Mechano- and pH-sensing convergence on Ca2+-mobilising proteins - A recipe for cancer?

Dual p38MAPK and MEK inhibition disrupts adaptive chemoresistance in mesenchymal glioblastoma to temozolomide

BACKGROUND

Precision treatment of glioblastoma is increasingly focused on molecular subtyping, with the mesenchymal subtype particularly resistant to temozolomide. Here, we aim to develop a targeted therapy for temozolomide resensitization in the mesenchymal subtype.

METHODS

We integrated kinomic profiles and kinase inhibitor screens from patient-derived proneural and mesenchymal glioma-propagating cells and public clinical datasets to identify key protein kinases implicated in temozolomide resistance. RNAseq, apoptosis assays, and comet assays were used to examine the role of p38MAPK signaling and adaptive chemoresistance in mesenchymal cells. The efficacy of dual p38MAPK and MEK/ERK inhibition using ralimetinib (selective orally active p38MAPK inhibitor; phase I/II for glioblastoma) and binimetinib (approved MEK1/2 inhibitor for melanoma; phase II for high-grade glioma) in primary and recurrent mesenchymal tumors was evaluated using an intracranial patient-derived tumor xenograft model, focusing on survival analysis.

RESULTS

Our transcriptomic-kinomic integrative analysis revealed p38MAPK as the prime target whose gene signature enables patient stratification based on their molecular subtypes and provides prognostic value. Repurposed p38MAPK inhibitors synergize favorably with temozolomide to promote intracellular retention of temozolomide and exacerbate DNA damage. Mesenchymal cells exhibit adaptive chemoresistance to p38MAPK inhibition through a pH-/calcium-mediated MEK/ERK pathway. Dual p38MAPK and MEK inhibition effectively maintain temozolomide sensitivity in primary and recurrent intracranial mesenchymal glioblastoma xenografts.

CONCLUSIONS

Temozolomide resistance in mesenchymal glioblastoma is associated with p38MAPK activation. Adaptive chemoresistance in p38MAPK-resistant cells is mediated by MEK/ERK signaling. Adjuvant therapy with dual p38MAPK and MEK inhibition prolongs temozolomide sensitivity, which can be developed into a precision therapy for the mesenchymal subtype.

Dual-Sensitive Fluorescent Nanoprobes for Simultaneously Monitoring In Situ Changes in pH and Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in Stiffness-Tunable Three-Dimensional In Vitro Scaffolds

A tumor microenvironment often presents altered physicochemical characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) including changes in matrix composition, stiffness, protein expression, pH, temperature, or the presence of certain stromal and immune cells. Of these, overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and extracellular acidosis are the two major hallmarks of cancer that can be exploited for tumor detection. The change in matrix stiffness and the release of certain cytokines (TNF-α) in the tumor microenvironment play major roles in inducing MMP-9 expression in cancerous cells. This study highlights the role of mechanical cues in upregulating MMP-9 expression in cancerous cells using stiffness-tunable matrix compositions and dual-sensitive fluorescent nanoprobes. Ionically cross-linked 3D alginate/gelatin (AG) scaffolds with three stiffnesses were chosen to reflect the ECM stiffnesses corresponding to healthy and pathological tissues. Moreover, a dual-sensitive nanoprobe, an MMP-sensitive peptide conjugated to carbon nanoparticles with intrinsic pH fluorescence properties, was utilized for in situ monitoring of the two cancer hallmarks in the 3D scaffolds. This platform was further utilized for designing a 3D core-shell platform for spatially mapping tumor margins and for visualizing TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression in cancerous cells.

Research progress of calcium carbonate nanomaterials in cancer therapy: challenge and opportunity

Cancer has keeping the main threat to the health of human being. Its overall survival rate has shown rare substantial progress in spite of the improving diagnostic and treatment techniques for cancer in recent years. Indeed, such classic strategies for malignant tumor as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have been developed and bring more hope to the patients, but still been accompanied by certain limitations, which include the challenge of managing large wound sizes, systemic toxic side effects, and harmful to the healthy tissues caused by imprecise alignment with tumors in radiotherapy. Furthermore, immunotherapy exhibits a limited therapeutic effect in advanced tumors which is reported only up to 25%-30%. The combination of nanomaterials and cancer treatment offers new hope for cancer patients, demonstrating strong potential in the field of medical research. Among the extensively utilized nanomaterials, calcium carbonate nanomaterials (CCNM) exhibit a broad spectrum of biomedical applications due to their abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, and exceptional safety profile. CCNM have the potential to elevate intracellular Ca2+ levels in tumor cells, trigger the mitochondrial damage and ultimately lead to tumor cell death. Moreover, compared with other types of nanomaterials, CCNM exhibit remarkable advantages as delivery systems owing to their high loading capacity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of CCNM synthesis, focusing on summarizing its diverse roles in cancer treatment and the benefits and challenges associated with CCNM in cancer therapy. Hoping to present the significance of CCNM as for the clinical application, and summarize information for the design of CCNM and other types of nanomaterials in the future.

Activation of goblet cell Piezo1 alleviates mucus barrier damage in mice exposed to WAS by inhibiting H3K9me3 modification

BACKGROUND

Our recent studies found that intestinal mechanical signals can regulate mucus synthesis and secretion of intestinal goblet cells through piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1), but the detailed molecular mechanisms remain to be investigated. Previous studies using a water avoidance stress (WAS) model reported decreased intestinal mucus accompanied by abnormal intestinal motility. It has also been reported that the expression of mucin2 was negatively correlated with histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3), a key regulator of histone methylation, and that mechanical stimulation can affect methylation. In this study, we aimed to determine whether and how Piezo1 expressed on goblet cells regulates mucus barrier function through methylation modification.

METHODS

A murine WAS model was established and treated with Yoda1 (Piezo1 agonist), and specific Piezo1 flox-mucin2 Cre mice were also tested. The mucus layer thickness and mucus secretion rate of mouse colonic mucosa were detected by a homemade horizontal Ussing chamber, intestinal peristaltic contraction was detected by the ink propulsion test and organ bath, goblet cells and mucus layer morphology were assessed by HE and Alcian blue staining, mucus permeability was detected by FISH, and the expression levels of Piezo1, H3K9me3 and related molecules were measured by Western blots and immunofluorescence. LS174T cells were cultured on a shaker board in vitro to simulate mechanical stimulation. Piezo1 and H3K9me3 were inhibited, and changes in mucin2 and methylation-related pathways were detected by ELISAs and Western blots. ChIP-PCR assays were used to detect the binding of H3K9me3 and mucin2 promoters under mechanical stimulation.

RESULTS

Compared with those of the controls, the mucus layer thickness and mucus secretion rate of the mice exposed to WAS were significantly decreased, the mucus permeability increased, the number of goblet cells decreased, and the intestinal contraction and peristalsis were also downregulated and disordered. Intraperitoneal injection of Yoda1 improved mucus barrier function and intestinal contraction. In the colonic mucosa of mice exposed to WAS, Piezo1 was decreased, and histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) and methyltransferase suppressor of variegation 3-9 homolog 1 (SUV39h1) were increased, but activating Piezo1 alleviated these effects of WAS. Piezo1 flox-mucin2 Cre mice showed decreased mucus expression and increased methylation compared to wild-type mice. Cell experiments showed that mechanical stimulation induced the activation of Piezo1, decreased H3K9me3 and SUV39h1, and upregulated mucin2 expression. Inhibition of Piezo1 or H3K9me3 blocked the promoting effect of mechanical stimulation on LS174T mucin2 expression. The binding of H3K9me3 to the mucin2 promoter decreased significantly under mechanical stimulation, but this could be blocked by the Piezo1 inhibitor GsMTx4.

CONCLUSION

Piezo1 mediates mechanical stimulation to inhibit SUV39h1, thereby reducing H3K9me3 production and its binding to the mucin2 promoter, ultimately promoting mucin2 expression in goblet cells. This study further confirmed that piezo1 on goblet cells could regulate mucus barrier function through methylation.

Ca2+ Signalling and Hypoxia/Acidic Tumour Microenvironment Interplay in Tumour Progression

Solid tumours are characterised by an altered microenvironment (TME) from the physicochemical point of view, displaying a highly hypoxic and acidic interstitial fluid. Hypoxia results from uncontrolled proliferation, aberrant vascularization and altered cancer cell metabolism. Tumour cellular apparatus adapts to hypoxia by altering its metabolism and behaviour, increasing its migratory and metastatic abilities by the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype and selection of aggressive tumour cell clones. Extracellular acidosis is considered a cancer hallmark, acting as a driver of cancer aggressiveness by promoting tumour metastasis and chemoresistance via the selection of more aggressive cell phenotypes, although the underlying mechanism is still not clear. In this context, Ca²⁺ channels represent good target candidates due to their ability to integrate signals from the TME. Ca²⁺ channels are pH and hypoxia sensors and alterations in Ca²⁺ homeostasis in cancer progression and vascularization have been extensively reported. In the present review, we present an up-to-date and critical view on Ca²⁺ permeable ion channels, with a major focus on TRPs, SOCs and PIEZO channels, which are modulated by tumour hypoxia and acidosis, as well as the consequent role of the altered Ca²⁺ signals on cancer progression hallmarks. We believe that a deeper comprehension of the Ca²⁺ signalling and acidic pH/hypoxia interplay will break new ground for the discovery of alternative and attractive therapeutic targets.

The Regulatory Roles of Mitochondrial Calcium and the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter in Tumor Cells

Mitochondria, as the main site of cellular energy metabolism and the generation of oxygen free radicals, are the key switch for mitochondria-mediated endogenous apoptosis. Ca²⁺ is not only an important messenger for cell proliferation, but it is also an indispensable signal for cell death. Ca²⁺ participates in and plays a crucial role in the energy metabolism, physiology, and pathology of mitochondria. Mitochondria control the uptake and release of Ca²⁺ through channels/transporters, such as the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), and influence the concentration of Ca²⁺ in both mitochondria and cytoplasm, thereby regulating cellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transport-related processes are involved in important biological processes of tumor cells including proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. In particular, MCU and its regulatory proteins represent a new era in the study of MCU-mediated mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis in tumors. Through an in-depth analysis of the close correlation between mitochondrial Ca²⁺ and energy metabolism, autophagy, and apoptosis of tumor cells, we can provide a valuable reference for further understanding of how mitochondrial Ca²⁺ regulation helps diagnosis and therapy.

Ion Interference Therapy of Tumors Based on Inorganic Nanoparticles

As an essential substance for cell life activities, ions play an important role in controlling cell osmotic pressure balance, intracellular acid-base balance, signal transmission, biocatalysis and so on. The imbalance of ion homeostasis in cells will seriously affect the activities of cells, cause irreversible damage to cells or induce cell death. Therefore, artificially interfering with the ion homeostasis in tumor cells has become a new means to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. This treatment is called ion interference therapy (IIT). Although some molecular carriers of ions have been developed for intracellular ion delivery, inorganic nanoparticles are widely used in ion interference therapy because of their higher ion delivery ability and higher biocompatibility compared with molecular carriers. This article reviewed the recent development of IIT based on inorganic nanoparticles and summarized the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment and the challenges of future development, hoping to provide a reference for future research.

Alterations in the Ca2+ toolkit in oesophageal adenocarcinoma

Aim:

To investigate alterations in transcription of genes, encoding Ca²⁺ toolkit proteins, in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and to assess associations between gene expression, tumor grade, nodal-metastatic stage, and patient survival.

Methods:

The expression of 275 transcripts, encoding components of the Ca²⁺ toolkit, was analyzed in two OAC datasets: the Cancer Genome Atlas [via the University of Alabama Cancer (UALCAN) portal] and the oesophageal-cancer, clinical, and molecular stratification [Oesophageal Cancer Clinical and Molecular Stratification (OCCAMS)] dataset. Effects of differential expression of these genes on patient survival were determined using Kaplan-Meier log-rank tests. OAC grade- and metastatic-stage status was investigated for a subset of genes. Adjustment for the multiplicity of testing was made throughout.

Results:

Of the 275 Ca²⁺-toolkit genes analyzed, 75 displayed consistent changes in expression between OAC and normal tissue in both datasets. The channel-encoding genes, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2D (GRIN2D), transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel classical or canonical 4 (TRPC4), and TRP ion channel melastatin 2 (TRPM2) demonstrated the greatest increase in expression in OAC in both datasets. Nine genes were consistently upregulated in both datasets and were also associated with improved survival outcomes. The 6 top-ranking genes for the weighted significance of altered expression and survival outcomes were selected for further analysis: voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channel subunit α 1D (CACNA1D), voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channel auxiliary subunit α2 δ4 (CACNA2D4), junctophilin 1 (JPH1), acid-sensing ion channel 4 (ACCN4), TRPM5, and secretory pathway Ca²⁺ ATPase 2 (ATP2C2). CACNA1D, JPH1, and ATP2C2 were also upregulated in advanced OAC tumor grades and nodal-metastatic stages in both datasets.

Conclusions:

This study has unveiled alterations of the Ca²⁺ toolkit in OAC, compared to normal tissue. Such Ca²⁺ signalling findings are consistent with those from studies on other cancers. Genes that were consistently upregulated in both datasets might represent useful markers for patient diagnosis. Genes that were consistently upregulated, and which were associated with improved survival, might be useful markers for patient outcome. These survival-associated genes may also represent targets for the development of novel chemotherapeutic agents.

Neochlorogenic acid anchors MCU-based calcium overload for cancer therapy

Cancer is a major threat to human health worldwide, yet the clinical therapies remain unsatisfactory. In this study, we found that a Tetrastigma hemsleyanum leaves flavone (TLF) intervention could achieve tumor inhibition. Besides, neochlorogenic acid (NA), which had the highest absorbance peak in the HPLC profile of TLF, showed superior anti-proliferation ability over TLF, and could effectively trigger apoptosis, restrain migration, and facilitate cytoskeleton collapse, suggesting its key role in TLF's anticancer property. Molecular docking analysis suggested that NA was capable of binding with mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter (MCU), and further experiments confirmed that NA upregulated the MCU level to permit excess calcium ion influx, leading to mitochondrial calcium imbalance, dysfunction, structure alteration, and ROS elevation. Moreover, tumor-bearing mice were applied to further confirm the excellent tumor inhibition ability of NA under Ca²⁺-abundant conditions. Therefore, this study uncovered that NA could effectively trigger robust MCU-mediated calcium overload cancer therapy, which could be utilized in novel strategies for future cancer treatment.

GPR68 Contributes to Persistent Acidosis-Induced Activation of AGC Kinases and Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Organotypic Hippocampal Slices

Persistent acidosis occurs in ischemia and multiple neurological diseases. In previous studies, acidic stimulation leads to rapid increase in intracellular calcium in neurons. However, it remains largely unclear how a prolonged acidosis alters neuronal signaling. In our previous study, we found that GPR68-mediated PKC activities are protective against acidosis-induced injury in cortical slices. Here, we first asked whether the same principle holds true in organotypic hippocampal slices. Our data showed that 1-h pH 6 induced PKC phosphorylation in a GPR68-dependent manner. Go6983, a PKC inhibitor worsened acidosis-induced neuronal injury in wild type (WT) but had no effect in GPR68^−/− slices. Next, to gain greater insights into acid signaling in brain tissue, we treated organotypic hippocampal slices with pH 6 for 1-h and performed a kinome profiling analysis by Western blot. Acidosis had little effect on cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) or casein kinase 2 activity, two members of the CMGC family, or Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)/ATM and RAD3-related (ATR) activity, but reduced the phosphorylation of MAPK/CDK substrates. In contrast, acidosis induced the activation of CaMKIIα, PKA, and Akt. Besides these serine/threonine kinases, acidosis also induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Since GPR68 is widely expressed in brain neurons, we asked whether GPR68 contributes to acidosis-induced signaling. Deleting GPR68 had no effect on acidosis-induced CaMKII phosphorylation, attenuated that of phospho-Akt and phospho-PKA substrates, while abolishing acidosis-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. These data demonstrate that prolonged acidosis activates a network of signaling cascades, mediated by AGC kinases, CaMKII, and tyrosine kinases. GPR68 is the primary mediator for acidosis-induced activation of PKC and tyrosine phosphorylation, while both GPR68-dependent and -independent mechanisms contribute to the activation of PKA and Akt.

RNA-Seq analysis of knocking out the neuroprotective proton-sensitive GPR68 on basal and acute ischemia-induced transcriptome changes and signaling in mouse brain

Brain acid signaling plays important roles in both physiological and disease conditions. One key neuronal metabotropic proton receptor in the brain is GPR68, which contributes to hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and mediates neuroprotection in acidotic and ischemic conditions. Here, to gain greater understanding of GPR68 function in the brain, we performed mRNA-Seq analysis in mice. First, we studied sham-operated animals to determine baseline expression. Compared to wild type (WT), GPR68-/- (KO) brain downregulated genes that are enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms of misfolding protein binding, response to organic cyclic compounds, and endoplasmic reticulum chaperone complex. Next, we examined the expression profile following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). tMCAO-upregulated genes cluster to cytokine/chemokine-related functions and immune responses, while tMCAO-downregulated genes cluster to channel activities and synaptic signaling. For proton-sensitive receptors, tMCAO downregulated ASIC1a and upregulated GPR4 and GPR65, but had no effect on ASIC2, PAC, or GPR68. GPR68 deletion did not alter the expression of these proton receptors, either at baseline or after ischemia. Lastly, we performed GeneVenn analysis of differential genes at baseline and post-tMCAO. Ischemia upregulated the expression of three hemoglobin genes, along with H2-Aa, Ppbp, Siglece, and Tagln, in WT but not in KO. Immunostaining showed that tMCAO-induced hemoglobin localized to neurons. Western blot analysis further showed that hemoglobin induction is GPR68-dependent. Together, these data suggest that GPR68 deletion at baseline disrupts chaperone functions and cellular signaling responses and imply a contribution of hemoglobin-mediated antioxidant mechanism to GPR68-dependent neuroprotection in ischemia.

Roles of interstitial fluid pH and weak organic acids in development and amelioration of insulin resistance

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common lifestyle-related diseases (metabolic disorders) due to hyperphagia and/or hypokinesia. Hyperglycemia is the most well-known symptom occurring in T2DM patients. Insulin resistance is also one of the most important symptoms, however, it is still unclear how insulin resistance develops in T2DM. Detailed understanding of the pathogenesis primarily causing insulin resistance is essential for developing new therapies for T2DM. Insulin receptors are located at the plasma membrane of the insulin-targeted cells such as myocytes, adipocytes, etc., and insulin binds to the extracellular site of its receptor facing the interstitial fluid. Thus, changes in interstitial fluid microenvironments, specially pH, affect the insulin-binding affinity to its receptor. The most well-known clinical condition regarding pH is systemic acidosis (arterial blood pH < 7.35) frequently observed in severe T2DM associated with insulin resistance. Because the insulin-binding site of its receptor faces the interstitial fluid, we should recognize the interstitial fluid pH value, one of the most important factors influencing the insulin-binding affinity. It is notable that the interstitial fluid pH is unstable compared with the arterial blood pH even under conditions that the arterial blood pH stays within the normal range, 7.35-7.45. This review article introduces molecular mechanisms on unstable interstitial fluid pH value influencing the insulin action via changes in insulin-binding affinity and ameliorating actions of weak organic acids on insulin resistance via their characteristics as bases after absorption into the body even with sour taste at the tongue.

The evolution and mechanism of GPCR proton sensing

Of the 800 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in humans, only three (GPR4, GPR65, and GPR68) regulate signaling in acidified microenvironments by sensing protons (H+). How these receptors have uniquely obtained this ability is unknown. Here, we show these receptors evolved the capability to sense H+ signals by acquiring buried acidic residues. Using our informatics platform pHinder, we identified a triad of buried acidic residues shared by all three receptors, a feature distinct from all other human GPCRs. Phylogenetic analysis shows the triad emerged in GPR65, the immediate ancestor of GPR4 and GPR68. To understand the evolutionary and mechanistic importance of these triad residues, we developed deep variant profiling, a yeast-based technology that utilizes high-throughput CRISPR to build and profile large libraries of GPCR variants. Using deep variant profiling and GPCR assays in HEK293 cells, we assessed the pH-sensing contributions of each triad residue in all three receptors. As predicted by our calculations, most triad mutations had profound effects consistent with direct regulation of receptor pH sensing. In addition, we found that an allosteric modulator of many class A GPCRs, Na+, synergistically regulated pH sensing by maintaining the pKa values of triad residues within the physiologically relevant pH range. As such, we show that all three receptors function as coincidence detectors of H+ and Na+. Taken together, these findings elucidate the molecular evolution and long-sought mechanism of GPR4, GPR65, and GPR68 pH sensing and provide pH-insensitive variants that should be valuable for assessing the therapeutic potential and (patho)physiological importance of GPCR pH sensing.

Weak acids induce PGE2 production in human oesophageal cells: novel mechanisms underlying GERD symptoms

The role of weak acids with pH values in the range of 4–7 has been implicated in the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) is associated with heartburn symptom in GERD patients; however, the precise productive mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we revealed that exposure to weak acids increases PGE₂ production with a peak at pH 4–5, slightly in human normal oesophageal cells (Het-1A), and robustly in oesophageal squamous carcinoma cells (KYSE-270). Release of PGE₂ from the oesophageal mucosa was augmented by weak acid treatment in rat. Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), a bile acid, upregulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in Het-1A and KYSE-270 and induced PGE₂ production in KYSE-270 cells. Weak acid-induced PGE₂ production was significantly inhibited by cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), ERK, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4), a pH-sensing ion channel, inhibitors. Hangeshashinto, a potent inhibitor of COX-2, strongly decreased weak acid- and CDCA-induced PGE₂ levels in KYSE-270. These results indicated that weak acids induce PGE₂ production via TRPV4/ERK/cPLA2 in oesophageal epithelial cells, suggesting a role in GERD symptoms like heartburn. Interventions targeting pH values up to 5 may be necessary for the treatment of GERD.

Proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors: detectors of tumor acidosis and candidate drug targets

Cells in tumor microenvironments (TMEs) use several mechanisms to sense their low pH (<7.0), including via proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (psGPCRs): GPR4, GPR65/TDAG8, GPR68/OGR1 and GPR132/G2A. Numerous cancers have increased expression of psGPCRs. The psGPCRs may contribute to features of the malignant phenotype via actions on specific cell-types in the TME and thereby promote tumor survival and growth. Here, we review data regarding psGPCR expression in tumors and cancer cells, impact of psGPCRs on survival in solid tumors and a bioinformatics approach to infer psGPCR expression in cell types in the TME. New tools are needed to help define contributions of psGPCRs in tumor biology and to identify potentially novel therapeutic agents for a variety of cancers.