1
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Espinoza KS, Snider AJ. Therapeutic Potential for Sphingolipids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:789. [PMID: 38398179 PMCID: PMC10887199 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract, increases the risk for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Sphingolipids, which have been implicated in IBD and CRC, are a class of bioactive lipids that regulate cell signaling, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, and survival. The balance between ceramide (Cer), the central sphingolipid involved in apoptosis and differentiation, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a potent signaling molecule involved in proliferation and inflammation, is vital for the maintenance of normal cellular function. Altered sphingolipid metabolism has been implicated in IBD and CRC, with many studies highlighting the importance of S1P in inflammatory signaling and pro-survival pathways. A myriad of sphingolipid analogues, inhibitors, and modulators have been developed to target the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. In this review, the efficacy and therapeutic potential for modulation of sphingolipid metabolism in IBD and CRC will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keila S. Espinoza
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Ashley J. Snider
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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2
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Chen Y, Hao T, Wang J, Chen Y, Wang X, Wei W, Zhao J, Qian Y. A Near-Infrared Fluorogenic Probe for Rapid, Specific, and Ultrasensitive Detection of Sphingosine in Living Cells and In Vivo. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307598. [PMID: 38032131 PMCID: PMC10787105 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Sphingosine (Sph) plays important roles in various complex biological processes. Abnormalities in Sph metabolism can result in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. However, due to the lack of rapid and accurate detection methods, understanding sph metabolic in related diseases is limited. Herein, a series of near-infrared fluorogenic probes DMS-X (X = 2F, F, Cl, Br, and I) are designed and synthesized. The fast oxazolidinone ring formation enables the DMS-2F to detect Sph selectively and ultrasensitively, and the detection limit reaches 9.33 ± 0.41 nm. Moreover, it is demonstrated that DMS-2F exhibited a dose- and time-dependent response to Sph and can detect sph in living cells. Importantly, for the first time, the changes in Sph levels induced by Aβ42 oligomers and H2 O2 are assessed through a fluorescent imaging approach, and further validated the physiological processes by which Aβ42 oligomers and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induce changes in intracellular Sph levels. Additionally, the distribution of Sph in living zebrafish is successfully mapped by in vivo imaging of a zebrafish model. This work provides a simple and efficient method for probing Sph in living cells and in vivo, which will facilitate investigation into the metabolic process of Sph and the connection between Sph and disease pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tingting Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, 37235, USA
| | - Xiuxiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yong Qian
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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3
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Ung J, Tan SF, Fox TE, Shaw JJP, Taori M, Horton BJ, Golla U, Sharma A, Szulc ZM, Wang HG, Chalfant CE, Cabot MC, Claxton DF, Loughran TP, Feith DJ. Acid Ceramidase Inhibitor LCL-805 Antagonizes Akt Signaling and Promotes Iron-Dependent Cell Death in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5866. [PMID: 38136410 PMCID: PMC10742122 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy requiring urgent treatment advancements. Ceramide is a cell-death-promoting signaling lipid that plays a central role in therapy-induced cell death. We previously determined that acid ceramidase (AC), a ceramide-depleting enzyme, is overexpressed in AML and promotes leukemic survival and drug resistance. The ceramidase inhibitor B-13 and next-generation lysosomal-localizing derivatives termed dimethylglycine (DMG)-B-13 prodrugs have been developed but remain untested in AML. Here, we report the in vitro anti-leukemic efficacy and mechanism of DMG-B-13 prodrug LCL-805 across AML cell lines and primary patient samples. LCL-805 inhibited AC enzymatic activity, increased total ceramides, and reduced sphingosine levels. A median EC50 value of 11.7 μM was achieved for LCL-805 in cell viability assays across 32 human AML cell lines. As a single agent tested across a panel of 71 primary AML patient samples, a median EC50 value of 15.8 μM was achieved. Exogenous ceramide supplementation with C6-ceramide nanoliposomes, which is entering phase I/II clinical trial for relapsed/refractory AML, significantly enhanced LCL-805 killing. Mechanistically, LCL-805 antagonized Akt signaling and led to iron-dependent cell death distinct from canonical ferroptosis. These findings elucidated key factors involved in LCL-805 cytotoxicity and demonstrated the potency of combining AC inhibition with exogenous ceramide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson Ung
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Todd E. Fox
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jeremy J. P. Shaw
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Maansi Taori
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Bethany J. Horton
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Translational Research and Applied Statistics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA;
| | - Upendarrao Golla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (D.F.C.)
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Zdzislaw M. Szulc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Charles E. Chalfant
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Research Service, Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
| | - Myles C. Cabot
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - David F. Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (D.F.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - David J. Feith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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4
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Ung J, Tan SF, Fox TE, Shaw JJ, Taori M, Horton BJ, Golla U, Sharma A, Szulc ZM, Wang HG, Chalfant CE, Cabot MC, Claxton DF, Loughran TP, Feith DJ. Acid Ceramidase Inhibitor LCL-805 Antagonizes Akt Signaling and Promotes Iron-Dependent Cell Death in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.21.563437. [PMID: 37961314 PMCID: PMC10634704 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.21.563437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy requiring urgent treatment advancements. Ceramide is a cell death-promoting signaling lipid that plays a central role in therapy-induced cell death. Acid ceramidase (AC), a ceramide-depleting enzyme, is overexpressed in AML and promotes leukemic survival and drug resistance. The ceramidase inhibitor B-13 and next-generation lysosomal-localizing derivatives termed dimethylglycine (DMG)-B-13 prodrugs have been developed but remain untested in AML. Here, we report the in vitro anti-leukemic efficacy and mechanism of DMG-B-13 prodrug, LCL-805, across AML cell lines and primary patient samples. LCL-805 inhibited AC enzymatic activity, increased total ceramides, and reduced sphingosine levels. A median EC50 value of 11.7 μM was achieved for LCL-805 in cell viability assays across 32 human AML cell lines. As a single agent tested across a panel of 71 primary AML patient samples, a median EC50 value of 15.8 μM was achieved. Exogenous ceramide supplementation with C6-ceramide nanoliposomes, which is entering phase I/II clinical trial for relapsed/refractory AML, significantly enhanced LCL-805 killing. Mechanistically, LCL-805 antagonized Akt signaling and led to iron-dependent cell death distinct from canonical ferroptosis. These findings elucidated key factors involved in LCL-805 cytotoxicity and demonstrated the potency of combining AC inhibition with exogenous ceramide.
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5
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Zheng X, Hou Z, Qian Y, Zhang Y, Cui Q, Wang X, Shen Y, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Fu B, Sun R, Tian Z, Huang G, Wei H. Tumors evade immune cytotoxicity by altering the surface topology of NK cells. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:802-813. [PMID: 36959292 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01462-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The highly variable response rates to immunotherapies underscore our limited knowledge about how tumors can manipulate immune cells. Here the membrane topology of natural killer (NK) cells from patients with liver cancer showed that intratumoral NK cells have fewer membrane protrusions compared with liver NK cells outside tumors and with peripheral NK cells. Dysregulation of these protrusions prevented intratumoral NK cells from recognizing tumor cells, from forming lytic immunological synapses and from killing tumor cells. The membranes of intratumoral NK cells have altered sphingomyelin (SM) content and dysregulated serine metabolism in tumors contributed to the decrease in SM levels of intratumoral NK cells. Inhibition of SM biosynthesis in peripheral NK cells phenocopied the disrupted membrane topology and cytotoxicity of the intratumoral NK cells. Targeting sphingomyelinase confers powerful antitumor efficacy, both as a monotherapy and as a combination therapy with checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohu Zheng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Zhuanghao Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science and National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yeben Qian
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongwei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Quanwei Cui
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuben Wang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yiqing Shen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhenbang Liu
- Core Facility Center for Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Binqing Fu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Research Unit Of NK Cells, Chinese Academy Of Medical Sciences, Hefei, China.
| | - Guangming Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science and National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Haiming Wei
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Research Unit Of NK Cells, Chinese Academy Of Medical Sciences, Hefei, China.
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6
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Yu A, Cable C, Sharma S, Shihan MH, Mattis AN, Mileva I, Hannun YA, Duwaerts CC, Chen JY. Targeting acid ceramidase ameliorates fibrosis in mouse models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:881848. [PMID: 36275798 PMCID: PMC9582277 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.881848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of liver disease worldwide, and is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD, is a leading cause of liver transplantation. Fibrosis is the histologic feature most associated with liver-related morbidity and mortality in patients with NASH, and treatment options remain limited. In previous studies, we discovered that acid ceramidase (aCDase) is a potent antifibrotic target using human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and models of hepatic fibrogenesis. Using two dietary mouse models, we demonstrate that depletion of aCDase in HSC reduces fibrosis without worsening metabolic features of NASH, including steatosis, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Consistently, pharmacologic inhibition of aCDase ameliorates fibrosis but does not alter metabolic parameters. The findings suggest that targeting aCDase is a viable therapeutic option to reduce fibrosis in patients with NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Yu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Carson Cable
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sachin Sharma
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mahbubul H. Shihan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Aras N. Mattis
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Izolda Mileva
- Department of Medicine and Biochemistry and the Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Yusuf A. Hannun
- Department of Medicine and Biochemistry and the Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Caroline C. Duwaerts
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer Y. Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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7
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Targeting Acid Ceramidase Inhibits Glioblastoma Cell Migration through Decreased AKT Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121873. [PMID: 35741006 PMCID: PMC9221433 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive cancers, partially due to its ability to migrate into the surrounding brain. The sphingolipid balance, or the balance between ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate, contributes to the ability of GBM cells to migrate or invade. Of the ceramidases which hydrolyze ceramides, acid ceramidase (ASAH1) is highly expressed in GBM samples compared to non-tumor brain. ASAH1 expression also correlates with genes associated with migration and focal adhesion. To understand the role of ASAH1 in GBM migration, we utilized shRNA knockdown and observed decreased migration that did not depend upon changes in growth. Next, we inhibited ASAH1 using carmofur, a clinically utilized small molecule inhibitor. Inhibition of ASAH1 by carmofur blocks in vitro migration of U251 (GBM cell line) and GBM cells derived from patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). RNA-sequencing suggested roles for carmofur in MAPK and AKT signaling. We found that carmofur treatment decreases phosphorylation of AKT, but not of MAPK. The decrease in AKT phosphorylation was confirmed by shRNA knockdown of ASAH1. Our findings substantiate ASAH1 inhibition using carmofur as a potential clinically relevant treatment to advance GBM therapeutics, particularly due to its impact on migration.
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8
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Polyploid giant cancer cells are dependent on cholesterol for progeny formation through amitotic division. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8971. [PMID: 35624221 PMCID: PMC9142539 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12705-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells (PGCC) are increasingly being recognized as drivers of cancer recurrence. Therapy stress promotes the formation of these cells, which upon stress cessation often successfully generate more aggressive progeny that repopulate the tumor. Therefore, identification of potential PGCC vulnerabilities is key to preventing therapy failure. We have previously demonstrated that PGCC progeny formation depends on the lysosomal enzyme acid ceramidase (ASAH1). In this study, we compared transcriptomes of parental cancer cells and PGCC in the absence or presence of the ASAH1 inhibitor LCL521. Results show that PGCC express less INSIG1, which downregulates cholesterol metabolism and that inhibition of ASAH1 increased HMGCR which is the rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. Confocal microscopy revealed that ceramide and cholesterol do not colocalize. Treatment with LCL521 or simvastatin to inhibit ASAH1 or HMGCR, respectively, resulted in accumulation of ceramide at the cell surface of PGCC and prevented PGCC progeny formation. Our results suggest that similarly to inhibition of ASAH1, disruption of cholesterol signaling is a potential strategy to interfere with PGCC progeny formation.
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9
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Korbelik M, Szulc ZM, Bielawska A, Separovic D. Controlling Immunoregulatory Cell Activity for Effective Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2451:569-577. [PMID: 35505033 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2099-1_28] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, it has become clear that a prerequisite requirement for most cancer therapies is controlling the negative impact of the activity of immunosuppressory cell populations. It is therefore of a considerable interest to develop treatments for containing the operation of major myeloid and lymphoid immunoregulatory cell populations. We have reported that acid ceramidase inhibitor LCL521 effectively overrides the activity of immunoregulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) engaged in the context of tumor response to photodynamic therapy (PDT). The present communication dissects and describes in detail the procedure for the use of LCL521 as an adjuvant to PDT for improved cure rates of treated tumors based on restricting the activity of immunoregulatory cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mladen Korbelik
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Zdzislaw M Szulc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Alicja Bielawska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Duska Separovic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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10
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Alsamman S, Christenson SA, Yu A, Ayad NME, Mooring MS, Segal JM, Hu JKH, Schaub JR, Ho SS, Rao V, Marlow MM, Turner SM, Sedki M, Pantano L, Ghoshal S, Ferreira DDS, Ma HY, Duwaerts CC, Espanol-Suner R, Wei L, Newcomb B, Mileva I, Canals D, Hannun YA, Chung RT, Mattis AN, Fuchs BC, Tager AM, Yimlamai D, Weaver VM, Mullen AC, Sheppard D, Chen JY. Targeting acid ceramidase inhibits YAP/TAZ signaling to reduce fibrosis in mice. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/557/eaay8798. [PMID: 32817366 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay8798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) drive hepatic fibrosis. Therapies that inactivate HSCs have clinical potential as antifibrotic agents. We previously identified acid ceramidase (aCDase) as an antifibrotic target. We showed that tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) reduce hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting aCDase and increasing the bioactive sphingolipid ceramide. We now demonstrate that targeting aCDase inhibits YAP/TAZ activity by potentiating its phosphorylation-mediated proteasomal degradation via the ubiquitin ligase adaptor protein β-TrCP. In mouse models of fibrosis, pharmacologic inhibition of aCDase or genetic knockout of aCDase in HSCs reduces fibrosis, stromal stiffness, and YAP/TAZ activity. In patients with advanced fibrosis, aCDase expression in HSCs is increased. Consistently, a signature of the genes most down-regulated by ceramide identifies patients with advanced fibrosis who could benefit from aCDase targeting. The findings implicate ceramide as a critical regulator of YAP/TAZ signaling and HSC activation and highlight aCDase as a therapeutic target for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Alsamman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Stephanie A Christenson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Amy Yu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Nadia M E Ayad
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Meghan S Mooring
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Joe M Segal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Jimmy Kuang-Hsien Hu
- Division of Oral Biology & Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Steve S Ho
- Pliant Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Vikram Rao
- Pliant Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | | | - Mai Sedki
- Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Lorena Pantano
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sarani Ghoshal
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Diego Dos Santos Ferreira
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Hsiao-Yen Ma
- Lung Biology Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Caroline C Duwaerts
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.,Liver Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Regina Espanol-Suner
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lan Wei
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Benjamin Newcomb
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Izolda Mileva
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Daniel Canals
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Aras N Mattis
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Bryan C Fuchs
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrew M Tager
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fibrosis Research Center, and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Dean Yimlamai
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alan C Mullen
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Lung Biology Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jennifer Y Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. .,Liver Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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11
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Korbelik M, Zhao J, Zeng H, Bielawska A, Szulc ZM. Mechanistic insights into ceramidase inhibitor LCL521-enhanced tumor cell killing by photodynamic and thermal ablation therapies. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 19:1145-1151. [PMID: 32821888 DOI: 10.1039/d0pp00116c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Our recent investigation uncovered that the acid ceramidase inhibitor LCL521 enhances the direct tumor cell killing effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment. The present study aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying this effect. Exposing mouse squamous cell carcinoma SCCVII cells treated with temoporfin-based PDT to LCL521 (rising ceramide concentration) produced a much greater decrease in cell survival than comparable exposure to the sphingosine kinase-1 inhibitor PF543 (that reduces sphingosine-1-phosphate concentration). This is consistent with recognizing the rising levels of pro-apoptotic sphingolipid ceramide as being more critical in promoting the death of PDT-treated cells than the reduction in the availability of pro-survival acting sphingosine-1 phosphate. This pro-apoptotic impact of LCL521, which was suppressed by the apoptosis inhibitor bongkrekic acid, involves the interaction with the cellular stress signaling network. Hence, inhibiting the key elements of these pathways markedly influenced the adjuvant effect of LCL521 on the PDT response. Particularly effective was the inositol-requiring element-1 (IRE1) kinase inhibitor STF-083010 that dramatically enhanced the killing of cells treated with PDT plus LCL521. An important role in the survival of these cells was exhibited by master transcription factors STAT3 and HIF-1α. The STAT3 inhibitor NSC 74859 was especially effective in further reducing the cell survival rates, suggesting its possible exploitation for therapeutic gain. An additional finding in this study is that LCL521-promoted PDT-mediated cell killing through ceramide-mediated lethal effects is extended to the interaction with other cancer treatment modalities with a rapid cellular stress impact such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and cryoablation therapy (CAT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mladen Korbelik
- Integrative Oncology department, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Jianhua Zhao
- Integrative Oncology department, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Haishan Zeng
- Integrative Oncology department, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alicja Bielawska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Zdzislaw M Szulc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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12
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Bai A, Bielawski J, Bielawska A, Hannun YA. Synthesis of erythro- B13 enantiomers and stereospecific action of full set of B13-isomers in MCF7 breast carcinoma cells: Cellular metabolism and effects on sphingolipids. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 32:116011. [PMID: 33461145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
B13 is an acid ceramidase (ACDase) inhibitor. The two chiral centers of this aromatic amido alcohol lead to four stereoisomers, yet we have little knowledge about its erythro- enantiomers, (1R, 2S) and (1S, 2R). In this paper, for the first time, the synthesis of two erythro- enantiomers is described, and the compounds are evaluated along with two threo- enantiomers, (1R, 2R) and (1S, 2S). The key metabolites and sphingolipid (SL) profile of the full set of B13 stereoisomers in MCF7 breast carcinoma cells are presented. The results demonstrated that the erythro- enantiomers were more effective than the threo- enantiomers on growth inhibition in MCF7 cells, although there were no statistically significant differences within the threo- and erythro- series. Measurement of intracellular levels of the compounds indicated that the erythro- seemed a little more cell permeable than the threo- enantiomers; also, the (1R, 2S) isomer with the same stereo structure as natural ceramide (Cer) could be hydrolyzed and phosphorylated in MCF7 cells. Furthermore, we also observed the formation of C16 homologs from the full set of B13 isomers within the cells, indicating the occurrence of de-acylation and re-acylation of the amino group of the aromatic alcohol. Moreover, the decrease in the Cer/Sph ratio suggests that the growth inhibition from (1R, 2S) isomer is not because of the inhibition of ceramidases. Taken together, (1R, 2S) could be developed as a substitute of natural Cer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Bai
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Lipidomics Shared Resources, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jacek Bielawski
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Lipidomics Shared Resources, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Alicja Bielawska
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Lipidomics Shared Resources, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry & the Stony Brook Cancer Center at Stony, Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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13
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Vethakanraj HS, Chandrasekaran N, Sekar AK. Acid ceramidase, a double-edged sword in cancer aggression: A minireview. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 21:CCDT-EPUB-112652. [PMID: 33357194 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666201223154621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acid ceramidase (AC), the key enzyme of the ceramide metabolic pathway hydrolyzes pro-apoptotic ceramide to sphingosine, which by the action of sphingosine-1-kinase is metabolized to mitogenic sphingosine-1-phosphate. The intracellular level of AC determines ceramide/sphingosine-1-phosphate rheostat which in turn decides the cell fate. The upregulated AC expression during cancerous condition acts as a "double-edged sword" by converting pro-apoptotic ceramide to anti-apoptotic sphingosine-1-phosphate, wherein on one end, the level of ceramide is decreased and on the other end, the level of sphingosine-1-phosphate is increased, thus altogether aggravating the cancer progression. In addition, cancer cells with upregulated AC expression exhibited increased cell proliferation, metastasis, chemoresistance, radioresistance and numerous strategies were developed in the past to effectively target the enzyme. Gene silencing and pharmacological inhibition of AC sensitized the resistant cells to chemo/radiotherapy thereby promoting cell death. The core objective of this review is to explore AC mediated tumour progression and the potential role of AC inhibitors in various cancer cell lines/models.
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14
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Clifford RE, Govindarajah N, Bowden D, Sutton P, Glenn M, Darvish-Damavandi M, Buczacki S, McDermott U, Szulc Z, Ogretmen B, Parsons JL, Vimalachandran D. Targeting Acid Ceramidase to Improve the Radiosensitivity of Rectal Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:E2693. [PMID: 33334013 PMCID: PMC7765421 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work utilizing proteomic and immunohistochemical analyses has identified that high levels of acid ceramidase (AC) expression confers a poorer response to neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer. We aimed to assess the radiosensitising effect of biological and pharmacological manipulation of AC and elucidate the underlying mechanism. AC manipulation in three colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29, HCT116 and LIM1215) was achieved using siRNA and plasmid overexpression. Carmofur and a novel small molecular inhibitor (LCL521) were used as pharmacological AC inhibitors. Using clonogenic assays, we demonstrate that an siRNA knockdown of AC enhanced X-ray radiosensitivity across all colorectal cancer cell lines compared to a non-targeting control siRNA, and conversely, AC protein overexpression increased radioresistance. Using CRISPR gene editing, we also generated AC knockout HCT116 cells that were significantly more radiosensitive compared to AC-expressing cells. Similarly, two patient-derived organoid models containing relatively low AC expression were found to be comparatively more radiosensitive than three other models containing higher levels of AC. Additionally, AC inhibition using carmofur and LCL521 in three colorectal cancer cell lines increased cellular radiosensitivity. Decreased AC protein led to significant poly-ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) cleavage and apoptosis post-irradiation, which was shown to be executed through a p53-dependent process. Our study demonstrates that expression of AC within colorectal cancer cell lines modulates the cellular response to radiation, and particularly that AC inhibition leads to significantly enhanced radiosensitivity through an elevation in apoptosis. This work further solidifies AC as a target for improving radiotherapy treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael E. Clifford
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (N.G.); (D.B.); (P.S.); (M.G.); (J.L.P.)
| | - Naren Govindarajah
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (N.G.); (D.B.); (P.S.); (M.G.); (J.L.P.)
| | - David Bowden
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (N.G.); (D.B.); (P.S.); (M.G.); (J.L.P.)
| | - Paul Sutton
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (N.G.); (D.B.); (P.S.); (M.G.); (J.L.P.)
| | - Mark Glenn
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (N.G.); (D.B.); (P.S.); (M.G.); (J.L.P.)
| | - Mahnaz Darvish-Damavandi
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; (M.D.-D.); (S.B.)
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Simon Buczacki
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; (M.D.-D.); (S.B.)
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | | | - Zdzislaw Szulc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (Z.S.); (B.O.)
| | - Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (Z.S.); (B.O.)
| | - Jason L. Parsons
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (N.G.); (D.B.); (P.S.); (M.G.); (J.L.P.)
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Clatterbridge Road, Bebington CH63 4JY, UK
| | - Dale Vimalachandran
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (N.G.); (D.B.); (P.S.); (M.G.); (J.L.P.)
- The Countess of Chester Hospital, Liverpool Road, Chester CH2 1UL, UK
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15
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Kroll A, Cho HE, Kang MH. Antineoplastic Agents Targeting Sphingolipid Pathways. Front Oncol 2020; 10:833. [PMID: 32528896 PMCID: PMC7256948 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies in the enigmatic area of bioactive lipids have made many exciting new discoveries in recent years. Once thought to play a strictly structural role in cellular function, it has since been determined that sphingolipids and their metabolites perform a vast variety of cellular functions beyond what was previously believed. Of utmost importance is their role in cellular signaling, for it is now well understood that select sphingolipids serve as bioactive molecules that play critical roles in both cancer cell death and survival, as well as other cellular responses such as chronic inflammation, protection from intestinal pathogens, and intrinsic protection from intestinal contents, each of which are associated with oncogenesis. Importantly, it has been demonstrated time and time again that many different tumors display dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism, and the exact profile of said dysregulation has been proven to be useful in determining not only the presence of a tumor, but also the susceptibility to various chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as the metastasizing characteristics of the malignancies. Since these discoveries surfaced it has become apparent that the understanding of sphingolipid metabolism and profile will likely become of great importance in the clinic for both chemotherapy and diagnostics of cancer. The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of chemotherapeutic agents that target sphingolipid metabolism that are undergoing clinical trials. Additionally, we will formulate questions involving the use of sphingolipid metabolism as chemotherapeutic targets in need of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kroll
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Hwang Eui Cho
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Min H Kang
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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16
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White‐Gilbertson S, Lu P, Jones CM, Chiodini S, Hurley D, Das A, Delaney JR, Norris JS, Voelkel‐Johnson C. Tamoxifen is a candidate first-in-class inhibitor of acid ceramidase that reduces amitotic division in polyploid giant cancer cells-Unrecognized players in tumorigenesis. Cancer Med 2020; 9:3142-3152. [PMID: 32135040 PMCID: PMC7196070 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCC) represent a poorly understood, small subpopulation of tumor cells that are increasingly being recognized for their critical role in therapy resistance, metastasis, and cancer recurrence. PGCC have the potential to generate progeny through primitive or cleavage-like division, which allows them to evade antimitotic insults. We recently demonstrated that the sphingolipid enzyme acid ceramidase (ASAH1) is required for this process. Since specific ASAH1 inhibitors are not clinically available, we investigated whether tamoxifen, which interferes with ASAH1 function via off-target effects, has a potential clinical benefit independent of estrogen signaling. Our results show that tamoxifen inhibits generation of PGCC offspring in prostate cancer, glioblastoma, and melanoma cells. Analysis of two state-level cancer registries revealed that tamoxifen improves survival outcomes for second, nonbreast cancers that develop in women with early stage breast cancer. Our results suggest that tamoxifen may have a clinical benefit in a variety of cancers that is independent of estrogen signaling and could be due to its inhibition of acid ceramidase. Thus the distinct application of tamoxifen as potentially a first-in-class therapeutic that inhibits the generation of PGCC offspring should be considered in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai White‐Gilbertson
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Christian M. Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | | | - Deborah Hurley
- South Carolina Central Cancer RegistrySCDHECColumbiaSCUSA
| | - Arabinda Das
- Department of NeuroscienceMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Joe R. Delaney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - James S. Norris
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Christina Voelkel‐Johnson
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
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17
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White-Gilbertson S, Lu P, Norris JS, Voelkel-Johnson C. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of acid ceramidase prevents asymmetric cell division by neosis. J Lipid Res 2019; 60:1225-1235. [PMID: 30988134 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m092247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation treatment failure or relapse after initial response to chemotherapy presents significant clinical challenges in cancer patients. Escape from initial courses of treatment can involve reactivation of embryonic developmental stages, with the formation of polynuclear giant cancer cells (PGCCs). This strategy of dedifferentiation can insulate cancer cells from a variety of treatments and allows a residual subpopulation to reestablish tumors after treatment. Using radiation or docetaxel chemotherapy, we generated PGCCs from prostate cancer cells. Here, we show that expression of acid ceramidase (ASAH1), an enzyme in the sphingolipid pathway linked to therapy resistance and poor outcomes, is elevated in PGCCs. Targeting ASAH1 with shRNA or treatment with the ASAH1 inhibitor, LCL-521, did not impair the formation of PGCCs, but prevented the formation of PGCC progeny that arise through an asymmetric cell division called neosis. Similar results were obtained in lung cancer cells that had been exposed to radiation or cisplatin chemotherapy as stressors. In summary, our data suggest that endoreplication occurs independent of ASAH1 while neosis is ASAH1-dependent in both prostate and lung cancer cells. Because ASAH1 knockout is embryonic lethal but not deleterious to adult animals, targeting this enzyme has the potential to be highly specific to cells undergoing the dedifferentiation process to escape cancer treatments. Pharmacological inhibition of ASAH1 is a potentially powerful strategy to eliminate cells that could otherwise serve as seed populations for recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai White-Gilbertson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - James S Norris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
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18
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Acid ceramidase, an emerging target for anti-cancer and anti-angiogenesis. Arch Pharm Res 2019; 42:232-243. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-019-01114-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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19
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Bai A, Bielawska A, Rahmaniyan M, Kraveka JM, Bielawski J, Hannun YA. Dose dependent actions of LCL521 on acid ceramidase and key sphingolipid metabolites. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:6067-6075. [PMID: 30448190 PMCID: PMC6323005 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The function of acid ceramidase (ACDase), whose congenital deficiency leads to Farber disease, has been recognized to be vital to tumor cell biology, and inhibition of its activity may be beneficial in cancer therapy. Therefore, manipulation of the activity of this enzyme may have significant effect, especially on cancer cells. LCL521, Di-DMG-B13, is a lysosomotropic inhibitor of ACDase. Here we define complexities in the actions of LCL521 on ACDase. Systematic studies in MCF7 cells showed dose and time divergent action of LCL521 on ACDase protein expression and sphingolipid levels. Low dose of LCL521 (1 µM) effectively inhibited ACDase in cells, but the effects were transient. A higher dose of LCL521 (10 µM) caused a profound decrease of sphingosine and increase of ceramide, but additionally affected the processing and regeneration of the ACDase protein, with biphasic and reversible effects on the expression of ACDase, which paralleled the long term changes of cellular sphingosine and ceramide. Finally, the higher concentrations of LCL521 also inhibited Dihydroceramide desaturase (DES-1). In summary, LCL521 exhibits significant effects on ACDase in a dose and time dependent manner, but dose range and treatment time need to be paid attention to specify its future exploration on ACDase targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Bai
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 294255, United States; Lipidomics Shared Resources, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Alicja Bielawska
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 294255, United States; Lipidomics Shared Resources, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Mehrdad Rahmaniyan
- Department of Pediatrics-Hematology/Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 294255, United States
| | - Jacqueline M Kraveka
- Department of Pediatrics-Hematology/Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 294255, United States
| | - Jacek Bielawski
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 294255, United States; Lipidomics Shared Resources, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and Pharmacology and the Stony Brook Cancer Center at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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20
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Voelkel-Johnson C, Norris JS, White-Gilbertson S. Interdiction of Sphingolipid Metabolism Revisited: Focus on Prostate Cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2018; 140:265-293. [PMID: 30060812 PMCID: PMC6460930 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipid metabolism is known to play a role in cell death, survival, and therapy resistance in cancer. Sphingolipids, particularly dihydroceramide and ceramide, are associated with antiproliferative or cell death responses, respectively, and are central to effective cancer therapy. Within the last decade, strides have been made in elucidating many intricacies of sphingolipid metabolism. New information has emerged on the mechanisms by which sphingolipid metabolism is dysregulated during malignancy and how cancer cells survive and/or escape therapeutic interventions. This chapter focuses on three main themes: (1) sphingolipid enzymes that are dysregulated in cancer, particularly in prostate cancer; (2) inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism that antagonize prosurvival responses; and (3) sphingolipid-driven escape mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade therapies. We explore clinical and preclinical approaches to interdict sphingolipid metabolism and provide a rationale for combining strategies to drive the generation of antiproliferative ceramides with prevention of ceramide clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - James S. Norris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Shai White-Gilbertson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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21
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Molecular Targeting of Acid Ceramidase in Glioblastoma: A Review of Its Role, Potential Treatment, and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2018; 10:pharmaceutics10020045. [PMID: 29642535 PMCID: PMC6027516 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10020045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common, malignant primary tumor of the central nervous system. The average prognosis for life expectancy after diagnosis, with the triad of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, is less than 1.5 years. Chemotherapy treatment is mostly limited to temozolomide. In this paper, the authors review an emerging, novel drug called acid ceramidase, which targets glioblastoma. Its role in cancer treatment in general, and more specifically, in the treatment of glioblastoma, are discussed. In addition, the authors provide insights on acid ceramidase as a potential druggable target for glioblastoma.
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Ceramide activates lysosomal cathepsin B and cathepsin D to attenuate autophagy and induces ER stress to suppress myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:83907-83925. [PMID: 27880732 PMCID: PMC5356634 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immune suppressive cells that are hallmarks of human cancer. MDSCs inhibit cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and NK cell functions to promote tumor immune escape and progression, and therefore are considered key targets in cancer immunotherapy. Recent studies determined a key role of the apoptosis pathways in tumor-induced MDSC homeostasis and it is known that ceramide plays a key role in regulation of mammalian cell apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy and underlying molecular mechanism of ceramide in suppression of MDSCs. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with LCL521, a lysosomotropic inhibitor of acid ceramidase, significantly decreased MDSC accumulation in vivo. Using a MDSC-like myeloid cell model, we determined that LCL521 targets lysosomes and increases total cellular C16 ceramide level. Although MDSC-like cells have functional apoptosis pathways, LCL521-induced MDSC death occurs in an apoptosis- and necroptosis-independent mechanism. LCL521 treatment resulted in an increase in the number of autophagic vesicles, heterolysosomes and swollen ERs. Finally, concomitant inhibition of cathepsin B and cathepsin D was required to significantly decrease LCL521-induced cell death. Our observations indicate that LCL521 targets lysosomes to activate cathepsin B and cathepsin D, resulting in interrupted autophagy and ER stress that culminates in MDSC death. Therefore, a ceramidase inhibitor is potentially an effective adjunct therapeutic agent for suppression of MDSCs to enhance the efficacy of CTL-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Camp ER, Patterson LD, Kester M, Voelkel-Johnson C. Therapeutic implications of bioactive sphingolipids: A focus on colorectal cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2017; 18:640-650. [PMID: 28686076 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2017.1345396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC), especially a subset known as locally advanced rectal cancer, is challenged by progression and recurrence. Sphingolipids, a lipid subtype with vital roles in cellular function, play an important role in CRC and impact on therapeutic outcomes. In this review we discuss how dietary sphingolipids or the gut microbiome via alterations in sphingolipids influence CRC carcinogenesis. In addition, we discuss the expression of sphingolipid enzymes in the gastro-intestinal tract, their alterations in CRC, and the implications for therapy responsiveness. Lastly, we highlight some novel therapeutics that target sphingolipid signaling and have potential applications in the treatment of CRC. Understanding how sphingolipid metabolism impacts cell death susceptibility and drug resistance will be critical toward improving therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ramsay Camp
- a Department of Surgery Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston SC , USA
| | - Logan D Patterson
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville VA , USA
| | - Mark Kester
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville VA , USA
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- c Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston SC , USA
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Bai A, Mao C, Jenkins RW, Szulc ZM, Bielawska A, Hannun YA. Anticancer actions of lysosomally targeted inhibitor, LCL521, of acid ceramidase. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177805. [PMID: 28614356 PMCID: PMC5470663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Acid ceramidase, which catalyzes ceramide hydrolysis to sphingosine and free fatty acid mainly in the lysosome, is being recognized as a potential therapeutic target for cancer. B13 is an effective and selective acid ceramidase inhibitor in vitro, but not as effective in cells due to poor access to the lysosomal compartment. In order to achieve targeting of B13 to the lysosome, we designed lysosomotropic N, N-dimethyl glycine (DMG)-conjugated B13 prodrug LCL521 (1,3-di-DMG-B13). Our previous results indicated the efficient delivery of B13 to the lysosome resulted in augmented effects of LCL521 on cellular acid ceramidase as evaluated by effects on substrate/product levels. Our current studies indicate that functionally, this translated into enhanced inhibition of cell proliferation. Moreover, there were greater synergistic effects of LCL521 with either ionizing radiation or Tamoxifen. Taken together, these results clearly indicate that compartmental targeting for the inhibition of acid ceramidase is an efficient and valuable therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Bai
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cungui Mao
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Russell W. Jenkins
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Zdzislaw M. Szulc
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alicja Bielawska
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yusuf A. Hannun
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
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Tan SF, Pearson JM, Feith DJ, Loughran TP. The emergence of acid ceramidase as a therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:583-590. [PMID: 28434262 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1322065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common adult leukemia. Only a fraction of AML patients will survive with existing chemotherapy regimens. Hence, there is an urgent and unmet need to identify novel targets and develop better therapeutics in AML. In the past decade, the field of sphingolipid metabolism has emerged into the forefront of cancer biology due to its importance in cancer cell proliferation and survival. In particular, acid ceramidase (AC) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target due to its role in neutralizing the pro-death effects of ceramide. Areas covered: This review highlights key information about AML biology as well as current knowledge on dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism in cancer and AML. We describe AC function and dysregulation in cancer, followed by a review of studies that report elevated AC in AML and compounds known to inhibit the enzyme. Expert opinion: AML has a great need for new drug targets and better therapeutic agents. The finding of elevated AC in AML supports the concept that this enzyme represents a novel and realistic therapeutic target for this common leukemia. More effort is needed towards developing better AC inhibitors for clinical use and combination treatment with existing AML therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Fern Tan
- a Department of Medicine , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - Jennifer M Pearson
- a Department of Medicine , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - David J Feith
- a Department of Medicine , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA.,b University of Virginia Cancer Center , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- a Department of Medicine , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA.,b University of Virginia Cancer Center , Charlottesville , VA , USA
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Lu C, Redd PS, Lee JR, Savage N, Liu K. The expression profiles and regulation of PD-L1 in tumor-induced myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1247135. [PMID: 28123883 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1247135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an inhibitory ligand that binds to PD-1 to suppress T cell activation. PD-L1 is constitutively expressed and inducible in tumor cells, but the expression profiles and regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are largely unknown. We report that PD-L1 is abundantly expressed in tumor-infiltrating leukocytes in human patients with both microsatellite instable and microsatellite stable colon cancer. About 60% CD11b+CD33+HLA-DR- MDSCs from peripheral blood of human colon cancer patients are PD-L1+. PD-L1+ MDSCs are also significantly higher in tumor-bearing mice than in tumor-free mice. Interestingly, the highest PD-L1+ MDSCs were observed in the tumor microenvironment in which 56-71% tumor-infiltrating MDSCs are PD-L1+in vivo. In contrast, PD-L1+ MDSCs are significantly less in secondary lymphoid organs and peripheral blood as compared to the tumor tissues, whereas bone marrow MDSCs are essentially PD-L1- in tumor-bearing mice. IFNγ is highly expressed in cells of the tumor tissues and IFNγ neutralization significantly decreased PD-L1+ MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment in vivo. However, IFNγ-activated pSTAT1 does not bind to the cd274 promoter in MDSCs. Instead, pSTAT1 activates expression of IRF1, IRF5, IRF7 and IRF8 in MDSCs, and only pSTAT1-activated IRF1 binds to a unique IRF-binding sequence element in vitro and chromatin in vivo in the cd274 promoter to activate PD-L1 transcription. Our data determine that PD-L1 is highly expressed in tumor-infiltrating MDSCs and in a lesser degree in lymphoid organs, and the pSTAT1-IRF1 axis regulates PD-L1 expression in MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA; Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Priscilla S Redd
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA; Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA; Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Lee
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA; Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Natasha Savage
- Pathology, Medical College of Georgia , Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Kebin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA; Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA; Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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Korbelik M, Banáth J, Zhang W, Saw KM, Szulc ZM, Bielawska A, Separovic D. Interaction of acid ceramidase inhibitor LCL521 with tumor response to photodynamic therapy and photodynamic therapy-generated vaccine. Int J Cancer 2016; 139:1372-8. [PMID: 27136745 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Acid ceramidase has been identified as a promising target for cancer therapy. One of its most effective inhibitors, LCL521, was examined as adjuvant to photodynamic therapy (PDT) using mouse squamous cell carcinoma SCCVII model of head and neck cancer. Lethal effects of PDT, assessed by colony forming ability of in vitro treated SCCVII cells, were greatly enhanced when combined with 10 µM LCL521 treatment particularly when preceding PDT. When PDT-treated SCCVII cells are used to vaccinate SCCVII tumor-bearing mice (PDT vaccine protocol), adjuvant LCL521 treatment (75 mg/kg) resulted in a marked retardation of tumor growth. This effect can be attributed to the capacity of LCL521 to effectively restrict the activity of two main immunoregulatory cell populations (Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, MDSCs) that are known to hinder the efficacy of PDT vaccines. The therapeutic benefit with adjuvant LCL521 was also achieved with SCCVII tumors treated with standard PDT when using immunocompetent mice but not with immunodeficient hosts. The interaction of LCL521 with PDT-based antitumor mechanisms is dominated by immune system contribution that includes overriding the effects of immunoregulatory cells, but could also include a tacit contribution from boosting direct tumor cell kill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mladen Korbelik
- Integrative Oncology Department, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Judit Banáth
- Integrative Oncology Department, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wei Zhang
- Integrative Oncology Department, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kyi Min Saw
- Integrative Oncology Department, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zdzislaw M Szulc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Alicja Bielawska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Duska Separovic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
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Abstract
The topic of ceramidases has experienced an enormous boost during the last few years. Ceramidases catalyze the degradation of ceramide to sphingosine and fatty acids. Ceramide is not only the central hub of sphingolipid biosynthesis and degradation, it is also a key molecule in sphingolipid signaling, promoting differentiation or apoptosis. Acid ceramidase inhibition sensitizes certain types of cancer to chemo- and radio-therapy and this is suggestive of a role of acid ceramidase inhibitors as chemo-sensitizers which can act synergistically with chemo-therapeutic drugs. In this review, we summarize the development of ceramide analogues as first-generation ceramidase inhibitors together with data on their activity in cells and disease models. Furthermore, we describe the recent developments that have led to highly potent second-generation ceramidase inhibitors that act at nanomolar concentrations. In the third part, various assays of ceramidases are described and their relevance for accurately measuring ceramidase activities and for the development of novel inhibitors is highlighted. Besides potential clinical implications, the recent improvements in ceramidase inhibition and assaying may help to better understand the mechanisms of ceramide biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essa M Saied
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute for Chemistry, Berlin, Germany; Suez Canal University, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Christoph Arenz
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute for Chemistry, Berlin, Germany.
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Tirodkar TS, Lu P, Bai A, Scheffel MJ, Gencer S, Garrett-Mayer E, Bielawska A, Ogretmen B, Voelkel-Johnson C. Expression of Ceramide Synthase 6 Transcriptionally Activates Acid Ceramidase in a c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK)-dependent Manner. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:13157-67. [PMID: 25839235 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.631325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A family of six ceramide synthases with distinct but overlapping substrate specificities is responsible for generation of ceramides with acyl chains ranging from ∼14-26 carbons. Ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) preferentially generates C14- and C16-ceramides, and we have previously shown that down-regulation of this enzyme decreases apoptotic susceptibility. In this study, we further evaluated how increased CerS6 expression impacts sphingolipid composition and metabolism. Overexpression of CerS6 in HT29 colon cancer cells resulted in increased apoptotic susceptibility and preferential generation of C16-ceramide, which occurred at the expense of very long chain, saturated ceramides. These changes were also reflected in sphingomyelin composition. HT-CerS6 cells had increased intracellular levels of sphingosine, which is generated by ceramidases upon hydrolysis of ceramide. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that only expression of acid ceramidase (ASAH1) was increased. The increase in acid ceramidase was confirmed by expression and activity analyses. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK (SP600125) or curcumin reduced transcriptional up-regulation of acid ceramidase. Using an acid ceramidase promoter driven luciferase reporter plasmid, we demonstrated that CerS1 has no effect on transcriptional activation of acid ceramidase and that CerS2 slightly but significantly decreased the luciferase signal. Similar to CerS6, overexpression of CerS3-5 resulted in an ∼2-fold increase in luciferase reporter gene activity. Exogenous ceramide failed to induce reporter activity, while a CerS inhibitor and a catalytically inactive mutant of CerS6 failed to reduce it. Taken together, these results suggest that increased expression of CerS6 can mediate transcriptional activation of acid ceramidase in a JNK-dependent manner that is independent of CerS6 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ping Lu
- From the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology
| | | | | | - Salih Gencer
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 34662 Istanbul, Turkey
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