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Liu Z, Zeinalzadeh Z, Huang T, Han Y, Peng L, Wang D, Zhou Z, Ousmane D, Wang J. Mitochondria-related chemoradiotherapy resistance genes-based machine learning model associated with immune cell infiltration on the prognosis of esophageal cancer and its value in pan-cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 42:101896. [PMID: 38324960 PMCID: PMC10851222 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101896] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer, known for its high incidence and low five-year survival rate, poses significant treatment challenges. A key aspect of this challenge is the close link between mitochondria and resistance to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Currently, there is a scarcity of biomarkers for predicting CRT response and prognosis in esophageal cancer. Our study addresses this gap by developing a prognostic model that incorporates mitochondria-related CRT resistance (MRCRTR) genes, including CTSL, TBL1X, CLN8, MMP1, PDPN, and MRPL37. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves reveals that patients with high MRCRTR scores have lower survival rates than those with low scores. Utilizing a nomogram, we successfully predict the one-, two-, and three-year overall survival rates for esophageal cancer patients. Cox regression analysis confirms the MRCRTR score as an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, our single-cell and correlation analyses suggested that MRCRTR genes might influence CRT resistance by modulating the immune microenvironment and impacting angiogenesis. Our pan-cancer analysis also indicates the potential applicability of MRCRTR scores to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The validation of these findings, conducted with samples from Xiang-ya Hospital, aligns closely with our bioinformatics results. Our study not only explores the role of MRCRTR genes in predicting the prognosis of esophageal cancer but also enhances the understanding of the interplay between CRT, mitochondria, and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Ultrapathology (Biomedical Electron Microscopy) Center, Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zahra Zeinalzadeh
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lushan Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zongjiang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Diabate Ousmane
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Junpu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Ultrapathology (Biomedical Electron Microscopy) Center, Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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2
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Puhl AC, Raman R, Havener TM, Minerali E, Hickey AJ, Ekins S. Identification of New Modulators and Inhibitors of Palmitoyl-Protein Thioesterase 1 for CLN1 Batten Disease and Cancer. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:11870-11882. [PMID: 38496939 PMCID: PMC10938339 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) is an understudied enzyme that is gaining attention due to its role in the depalmitoylation of several proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. PPT1 is overexpressed in several cancers, specifically cholangiocarcinoma and esophageal cancers. Inhibitors of PPT1 lead to cell death and have been shown to enhance the killing of tumor cells alongside known chemotherapeutics. PPT1 is hence a viable target for anticancer drug development. Furthermore, mutations in PPT1 cause a lysosomal storage disorder called infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN1 disease). Molecules that can inhibit, stabilize, or modulate the activity of this target are needed to address these diseases. We used PPT1 enzymatic assays to identify molecules that were subsequently tested by using differential scanning fluorimetry and microscale thermophoresis. Selected compounds were also tested in neuroblastoma cell lines. The resulting PPT1 screening data was used for building machine learning models to help select additional compounds for testing. We discovered two of the most potent PPT1 inhibitors reported to date, orlistat (IC50 178.8 nM) and palmostatin B (IC50 11.8 nM). When tested in HepG2 cells, it was found that these molecules had decreased activity, indicating that they were likely not penetrating the cells. The combination of in vitro enzymatic and biophysical assays enabled the identification of several molecules that can bind or inhibit PPT1 and may aid in the discovery of modulators or chaperones. The molecules identified could be used as a starting point for further optimization as treatments for other potential therapeutic applications outside CLN1 disease, such as cancer and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Puhl
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Renuka Raman
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Tammy M. Havener
- UNC
Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Eni Minerali
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Anthony J. Hickey
- UNC
Catalyst for Rare Diseases, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- RTI
International, Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
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3
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Yan D, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Ouyang W. Progranulin Facilitates Corneal Repair Through Dual Mechanisms of Inflammation Suppression and Regeneration Promotion. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-01999-3. [PMID: 38460093 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-01999-3] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The cornea serves as a vital protective barrier for the eye; however, it is prone to injury and damage that can disrupt corneal epithelium and nerves, triggering inflammation. Therefore, understanding the biological effects and molecular mechanisms involved in corneal wound healing and identifying drugs targeting these pathways is crucial for researchers in this field. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of progranulin (PGRN) in treating corneal injuries. Our findings demonstrated that PGRN significantly enhanced corneal wound repair by accelerating corneal re-epithelialization and re-innervation. In vitro experiments with cultured epithelial cells and trigeminal ganglion cells further revealed that PGRN stimulated corneal epithelial cell proliferation and promoted axon growth in trigeminal ganglion cells. Through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis and other experimental techniques, we discovered that PGRN exerted its healing effects modulating Wnt signaling pathway, which played a critical role in repairing epithelial cells and promoting axon regeneration in trigeminal neurons. Importantly, our study highlighted the anti-inflammatory properties of PGRN by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to decreased infiltration of macrophages. In conclusion, our findings underscored the potential of PGRN in facilitating corneal wound healing by promoting corneal epithelial cell proliferation, trigeminal ganglion cell axon regeneration, and suppressing ocular inflammation. These results suggest that PGRN could potentially expedite the healing process and improve visual outcomes in patients with corneal injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Guizhou, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Xiamen, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yunuo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Guizhou, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Xiamen, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuhan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Guizhou, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Xiamen, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Weijie Ouyang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Guizhou, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Xiamen, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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Huber RJ, Kim WD, Wilson-Smillie MLDM. Mechanisms regulating the intracellular trafficking and release of CLN5 and CTSD. Traffic 2024; 25:e12925. [PMID: 38272448 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12925] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal 5 (CLN5) and cathepsin D (CTSD) are soluble lysosomal enzymes that also localize extracellularly. In humans, homozygous mutations in CLN5 and CTSD cause CLN5 disease and CLN10 disease, respectively, which are two subtypes of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (commonly known as Batten disease). The mechanisms regulating the intracellular trafficking of CLN5 and CTSD and their release from cells are not well understood. Here, we used the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system to examine the pathways and cellular components that regulate the intracellular trafficking and release of the D. discoideum homologs of human CLN5 (Cln5) and CTSD (CtsD). We show that both Cln5 and CtsD contain signal peptides for secretion that facilitate their release from cells. Like Cln5, extracellular CtsD is glycosylated. In addition, Cln5 release is regulated by the amount of extracellular CtsD. Autophagy induction promotes the release of Cln5, and to a lesser extent CtsD. Release of Cln5 requires the autophagy proteins Atg1, Atg5, and Atg9, as well as autophagosomal-lysosomal fusion. Atg1 and Atg5 are required for the release of CtsD. Together, these data support a model where Cln5 and CtsD are actively released from cells via their signal peptides for secretion and pathways linked to autophagy. The release of Cln5 and CtsD from cells also requires microfilaments and the D. discoideum homologs of human AP-3 complex mu subunit, the lysosomal-trafficking regulator LYST, mucopilin-1, and the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-associated protein WASH, which all regulate lysosomal exocytosis in this model organism. These findings suggest that lysosomal exocytosis also facilitates the release of Cln5 and CtsD from cells. In addition, we report the roles of ABC transporters, microtubules, osmotic stress, and the putative D. discoideum homologs of human sortilin and cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor in regulating the intracellular/extracellular distribution of Cln5 and CtsD. In total, this study identifies the cellular mechanisms regulating the release of Cln5 and CtsD from D. discoideum cells and provides insight into how altered trafficking of CLN5 and CTSD causes disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - William D Kim
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Bestion E, Rachid M, Tijeras-Raballand A, Roth G, Decaens T, Ansaldi C, Mezouar S, Raymond E, Halfon P. Ezurpimtrostat, A Palmitoyl-Protein Thioesterase-1 Inhibitor, Combined with PD-1 Inhibition Provides CD8 + Lymphocyte Repopulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Target Oncol 2024; 19:95-106. [PMID: 38133710 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-023-01019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1) is a clinical stage druggable target for inhibiting autophagy in cancer. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the cellular and molecular activity of targeting PPT1 using ezurpimtrostat, in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody. METHODS In this study we used a transgenic immunocompetent mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS Herein, we revealed that inhibition of PPT1 using ezurpimtrostat decreased the liver tumor burden in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing the penetration of lymphocytes into tumors when combined with anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1). Inhibition of PPT1 potentiates the effects of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by increasing the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I at the surface of liver cancer cells and modulates immunity through recolonization and activation of cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS Ezurpimtrostat turns cold tumors into hot tumors and, thus, could improve T cell-mediated immunotherapies in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloïne Bestion
- Genoscience Pharma, 10, Rue d'Iéna, 13006, Marseille, France
| | - Madani Rachid
- Genoscience Pharma, 10, Rue d'Iéna, 13006, Marseille, France
| | | | - Gael Roth
- Centre hospitalouniversitaire Grenoble Alpes/Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Centre national de la recherché scienti-fique, Unité mixte de recherche 5309-Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1209, University Grenoble Alpes/Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, 38043, Grenoble, France
| | - Thomas Decaens
- Centre hospitalouniversitaire Grenoble Alpes/Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Centre national de la recherché scienti-fique, Unité mixte de recherche 5309-Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1209, University Grenoble Alpes/Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, 38043, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Soraya Mezouar
- Genoscience Pharma, 10, Rue d'Iéna, 13006, Marseille, France
- Etablissement français du sang, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Anthropologie bio-culturelle, droit, éthique et santé, "Biologie des Groupes Sanguins", Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Raymond
- Genoscience Pharma, 10, Rue d'Iéna, 13006, Marseille, France
- Oncology Department, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Halfon
- Genoscience Pharma, 10, Rue d'Iéna, 13006, Marseille, France.
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6
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Gammaldi N, Pezzini F, Michelucci E, Di Giorgi N, Simonati A, Rocchiccioli S, Santorelli FM, Doccini S. Integrative human and murine multi-omics: Highlighting shared biomarkers in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 189:106349. [PMID: 37952681 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106349] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders whose molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Omics approaches are among the methods that generate new information on modifying factors and molecular signatures. Moreover, omics data integration can address the need to progressively expand knowledge around the disease and pinpoint specific proteins to promote as candidate biomarkers. In this work, we integrated a total of 62 proteomic and transcriptomic datasets originating from humans and mice, employing a new approach able to define dysregulated processes across species, stages and NCL forms. Moreover, we selected a pool of differentially expressed proteins and genes as species- and form-related biomarkers of disease status/progression and evaluated local and spatial differences in most affected brain regions. Our results offer promising targets for potential new therapeutic strategies and reinforce the hypothesis of a connection between NCLs and other forms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gammaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy
| | - F Pezzini
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - E Michelucci
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - N Di Giorgi
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - A Simonati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Rocchiccioli
- Clinical Physiology-National Research Council (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - F M Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy
| | - S Doccini
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation - Pisa, Italy.
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Demir Karaman E, Işık Z. Multi-Omics Data Analysis Identifies Prognostic Biomarkers across Cancers. Med Sci (Basel) 2023; 11:44. [PMID: 37489460 PMCID: PMC10366886 DOI: 10.3390/medsci11030044] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Combining omics data from different layers using integrative methods provides a better understanding of the biology of a complex disease such as cancer. The discovery of biomarkers related to cancer development or prognosis helps to find more effective treatment options. This study integrates multi-omics data of different cancer types with a network-based approach to explore common gene modules among different tumors by running community detection methods on the integrated network. The common modules were evaluated by several biological metrics adapted to cancer. Then, a new prognostic scoring method was developed by weighting mRNA expression, methylation, and mutation status of genes. The survival analysis pointed out statistically significant results for GNG11, CBX2, CDKN3, ARHGEF10, CLN8, SEC61G and PTDSS1 genes. The literature search reveals that the identified biomarkers are associated with the same or different types of cancers. Our method does not only identify known cancer-specific biomarker genes, but also proposes new potential biomarkers. Thus, this study provides a rationale for identifying new gene targets and expanding treatment options across cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Demir Karaman
- Department of Computer Engineering, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir 35390, Turkey
| | - Zerrin Işık
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir 35390, Turkey
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8
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Remtulla AAN, Huber RJ. The conserved cellular roles of CLN proteins: Novel insights from Dictyostelium discoideum. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151305. [PMID: 36917916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151305] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), collectively referred to as Batten disease, are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect children. The etiology of Batten disease is linked to mutations in 13 genes that encode distinct CLN proteins, whose functions have yet to be fully elucidated. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has been adopted as an efficient and powerful model system for studying the diverse cellular roles of CLN proteins. The genome of D. discoideum encodes several homologs of human CLN proteins, and a growing body of literature supports the conserved roles and networking of CLN proteins in D. discoideum and humans. In humans, CLN proteins have diverse cellular roles related to autophagy, signal transduction, lipid homeostasis, lysosomal ion homeostasis, and intracellular trafficking. Recent work also indicates that CLN proteins play an important role in protein secretion. Remarkably, many of these findings have found parallels in studies with D. discoideum. Accordingly, this review will highlight the translatable value of novel work with D. discoideum in the field of NCL research and propose further avenues of research using this biomedical model organism for studying the NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam A N Remtulla
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert J Huber
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
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9
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Duarte D, Nunes M, Ricardo S, Vale N. Combination of Antimalarial and CNS Drugs with Antineoplastic Agents in MCF-7 Breast and HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells: Biosafety Evaluation and Mechanism of Action. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101490. [PMID: 36291699 PMCID: PMC9599492 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug combination and drug repurposing are two strategies that allow to find novel oncological therapies, in a faster and more economical process. In our previous studies, we developed a novel model of drug combination using antineoplastic and different repurposed drugs. We demonstrated the combinations of doxorubicin (DOX) + artesunate, DOX + chloroquine, paclitaxel (PTX) + fluoxetine, PTX + fluphenazine, and PTX + benztropine induce significant cytotoxicity in Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells. Furthermore, it was found that 5-FU + thioridazine and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) + sertraline can synergistically induce a reduction in the viability of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29). In this study, we aim to (1) evaluate the biosafety profile of these drug combinations for non-tumoral cells and (2) determine their mechanism of action in cancer cells. To do so, human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) fibroblast cells were incubated for 48 h with all drugs, alone and in combination in concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 times their half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Cell morphology and viability were evaluated. Next, we designed and constructed a cell microarray to perform immunohistochemistry studies for the evaluation of palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1), Ki67, cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (cleaved-PARP), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-kB) p65 expression. We demonstrate that these combinations are cytotoxic for cancer cells and safe for non-tumoral cells at lower concentrations. Furthermore, it is also demonstrated that PPT1 may have an important role in the mechanism of action of these combinations, as demonstrated by their ability to decrease PPT1 expression. These results support the use of antimalarial and central nervous system (CNS) drugs in combination regimens with chemotherapeutic agents; nevertheless, additional studies are recommended to further explore their complete mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Duarte
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Nunes
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto/Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Ricardo
- Differentiation and Cancer Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto/Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Toxicology Research Unit (TOXRUN), University Institute of Health Sciences, Polytechnic and University Cooperative (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220426537
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10
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Allan CY, Fisher PR. The Dictyostelium Model for Mucolipidosis Type IV. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:741967. [PMID: 35493081 PMCID: PMC9043695 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.741967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucolipidosis type IV, a devastating neurological lysosomal disease linked to mutations in the transient receptor potential channel mucolipin 1, TRPML1, a calcium permeable channel in the membranes of vesicles in endolysosomal system. TRPML1 function is still being elucidated and a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Mucolipidosis type IV, may facilitate development of potential treatments. We have created a model to study mucolipin function in the eukaryotic slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum by altering expression of its single mucolipin homologue, mcln. We show that in Dictyostelium mucolipin overexpression contributes significantly to global chemotactic calcium responses in vegetative and differentiated cells. Knockdown of mucolipin also enhances calcium responses in vegetative cells but does not affect responses in 6–7 h developed cells, suggesting that in developed cells mucolipin may help regulate local calcium signals rather than global calcium waves. We found that both knocking down and overexpressing mucolipin often, but not always, presented the same phenotypes. Altering mucolipin expression levels caused an accumulation or increased acidification of Lysosensor Blue stained vesicles in vegetative cells. Nutrient uptake by phagocytosis and macropinocytosis were increased but growth rates were not, suggesting defects in catabolism. Both increasing and decreasing mucolipin expression caused the formation of smaller slugs and larger numbers of fruiting bodies during multicellular development, suggesting that mucolipin is involved in initiation of aggregation centers. The fruiting bodies that formed from these smaller aggregates had proportionately larger basal discs and thickened stalks, consistent with a regulatory role for mucolipin-dependent Ca2+ signalling in the autophagic cell death pathways involved in stalk and basal disk differentiation in Dictyostelium. Thus, we have provided evidence that mucolipin contributes to chemotactic calcium signalling and that Dictyostelium is a useful model to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the cytopathogenesis of Mucolipidosis type IV.
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Morsy A, Carmona AV, Trippier PC. Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models for Phenotypic Screening in the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206235. [PMID: 34684815 PMCID: PMC8538546 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Batten disease or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of rare, fatal, inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders. Numerous genes (CLN1–CLN8, CLN10–CLN14) were identified in which mutations can lead to NCL; however, the underlying pathophysiology remains elusive. Despite this, the NCLs share some of the same features and symptoms but vary in respect to severity and onset of symptoms by age. Some common symptoms include the progressive loss of vision, mental and motor deterioration, epileptic seizures, premature death, and in the rare adult-onset, dementia. Currently, all forms of NCL are fatal, and no curative treatments are available. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into any cell type of the human body. Cells reprogrammed from a patient have the advantage of acquiring disease pathogenesis along with recapitulation of disease-associated phenotypes. They serve as practical model systems to shed new light on disease mechanisms and provide a phenotypic screening platform to enable drug discovery. Herein, we provide an overview of available iPSC models for a number of different NCLs. More specifically, we highlight findings in these models that may spur target identification and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Angelica V. Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Paul C. Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- UNMC Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- Correspondence:
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