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Zhong X, He Z, Yin L, Fan Y, Tong Y, Kang Y, Bi Q. Glutamine metabolism in tumor metastasis: Genes, mechanisms and the therapeutic targets. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20656. [PMID: 37829798 PMCID: PMC10565784 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells frequently change their metabolism from aerobic glycolysis to lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism to adapt to the malignant biological behaviours of infinite proliferation and distant metastasis. The significance of metabolic substances and patterns in tumour cell metastasis is becoming increasingly prominent. Tumour metastasis involves a series of significant steps such as the shedding of cancer cells from a primary tumour, resistance to apoptosis, and colonisation of metastatic sites. However, the role of glutamine in these processes remains unclear. This review summarises the key enzymes and transporters involved in glutamine metabolism that are related to the pathogenesis of malignant tumour metastasis. We also list the roles of glutamine in resisting oxidative stress and promoting immune escape. Finally, the significance of targeting glutamine metabolism in inhibiting tumour metastasis was proposed, research in this field improving our understanding of amino acid metabolism rewiring and simultaneously bringing about new and exciting therapeutic prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xugang Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zeju He
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Bi
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Ye Y, Yu B, Wang H, Yi F. Glutamine metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1242059. [PMID: 37635935 PMCID: PMC10452011 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1242059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease with limited management strategies and poor prognosis. Metabolism alternations have been frequently unveiled in HCC, including glutamine metabolic reprogramming. The components of glutamine metabolism, such as glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase, glutaminase, metabolites, and metabolite transporters, are validated to be potential biomarkers of HCC. Increased glutamine consumption is confirmed in HCC, which fuels proliferation by elevated glutamate dehydrogenase or upstream signals. Glutamine metabolism also serves as a nitrogen source for amino acid or nucleotide anabolism. In addition, more glutamine converts to glutathione as an antioxidant in HCC to protect HCC cells from oxidative stress. Moreover, glutamine metabolic reprogramming activates the mTORC signaling pathway to support tumor cell proliferation. Glutamine metabolism targeting therapy includes glutamine deprivation, related enzyme inhibitors, and transporters inhibitors. Together, glutamine metabolic reprogramming plays a pivotal role in HCC identification, proliferation, and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bodong Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, China
| | - Fengming Yi
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, China
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3
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Sawant Dessai A, Kalhotra P, Novickis AT, Dasgupta S. Regulation of tumor metabolism by post translational modifications on metabolic enzymes. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:548-558. [PMID: 35999357 PMCID: PMC9947196 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00521-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Several metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, lipid metabolism, and glutamine catabolism are frequently altered to support cancer growth. Importantly, the activity of the rate-limiting metabolic enzymes in these pathways are specifically modulated in cancer cells. This is achieved by transcriptional, translational, and post translational regulations that enhance the expression, activity, stability, and substrate sensitivity of the rate-limiting enzymes. These mechanisms allow the enzymes to retain increased activity supporting the metabolic needs of rapidly growing tumors, sustain their survival in the hostile tumor microenvironments and in the metastatic lesions. In this review, we primarily focused on the post translational modifications of the rate-limiting enzymes in the glucose and glutamine metabolism, TCA cycle, and fatty acid metabolism promoting tumor progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhisha Sawant Dessai
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Poonam Kalhotra
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Aaron T Novickis
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Subhamoy Dasgupta
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
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4
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The ferroptosis signature predicts the prognosis and immune microenvironment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1861. [PMID: 36732567 PMCID: PMC9895067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a cancer with a high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. Growing studies suggest that ferroptosis take part in the development of tumours. At the same time, the connection between ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and the prognosis of NPC remains unclear. In this study, we explored the dysregulated FRGs between normal control and tumour samples of NPC. Firstly, 14 of 36 differentially expressed FRGs were identified in NPC tissues compared to normal tissues, among which ABCC1, GLS2, CS and HMGCR were associated with poor prognosis for patients. The four ferroptosis genes were used for consensus cluster analysis and two risk-related FRGs (ABCC1 and GLS2) were used in a risk model. The ROC curve revealed the good predictive performance of this risk signature. Multivariate analysis revealed that risk score and intratumoral TILs were independent risk factors linked to prognosis. Additionally, our results suggested that the risk signature was attached to the immune microenvironment. Moreover, the NPC patients with high risk were sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs including axitinib, docetaxel, embelin, epothilone.B, parthenolide, thapsigargin, tipifarnib, vinorelbine. Finally, the expression of ABCC1 and GLS2 was validated in NPC tissues using immunohistochemistry. Together, these results revealed ferroptosis may be a potential biomarker in NPC and representing a promising future direction in prognosis and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NPC.
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5
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Zhang Q, Li W. Correlation between amino acid metabolism and self-renewal of cancer stem cells: Perspectives in cancer therapy. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:267-286. [PMID: 35662861 PMCID: PMC9136564 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i4.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess self-renewal and differentiation potential, which may be related to recurrence, metastasis, and radiochemotherapy resistance during tumor treatment. Understanding the mechanisms via which CSCs maintain self-renewal may reveal new therapeutic targets for attenuating CSC resistance and extending patient life-span. Recent studies have shown that amino acid metabolism plays an important role in maintaining the self-renewal of CSCs and is involved in regulating their tumorigenicity characteristics. This review summarizes the relationship between CSCs and amino acid metabolism, and discusses the possible mechanisms by which amino acid metabolism regulates CSC characteristics particularly self-renewal, survival and stemness. The ultimate goal is to identify new targets and research directions for elimination of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
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6
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The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition at the Crossroads between Metabolism and Tumor Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020800. [PMID: 35054987 PMCID: PMC8776206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype is emerging as a key determinant of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is a plastic process in which epithelial cells first acquire the ability to invade the extracellular matrix and migrate into the bloodstream via transdifferentiation into mesenchymal cells, a phenomenon known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and then reacquire the epithelial phenotype, the reverse process called mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), to colonize a new organ. During all metastatic stages, metabolic changes, which give cancer cells the ability to adapt to increased energy demand and to withstand a hostile new environment, are also important determinants of successful cancer progression. In this review, we describe the complex interaction between EMT and metabolism during tumor progression. First, we outline the main connections between the two processes, with particular emphasis on the role of cancer stem cells and LncRNAs. Then, we focus on some specific cancers, such as breast, lung, and thyroid cancer.
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7
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Fan C, Kam S, Ramadori P. Metabolism-Associated Epigenetic and Immunoepigenetic Reprogramming in Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205250. [PMID: 34680398 PMCID: PMC8534280 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic changes have been characterized as hallmarks of liver cancer. Independently of etiology, oncogenic pathways as well as the availability of different energetic substrates critically influence cellular metabolism, and the resulting perturbations often cause aberrant epigenetic alterations, not only in cancer cells but also in the hepatic tumor microenvironment. Metabolic intermediates serve as crucial substrates for various epigenetic modulations, from post-translational modification of histones to DNA methylation. In turn, epigenetic changes can alter the expression of metabolic genes supporting on the one hand, the increased energetic demand of cancer cells and, on the other hand, influence the activity of tumor-associated immune cell populations. In this review, we will illustrate the most recent findings about metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer. We will focus on the metabolic changes characterizing the tumor microenvironment and on how these alterations impact on epigenetic mechanisms involved in the malignant progression. Furthermore, we will report our current knowledge about the influence of cancer-specific metabolites on epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells and we will highlight how this favors a tumor-permissive immune environment. Finally, we will review the current strategies to target metabolic and epigenetic pathways and their therapeutic potential in liver cancer, alone or in combinatorial approaches.
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Zou J, Du K, Li S, Lu L, Mei J, Lin W, Deng M, Wei W, Guo R. Glutamine Metabolism Regulators Associated with Cancer Development and the Tumor Microenvironment: A Pan-Cancer Multi-Omics Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091305. [PMID: 34573287 PMCID: PMC8466418 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091305] [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: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, metabolic reprogramming has been identified as a hallmark of cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that glutamine metabolism plays a crucial role in oncogenesis and the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we aimed to perform a systematic and comprehensive analysis of six key metabolic node genes involved in the dynamic regulation of glutamine metabolism (referred to as GLNM regulators) across 33 types of cancer. Methods: We analyzed the gene expression, epigenetic regulation, and genomic alterations of six key GLNM regulators, including SLC1A5, SLC7A5, SLC3A2, SLC7A11, GLS, and GLS2, in pan-cancer using several open-source platforms and databases. Additionally, we investigated the impacts of these gene expression changes on clinical outcomes, drug sensitivity, and the tumor microenvironment. We also attempted to investigate the upstream microRNA–mRNA molecular networks and the downstream signaling pathways involved in order to uncover the potential molecular mechanisms behind metabolic reprogramming. Results: We found that the expression levels of GLNM regulators varied across cancer types and were related to several genomic and immunological characteristics. While the immune scores were generally lower in the tumors with higher gene expression, the types of immune cell infiltration showed significantly different correlations among cancer types, dividing them into two clusters. Furthermore, we showed that elevated GLNM regulators expression was associated with poor overall survival in the majority of cancer types. Lastly, the expression of GLNM regulators was significantly associated with PD-L1 expression and drug sensitivity. Conclusions: The elevated expression of GLNM regulators was associated with poorer cancer prognoses and a cold tumor microenvironment, providing novel insights into cancer treatment and possibly offering alternative options for the treatment of clinically refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Zou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (J.Z.); (S.L.); (L.L.); (J.M.); (W.L.); (M.D.); (W.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kunpeng Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China;
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (J.Z.); (S.L.); (L.L.); (J.M.); (W.L.); (M.D.); (W.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Lianghe Lu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (J.Z.); (S.L.); (L.L.); (J.M.); (W.L.); (M.D.); (W.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (J.Z.); (S.L.); (L.L.); (J.M.); (W.L.); (M.D.); (W.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wenping Lin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (J.Z.); (S.L.); (L.L.); (J.M.); (W.L.); (M.D.); (W.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Min Deng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (J.Z.); (S.L.); (L.L.); (J.M.); (W.L.); (M.D.); (W.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (J.Z.); (S.L.); (L.L.); (J.M.); (W.L.); (M.D.); (W.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Rongping Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (J.Z.); (S.L.); (L.L.); (J.M.); (W.L.); (M.D.); (W.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-20-87343115; Fax: +86-20-87343585
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9
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Jia D, Park JH, Kaur H, Jung KH, Yang S, Tripathi S, Galbraith M, Deng Y, Jolly MK, Kaipparettu BA, Onuchic JN, Levine H. Towards decoding the coupled decision-making of metabolism and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1902-1911. [PMID: 33859341 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01385-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells have the plasticity to adjust their metabolic phenotypes for survival and metastasis. A developmental programme known as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role during metastasis, promoting the loss of polarity and cell-cell adhesion and the acquisition of motile, stem-cell characteristics. Cells undergoing EMT or the reverse mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) are often associated with metabolic changes, as the change in phenotype often correlates with a different balance of proliferation versus energy-intensive migration. Extensive crosstalk occurs between metabolism and EMT, but how this crosstalk leads to coordinated physiological changes is still uncertain. The elusive connection between metabolism and EMT compromises the efficacy of metabolic therapies targeting metastasis. In this review, we aim to clarify the causation between metabolism and EMT on the basis of experimental studies, and propose integrated theoretical-experimental efforts to better understand the coupled decision-making of metabolism and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongya Jia
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jun Hyoung Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Harsimran Kaur
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Kwang Hwa Jung
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sukjin Yang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shubham Tripathi
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,PhD Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Theoretical Biological Physics and Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madeline Galbraith
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Youyuan Deng
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,Applied Physics Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Benny Abraham Kaipparettu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - José N Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics and Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Shifting the Gears of Metabolic Plasticity to Drive Cell State Transitions in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061316. [PMID: 33804114 PMCID: PMC7999312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metabolic adaptation by cancer cells is enabled through the rewiring of metabolic processes, thereby allowing them to survive and thrive in diverse tissue microenvironments. It is also exploited to maintain cancer stemness, drive epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and gain therapy resistance. These critical cellular events are pertinent to the various steps of cancer progression. Mechanistic insights into nutrient addiction arising from such metabolic rewiring have revealed therapeutic vulnerabilities that can be exploited as novel treatment modalities or for drug development. This review discusses concepts and principles of metabolic plasticity and highlights current preclinical and clinical strategies aimed at targeting these metabolic derangements. Abstract Cancer metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. Metabolic plasticity defines the ability of cancer cells to reprogram a plethora of metabolic pathways to meet unique energetic needs during the various steps of disease progression. Cell state transitions are phenotypic adaptations which confer distinct advantages that help cancer cells overcome progression hurdles, that include tumor initiation, expansive growth, resistance to therapy, metastasis, colonization, and relapse. It is increasingly appreciated that cancer cells need to appropriately reprogram their cellular metabolism in a timely manner to support the changes associated with new phenotypic cell states. We discuss metabolic alterations that may be adopted by cancer cells in relation to the maintenance of cancer stemness, activation of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition program for facilitating metastasis, and the acquisition of drug resistance. While such metabolic plasticity is harnessed by cancer cells for survival, their dependence and addiction towards certain metabolic pathways also present therapeutic opportunities that may be exploited.
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Abstract
Metastasis formation is the major cause of death in most patients with cancer. Despite extensive research, targeting metastatic seeding and colonization is still an unresolved challenge. Only recently, attention has been drawn to the fact that metastasizing cancer cells selectively and dynamically adapt their metabolism at every step during the metastatic cascade. Moreover, many metastases display different metabolic traits compared with the tumours from which they originate, enabling survival and growth in the new environment. Consequently, the stage-dependent metabolic traits may provide therapeutic windows for preventing or reducing metastasis, and targeting the new metabolic traits arising in established metastases may allow their eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Bergers
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium.
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12
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Glutaminase isoforms expression switches microRNA levels and oxidative status in glioblastoma cells. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:14. [PMID: 33610185 PMCID: PMC7897386 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glutaminase isoenzymes GLS and GLS2 play apparently opposing roles in cancer: GLS acts as an oncoprotein, while GLS2 (GAB isoform) has context specific tumour suppressive activity. Some microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in progression of tumours, including gliomas. The aim was to investigate the effect of GLS and GAB expression on both miRNAs and oxidative status in glioblastoma cells. Methods
Microarray profiling of miRNA was performed in GLS-silenced LN229 and GAB-transfected T98G human glioblastoma cells and their wild-type counterparts. Results were validated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Oxidative status and antioxidant enzymes were determined by spectrophotometric or fluorescence assays in GLS-silenced LN229 and T98G, and GAB-transfected LN229 and T98G. Results MiRNA-146a-5p, miRNA-140-3p, miRNA-21-5p, miRNA-1260a, and miRNA-92a-3p were downregulated, and miRNA-1246 was upregulated when GLS was knocked down. MiRNA-140-3p, miRNA-1246, miRNA-1260a, miRNA-21-5p, and miRNA-146a-5p were upregulated when GAB was overexpressed. Oxidative status (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione levels), as well as antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) of silenced GLS glioblastoma cells and overexpressed GAB glioblastoma cells significantly changed versus their respective control glioblastoma cells. MiRNA-1246, miRNA-1260a, miRNA-146a-5p, and miRNA-21-5p have been characterized as strong biomarkers of glioblastoma proliferation linked to both GLS silencing and GAB overexpression. Total glutathione is a reliable biomarker of glioblastoma oxidative status steadily associated to both GLS silencing and GAB overexpression. Conclusions Glutaminase isoenzymes are related to the expression of some miRNAs and may contribute to either tumour progression or suppression through certain miRNA-mediated pathways, proving to be a key tool to switch cancer proliferation and redox status leading to a less malignant phenotype. Accordingly, GLS and GAB expression are especially involved in glutathione-dependent antioxidant defence.
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13
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Chen X, Huang L, Yang T, Xu J, Zhang C, Deng Z, Yang X, Liu N, Chen S, Lin S. METTL3 Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastasis Through Enhancing GLS2 Expression. Front Oncol 2021; 11:667451. [PMID: 34094960 PMCID: PMC8170325 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.667451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have identified pleiotropic roles of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in tumor progression. However, the roles of METTL3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still unclear. Here, we investigated the function and mechanism of METTL3 in ESCC tumorigenesis. We reported that higher METTL3 expression was found in ESCC tissues and was markedly associated with depth of invasion and poor prognosis. Loss- and gain-of function studies showed that METTL3 promoted the migration and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro. Integrated methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis first demonstrated that glutaminase 2 (GLS2) was regulated by METTL3 via m6A modification. Our findings identified METTL3/GLS2 signaling as a potential therapeutic target in antimetastatic strategies against ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Chen
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lanlan Huang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiexuan Xu
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyong Zhang
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhendong Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Naihua Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Size Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Esophageal Cancer Precise Therapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoqiang Lin, ; Size Chen,
| | - Shaoqiang Lin
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Esophageal Cancer Precise Therapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoqiang Lin, ; Size Chen,
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14
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Impact of Acidosis-Regulated MicroRNAs on the Expression of Their Target Genes in Experimental Tumors In Vivo. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1269:157-161. [PMID: 33966211 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-48238-1_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In comparison to normal tissue, solid tumors show an acidic extracellular pH, which results from hypoxia-induced glycolytic metabolism and the Warburg effect. Since acidosis modulates the expression of different microRNAs (e.g., miR-7, miR-183, miR-203, miR-215), microRNAs and their targets might be mediators between tumor acidosis and malignant behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate how modulation of these microRNAs affects the expression of their targets (Crem, cAMP-responsive element modulator; Gls2, glutaminase 2; Txnip, thioredoxin-interacting protein) in experimental tumors in vivo and whether these changes are acidosis dependent. The study was performed in two experimental tumor lines of the rat (AT-1 prostate carcinoma, Walker-256 mammary carcinoma). The results showed that all three targets were regulated by acidosis in vivo, Crem and Gls2 being downregulated and Txnip upregulated in both models. In AT-1 tumors at normal tumor pH, miR-203 overexpression increased Txnip expression by about 75%, whereas in Walker-256 tumors, miR-7 reduced protein expression. In more acidic tumors, no impact of microRNAs on Txnip expression was seen. On the other hand, Gls2 was significantly increased in acidic tumors by miR-183 or miR-7 overexpression (cell line dependent). As this increase was not present under control conditions, an acidosis-dependent effect can be assumed. These results indicate that tumor acidosis modulates the expression of targets of pH-sensitive microRNAs in experimental tumors. Especially the protein expression of Gls2 might be regulated via changes of microRNAs, which then affects the malignant progression of tumors.
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Matés JM, Campos-Sandoval JA, de Los Santos-Jiménez J, Segura JA, Alonso FJ, Márquez J. Metabolic Reprogramming of Cancer by Chemicals that Target Glutaminase Isoenzymes. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:5317-5339. [PMID: 31038055 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190416165004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming of tumours is a hallmark of cancer. Among the changes in the metabolic network of cancer cells, glutaminolysis is a key reaction altered in neoplasms. Glutaminase proteins control the first step in glutamine metabolism and their expression correlates with malignancy and growth rate of a great variety of cancers. The two types of glutaminase isoenzymes, GLS and GLS2, differ in their expression patterns and functional roles: GLS has oncogenic properties and GLS2 has been described as a tumour suppressor factor. RESULTS We have focused on glutaminase connections with key oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Targeting glutaminase isoenzymes includes different strategies aimed at deactivating the rewiring of cancer metabolism. In addition, we found a long list of metabolic enzymes, transcription factors and signalling pathways dealing with glutaminase. On the other hand, a number of chemicals have been described as isoenzyme-specific inhibitors of GLS and/or GLS2 isoforms. These molecules are being characterized as synergic and therapeutic agents in many types of tumours. CONCLUSION This review states the metabolic pathways that are rewired in cancer, the roles of glutaminase isoforms in cancer, as well as the metabolic circuits regulated by glutaminases. We also show the plethora of anticancer drugs that specifically inhibit glutaminase isoenzymes for treating several sets of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan A Segura
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J Alonso
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
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16
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Atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer: Deciphering the role of gut microbiome. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:171-255. [PMID: 33579424 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Much recent research has delved into understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of HCC pathogenesis, which has revealed to be heterogenous and complex. Two major hallmarks of HCC include: (i) a hijacked immunometabolism and (ii) a reprogramming in metabolic processes. We posit that the gut microbiota is a third component in an entanglement triangle contributing to HCC progression. Besides metagenomic studies highlighting the diagnostic potential in the gut microbiota profile, recent research is pinpointing the gut microbiota as an instigator, not just a mere bystander, in HCC. In this chapter, we discuss mechanistic insights on atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in HCC, including the examination of tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (e.g., T-cell exhaustion, regulatory T-cells, natural killer T-cells), the Warburg effect, rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and glutamine addiction. We further discuss the potential involvement of the gut microbiota in these characteristics of hepatocarcinogenesis. An immediate highlight is that microbiota metabolites (e.g., short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids) can impair anti-tumor responses, which aggravates HCC. Lastly, we describe the rising 'new era' of immunotherapies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell transfer) and discuss for the potential incorporation of gut microbiota targeted therapeutics (e.g., probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation) to alleviate HCC. Altogether, this chapter invigorates for continuous research to decipher the role of gut microbiome in HCC from its influence on immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming.
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Wang Z, Liu F, Fan N, Zhou C, Li D, Macvicar T, Dong Q, Bruns CJ, Zhao Y. Targeting Glutaminolysis: New Perspectives to Understand Cancer Development and Novel Strategies for Potential Target Therapies. Front Oncol 2020; 10:589508. [PMID: 33194749 PMCID: PMC7649373 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.589508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism rewiring is an important hallmark of cancers. Being one of the most abundant free amino acids in the human blood, glutamine supports bioenergetics and biosynthesis, tumor growth, and the production of antioxidants through glutaminolysis in cancers. In glutamine dependent cancer cells, more than half of the tricarboxylic/critic acid (TCA) metabolites are derived from glutamine. Glutaminolysis controls the process of converting glutamine into TCA cycle metabolites through the regulation of multiple enzymes, among which the glutaminase shows the importance as the very first step in this process. Targeting glutaminolysis via glutaminase inhibition emerges as a promising strategy to disrupt cancer metabolism and tumor progression. Here, we review the regulation of glutaminase and the role of glutaminase in cancer metabolism and metastasis. Furthermore, we highlight the glutaminase inhibitor based metabolic therapy strategy and their potential applications in clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhefang Wang
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fanyu Liu
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ningbo Fan
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Chenghui Zhou
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Macvicar
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Qiongzhu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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18
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Ren Z, Liu J, Yao L, Li J, Qi Z, Li B. Glutamate receptor ionotropic, kainate 1 serves as a novel tumor suppressor of colorectal carcinoma and predicts clinical prognosis. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:167. [PMID: 33093905 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most malignant cancers worldwide. However, the mechanisms of initiation and development of CRC are still largely unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the biological function and prognosis of glutamate receptor ionotropic, kainate 1 (GRIK1) in CRC. GRIK1 expression levels were analyzed in tissue microarrays containing 80 primary CRC samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The association between GRIK1 expression levels, clinicopathological factors and the prognosis was also investigated using Spearman's correlation analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis, respectively. After genetic knockdown or overexpression of GRIK1, invasion/migration assays, proliferation assay, soft agar/colony formation assays, western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and tumor xenograft models were used to investigate the function of GRIK1 both in vitro in two CRC cell lines, HCT116 and SW620, and in vivo. The results revealed that the expression levels of GRIK1 were significantly downregulated in CRC samples. Furthermore, IHC analysis indicated that the downregulated expression levels of GRIK1 were significantly associated with lymph node status and tumor size. In addition, patients with CRC with low GRIK1 expression levels demonstrated a consistently poor overall survival. The overexpression of GRIK1 inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HCT116 cells in vitro. In contrast, the genetic knockdown of GRIK1 promoted the proliferative, colony forming, migratory and invasive abilities of SW620 cells in vitro. Moreover, the overexpression of GRIK1 inhibited tumor growth, and liver and lung metastasis of CRC in vivo. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that GRIK1 may serve as a tumor suppressor in CRC, and upregulated expression levels of GRIK1 may predict an improved prognosis for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Ren
- Endoscopy Research Institute, Endoscopy Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jingzheng Liu
- Endoscopy Research Institute, Endoscopy Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Liqing Yao
- Endoscopy Research Institute, Endoscopy Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jian Li
- Endoscopy Research Institute, Endoscopy Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Zhipeng Qi
- Endoscopy Research Institute, Endoscopy Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Bing Li
- Endoscopy Research Institute, Endoscopy Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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19
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Take Advantage of Glutamine Anaplerosis, the Kernel of the Metabolic Rewiring in Malignant Gliomas. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101370. [PMID: 32993063 PMCID: PMC7599606 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101370] [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: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in the metabolism of proliferating cells including neoplastic cells. In the central nervous system (CNS), glutamine metabolism is particularly relevant, because the glutamine-glutamate cycle is a way of controlling the production of glutamate-derived neurotransmitters by tightly regulating the bioavailability of the amino acids in a neuron-astrocyte metabolic symbiosis-dependent manner. Glutamine-related metabolic adjustments have been reported in several CNS malignancies including malignant gliomas that are considered ‘glutamine addicted’. In these tumors, glutamine becomes an essential amino acid preferentially used in energy and biomass production including glutathione (GSH) generation, which is crucial in oxidative stress control. Therefore, in this review, we will highlight the metabolic remodeling that gliomas undergo, focusing on glutamine metabolism. We will address some therapeutic regimens including novel research attempts to target glutamine metabolism and a brief update of diagnosis strategies that take advantage of this altered profile. A better understanding of malignant glioma cell metabolism will help in the identification of new molecular targets and the design of new therapies.
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20
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Matés JM, Campos-Sandoval JA, de Los Santos-Jiménez J, Márquez J. Glutaminases regulate glutathione and oxidative stress in cancer. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2603-2623. [PMID: 32681190 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapies against cancer have improved both survival and quality of life of patients. However, metabolic rewiring evokes cellular mechanisms that reduce therapeutic mightiness. Resistant cells generate more glutathione, elicit nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, and overexpress many anti-oxidative genes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxin reductase, providing stronger antioxidant capacity to survive in a more oxidative environment due to the sharp rise in oxidative metabolism and reactive oxygen species generation. These changes dramatically alter tumour microenvironment and cellular metabolism itself. A rational design of therapeutic combination strategies is needed to flatten cellular homeostasis and accomplish a drop in cancer development. Context-dependent glutaminase isoenzymes show oncogenic and tumour suppressor properties, being mainly associated to MYC and p53, respectively. Glutaminases catalyze glutaminolysis in mitochondria, regulating oxidative phosphorylation, redox status and cell metabolism for tumour growth. In addition, the substrate and product of glutaminase reaction, glutamine and glutamate, respectively, can work as signalling molecules moderating redox and bioenergetic pathways in cancer. Novel synergistic approaches combining glutaminase inhibition and redox-dependent modulation are described in this review. Pharmacological or genetic glutaminase regulation along with oxidative chemotherapy can help to improve the design of combination strategies that escalate the rate of therapeutic success in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
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21
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Sun NY, Yang MH. Metabolic Reprogramming and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity: Opportunities and Challenges for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2020; 10:792. [PMID: 32509584 PMCID: PMC7252305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity are both hallmarks of the adaptation of cancer cells for tumor growth and progression. For metabolic changes, cancer cells alter metabolism by utilizing glucose, lipids, and amino acids to meet the requirement of rapid proliferation and to endure stressful environments. Dynamic changes between the epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) are critical steps for cancer invasion and metastatic colonization. Compared to the extensively studied metabolic reprogramming in tumorigenesis, the metabolic changes in metastasis are relatively unclear. Here, we review metabolic reprogramming, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, and their mutual influences on tumor cells. We also review the developing treatments for targeting cancer metabolism and the impact of metabolic targeting on EMT. In summary, understanding the metabolic adaption and phenotypic plasticity will be mandatory for developing new strategies to target metastatic and refractory cancers that are intractable to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Yun Sun
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Kong J, Wang W. A Systemic Review on the Regulatory Roles of miR-34a in Gastrointestinal Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:2855-2872. [PMID: 32308419 PMCID: PMC7138617 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s234549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-coding single-stranded small-molecule RNAs that regulate gene expression by repressing target messenger RNA (mRNA) translation or degrading mRNA. miR-34a is one of the most important miRNAs participating in various physiological and pathological processes. miR-34a is abnormally expressed in a variety of tumors. The roles of miR-34a in gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) draw lots of attention. Numerous studies have demonstrated that dysregulated miR-34a is closely related to the proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells, as well as the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and chemo-resistance of tumors. Thus, we systematically reviewed the abnormal expression and regulatory roles of miR-34a in GICs including esophageal cancer (EC), gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic cancer (PC), and gallbladder cancer (GBC). It may provide a profile of versatile roles of miR-34a in GICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiehong Kong
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Weipeng Wang
- Center for Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
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23
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Nuclear Translocation of Glutaminase GLS2 in Human Cancer Cells Associates with Proliferation Arrest and Differentiation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2259. [PMID: 32042057 PMCID: PMC7010782 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58264-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutaminase (GA) catalyzes the first step in mitochondrial glutaminolysis playing a key role in cancer metabolic reprogramming. Humans express two types of GA isoforms: GLS and GLS2. GLS isozymes have been consistently related to cell proliferation, but the role of GLS2 in cancer remains poorly understood. GLS2 is repressed in many tumor cells and a better understanding of its function in tumorigenesis may further the development of new therapeutic approaches. We analyzed GLS2 expression in HCC, GBM and neuroblastoma cells, as well as in monkey COS-7 cells. We studied GLS2 expression after induction of differentiation with phorbol ester (PMA) and transduction with the full-length cDNA of GLS2. In parallel, we investigated cell cycle progression and levels of p53, p21 and c-Myc proteins. Using the baculovirus system, human GLS2 protein was overexpressed, purified and analyzed for posttranslational modifications employing a proteomics LC-MS/MS platform. We have demonstrated a dual targeting of GLS2 in human cancer cells. Immunocytochemistry and subcellular fractionation gave consistent results demonstrating nuclear and mitochondrial locations, with the latter being predominant. Nuclear targeting was confirmed in cancer cells overexpressing c-Myc- and GFP-tagged GLS2 proteins. We assessed the subnuclear location finding a widespread distribution of GLS2 in the nucleoplasm without clear overlapping with specific nuclear substructures. GLS2 expression and nuclear accrual notably increased by treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with PMA and it correlated with cell cycle arrest at G2/M, upregulation of tumor suppressor p53 and p21 protein. A similar response was obtained by overexpression of GLS2 in T98G glioma cells, including downregulation of oncogene c-Myc. Furthermore, human GLS2 was identified as being hypusinated by MS analysis, a posttranslational modification which may be relevant for its nuclear targeting and/or function. Our studies provide evidence for a tumor suppressor role of GLS2 in certain types of cancer. The data imply that GLS2 can be regarded as a highly mobile and multilocalizing protein translocated to both mitochondria and nuclei. Upregulation of GLS2 in cancer cells induced an antiproliferative response with cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase.
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Zhu WW, Lu M, Wang XY, Zhou X, Gao C, Qin LX. The fuel and engine: The roles of reprogrammed metabolism in metastasis of primary liver cancer. Genes Dis 2020; 7:299-307. [PMID: 32884984 PMCID: PMC7452537 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis and metabolism reprogramming are two major hallmarks of cancer. In the initiation and progression of cancer, tumor cells are known to undergo fundamental metabolic changes to sustain their development and progression. In recent years, much more attentions have been drawn to their important roles in facilitating cancer metastasis through regulating the biological properties. In this review, we summarized the recent progresses in the studies of metabolism reprogramming of cancer metastasis, particularly of primary liver cancer, and highlight their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
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25
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Obara-Michlewska M, Szeliga M. Targeting Glutamine Addiction in Gliomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020310. [PMID: 32013066 PMCID: PMC7072559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common malignant brain tumors are those of astrocytic origin, gliomas, with the most aggressive glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) among them. Despite efforts, medicine has not made progress in terms of the prognosis and life expectancy of glioma patients. Behind the malignant phenotype of gliomas lies multiple genetic mutations leading to reprogramming of their metabolism, which gives those highly proliferating cells an advantage over healthy ones. The so-called glutamine addiction is a metabolic adaptation that supplements oxidative glycolysis in order to secure neoplastic cells with nutrients and energy in unfavorable conditions of hypoxia. The present review aims at presenting the research and clinical attempts targeting the different metabolic pathways involved in glutamine metabolism in gliomas. A brief description of the biochemistry of glutamine transport, synthesis, and glutaminolysis, etc. will forego a detailed comparison of the therapeutic strategies undertaken to inhibit glutamine utilization by gliomas.
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26
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Serpa J. Metabolic Remodeling as a Way of Adapting to Tumor Microenvironment (TME), a Job of Several Holders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1219:1-34. [PMID: 32130691 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34025-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The microenvironment depends and generates dependence on all the cells and structures that share the same niche, the biotope. The contemporaneous view of the tumor microenvironment (TME) agrees with this idea. The cells that make up the tumor, whether malignant or not, behave similarly to classes of elements within a living community. These elements inhabit, modify and benefit from all the facilities the microenvironment has to offer and that will contribute to the survival and growth of the tumor and the progression of the disease.The metabolic adaptation to microenvironment is a crucial process conducting to an established tumor able to grow locally, invade and metastasized. The metastatic cancer cells are reasonable more plastic than non-metastatic cancer cells, because the previous ones must survive in the microenvironment where the primary tumor develops and in addition, they must prosper in the microenvironment in the metastasized organ.The metabolic remodeling requires not only the adjustment of metabolic pathways per se but also the readjustment of signaling pathways that will receive and obey to the extracellular instructions, commanding the metabolic adaptation. Many diverse players are pivotal in cancer metabolic fitness from the initial signaling stimuli, going through the activation or repression of genes, until the phenotype display. The new phenotype will permit the import and consumption of organic compounds, useful for energy and biomass production, and the export of metabolic products that are useless or must be secreted for a further recycling or controlled uptake. In the metabolic network, three subsets of players are pivotal: (1) the organic compounds; (2) the transmembrane transporters, and (3) the enzymes.This chapter will present the "Pharaonic" intent of diagraming the interplay between these three elements in an attempt of simplifying and, at the same time, of showing the complex sight of cancer metabolism, addressing the orchestrating role of microenvironment and highlighting the influence of non-cancerous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal.
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Matés JM, Di Paola FJ, Campos-Sandoval JA, Mazurek S, Márquez J. Therapeutic targeting of glutaminolysis as an essential strategy to combat cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 98:34-43. [PMID: 31100352 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming in cancer targets glutamine metabolism as a key mechanism to provide energy, biosynthetic precursors and redox requirements to allow the massive proliferation of tumor cells. Glutamine is also a signaling molecule involved in essential pathways regulated by oncogenes and tumor suppressor factors. Glutaminase isoenzymes are critical proteins to control glutaminolysis, a key metabolic pathway for cell proliferation and survival that directs neoplasms' fate. Adaptive glutamine metabolism can be altered by different metabolic therapies, including the use of specific allosteric inhibitors of glutaminase that can evoke synergistic effects for the therapy of cancer patients. We also review other clinical applications of in vivo assessment of glutaminolysis by metabolomic approaches, including diagnosis and monitoring of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Floriana J Di Paola
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Sybille Mazurek
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Javier Márquez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain.
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Williams D, Fingleton B. Non-canonical roles for metabolic enzymes and intermediates in malignant progression and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2019; 36:211-224. [PMID: 31073762 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-019-09967-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic alterations are established as a hallmark of cancer. Such hallmark changes in cancer metabolism are characterized by reprogramming of energy-producing pathways and increases in the generation of biosynthetic intermediates to meet the needs of rapidly proliferating tumor cells. Various metabolic phenotypes such as aerobic glycolysis, increased glutamine consumption, and lipolysis have also been associated with the process of metastasis. However, in addition to the energy and biosynthetic alterations, a number of secondary functions of enzymes and metabolites are emerging that specifically contribute to metastasis. Here, we describe atypical intracellular roles of metabolic enzymes, extracellular functions of metabolic enzymes, roles of metabolites as signaling molecules, and epigenetic regulation mediated by altered metabolism, all of which can affect metastatic progression. We highlight how some of these mechanisms are already being exploited for therapeutic purposes, and discuss how others show similar potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demond Williams
- Program in Cancer Biology and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Barbara Fingleton
- Program in Cancer Biology and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Kang H, Kim H, Lee S, Youn H, Youn B. Role of Metabolic Reprogramming in Epithelial⁻Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20082042. [PMID: 31027222 PMCID: PMC6514888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20082042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to be an essential step for cancer metastasis. Tumor cells undergo EMT in response to a diverse range of extra- and intracellular stimulants. Recently, it was reported that metabolic shifts control EMT progression and induce tumor aggressiveness. In this review, we summarize the involvement of altered glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolic enzyme expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms in EMT induction in tumor cells. Moreover, we propose that metabolic regulation through gene-specific or pharmacological inhibition may suppress EMT and this treatment strategy may be applied to prevent tumor progression and improve anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy. This review presents evidence for the importance of metabolic changes in tumor progression and emphasizes the need for further studies to better understand tumor metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunkoo Kang
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea.
| | - Hyunwoo Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea.
| | - Sungmin Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea.
| | - HyeSook Youn
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea.
| | - BuHyun Youn
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea.
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Li Y, Zhang T, Qin S, Wang R, Li Y, Zhou Z, Chen Y, Wu Q, Su F. Effects of UPF1 expression on EMT process by targeting E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin, Vimentin and Twist in a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:2137-2143. [PMID: 30628676 PMCID: PMC6390072 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. It has been reported that HCC has a poor prognosis. In the majority of cases, once metastatic, HCC is incurable. To identify an effective treatment for HCC, it is important to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of HCC-associated occurrence, proliferation, metastasis and carcinogenesis. In the present study, the role of Up-frameshift 1 (UPF1), a potential tumor suppressor, was investigated in the HCC cell lines. The expression levels of UPF1 in an HCC cell line were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of 19 key proteins in numerous signaling pathways were detected via protein array analysis in the presence of UPF1 overexpression. The present study further investigated the effects of UPF1 expression levels on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by targeting E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin and Twist-related protein 1 (Twist). The results of the present study revealed that UPF1 was significantly downregulated in an HCC cell line. The majority of the proteins exhibited upregulated expression levels in the presence of UPF1 overexpression in the HCC cell line, Huh-7. Key proteins, including cluster of differentiation (CD)31 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1), Vimentin, CD44, PCNA, Ki-67, N-Cadherin, Survivin, P53, Met and retinoblastoma exhibited a significant association with UPF1. Furthermore, western blotting indicated that the expression levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin and Twist were notably upregulated while UPF1 was overexpressed; however, E-cadherin was downregulated and opposing observations were reported with protein array analysis. In summary, E-cadherin expression levels were regulated by the manifold, and UPF1, a potential tumor suppressor, may promote the EMT process in Huh-7 HCC cells. The findings of the present study suggested that UPF1 expression levels affected the EMT process by targeting E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin and Twist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Shukui Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, PLA Cancer Center, Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Zhengguang Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Yufo Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Fang Su
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
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Bhattacharya D, Scimè A. Metabolic Regulation of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Implications for Endocrine Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:773. [PMID: 31849832 PMCID: PMC6901924 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The last few decades have witnessed an outstanding advancement in our understanding of the hallmarks of endocrine cancers. This includes the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that alters the morphology and functional characteristics of carcinoma cells. The mesenchymal stem cell like phenotype produced by EMT allows the dislocation of cancer cells from the primary tumor site with inheritance of motility, metastatic and invasive properties. A fundamental driver thought to initiate and propagate EMT is metabolic reprogramming that occur during these transitions. Though there remains a paucity of data regarding the alterations that occur during EMT in endocrine cancers, the contribution of deregulated metabolism is a prominent feature. This mini review focuses on metabolic reprogramming events that occur in cancer cells and in particular those of endocrine origin. It highlights the main metabolic reprogramming outcomes of EMT, encompassing glycolysis, mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation and function, glutamine and lipid metabolism. Comprehending the metabolic changes that occur during EMT will help formulate potential bioenergetic targets as therapies for endocrine cancer metastasis.
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Sang Y, Cheng C, Zeng YX, Kang T. Snail promotes metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma partly by down-regulating TEL2. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2018; 38:58. [PMID: 30253797 PMCID: PMC6156863 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-018-0328-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metastasis is the major cause of treatment failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We previously reported that TEL2, a negative regulator of SERPINE1, could inhibit NPC metastasis to lymph nodes. Method A series of in vivo and in vitro assays were performed to elucidate the regulation between Snail and TEL2. TEL2 expression was analyzed in three representative NPC cell lines expressing low levels of Snail (S26, 6-10B, HK1) and two cell lines expressing high levels of Snail (S18, 5-8F). Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to analyze the interaction between Snail and TEL2. The roles of the Snail/TEL2 pathway in cell migration and invasion of NPC cells were examined using transwell assays. Metastasis to the lungs was examined using nude mouse receiving NPC cells injection through the tail vein. Results Ectopic Snail expression down-regulated TEL2 at the mRNA and protein levels, whereas knockdown of Snail using short hairpin RNA up-regulated TEL2. Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that Snail binds directly to the TEL2 promoter. Ectopic Snail expression enhanced migration and invasion of NPC cells, and such effects were mitigated by TEL2 overexpression. TEL2 overexpression also attenuated hypoxia-induced cell migration and invasion, and increased the number of metastatic pulmonary nodules. Snail overexpression reduced the number of metastatic pulmonary nodules. Conclusions TEL2 is a novel target of Snail and suppresses Snail-induced migration, invasion and metastasis in NPC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40880-018-0328-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Center Laboratory, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 3025 Shennan Middle Road, Shenzhen, 518033, People's Republic of China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.128 Xianshan North Road, Nanchang, 330008, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Cheng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.128 Xianshan North Road, Nanchang, 330008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiebang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No. 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
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33
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Choi YK, Park KG. Targeting Glutamine Metabolism for Cancer Treatment. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2018; 26:19-28. [PMID: 29212303 PMCID: PMC5746034 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2017.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapidly proliferating cancer cells require energy and cellular building blocks for their growth and ability to maintain redox balance. Many studies have focused on understanding how cancer cells adapt their nutrient metabolism to meet the high demand of anabolism required for proliferation and maintaining redox balance. Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in plasma, is a well-known nutrient used by cancer cells to increase proliferation as well as survival under metabolic stress conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of glutamine metabolism in cancer cell survival and growth and highlight the mechanisms by which glutamine metabolism affects cancer cell signaling. Furthermore, we summarize the potential therapeutic approaches of targeting glutamine metabolism for the treatment of numerous types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Kyung Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Gyu Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
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34
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Chen GY, Chao HC, Liao HW, Tsai IL, Kuo CH. Rapid quantification of glutaminase 2 (GLS2)-related metabolites by HILIC-MS/MS. Anal Biochem 2017; 539:39-44. [PMID: 28993139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine, glutamate and glutathione are key modulators of excessive oxidative stress in tumor cells. In this study, we developed a rapid and accurate HILIC-MS/MS method to simultaneously determine concentrations of cellular glutamine, glutamate and glutathione. A bared silica HILIC column was employed to analyze these polar metabolites. The LC-MS parameters were optimized to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity. The analysis can be completed within 4 min under optimal conditions. The method was validated in terms of accuracy, precision, and linearity. Intra-day (n = 9) precision was within 2.68-6.24% among QCs. Inter-day precision (n = 3) was below 12.4%. The method accuracy was evaluated by the recovery test, and the accuracy for three analytes were between 91.6 and 110%. The developed method was applied to study antioxidant function of GLS2 in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Changes in concentrations of glutamine, glutamate and glutathione revealed that the overexpression of GLS2 could effectively decrease oxidative stress. In summary, this study developed a rapid HILIC-MS/MS method for quantification of GLS2-related metabolites that could facilitate elucidation of the role of GLS2 in tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Yuan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; The Metabolomics Core Laboratory, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chun Chao
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; The Metabolomics Core Laboratory, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Wei Liao
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; The Metabolomics Core Laboratory, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Lin Tsai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hua Kuo
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; The Metabolomics Core Laboratory, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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35
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Soukupova J, Malfettone A, Hyroššová P, Hernández-Alvarez MI, Peñuelas-Haro I, Bertran E, Junza A, Capellades J, Giannelli G, Yanes O, Zorzano A, Perales JC, Fabregat I. Role of the Transforming Growth Factor-β in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma oxidative metabolism. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12486. [PMID: 28970582 PMCID: PMC5624948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12837-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β) induces tumor cell migration and invasion. However, its role in inducing metabolic reprogramming is poorly understood. Here we analyzed the metabolic profile of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells that show differences in TGF-β expression. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), metabolomics and transcriptomics were performed. Results indicated that the switch from an epithelial to a mesenchymal/migratory phenotype in HCC cells is characterized by reduced mitochondrial respiration, without significant differences in glycolytic activity. Concomitantly, enhanced glutamine anaplerosis and biosynthetic use of TCA metabolites were proved through analysis of metabolite levels, as well as metabolic fluxes from U-13C6-Glucose and U-13C5-Glutamine. This correlated with increase in glutaminase 1 (GLS1) expression, whose inhibition reduced cell migration. Experiments where TGF-β function was activated with extracellular TGF-β1 or inhibited through TGF-β receptor I silencing showed that TGF-β induces a switch from oxidative metabolism, coincident with a decrease in OCR and the upregulation of glutamine transporter Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 5 (SLC7A5) and GLS1. TGF-β also regulated the expression of key genes involved in the flux of glycolytic intermediates and fatty acid metabolism. Together, these results indicate that autocrine activation of the TGF-β pathway regulates oxidative metabolism in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Soukupova
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Malfettone
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Petra Hyroššová
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María-Isabel Hernández-Alvarez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Peñuelas-Haro
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Bertran
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandra Junza
- Metabolomics Platform, Department of Electronic Engineering (DEEEA), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Capellades
- Metabolomics Platform, Department of Electronic Engineering (DEEEA), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS "S. De Bellis", Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
| | - Oscar Yanes
- Metabolomics Platform, Department of Electronic Engineering (DEEEA), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Zorzano
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Carlos Perales
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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GTSE1 promotes cell migration and invasion by regulating EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5129. [PMID: 28698581 PMCID: PMC5505986 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
G2 and S phase-expressed-1 (GTSE1) regulates G1/S cell cycle transition. It was recently reported to be overexpressed in certain human cancers, but its significance and mechanism(s) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Here, we showed preferential GTSE1 upregulation in human HCC tissues and cell lines that positively correlated with Ki67. GTSE1 knockdown by short hairpin RNA resulted in deficient colony-forming ability and depleted capabilities of HCC cells to migrate and invade. Conversely, exogenous GTSE1 overexpression enhanced colony formation and stimulated HCC cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, GTSE1 silencing was associated with the downregulation of N-cadherin, β-catenin, and Snail, whereas GTSE1 overexpression caused the opposite effects. GTSE1 upregulated Snail via both transcription and protein degradation pathways. Additionally, GTSE1 modulated the sensitivity of HCC to 5-fluorouracil therapy. High GTSE1 correlates with chemo-resistance, while low GTSE1 increases drug sensitivity. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that high GTSE1 levels were significantly associated with poor overall survival. In conclusion, high expression of GTSE1 is commonly noted in HCC and is closely correlated with migration and invasion by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) modulation. Activated GTSE1 significantly interferes with chemotherapy efficacy and influences the probability of survival of patients with HCC. GTSE1 may thus represent a promising molecular target.
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37
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You N, Tan Y, Zhou L, Huang X, Wang W, Wang L, Wu K, Mi N, Li J, Zheng L. Tg737 acts as a key driver of invasion and migration in liver cancer stem cells and correlates with poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Cell Res 2017; 358:217-226. [PMID: 28663060 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that the Tg737 gene plays a critical role in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few systematic investigations have focused on the biological function of Tg737 in the invasion and migration of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and on its clinical significance. In this study, Tg737 overexpression was achieved via gene transfection in MHCC97-H side population (SP) cells, which are considered a model for LCSCs in scientific studies. Tg737 overexpression significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of SP cells in an extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2)/matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2)-dependent manner. Furthermore, Tg737 expression was frequently decreased in HCC tissues relative to that in adjacent noncancerous liver tissues. This decreased expression was significantly associated with tumor differentiation, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, metastasis, tumor size, vascular invasion, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and tumor number. Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that Tg737 expression was an independent factor for predicting the overall survival of HCC patients. Notably, Kaplan-Meier analysis further showed that overall survival was significantly worse among patients with low Tg737 expression. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that Tg737 is a poor prognostic marker in patients with HCC, which may be due to its ability to promote LCSCs invasion and migration. These results provide a basis for investigating of Tg737 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan You
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Ye Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The 155 Central Hospital of PLA, Kaifeng, He'nan 475000, China
| | - Xiaobing Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Na Mi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.
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38
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Sciacovelli M, Frezza C. Metabolic reprogramming and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer. FEBS J 2017; 284:3132-3144. [PMID: 28444969 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence indicate that during transformation epithelial cancer cells can acquire mesenchymal features via a process called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This process endows cancer cells with increased invasive and migratory capacity, enabling tumour dissemination and metastasis. EMT is associated with a complex metabolic reprogramming, orchestrated by EMT transcription factors, which support the energy requirements of increased motility and growth in harsh environmental conditions. The discovery that mutations in metabolic genes such as FH, SDH and IDH activate EMT provided further evidence that EMT and metabolism are intertwined. In this review, we discuss the role of EMT in cancer and the underpinning metabolic reprogramming. We also put forward the hypothesis that, by altering chromatin structure and function, metabolic pathways engaged by EMT are necessary for its full activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Sciacovelli
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Christian Frezza
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, UK
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