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Slika H, Shahani A, Wahi R, Miller J, Groves M, Tyler B. Overcoming Treatment Resistance in Medulloblastoma: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2249. [PMID: 38927954 PMCID: PMC11202166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most frequently encountered malignant brain tumor in the pediatric population. The standard of care currently consists of surgical resection, craniospinal irradiation, and multi-agent chemotherapy. However, despite this combination of multiple aggressive modalities, recurrence of the disease remains a substantial concern, and treatment resistance is a rising issue. The development of this resistance results from the interplay of a myriad of anatomical properties, cellular processes, molecular pathways, and genetic and epigenetic alterations. In fact, several efforts have been directed towards this domain and characterizing the major contributors to this resistance. Herein, this review highlights the different mechanisms that drive relapse and are implicated in the occurrence of treatment resistance and discusses them in the context of the latest molecular-based classification of medulloblastoma. These mechanisms include the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier to drugs, the overactivation of specific molecular pathways, the resistant and multipotent nature of cancer stem cells, intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, and metabolic plasticity. Subsequently, we build on that to explore potential strategies and targeted agents that can abrogate these mechanisms, undermine the development of treatment resistance, and augment medulloblastoma's response to therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Aanya Shahani
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Riddhpreet Wahi
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
- Grant Government Medical College and Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai 400008, India
| | - Jackson Miller
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
- Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Mari Groves
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Betty Tyler
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
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2
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Pihl C, Bjerring P, Andersen F, Haedersdal M, Lerche CM. Oral intake of bucillamine, carvedilol, metformin, or phenformin does not protect against UVR-induced squamous cell carcinomas in hairless mice. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:517-526. [PMID: 38337129 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00535-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma represents the second most common type of keratinocyte carcinoma with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) making up the primary risk factor. Oral photoprotection aims to reduce incidence rates through oral intake of photoprotective compounds. Recently, drug repurposing has gained traction as an interesting source of chemoprevention. Because of their reported photoprotective properties, we investigated the potential of bucillamine, carvedilol, metformin, and phenformin as photoprotective compounds following oral intake in UVR-exposed hairless mice. Tumour development was observed in all groups in response to UVR, with only the positive control (Nicotinamide) demonstrating a reduction in tumour incidence (23.8%). No change in tumour development was observed in the four repurposed drug groups compared to the UV control group, whereas nicotinamide significantly reduced carcinogenesis (P = 0.00012). Metformin treatment significantly reduced UVR-induced erythema (P = 0.012), bucillamine and phenformin increased dorsal pigmentation (P = 0.0013, and P = 0.0005), but no other photoprotective effect was observed across the repurposed groups. This study demonstrates that oral supplementation with bucillamine, carvedilol, metformin, or phenformin does not affect UVR-induced carcinogenesis in hairless mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Pihl
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Peter Bjerring
- Department of Dermatology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9100, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Flemming Andersen
- Department of Dermatology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9100, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Dermatology, Private Hospital Molholm, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Merete Haedersdal
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Catharina M Lerche
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Bellanti F, Mangieri D, Vendemiale G. Redox Biology and Liver Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:410. [PMID: 38203581 PMCID: PMC10778611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a complex process that develops in chronic liver diseases. Even though the initiation and progression of fibrosis rely on the underlying etiology, mutual mechanisms can be recognized and targeted for therapeutic purposes. Irrespective of the primary cause of liver disease, persistent damage to parenchymal cells triggers the overproduction of reactive species, with the consequent disruption of redox balance. Reactive species are important mediators for the homeostasis of both hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells. Indeed, other than acting as cytotoxic agents, reactive species are able to modulate specific signaling pathways that may be relevant to hepatic fibrogenesis. After a brief introduction to redox biology and the mechanisms of fibrogenesis, this review aims to summarize the current evidence of the involvement of redox-dependent pathways in liver fibrosis and focuses on possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Domenica Mangieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
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4
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Contenti J, Guo Y, Mazzu A, Irondelle M, Rouleau M, Lago C, Leva G, Tiberi L, Ben-Sahra I, Bost F, Mazure NM. The mitochondrial NADH shuttle system is a targetable vulnerability for Group 3 medulloblastoma in a hypoxic microenvironment. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:784. [PMID: 38036520 PMCID: PMC10689432 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06275-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumor that affects mostly children. Among the four groups defined by molecular characteristics, Group 3, the least well characterized, is also the least favorable, with a survival rate of 50%. Current treatments, based on surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are not adequate and the lack of understanding of the different molecular features of Group 3 tumor cells makes the development of effective therapies challenging. In this study, the problem of medulloblastoma is approached from a metabolic standpoint in a low oxygen microenvironment. We establish that Group 3 cells use both the mitochondrial glycerol-3 phosphate (G3PS) and malate-aspartate shuttles (MAS) to produce NADH. Small molecules that target G3PS and MAS show a greater ability to decrease cell proliferation and induce apoptosis specifically of Group 3 cells. In addition, as Group 3 cells show improved respiration in hypoxia, the use of Phenformin, a mitochondrial complex 1 inhibitor, alone or in combination, induced significant cell death. Furthermore, inhibition of the cytosolic NAD+ recycling enzyme lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), enhanced the effects of the NADH shuttle inhibitors. In a 3D model using Group 3 human cerebellar organoids, tumor cells also underwent apoptosis upon treatment with NADH shuttle inhibitors. Our study demonstrates metabolic heterogeneity depending on oxygen concentrations and provides potential therapeutic solutions for patients in Group 3 whose tumors are the most aggressive.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Contenti
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM U1065, C3M, 151 Route de St Antoine de Ginestière, BP2 3194, CEDEX 03, 06204, Nice, France.
- Pasteur II Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Center, 30 voie Romaine, 06000, Nice, France.
| | - Y Guo
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM U1065, C3M, 151 Route de St Antoine de Ginestière, BP2 3194, CEDEX 03, 06204, Nice, France
| | - A Mazzu
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM U1065, C3M, 151 Route de St Antoine de Ginestière, BP2 3194, CEDEX 03, 06204, Nice, France
| | - M Irondelle
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM U1065, C3M, 151 Route de St Antoine de Ginestière, BP2 3194, CEDEX 03, 06204, Nice, France
| | - M Rouleau
- Université Côte d'Azur, Laboratoire de PhysioMédecine Moléculaire - LP2M, CNRS-UMR 7370, Faculty of Medicine, 28 ave de Valombrose, 06107, Nice Cedex 02, France
| | - C Lago
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biollogy - CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - G Leva
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biollogy - CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - L Tiberi
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biollogy - CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - I Ben-Sahra
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - F Bost
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM U1065, C3M, 151 Route de St Antoine de Ginestière, BP2 3194, CEDEX 03, 06204, Nice, France
| | - N M Mazure
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM U1065, C3M, 151 Route de St Antoine de Ginestière, BP2 3194, CEDEX 03, 06204, Nice, France.
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5
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Borankova K, Krchniakova M, Leck LYW, Kubistova A, Neradil J, Jansson PJ, Hogarty MD, Skoda J. Mitoribosomal synthetic lethality overcomes multidrug resistance in MYC-driven neuroblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:747. [PMID: 37973789 PMCID: PMC10654511 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06278-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are central for cancer responses to therapy-induced stress signals. Refractory tumors often show attenuated sensitivity to apoptotic signaling, yet clinically relevant molecular actors to target mitochondria-mediated resistance remain elusive. Here, we show that MYC-driven neuroblastoma cells rely on intact mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome) processivity and undergo cell death following pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial translation, regardless of their multidrug/mitochondrial resistance and stem-like phenotypes. Mechanistically, inhibiting mitoribosomes induced the mitochondrial stress-activated integrated stress response (ISR), leading to downregulation of c-MYC/N-MYC proteins prior to neuroblastoma cell death, which could be both rescued by the ISR inhibitor ISRIB. The ISR blocks global protein synthesis and shifted the c-MYC/N-MYC turnover toward proteasomal degradation. Comparing models of various neuroectodermal tumors and normal fibroblasts revealed overexpression of MYC proteins phosphorylated at the degradation-promoting site T58 as a factor that predetermines vulnerability of MYC-driven neuroblastoma to mitoribosome inhibition. Reducing N-MYC levels in a neuroblastoma model with tunable MYCN expression mitigated cell death induction upon inhibition of mitochondrial translation and functionally validated the propensity of neuroblastoma cells for MYC-dependent cell death in response to the mitochondrial ISR. Notably, neuroblastoma cells failed to develop significant resistance to the mitoribosomal inhibitor doxycycline over a long-term repeated (pulsed) selection. Collectively, we identify mitochondrial translation machinery as a novel synthetic lethality target for multidrug-resistant MYC-driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Borankova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Krchniakova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lionel Y W Leck
- Cancer Drug Resistance & Stem Cell Program, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Adela Kubistova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Neradil
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Cancer Drug Resistance & Stem Cell Program, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Michael D Hogarty
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jan Skoda
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic.
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6
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Manfreda L, Rampazzo E, Persano L, Viola G, Bortolozzi R. Surviving the hunger games: Metabolic reprogramming in medulloblastoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115697. [PMID: 37481140 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant pediatric brain tumor characterized by its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Metabolic changes have recently emerged as key factors in the development, progression, and response to therapy in various types of cancer. Cancer cells exhibit remarkable adaptability by modulating glucose, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotide metabolism to survive in nutrient- and oxygen-deprived environments. Although medulloblastoma has been extensively studied from a genomic perspective, leading to the identification of four subgroups and their respective subcategories, the investigation of its metabolic phenotype has remained relatively understudied. This review focus on the available literature, aiming to summarize the current knowledge about the main metabolic pathways that are deregulated in medulloblastoma tumors, while emphasizing the controversial aspects and the progress that is yet to be made. Furthermore, we underscored the insights gained so far regarding the impact of metabolism on the development of drug resistance in medulloblastoma and the therapeutic strategies employed to target specific metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Manfreda
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Pediatric Research Institute, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Rampazzo
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Pediatric Research Institute, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Persano
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Pediatric Research Institute, Padova, Italy
| | - Giampietro Viola
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Pediatric Research Institute, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Bortolozzi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Pediatric Research Institute, Padova, Italy; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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7
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Nalli M, Di Magno L, Wen Y, Liu X, D’Ambrosio M, Puxeddu M, Parisi A, Sebastiani J, Sorato A, Coluccia A, Ripa S, Di Pastena F, Capelli D, Montanari R, Masci D, Urbani A, Naro C, Sette C, Orlando V, D’Angelo S, Biagioni S, Bigogno C, Dondio G, Pastore A, Stornaiuolo M, Canettieri G, Liu T, Silvestri R, La Regina G. Novel N-(Heterocyclylphenyl)benzensulfonamide Sharing an Unreported Binding Site with T-Cell Factor 4 at the β-Catenin Armadillo Repeats Domain as an Anticancer Agent. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1087-1103. [PMID: 37470018 PMCID: PMC10353061 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive efforts, no inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway have been approved so far for the clinical treatment of cancer. We synthesized novel N-(heterocyclylphenyl)benzenesulfonamides as β-catenin inhibitors. Compounds 5-10 showed strong inhibition of the luciferase activity. Compounds 5 and 6 inhibited the MDA-MB-231, HCC1806, and HCC1937 TNBC cells. Compound 9 induced in vitro cell death in SW480 and HCT116 cells and in vivo tumorigenicity of a human colorectal cancer line HCT116. In a co-immunoprecipitation study in HCT116 cells transfected with Myc-tagged T-cell factor 4 (Tcf-4), compound 9 abrogated the association between β-catenin and Tcf-4. The crystallographic analysis of the β-catenin Armadillo repeats domain revealed that compound 9 and Tcf-4 share a common binding site within the hotspot binding region close to Lys508. To our knowledge, compound 9 is the first small molecule ligand of this region to be reported. These results highlight the potential of this novel class of β-catenin inhibitors as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Yichao Wen
- Shanghai
Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 365 South Xiangyang Road, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department
of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese
and Western Medicine, Shanghai University
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200437 Shanghai, China
| | - Michele D’Ambrosio
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia Parisi
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Sebastiani
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sorato
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ripa
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Capelli
- CNR—Institute
of Crystallography, Via
Salaria—km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Montanari
- CNR—Institute
of Crystallography, Via
Salaria—km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids
Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico
Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids
Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico
Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Orlando
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Sara D’Angelo
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Bigogno
- Aphad
SrL, Via della Resistenza
65, 20090 Buccinasco, Italy
| | - Giulio Dondio
- Aphad
SrL, Via della Resistenza
65, 20090 Buccinasco, Italy
| | - Arianna Pastore
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Domenico
Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Domenico
Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai
Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 365 South Xiangyang Road, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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8
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Kalyanaraman B, Cheng G, Hardy M, You M. OXPHOS-targeting drugs in oncology: new perspectives. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:939-952. [PMID: 37736880 PMCID: PMC11034819 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2261631] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drugs targeting mitochondria are emerging as promising antitumor therapeutics in preclinical models. However, a few of these drugs have shown clinical toxicity. Developing mitochondria-targeted modified natural compounds and US FDA-approved drugs with increased therapeutic index in cancer is discussed as an alternative strategy. AREAS COVERED Triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+)-based drugs selectively accumulate in the mitochondria of cancer cells due to their increased negative membrane potential, target the oxidative phosphorylation proteins, inhibit mitochondrial respiration, and inhibit tumor proliferation. TPP+-based drugs exert minimal toxic side effects in rodents and humans. These drugs can sensitize radiation and immunotherapies. EXPERT OPINION TPP+-based drugs targeting the tumor mitochondrial electron transport chain are a new class of oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors with varying antiproliferative and antimetastatic potencies. Some of these TPP+-based agents, which are synthesized from naturally occurring molecules and FDA-approved drugs, have been tested in mice and did not show notable toxicity, including neurotoxicity, when used at doses under the maximally tolerated dose. Thus, more effort should be directed toward the clinical translation of TPP+-based OXPHOS-inhibiting drugs in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Gang Cheng
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR, UMR 7273, Marseille 13013, France
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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9
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Cazzoli R, Romeo F, Pallavicini I, Peri S, Romanenghi M, Pérez-Valencia JA, Hagag E, Ferrucci F, Elgendy M, Vittorio O, Pece S, Foiani M, Westermarck J, Minucci S. Endogenous PP2A inhibitor CIP2A degradation by chaperone-mediated autophagy contributes to the antitumor effect of mitochondrial complex I inhibition. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112616. [PMID: 37289585 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis has been shown to activate a PP2A-dependent signaling pathway, leading to tumor cell death. Here, we analyze highly selective mitochondrial complex I or III inhibitors in vitro and in vivo to elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to cell death following OXPHOS inhibition. We show that IACS-010759 treatment (complex I inhibitor) induces a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent dissociation of CIP2A from PP2A, leading to its destabilization and degradation through chaperone-mediated autophagy. Mitochondrial complex III inhibition has analogous effects. We establish that activation of the PP2A holoenzyme containing B56δ regulatory subunit selectively mediates tumor cell death, while the arrest in proliferation that is observed upon IACS-010759 treatment does not depend on the PP2A-B56δ complex. These studies provide a molecular characterization of the events subsequent to the alteration of critical bioenergetic pathways and help to refine clinical studies aimed to exploit metabolic vulnerabilities of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cazzoli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO IRCCS, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Romeo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO IRCCS, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Pallavicini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO IRCCS, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Peri
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO IRCCS, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Romanenghi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO IRCCS, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Juan Alberto Pérez-Valencia
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Medical Clinic I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Mildred-Scheel Early Career Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC) University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Eman Hagag
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Medical Clinic I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Filippo Ferrucci
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Medical Clinic I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Mildred-Scheel Early Career Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC) University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mohamed Elgendy
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Medical Clinic I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Mildred-Scheel Early Career Center, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC) University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Orazio Vittorio
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Salvatore Pece
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO IRCCS, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Foiani
- IFOM (Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare), Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Saverio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO IRCCS, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Coni S, Bordone R, Ivy DM, Yurtsever ZN, Di Magno L, D'Amico R, Cesaro B, Fatica A, Belardinilli F, Bufalieri F, Maroder M, De Smaele E, Di Marcotullio L, Giannini G, Agostinelli E, Canettieri G. Combined inhibition of polyamine metabolism and eIF5A hypusination suppresses colorectal cancer growth through a converging effect on MYC translation. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216120. [PMID: 36893894 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
A key mechanism driving colorectal cancer (CRC) development is the upregulation of MYC and its targets, including ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a master regulator of polyamine metabolism. Elevated polyamines promote tumorigenesis in part by activating DHPS-mediated hypusination of the translation factor eIF5A, thereby inducing MYC biosynthesis. Thus, MYC, ODC and eIF5A orchestrate a positive feedback loop that represents an attractive therapeutic target for CRC therapy. Here we show that combined inhibition of ODC and eIF5A induces a synergistic antitumor response in CRC cells, leading to MYC suppression. We found that genes of the polyamine biosynthesis and hypusination pathways are significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer patients and that inhibition of ODC or DHPS alone limits CRC cell proliferation through a cytostatic mechanism, while combined ODC and DHPS/eIF5A blockade induces a synergistic inhibition, accompanied to apoptotic cell death in vitro and in mouse models of CRC and FAP. Mechanistically, we found that this dual treatment causes complete inhibition of MYC biosynthesis in a bimodal fashion, by preventing translational elongation and initiation. Together, these data illustrate a novel strategy for CRC treatment, based on the combined suppression of ODC and eIF5A, which holds promise for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosa Bordone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Devon Michael Ivy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zuleyha Nihan Yurtsever
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rodrigo D'Amico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Cesaro
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Belardinilli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, Via del Forte Tiburtino 98, 00159, Rome, Italy; Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 151, 00155, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed S.p.A., Via Atinense 18, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy.
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11
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ABT-737 suppresses aberrant Hedgehog pathway and overcomes resistance to smoothened antagonists by blocking Gli. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:188. [PMID: 36071246 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01794-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Abnormally activated Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been linked to multiple types of cancers including medulloblastoma (MB). Current Hh-targeted drug development projects mainly focus on antagonizing the upstream oncoprotein Smoothened (Smo). However, the effectiveness of Smo inhibitors is compromised by primary and acquired resistance, which is caused by mutations of Smo or other downstream components. Here, we conducted a cellular screening of small-molecule compounds and identified ABT-737 as a selective Hh inhibitor resulting in active suppression of human Hh-dependent MB cells. Mechanistically, ABT-737 suppressed Hh signals far-downstream of Smo and Sufu at Gli transcriptional effector level. In line with this, ABT-737 potentially inhibited wild-type and drug-resistant mutant Smo. More importantly, ABT-737 also delayed the growth of drug-refractory Hh-dependent MB xenografts derived from genetically engineered mouse model in vivo. These findings identify ABT-737 as a therapeutical substance for cancers with excessive Hh signaling activity, especially for those with primary or acquired resistance to Smo inhibitors in clinic.
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12
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Jin P, Jiang J, Zhou L, Huang Z, Nice EC, Huang C, Fu L. Mitochondrial adaptation in cancer drug resistance: prevalence, mechanisms, and management. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:97. [PMID: 35851420 PMCID: PMC9290242 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01313-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance represents a major obstacle in cancer management, and the mechanisms underlying stress adaptation of cancer cells in response to therapy-induced hostile environment are largely unknown. As the central organelle for cellular energy supply, mitochondria can rapidly undergo dynamic changes and integrate cellular signaling pathways to provide bioenergetic and biosynthetic flexibility for cancer cells, which contributes to multiple aspects of tumor characteristics, including drug resistance. Therefore, targeting mitochondria for cancer therapy and overcoming drug resistance has attracted increasing attention for various types of cancer. Multiple mitochondrial adaptation processes, including mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial metabolism, and mitochondrial apoptotic regulatory machinery, have been demonstrated to be potential targets. However, recent increasing insights into mitochondria have revealed the complexity of mitochondrial structure and functions, the elusive functions of mitochondria in tumor biology, and the targeting inaccessibility of mitochondria, which have posed challenges for the clinical application of mitochondrial-based cancer therapeutic strategies. Therefore, discovery of both novel mitochondria-targeting agents and innovative mitochondria-targeting approaches is urgently required. Here, we review the most recent literature to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial stress adaptation and their intricate connection with cancer drug resistance. In addition, an overview of the emerging strategies to target mitochondria for effectively overcoming chemoresistance is highlighted, with an emphasis on drug repositioning and mitochondrial drug delivery approaches, which may accelerate the application of mitochondria-targeting compounds for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Di Magno L, Coluccia A, Bufano M, Ripa S, La Regina G, Nalli M, Di Pastena F, Canettieri G, Silvestri R, Frati L. Discovery of novel human lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors: Structure-based virtual screening studies and biological assessment. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 240:114605. [PMID: 35868126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Most cancer cells switch their metabolism from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis to generate ATP and precursors for the biosynthesis of key macromolecules. The aerobic conversion of pyruvate to lactate, coupled to oxidation of the nicotinamide cofactor, is a primary hallmark of cancer and is catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a central effector of this pathological reprogrammed metabolism. Hence, inhibition of LDH is a potential new promising therapeutic approach for cancer. In the search for new LDH inhibitors, we carried out a structure-based virtual screening campaign. Here, we report the identification of a novel specific LDH inhibitor, the pyridazine derivative 18 (RS6212), that exhibits potent anticancer activity within the micromolar range in multiple cancer cell lines and synergizes with complex I inhibition in the suppression of tumor growth. Altogether, our data support the conclusion that compound 18 deserves to be further investigated as a starting point for the development of LDH inhibitors and for novel anticancer strategies based on the targeting of key metabolic steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Di Magno
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marianna Bufano
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ripa
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luigi Frati
- Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Via Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed S.p.A., Via Atinense 18, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy.
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14
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Di Magno L, Di Pastena F, Bordone R, Coni S, Canettieri G. The Mechanism of Action of Biguanides: New Answers to a Complex Question. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133220. [PMID: 35804992 PMCID: PMC9265089 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Biguanides are a family of antidiabetic drugs with documented anticancer properties in preclinical and clinical settings. Despite intensive investigation, how they exert their therapeutic effects is still debated. Many studies support the hypothesis that biguanides inhibit mitochondrial complex I, inducing energy stress and activating compensatory responses mediated by energy sensors. However, a major concern related to this “complex” model is that the therapeutic concentrations of biguanides found in the blood and tissues are much lower than the doses required to inhibit complex I, suggesting the involvement of additional mechanisms. This comprehensive review illustrates the current knowledge of pharmacokinetics, receptors, sensors, intracellular alterations, and the mechanism of action of biguanides in diabetes and cancer. The conditions of usage and variables affecting the response to these drugs, the effect on the immune system and microbiota, as well as the results from the most relevant clinical trials in cancer are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Di Magno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (L.D.M.); (F.D.P.); (R.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (L.D.M.); (F.D.P.); (R.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Rosa Bordone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (L.D.M.); (F.D.P.); (R.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (L.D.M.); (F.D.P.); (R.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (L.D.M.); (F.D.P.); (R.B.); (S.C.)
- Istituto Pasteur—Fondazione Cenci—Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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15
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Metabolic Action of Metformin. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070810. [PMID: 35890109 PMCID: PMC9317619 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a cheap and safe biguanide derivative, due to its ability to influence metabolism, is widely used as a first-line drug for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) treatment. Therefore, the aim of this review was to present the updated biochemical and molecular effects exerted by the drug. It has been well explored that metformin suppresses hepatic glucose production in both AMPK-independent and AMPK-dependent manners. Substantial scientific evidence also revealed that its action is related to decreased secretion of lipids from intestinal epithelial cells, as well as strengthened oxidation of fatty acids in adipose tissue and muscles. It was recognized that metformin’s supra-therapeutic doses suppress mitochondrial respiration in intestinal epithelial cells, whereas its therapeutic doses elevate cellular respiration in the liver. The drug is also suggested to improve systemic insulin sensitivity as a result of alteration in gut microbiota composition, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity, and alleviation of low-grade inflammation.
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16
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Alhourani A, Førde JL, Nasrollahzadeh M, Eichacker LA, Herfindal L, Hagland HR. Graphene-based phenformin carriers for cancer cell treatment: a comparative study between oxidized and pegylated pristine graphene in human cells and zebrafish. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2022; 4:1668-1680. [PMID: 36134366 PMCID: PMC9417205 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00778e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Graphene is an attractive choice for the development of an effective drug carrier in cancer treatment due to its high adsorption area and pH-responsive drug affinity. In combination with the highly potent metabolic drug phenformin, increased doses could be efficiently delivered to cancer cells. This study compares the use of graphene oxide (GO) and polyethylene glycol stabilized (PEGylated) pristine graphene nanosheets (PGNSs) for drug delivery applications with phenformin. The cytotoxicity and mitotoxicity of the graphene-based systems were assessed in human cells and zebrafish larvae. Targeted drug release from GO and PGNSs was evaluated at different pH levels known to arise in proliferating tumor microenvironments. PGNSs were less cytotoxic and mitotoxic than GO, and showed an increased release of phenformin at lower pH in cells, compared to GO. In addition, the systemic phenformin effect was mitigated in zebrafish larvae when bound to GO and PGNSs compared to free phenformin, as measured by flavin metabolic lifetime imaging. These results pave the way for improved phenformin-based cancer therapy using graphene nano-sheets, where PGNSs were superior to GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelnour Alhourani
- Department of Chemistry, Biosciences and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
| | - Jan-Lukas Førde
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen Bergen Norway
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital Bergen Norway
| | - Mojdeh Nasrollahzadeh
- Department of Chemistry, Biosciences and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
| | - Lutz Andreas Eichacker
- Department of Chemistry, Biosciences and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
| | - Lars Herfindal
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen Bergen Norway
| | - Hanne Røland Hagland
- Department of Chemistry, Biosciences and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger Stavanger Norway
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17
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Metformin, phenformin, and galegine inhibit complex IV activity and reduce glycerol-derived gluconeogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122287119. [PMID: 35238637 PMCID: PMC8916010 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122287119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is the most commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, yet the mechanism by which it lowers plasma glucose concentrations has remained elusive. Most studies to date have attributed metformin’s glucose-lowering effects to inhibition of complex I activity. Contrary to this hypothesis, we show that inhibition of complex I activity in vitro and in vivo does not reduce plasma glucose concentrations or inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis. We go on to show that metformin, and the related guanides/biguanides, phenformin and galegine, inhibit complex IV activity at clinically relevant concentrations, which, in turn, results in inhibition of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, increased cytosolic redox, and selective inhibition of glycerol-derived hepatic gluconeogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Metformin exerts its plasma glucose-lowering therapeutic effect primarily through inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which metformin inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis is still unclear. Although inhibition of mitochondrial complex I is frequently invoked as metformin’s primary mechanism of action, the metabolic effects of complex I inhibition have not been thoroughly evaluated in vivo. Here, we show that acute portal infusion of piericidin A, a potent and specific complex I inhibitor, does not reduce hepatic gluconeogenesis in vivo. In contrast, we show that metformin, phenformin, and galegine selectively inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis from glycerol. Specifically, we show that guanides/biguanides interact with complex IV to reduce its enzymatic activity, leading to indirect inhibition of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) dehydrogenase (GPD2), increased cytosolic redox, and reduced glycerol-derived gluconeogenesis. We report that inhibition of complex IV with potassium cyanide replicates the effects of the guanides/biguanides in vitro by selectively reducing glycerol-derived gluconeogenesis via increased cytosolic redox. Finally, we show that complex IV inhibition is sufficient to inhibit G3P-mediated respiration and gluconeogenesis from glycerol. Taken together, we propose a mechanism of metformin action in which complex IV–mediated inhibition of GPD2 reduces glycerol-derived hepatic gluconeogenesis.
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18
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Integrated or Independent Actions of Metformin in Target Tissues Underlying Its Current Use and New Possible Applications in the Endocrine and Metabolic Disorder Area. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313068. [PMID: 34884872 PMCID: PMC8658259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is considered the first-choice drug for type 2 diabetes treatment. Actually, pleiotropic effects of metformin have been recognized, and there is evidence that this drug may have a favorable impact on health beyond its glucose-lowering activity. In summary, despite its long history, metformin is still an attractive research opportunity in the field of endocrine and metabolic diseases, age-related diseases, and cancer. To this end, its mode of action in distinct cell types is still in dispute. The aim of this work was to review the current knowledge and recent findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of metformin in the field of metabolic and endocrine pathologies, including some endocrine tumors. Metformin is believed to act through multiple pathways that can be interconnected or work independently. Moreover, metformin effects on target tissues may be either direct or indirect, which means secondary to the actions on other tissues and consequent alterations at systemic level. Finally, as to the direct actions of metformin at cellular level, the intracellular milieu cooperates to cause differential responses to the drug between distinct cell types, despite the primary molecular targets may be the same within cells. Cellular bioenergetics can be regarded as the primary target of metformin action. Metformin can perturb the cytosolic and mitochondrial NAD/NADH ratio and the ATP/AMP ratio within cells, thus affecting enzymatic activities and metabolic and signaling pathways which depend on redox- and energy balance. In this context, the possible link between pyruvate metabolism and metformin actions is extensively discussed.
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19
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Zhou Z, Jiang N, Chen J, Zheng C, Guo Y, Ye R, Qi R, Shen J. Selectively down-regulated PD-L1 by albumin-phenformin nanoparticles mediated mitochondrial dysfunction to stimulate tumor-specific immunological response for enhanced mild-temperature photothermal efficacy. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:375. [PMID: 34794446 PMCID: PMC8600872 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01124-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mild-temperature photothermal therapy (mild-PTT) has emerged as a highly promising antitumor strategy by triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) to elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses for tumor control. However, mild-PTT still leads to the risk of tumor recurrence or metastasis because it could hardly completely eradicate tumors due to its impaired immunological efficacy owing to the enhanced PD-L1 expression in tumor cells after treatment. Results In this study, we described a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) responsive manganese dioxide mineralized albumin nanocomposite loading with mitochondria function inhibitor phenformin (PM) and near-infrared photothermal dye indocyanine green (ICG) by modified two-step biomineralization method. In combination with ICG induced mild-PTT and PM mediated mitochondria dysfunction, PD-L1 expression was obviously down-regulated and the generated immunological responses was able to effectively attack the remaining tumor cells. Meanwhile, the risk of tumor metastasis was effectively inhibited by reducing the expression of tumor invasion-related signal molecules (TGF-β and vimentin) after combining treatment. Conclusion Such a strategy offers novel insight into the development of nanomedicine for mild-PTT as well as cancer immunotherapy, which can provide protection against tumor relapse post elimination of their initial and metastatic tumors. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-01124-8. Over-expression of PD-L1 after mild-photothermal therapy significantly limited its efficacy. Phenformin could effectively downregulate PD-L1 expression and inhibit tumor metastasis through AMPK activation. Hydrogen peroxide responsive manganese dioxide mineralized albumin nanocomplex co-loading with phenformin and ICG named ICG@PM@NP was constructed by modified two-step biomineralization method. ICG@PM@NP could enhance T cell infiltration and antitumor metastasis in vivo. ICG@PM@NP mediated mild-photothermal therapy could make up the defects of conventional mild-photothermal therapy in lacking the anti-metastasis ability and inducing enhanced PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaigang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jiashe Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Chunjuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ruirong Ye
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Ruogu Qi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jianliang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China. .,Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China. .,Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, Zhejiang, China.
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20
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Alhourani A, Førde JL, Eichacker LA, Herfindal L, Hagland HR. Improved pH-Responsive Release of Phenformin from Low-Defect Graphene Compared to Graphene Oxide. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:24619-24629. [PMID: 34604644 PMCID: PMC8482513 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c03283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Graphene-based drug carriers provide a promising addition to current cancer drug delivery options. Increased accessibility of high-quality graphene made by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) makes it an attractive material to revisit in comparison to the widely studied graphene oxide (GO) in drug delivery. Here, we show the potential of repurposing the metabolic drug phenformin for cancer treatment in terms of stability, binding, and pH-responsive release. Using covalent attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) onto pristine (PE-CVD) graphene, we show that PEG stabilized graphene nanosheets (PGNS) are stable in aqueous solutions and exhibit higher binding affinity toward phenformin than GO. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrate an improved drug release from PGNS than GO at pH levels lower than physiological conditions, yet comparable to that found in tumor microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelnour Alhourani
- Department
of Chemistry, Biosciences and Environmental Technology, University of Stavanger, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Jan-Lukas Førde
- Centre
for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway
- Department
of Internal Medicine, Haukeland University
Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lutz Andreas Eichacker
- Department
of Chemistry, Biosciences and Environmental Technology, University of Stavanger, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Lars Herfindal
- Centre
for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5007 Bergen, Norway
| | - Hanne Røland Hagland
- Department
of Chemistry, Biosciences and Environmental Technology, University of Stavanger, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
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21
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Coni S, Falconio FA, Marzullo M, Munafò M, Zuliani B, Mosti F, Fatica A, Ianniello Z, Bordone R, Macone A, Agostinelli E, Perna A, Matkovic T, Sigrist S, Silvestri G, Canettieri G, Ciapponi L. Translational control of polyamine metabolism by CNBP is required for Drosophila locomotor function. eLife 2021; 10:69269. [PMID: 34517941 PMCID: PMC8439652 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsatellite expansions of CCTG repeats in the cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) gene leads to accumulation of toxic RNA and have been associated with myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2). However, it is still unclear whether the dystrophic phenotype is also linked to CNBP decrease, a conserved CCHC-type zinc finger RNA-binding protein that regulates translation and is required for mammalian development. Here, we show that depletion of Drosophila CNBP in muscles causes ageing-dependent locomotor defects that are correlated with impaired polyamine metabolism. We demonstrate that the levels of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and polyamines are significantly reduced upon dCNBP depletion. Of note, we show a reduction of the CNBP-polyamine axis in muscles from DM2 patients. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that dCNBP controls polyamine metabolism through binding dOdc mRNA and regulating its translation. Remarkably, the locomotor defect of dCNBP-deficient flies is rescued by either polyamine supplementation or dOdc1 overexpression. We suggest that this dCNBP function is evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates with relevant implications for CNBP-related pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica A Falconio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London South Kensington campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Marzullo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IBPM CNR c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Munafò
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, Campus Adriano Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotond, Italy
| | - Benedetta Zuliani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Mosti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, United States
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Zaira Ianniello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Bordone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.,International Polyamines Foundation 'ETS-ONLUS', Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Perna
- Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, University Cattolica del S. Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Tanja Matkovic
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Biology and Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Sigrist
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Biology and Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriella Silvestri
- Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, University Cattolica del S. Cuore, Roma, Italy.,Department of Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della testa-Collo; UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'A. Gemelli' IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,International Polyamines Foundation 'ETS-ONLUS', Rome, Italy.,Pasteur Institute, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ciapponi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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22
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Kanamori Y, Finotti A, Di Magno L, Canettieri G, Tahara T, Timeus F, Greco A, Tirassa P, Gasparello J, Fino P, Di Liegro CM, Proia P, Schiera G, Di Liegro I, Gambari R, Agostinelli E. Enzymatic Spermine Metabolites Induce Apoptosis Associated with Increase of p53, caspase-3 and miR-34a in Both Neuroblastoma Cells, SJNKP and the N-Myc-Amplified Form IMR5. Cells 2021; 10:1950. [PMID: 34440719 PMCID: PMC8393918 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common malignant solid tumor in children and accounts for 15% of childhood cancer mortality. Amplification of the N-Myc oncogene is a well-established poor prognostic marker in NB patients and strongly correlates with higher tumor aggression and resistance to treatment. New therapies for patients with N-Myc-amplified NB need to be developed. After treating NB cells with BSAO/SPM, the detection of apoptosis was determined after annexin V-FITC labeling and DNA staining with propidium iodide. The mitochondrial membrane potential activity was checked, labeling cells with the probe JC-1 dye. We analyzed, by real-time RT-PCR, the transcript of genes involved in the apoptotic process, to determine possible down- or upregulation of mRNAs after the treatment on SJNKP and the N-Myc-amplified IMR5 cell lines with BSAO/SPM. The experiments were carried out considering the proapoptotic genes Tp53 and caspase-3. After treatment with BSAO/SPM, both cell lines displayed increased mRNA levels for all these proapoptotic genes. Western blotting analysis with PARP and caspase-3 antibody support that BSAO/SPM treatment induces high levels of apoptosis in cells. The major conclusion is that BSAO/SPM treatment leads to antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity of both NB cell lines, associated with activation of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kanamori
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.F.); (J.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.M.); (G.C.)
- Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Tomoaki Tahara
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (T.T.)
| | - Fabio Timeus
- Paediatric Onco-haematology, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital and Paediatric Department, Chivasso Hospital, 10034 Turin, Italy;
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (T.T.)
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Research Council of Italy (CNR), 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.F.); (J.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Pasquale Fino
- UOC of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza Medical School of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Patrizia Proia
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement (Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, Pedagogiche, dell’Esercizio fisico e della Formazione), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.F.); (J.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (T.T.)
- International Polyamines Foundation ‘ETS-ONLUS’ Via del Forte Tiburtino 98, 00159 Rome, Italy
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23
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Biguanides drugs: Past success stories and promising future for drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113726. [PMID: 34364161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Biguanides have attracted much attention a century ago and showed resurgent interest in recent years after a long period of dormancy. They constitute an important class of therapeutic agents suitable for the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases. Therapeutic indications of biguanides include antidiabetic, antimalarial, antiviral, antiplaque, and bactericidal applications. This review presents an extensive overview of the biological activity of biguanides and different mechanisms of action of currently marketed biguanide-containing drugs, as well as their pharmacological properties when applicable. We highlight the recent developments in research on biguanide compounds, with a primary focus on studies on metformin in the field of oncology. We aim to provide a critical overview of all main bioactive biguanide compounds and discuss future perspectives for the design of new drugs based on the biguanide fragment.
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24
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STAT1 potentiates oxidative stress revealing a targetable vulnerability that increases phenformin efficacy in breast cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3299. [PMID: 34083537 PMCID: PMC8175605 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23396-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioenergetic perturbations driving neoplastic growth increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), requiring a compensatory increase in ROS scavengers to limit oxidative stress. Intervention strategies that simultaneously induce energetic and oxidative stress therefore have therapeutic potential. Phenformin is a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor that induces bioenergetic stress. We now demonstrate that inflammatory mediators, including IFNγ and polyIC, potentiate the cytotoxicity of phenformin by inducing a parallel increase in oxidative stress through STAT1-dependent mechanisms. Indeed, STAT1 signaling downregulates NQO1, a key ROS scavenger, in many breast cancer models. Moreover, genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of NQO1 using β-lapachone (an NQO1 bioactivatable drug) increases oxidative stress to selectively sensitize breast cancer models, including patient derived xenografts of HER2+ and triple negative disease, to the tumoricidal effects of phenformin. We provide evidence that therapies targeting ROS scavengers increase the anti-neoplastic efficacy of mitochondrial complex I inhibitors in breast cancer. Complex I inhibition induces oxidative stress leading to cancer cell cytotoxicity. Here, the authors show, in breast cancer models, that inflammatory mediators can potentiate complex I inhibitor phenformin cytotoxicity through STAT1-mediated downregulation of the reactive oxygen species scavenger NQO1.
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25
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Schiliro C, Firestein BL. Mechanisms of Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer Cells Supporting Enhanced Growth and Proliferation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051056. [PMID: 33946927 PMCID: PMC8146072 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells alter metabolic processes to sustain their characteristic uncontrolled growth and proliferation. These metabolic alterations include (1) a shift from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis to support the increased need for ATP, (2) increased glutaminolysis for NADPH regeneration, (3) altered flux through the pentose phosphate pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle for macromolecule generation, (4) increased lipid uptake, lipogenesis, and cholesterol synthesis, (5) upregulation of one-carbon metabolism for the production of ATP, NADH/NADPH, nucleotides, and glutathione, (6) altered amino acid metabolism, (7) metabolism-based regulation of apoptosis, and (8) the utilization of alternative substrates, such as lactate and acetate. Altered metabolic flux in cancer is controlled by tumor-host cell interactions, key oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and other regulatory molecules, including non-coding RNAs. Changes to metabolic pathways in cancer are dynamic, exhibit plasticity, and are often dependent on the type of tumor and the tumor microenvironment, leading in a shift of thought from the Warburg Effect and the “reverse Warburg Effect” to metabolic plasticity. Understanding the complex nature of altered flux through these multiple pathways in cancer cells can support the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Schiliro
- Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Bonnie L. Firestein
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-848-445-8045
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26
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Zhao H, Swanson KD, Zheng B. Therapeutic Repurposing of Biguanides in Cancer. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:714-730. [PMID: 33865798 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biguanides are a class of antidiabetic drugs that includes phenformin and metformin; however, the former was withdrawn from approval in many countries due to its toxicity. Findings from retrospective epidemiological studies in diabetic populations and preclinical laboratory models have demonstrated that biguanides possess antitumor activities that suggest their repurposing for cancer prevention and treatment. However, a better understanding of how these biguanides behave as antitumor agents is needed to guide their improved applications in cancer therapy, spurring increased interest in their pharmacology. Here, we present evidence for proposed mechanisms of action related to their antitumor activity, including their effects on central carbon metabolism in cancer cells and immune-modulating activity, and then review progress on biguanide repurposing in cancer therapeutics and the possible re-evaluation of phenformin as a cancer therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Zhao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Kenneth D Swanson
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bin Zheng
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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27
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Medulloblastoma drugs in development: Current leads, trials and drawbacks. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 215:113268. [PMID: 33636537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Current treatment for MB includes surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite significant progress in its management, a portion of children relapse and tumor recurrence carries a poor prognosis. Based on their molecular and clinical characteristics, MB patients are clinically classified into four groups: Wnt, Hh, Group 3, and Group 4. With our increased understanding of relevant molecular pathways disrupted in MB, the development of targeted therapies for MB has also increased. Targeted drugs have shown unique privileges over traditional cytotoxic therapies in balancing efficacy and toxicity, with many of them approved and widely used clinically. The aim of this review is to present the recent progress on targeted chemotherapies for the treatment of all classes of MB.
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28
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LaMoia TE, Shulman GI. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Metformin Action. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:77-96. [PMID: 32897388 PMCID: PMC7846086 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is a first-line therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, due to its robust glucose-lowering effects, well-established safety profile, and relatively low cost. While metformin has been shown to have pleotropic effects on glucose metabolism, there is a general consensus that the major glucose-lowering effect in patients with type 2 diabetes is mostly mediated through inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis. However, despite decades of research, the mechanism by which metformin inhibits this process is still highly debated. A key reason for these discrepant effects is likely due to the inconsistency in dosage of metformin across studies. Widely studied mechanisms of action, such as complex I inhibition leading to AMPK activation, have only been observed in the context of supra-pharmacological (>1 mM) metformin concentrations, which do not occur in the clinical setting. Thus, these mechanisms have been challenged in recent years and new mechanisms have been proposed. Based on the observation that metformin alters cellular redox balance, a redox-dependent mechanism of action has been described by several groups. Recent studies have shown that clinically relevant (50-100 μM) concentrations of metformin inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis in a substrate-selective manner both in vitro and in vivo, supporting a redox-dependent mechanism of metformin action. Here, we review the current literature regarding metformin's cellular and molecular mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci E LaMoia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gerald I Shulman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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29
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Coni S, Serrao SM, Yurtsever ZN, Di Magno L, Bordone R, Bertani C, Licursi V, Ianniello Z, Infante P, Moretti M, Petroni M, Guerrieri F, Fatica A, Macone A, De Smaele E, Di Marcotullio L, Giannini G, Maroder M, Agostinelli E, Canettieri G. Blockade of EIF5A hypusination limits colorectal cancer growth by inhibiting MYC elongation. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:1045. [PMID: 33303756 PMCID: PMC7729396 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 5A (EIF5A) is a translation factor regulated by hypusination, a unique posttranslational modification catalyzed by deoxyhypusine synthetase (DHPS) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH) starting from the polyamine spermidine. Emerging data are showing that hypusinated EIF5A regulates key cellular processes such as autophagy, senescence, polyamine homeostasis, energy metabolism, and plays a role in cancer. However, the effects of EIF5A inhibition in preclinical cancer models, the mechanism of action, and specific translational targets are still poorly understood. We show here that hypusinated EIF5A promotes growth of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells by directly regulating MYC biosynthesis at specific pausing motifs. Inhibition of EIF5A hypusination with the DHPS inhibitor GC7 or through lentiviral-mediated knockdown of DHPS or EIF5A reduces the growth of various CRC cells. Multiplex gene expression analysis reveals that inhibition of hypusination impairs the expression of transcripts regulated by MYC, suggesting the involvement of this oncogene in the observed effect. Indeed, we demonstrate that EIF5A regulates MYC elongation without affecting its mRNA content or protein stability, by alleviating ribosome stalling at five distinct pausing motifs in MYC CDS. Of note, we show that blockade of the hypusination axis elicits a remarkable growth inhibitory effect in preclinical models of CRC and significantly reduces the size of polyps in APCMin/+ mice, a model of human familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Together, these data illustrate an unprecedented mechanism, whereby the tumor-promoting properties of hypusinated EIF5A are linked to its ability to regulate MYC elongation and provide a rationale for the use of DHPS/EIF5A inhibitors in CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Maria Serrao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zuleyha Nihan Yurtsever
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Bordone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Bertani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Licursi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Zaira Ianniello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Guerrieri
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm U1052/CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Alessandro Fatica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, Via del Forte Tiburtino 98, 00159, Rome, Italy
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- International Polyamines Foundation-ONLUS, Via del Forte Tiburtino 98, 00159, Rome, Italy.
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Drug Repurposing in Medulloblastoma: Challenges and Recommendations. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2020; 22:6. [PMID: 33245404 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-020-00805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Medulloblastoma is the most frequently diagnosed primary malignant brain tumor among children. Currently available therapeutic strategies are based on surgical resection, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. However, majority of patients quickly develop therapeutic resistance and are often left with long-term therapy-related side effects and sequelae. Therefore, there remains a dire need to develop more effective therapeutics to overcome the acquired resistance to currently available therapies. Unfortunately, the process of developing novel anti-neoplastic drugs from bench to bedside is highly time-consuming and very expensive. A wide range of drugs that are already in clinical use for treating non-cancerous diseases might commonly target tumor-associated signaling pathways as well and hence be of interest in treating different cancers. This is referred to as drug repurposing or repositioning. In medulloblastoma, drug repurposing has recently gained a remarkable interest as an alternative therapy to overcome therapy resistance, wherein existing non-tumor drugs are being tested for their potential anti-neoplastic effects outside the scope of their original use.
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Lospinoso Severini L, Ghirga F, Bufalieri F, Quaglio D, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L. The SHH/GLI signaling pathway: a therapeutic target for medulloblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1159-1181. [PMID: 32990091 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1823967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medulloblastoma (MB) is a heterogeneous tumor of the cerebellum that is divided into four main subgroups with distinct molecular and clinical features. Sonic Hedgehog MB (SHH-MB) is the most genetically understood and occurs predominantly in childhood. Current therapies consist of aggressive and non-targeted multimodal approaches that are often ineffective and cause long-term complications. These problems intensify the need to develop molecularly targeted therapies to improve outcome and reduce treatment-related morbidities. In this scenario, Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a developmental pathway whose deregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, has emerged as an attractive druggable pathway for SHH-MB therapy. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the advancements in the HH antagonist research field. We place an emphasis on Smoothened (SMO) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) inhibitors and immunotherapy approaches that are validated in preclinical SHH-MB models and that have therapeutic potential for MB patients. Literature from Pubmed and data reported on ClinicalTrial.gov up to August 2020 were considered. EXPERT OPINION Extensive-omics analysis has enhanced our knowledge and has transformed the way that MB is studied and managed. The clinical use of SMO antagonists has yet to be determined, however, future GLI inhibitors and multitargeting approaches are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 , Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
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32
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Chen L, Wang L, Qin J, Wei DS. CtBP2 interacts with ZBTB18 to promote malignancy of glioblastoma. Life Sci 2020; 262:118477. [PMID: 32971103 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate how the interaction of CtBP2 with ZBTB18 affect glioblastoma (GBM). METHODS Western blotting was performed to detect CtBP2 and ZBTB18 expression in GBM and normal brain tissues (NBT). U-87 MG cells were transfected with ZBTB18 CRISPR activation plasmid, CtBP2 shRNA with/without ZBTB18 shRNA. The biological characteristics were detected by EdU assay, MTT, Wound-healing, Transwell, TUNEL staining, and Flow cytometry. Furthermore, U-87 MG cells transfected with CtBP2 shRNA and/or ZBTB18 shRNA were injected into the flank region of mice and the tumor volume was measured. The mRNA and protein expression was quantified by qRT-PCR or Western blotting. RESULTS GBM tissues exhibited increased CtBP2 expression and decreased ZBTB18 expression, which demonstrated a negative correlation in GBM tissues and showed the combined effect on prognosis. Based on immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, there was an interaction between CtBP2 and ZBTB18 in U-87 MG cells. CtBP2 shRNA counteracted the effect of ZBTB18 shRNA on inhibiting U-87 MG cell apoptosis, as well as promoting cell proliferation and viability with increased EMT, invasion and migration. Meanwhile, CtBP2 shRNA interact with ZBTB18 to block cells at phase G0/G1 and suppress SHH-GLI1 pathway. CtBP2 shRNA decreased tumor volume, increase ZBTB18 expression in tumor tissues, and inhibit SHH-GLI1 pathway in mice, which could be reversed by ZBTB18 shRNA. CONCLUSION CtBP2 elevation and ZBTB18 down-regulation were found in GBM, both of which were associated with prognosis of GBM patients. CtBP2 interacted with ZBTB18 to affect biological characteristics of GBM cells, and the tumor growth, which may be related to the SHH-GLI1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - De-Sheng Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
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Reyes-Castellanos G, Masoud R, Carrier A. Mitochondrial Metabolism in PDAC: From Better Knowledge to New Targeting Strategies. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8080270. [PMID: 32756381 PMCID: PMC7460249 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to meet bioenergetics and biosynthetic demands. The first observation of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells was made a century ago (“Warburg effect” or aerobic glycolysis), leading to the classical view that cancer metabolism relies on a glycolytic phenotype. There is now accumulating evidence that most cancers also rely on mitochondria to satisfy their metabolic needs. Indeed, the current view of cancer metabolism places mitochondria as key actors in all facets of cancer progression. Importantly, mitochondrial metabolism has become a very promising target in cancer therapy, including for refractory cancers such as Pancreatic Ductal AdenoCarcinoma (PDAC). In particular, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is an important target in cancer therapy. Other therapeutic strategies include the targeting of glutamine and fatty acids metabolism, as well as the inhibition of the TriCarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. A better knowledge of how pancreatic cancer cells regulate mitochondrial metabolism will allow the identification of metabolic vulnerabilities and thus novel and more efficient therapeutic options for the benefit of each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alice Carrier
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-491828829; Fax: +33-491826083
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Jaidee R, Kongpetch S, Senggunprai L, Prawan A, Kukongviriyapan U, Kukongviriyapan V. Phenformin inhibits proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma cells via AMPK-mTOR and HIF-1A pathways. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2020; 393:1681-1690. [PMID: 32383028 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01885-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Phenformin (Phen), a potent activator of AMPK, is effective against some resistant cancers. This study evaluated the inhibition of proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis by Phen in aggressive cancer cells and investigated the underlying mechanism of the inhibition. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) KKU-156 and KKU-452 cells were used in this study. The results showed that Phen suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in both cells. Phen suppressed migration and invasion of cancer cells in wound healing and transwell chamber assays, respectively. The effects were associated with depletions of glutathione (GSH) and decreased glutathione redox ratio which represents cellular redox state. The redox stress was linked with the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, as evaluated by JC-1 assay. The effect of Phen on angiogenesis was performed using HUVEC cultured cells. Phen alone did not affect tube formation of HUVEC cells. However, conditioned media from CCA cell cultures treated with Phen suppressed the tube-like structure formation. The antitumor effect of Phen was associated with AMPK activation and suppression of mTOR phosphorylation, HIF-1A, and VEGF protein expression. In conclusion, Phen inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis probably through AMPK-mTOR and HIF-1A-VEGF pathways. Phen may be repurposed as chemoprevention of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rattanaporn Jaidee
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sarinya Kongpetch
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Laddawan Senggunprai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Auemduan Prawan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Upa Kukongviriyapan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Veerapol Kukongviriyapan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand. .,Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
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