New
York, 14853
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Nguyen TTT, Katt WP, Cerione RA. Alone and together: current approaches to targeting glutaminase enzymes as part of anti-cancer therapies. FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2023; 4:FDD79. [PMID: 37009252 PMCID: PMC10051075 DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2022-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a major hallmark of malignant transformation in cancer, and part of the so-called Warburg effect, in which the upregulation of glutamine catabolism plays a major role. The glutaminase enzymes convert glutamine to glutamate, which initiates this pathway. Inhibition of different forms of glutaminase (KGA, GAC, or LGA) demonstrated potential as an emerging anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. The regulation of these enzymes, and the molecular basis for their inhibition, have been the focus of much recent research. This review will explore the recent progress in understanding the molecular basis for activation and inhibition of different forms of glutaminase, as well as the recent focus on combination therapies of glutaminase inhibitors with other anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Tien T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - William P Katt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Onyango AN. Excessive gluconeogenesis causes the hepatic insulin resistance paradox and its sequelae. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12294. [PMID: 36582692 PMCID: PMC9792795 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic insulin signaling suppresses gluconeogenesis but promotes de novo lipid synthesis. Paradoxically, hepatic insulin resistance (HIR) enhances both gluconeogenesis and de novo lipid synthesis. Elucidation of the etiology of this paradox, which participates in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, the metabolic syndrome and hepatocellular carcinoma, has not been fully achieved. Scope of review This article briefly outlines the previously proposed hypotheses on the etiology of the HIR paradox. It then discusses literature consistent with an alternative hypothesis that excessive gluconeogenesis, the direct effect of HIR, is responsible for the aberrant lipogenesis. The mechanisms involved therein are explained, involving de novo synthesis of fructose and uric acid, promotion of glutamine anaplerosis, and induction of glucagon resistance. Thus, gluconeogenesis via lipogenesis promotes hepatic steatosis, a component of NAFLD, and dyslipidemia. Gluconeogenesis-centred mechanisms for the progression of NAFLD from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis are suggested. That NAFLD often precedes and predicts type 2 diabetes is explained by the ability of lipogenesis to cushion against blood glucose dysregulation in the earlier stages of NAFLD. Major conclusions HIR-induced excessive gluconeogenesis is a major cause of the HIR paradox and its sequelae. Such involvement of gluconeogenesis in lipid synthesis rationalizes the fact that several types of antidiabetic drugs ameliorate NAFLD. Thus, dietary, lifestyle and pharmacological targeting of HIR and hepatic gluconeogenesis may be a most viable approach for the prevention and management of the HIR-associated network of diseases.
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Aledo JC. The Role of Methionine Residues in the Regulation of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081248. [PMID: 34439914 PMCID: PMC8394241 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Membraneless organelles are non-stoichiometric supramolecular structures in the micron scale. These structures can be quickly assembled/disassembled in a regulated fashion in response to specific stimuli. Membraneless organelles contribute to the spatiotemporal compartmentalization of the cell, and they are involved in diverse cellular processes often, but not exclusively, related to RNA metabolism. Liquid-liquid phase separation, a reversible event involving demixing into two distinct liquid phases, provides a physical framework to gain insights concerning the molecular forces underlying the process and how they can be tuned according to the cellular needs. Proteins able to undergo phase separation usually present a modular architecture, which favors a multivalency-driven demixing. We discuss the role of low complexity regions in establishing networks of intra- and intermolecular interactions that collectively control the phase regime. Post-translational modifications of the residues present in these domains provide a convenient strategy to reshape the residue-residue interaction networks that determine the dynamics of phase separation. Focus will be placed on those proteins with low complexity domains exhibiting a biased composition towards the amino acid methionine and the prominent role that reversible methionine sulfoxidation plays in the assembly/disassembly of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Aledo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
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