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Jedrzejewska A, Jablonska P, Gawlik-Jakubczak T, Czajkowski M, Maszka P, Mierzejewska P, Smolenski RT, Slominska EM. Elevated Plasma Concentration of 4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) Highlights Malignancy of Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2359. [PMID: 38397036 PMCID: PMC10888534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042359] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide (NA) derivatives play crucial roles in various biological processes, such as inflammation, regulation of the cell cycle, and DNA repair. Recently, we proposed that 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR), an unusual derivative of NA, could be classified as an oncometabolite in bladder, breast, and lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the relations between NA metabolism and the progression, recurrence, metastasis, and survival of patients diagnosed with different histological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We identified alterations in plasma NA metabolism, particularly in the clear cell RCC (ccRCC) subtype, compared to papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, and oncocytoma. Patients with ccRCC also exhibited larger tumor sizes and elevated levels of diagnostic serum biomarkers, such as hsCRP concentration and ALP activity, which were positively correlated with the plasma 4PYR. Notably, 4PYR levels were elevated in advanced stages of ccRCC cancer and were associated with a highly aggressive phenotype of ccRCC. Additionally, elevated concentrations of 4PYR were related to a higher likelihood of mortality, recurrence, and particularly metastasis in ccRCC. These findings are consistent with other studies, suggesting that NA metabolism is accelerated in RCC, leading to abnormal concentrations of 4PYR. This supports the concept of 4PYR as an oncometabolite and a potential prognostic factor in the ccRCC subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Jedrzejewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (A.J.); (P.J.); (P.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Patrycja Jablonska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (A.J.); (P.J.); (P.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Teresa Gawlik-Jakubczak
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (T.G.-J.); (M.C.)
| | - Mateusz Czajkowski
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (T.G.-J.); (M.C.)
| | - Patrycja Maszka
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (A.J.); (P.J.); (P.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Paulina Mierzejewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (A.J.); (P.J.); (P.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Ryszard T. Smolenski
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (A.J.); (P.J.); (P.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Ewa M. Slominska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (A.J.); (P.J.); (P.M.); (P.M.)
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2
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Neti SS, Wang B, Iwig DF, Onderko EL, Booker SJ. Enzymatic Fluoromethylation Enabled by the S-Adenosylmethionine Analog Te-Adenosyl- L-(fluoromethyl)homotellurocysteine. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:905-914. [PMID: 37252363 PMCID: PMC10214534 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, and trifluoromethyl groups are present in numerous pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, where they play critical roles in the efficacy and metabolic stability of these molecules. Strategies for late-stage incorporation of fluorine-containing atoms in molecules have become an important area of organic and medicinal chemistry as well as synthetic biology. Herein, we describe the synthesis and use of Te-adenosyl-L-(fluoromethyl)homotellurocysteine (FMeTeSAM), a novel and biologically relevant fluoromethylating agent. FMeTeSAM is structurally and chemically related to the universal cellular methyl donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and supports the robust transfer of fluoromethyl groups to oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and some carbon nucleophiles. FMeTeSAM is also used to fluoromethylate precursors to oxaline and daunorubicin, two complex natural products that exhibit antitumor properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syam Sundar Neti
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Bo Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - David F. Iwig
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Elizabeth L. Onderko
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Squire J. Booker
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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3
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Harikrishna AS, Venkitasamy K. Identification of novel human nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibitors: a structure-based pharmacophore modeling and molecular dynamics approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14638-14650. [PMID: 36856058 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2183714] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Human nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (hNNMT) is a cytosolic enzyme associated in the phase-II metabolism, belonging to the S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases family. Overexpression of hNNMT was observed in diseases such as metabolic disorders and different types of cancers, which suggest NNMT as a prospective therapeutic target. In this study we propose a structure-based pharmacophore model to understand the structural features responsible for the pharmacological activity. The generated model was validated using the ROC curve (AUC), goodness of hit score (GH), specificity, sensitivity and enrichment factor (EF). The pharmacophore was employed to retrieve active molecules from the ZINC database, followed by virtual-screening and molecular docking. Six molecules with the best pharmfit score, binding energy and ADMET properties were identified in this study. A 150 ns molecular dynamics simulation was performed on the selected molecules complexed with hNNMT protein to validate the results. The molecules ZINC35464499, ZINC13311192, ZINC31159282, ZINC14650833, ZINC14819515 and ZINC00303881 were identified, which could be act as the potential hNNMT inhibitors and can also be used as direct hits for developing novel hNNMT antagonists.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Harikrishna
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kesavan Venkitasamy
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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4
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Pozzi V, Campagna R, Sartini D, Emanuelli M. Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase as Promising Tool for Management of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091173. [PMID: 36139012 PMCID: PMC9496617 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms include esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatic, and pancreatic cancers. They are characterized by asymptomatic behavior, being responsible for diagnostic delay. Substantial refractoriness to chemo- and radiotherapy, exhibited by late-stage tumors, contribute to determine poor patient outcome. Therefore, it is of outmost importance to identify new molecular targets for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we focused on the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which catalyzes the N-methylation reaction of nicotinamide and whose overexpression has been reported in numerous neoplasms, including GI cancers. The aim of this review was to report data illustrating NNMT involvement in these tumors, highlighting its contribution to tumor cell phenotype. Cited works clearly demonstrate the interesting potential use of enzyme level determination for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes. NNMT was also found to positively affect cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, contributing to sustain in vitro and in vivo tumor growth and metastatic spread. Moreover, enzyme upregulation featuring tumor cells was significantly associated with enhancement of resistance to treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. Taken together, these results strongly suggest the possibility to target NNMT for setup of molecular-based strategies to effectively treat GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Campagna
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-071-2204673
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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5
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Li XY, Pi YN, Chen Y, Zhu Q, Xia BR. Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase: A Promising Biomarker and Target for Human Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:894744. [PMID: 35756670 PMCID: PMC9218565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.894744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells typically exhibit a tightly regulated program of metabolic plasticity and epigenetic remodeling to meet the demand of uncontrolled cell proliferation. The metabolic-epigenetic axis has recently become an increasingly hot topic in carcinogenesis and offers new avenues for innovative and personalized cancer treatment strategies. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a metabolic enzyme involved in controlling methylation potential, impacting DNA and histone epigenetic modification. NNMT overexpression has been described in various solid cancer tissues and even body fluids, including serum, urine, and saliva. Furthermore, accumulating evidence has shown that NNMT knockdown significantly decreases tumorigenesis and chemoresistance capacity. Most importantly, the natural NNMT inhibitor yuanhuadine can reverse epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in lung cancer cells. In this review, we evaluate the possibility of NNMT as a diagnostic biomarker and molecular target for effective anticancer treatment. We also reveal the exact mechanisms of how NNMT affects epigenetics and the development of more potent and selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Bengbu Medical College Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bai-Rong Xia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, Hefei, China
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6
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Reustle A, Menig LS, Leuthold P, Hofmann U, Stühler V, Schmees C, Becker M, Haag M, Klumpp V, Winter S, Büttner FA, Rausch S, Hennenlotter J, Fend F, Scharpf M, Stenzl A, Bedke J, Schwab M, Schaeffeler E. Nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase is a promising metabolic drug target for primary and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e883. [PMID: 35678045 PMCID: PMC9178377 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The metabolic enzyme nicotinamide‐N‐methyltransferase (NNMT) is highly expressed in various cancer entities, suggesting tumour‐promoting functions. We systematically investigated NNMT expression and its metabolic interactions in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a prominent RCC subtype with metabolic alterations, to elucidate its role as a drug target. Methods NNMT expression was assessed in primary ccRCC (n = 134), non‐tumour tissue and ccRCC‐derived metastases (n = 145) by microarray analysis and/or immunohistochemistry. Findings were validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (kidney renal clear cell carcinoma [KIRC], n = 452) and by single‐cell analysis. Expression was correlated with clinicopathological data and survival. Metabolic alterations in NNMT‐depleted cells were assessed by nontargeted/targeted metabolomics and extracellular flux analysis. The NNMT inhibitor (NNMTi) alone and in combination with the inhibitor 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose for glycolysis and BPTES (bis‐2‐(5‐phenylacetamido‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl)ethyl‐sulfide) for glutamine metabolism was investigated in RCC cell lines (786‐O, A498) and in two 2D ccRCC‐derived primary cultures and three 3D ccRCC air–liquid interface models. Results NNMT protein was overexpressed in primary ccRCC (p = 1.32 × 10–16) and ccRCC‐derived metastases (p = 3.92 × 10–20), irrespective of metastatic location, versus non‐tumour tissue. Single‐cell data showed predominant NNMT expression in ccRCC and not in the tumour microenvironment. High NNMT expression in primary ccRCC correlated with worse survival in independent cohorts (primary RCC—hazard ratio [HR] = 4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–12.4; KIRC—HR = 3.3, 95% CI: 2.0–5.4). NNMT depletion leads to intracellular glutamine accumulation, with negative effects on mitochondrial function and cell survival, while not affecting glycolysis or glutathione metabolism. At the gene level, NNMT‐depleted cells upregulate glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis pathways. NNMTi alone or in combination with 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose and BPTES resulted in inhibition of cell viability in ccRCC cell lines and primary tumour and metastasis‐derived models. In two out of three patient‐derived ccRCC air–liquid interface models, NNMTi treatment induced cytotoxicity. Conclusions Since efficient glutamine utilisation, which is essential for ccRCC tumours, depends on NNMT, small‐molecule NNMT inhibitors provide a novel therapeutic strategy for ccRCC and act as sensitizers for combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Reustle
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lena-Sophie Menig
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Leuthold
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ute Hofmann
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Viktoria Stühler
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schmees
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Michael Becker
- Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Mathias Haag
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Verena Klumpp
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Winter
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florian A Büttner
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Steffen Rausch
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hennenlotter
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Falko Fend
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marcus Scharpf
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Arnulf Stenzl
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jens Bedke
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tübingen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Departments of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Elke Schaeffeler
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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7
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Togni L, Mascitti M, Sartini D, Campagna R, Pozzi V, Salvolini E, Offidani A, Santarelli A, Emanuelli M. Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase in Head and Neck Tumors: A Comprehensive Review. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1594. [PMID: 34827592 PMCID: PMC8615955 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The head and neck tumors (HNT) are a heterogeneous group of diseases ranging from benign to malignant lesions, with distinctive molecular and clinical behaviors. Several studies have highlighted the presence of an altered metabolic phenotype in HNT, such as the upregulation of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). However, its biological effects have not been completely disclosed and the role of NNMT in cancer cell metabolism remains unclear. Therefore, this comprehensive review aims to evaluate the available literature regarding the biological, diagnostic, and prognostic role of NNMT in HNT. NNMT was shown to be significantly overexpressed in all of the evaluated HNT types. Moreover, its upregulation has been correlated with cancer cell migration and adverse clinical outcomes, such as high-pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and locoregional recurrences. However, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) these associations are still debated, and several studies have failed to demonstrate the prognostic significance of NNMT. The shRNA-mediated gene silencing efficiently suppressed the NNMT gene expression and exhibited a clear inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, promoting the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and modulating the cell cycle. NNMT could represent a new molecular biomarker and a new target of molecular-based therapy, although further studies on larger patient cohorts are needed to explore its biological role in HNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Togni
- Department of Clinical, Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (E.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Marco Mascitti
- Department of Clinical, Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (E.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical, Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (E.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Roberto Campagna
- Department of Clinical, Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (E.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical, Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (E.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Eleonora Salvolini
- Department of Clinical, Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (E.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Annamaria Offidani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Andrea Santarelli
- Department of Clinical, Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (E.S.); (M.E.)
- Dentistry Clinic, National Institute of Health and Science of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical, Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (E.S.); (M.E.)
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8
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Tatekawa S, Ofusa K, Chijimatsu R, Vecchione A, Tamari K, Ogawa K, Ishii H. Methylosystem for Cancer Sieging Strategy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5088. [PMID: 34680237 PMCID: PMC8534198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As cancer is a genetic disease, methylation defines a biologically malignant phenotype of cancer in the association of one-carbon metabolism-dependent S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor in each cell. Methylated substances are involved in intracellular metabolism, but via intercellular communication, some of these can also be secreted to affect other substances. Although metabolic analysis at the single-cell level remains challenging, studying the "methylosystem" (i.e., the intercellular and intracellular communications of upstream regulatory factors and/or downstream effectors that affect the epigenetic mechanism involving the transfer of a methyl group from SAM onto the specific positions of nucleotides or other metabolites in the tumor microenvironment) and tracking these metabolic products are important research tasks for understanding spatial heterogeneity. Here, we discuss and highlight the involvement of RNA and nicotinamide, recently emerged targets, in SAM-producing one-carbon metabolism in cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells. Their significance and implications will contribute to the discovery of efficient methods for the diagnosis of and therapeutic approaches to human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shotaro Tatekawa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Yamadaoka 2-2, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (S.T.); (K.T.)
| | - Ken Ofusa
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Yamadaoka 2-2, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (K.O.); (R.C.)
- Food and Life-Science Laboratory, Prophoenix Division, Idea Consultants, Inc., Osaka 559-8519, Japan
| | - Ryota Chijimatsu
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Yamadaoka 2-2, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (K.O.); (R.C.)
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Santo Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Keisuke Tamari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Yamadaoka 2-2, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (S.T.); (K.T.)
| | - Kazuhiko Ogawa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Yamadaoka 2-2, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (S.T.); (K.T.)
| | - Hideshi Ishii
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Yamadaoka 2-2, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (K.O.); (R.C.)
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9
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Beyond Nicotinamide Metabolism: Potential Role of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase as a Biomarker in Skin Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194943. [PMID: 34638427 PMCID: PMC8508019 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers (SC) collectively represent the most common type of malignancy in white populations. SC includes two main forms: malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC includes different subtypes, namely, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and keratoacanthoma (KA), together with the two pre-neoplastic conditions Bowen disease (BD) and actinic keratosis (AK). Both malignant melanoma and NMSC are showing an increasing incidence rate worldwide, thus representing an important challenge for health care systems, also because, with some exceptions, SC are generally characterized by an aggressive behavior and are often diagnosed late. Thus, identifying new biomarkers suitable for diagnosis, as well as for prognosis and targeted therapy is mandatory. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is an enzyme that is emerging as a crucial player in the progression of several malignancies, while its substrate, nicotinamide, is known to exert chemopreventive effects. Since there is increasing evidence regarding the involvement of this enzyme in the malignant behavior of SC, the current review aims to summarize the state of the art as concerns NNMT role in SC and to support future studies focused on exploring the diagnostic and prognostic potential of NNMT in skin malignancies and its suitability for targeted therapy.
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10
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The Utility of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase as a Potential Biomarker to Predict the Oncological Outcomes for Urological Cancers: An Update. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081214. [PMID: 34439880 PMCID: PMC8393883 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the N-methylation reaction of nicotinamide, using S-adenosyl-L-methionine as the methyl donor. Enzyme overexpression has been described in many non-neoplastic diseases, as well as in a wide range of solid malignancies. This review aims to report and discuss evidence available in scientific literature, dealing with NNMT expression and the potential involvement in main urologic neoplasms, namely, renal, bladder and prostate cancers. Data illustrated in the cited studies clearly demonstrated NNMT upregulation (pathological vs. normal tissue) in association with these aforementioned tumors. In addition to this, enzyme levels were also found to correlate with key prognostic parameters and patient survival. Interestingly, NNMT overexpression also emerged in peripheral body fluids, such as blood and urine, thus leading to candidate the enzyme as promising biomarker for the early and non-invasive detection of these cancers. Examined results undoubtedly showed NNMT as having the capacity to promote cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness, as well as its potential participation in fundamental events highlighting cancer progression, metastasis and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. In the light of this evidence, it is reasonable to attribute to NNMT a promising role as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of urologic neoplasms, as well as a molecular target for effective anti-cancer treatment.
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11
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Hayashi K, Uehara S, Yamamoto S, Cary DR, Nishikawa J, Ueda T, Ozasa H, Mihara K, Yoshimura N, Kawai T, Ono T, Yamamoto S, Fumoto M, Mikamiyama H. Macrocyclic Peptides as a Novel Class of NNMT Inhibitors: A SAR Study Aimed at Inhibitory Activity in the Cell. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1093-1101. [PMID: 34267879 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide, is a cytosolic enzyme that has attracted much attention as a therapeutic target for a variety of diseases. However, despite the considerable interest in this target, reports of NNMT inhibitors have still been limited to date. In this work, utilizing in vitro translated macrocyclic peptide libraries, we identified peptide 1 as a novel class of NNMT inhibitors. Further exploration based on the X-ray cocrystal structures of the peptides with NNMT provided a dramatic improvement in inhibitory activity (peptide 23: IC50 = 0.15 nM). Furthermore, by balance of the peptides' lipophilicity and biological activity, inhibitory activity against NNMT in cell-based assay was successfully achieved (peptide 26: cell-based IC50 = 770 nM). These findings illuminate the potential of cyclic peptides as a relatively new drug discovery modality even for intracellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyohei Hayashi
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Shota Uehara
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Shiho Yamamoto
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Douglas R. Cary
- PeptiDream Inc., 3-25-23 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Junichi Nishikawa
- PeptiDream Inc., 3-25-23 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Taichi Ueda
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ozasa
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Kousuke Mihara
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Norito Yoshimura
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Taeko Kawai
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Takashi Ono
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Saki Yamamoto
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Masataka Fumoto
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Hidenori Mikamiyama
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
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12
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Campagna R, Mateuszuk Ł, Wojnar-Lason K, Kaczara P, Tworzydło A, Kij A, Bujok R, Mlynarski J, Wang Y, Sartini D, Emanuelli M, Chlopicki S. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in endothelium protects against oxidant stress-induced endothelial injury. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:119082. [PMID: 34153425 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT, EC 2.1.1.1.) plays an important role in the growth of many different tumours and is also involved in various non-neoplastic disorders. However, the presence and role of NNMT in the endothelium has yet to be specifically explored. Here, we characterized the functional activity of NNMT in the endothelium and tested whether NNMT regulates endothelial cell viability. NNMT in endothelial cells (HAEC, HMEC-1 and EA.hy926) was inhibited using two approaches: pharmacological inhibition of the enzyme by NNMT inhibitors (5-amino-1-methylquinoline - 5MQ and 6-methoxynicotinamide - JBSF-88) or by shRNA-mediated silencing. Functional inhibition of NNMT was confirmed by LC/MS/MS-based analysis of impaired MNA production. The effects of NNMT inhibition on cellular viability were analyzed in both the absence and presence of menadione. Our results revealed that all studied endothelial lines express relatively high levels of functionally active NNMT compared with cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Although the aldehyde oxidase 1 enzyme was also expressed in the endothelium, the further metabolites of N1-methylnicotinamide (N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide) generated by this enzyme were not detected, suggesting that endothelial NNMT-derived MNA was not subsequently metabolized in the endothelium by aldehyde oxidase 1. Menadione induced a concentration-dependent decrease in endothelial viability as evidenced by a decrease in cell number that was associated with the upregulation of NNMT and SIRT1 expression in the nucleus in viable cells. The suppression of the NNMT activity either by NNMT inhibitors or shRNA-based silencing significantly decreased the endothelial cell viability in response to menadione. Furthermore, NNMT inhibition resulted in nuclear SIRT1 expression downregulation and upregulation of the phosphorylated form of SIRT1 on Ser47. In conclusion, our results suggest that the endothelial nuclear NNMT/SIRT1 pathway exerts a cytoprotective role that safeguards endothelial cell viability under oxidant stress insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Campagna
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Łukasz Mateuszuk
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamila Wojnar-Lason
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kaczara
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Tworzydło
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kij
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Robert Bujok
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Mlynarski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, LKS Faculty of Medicine Building, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Stefan Chlopicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland.
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13
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Campagna R, Salvolini E, Pompei V, Pozzi V, Salvucci A, Molinelli E, Brisigotti V, Sartini D, Campanati A, Offidani A, Emanuelli M. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase gene silencing enhances chemosensitivity of melanoma cell lines. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:1039-1048. [PMID: 34018676 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma accounts for less than 5% of all cutaneous neoplasms but is responsible for the greater part of skin cancer-related deaths. Therefore, the identification of molecules that could serve as the therapeutic target is urgent. This study focused on the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). The effect of NNMT knockdown on cell proliferation and migration of A375 melanoma cells was evaluated by MTT and wound healing assays, respectively. Viability of A375 cells downregulating NNMT was also explored under treatment with dacarbazine, a chemotherapeutic drug approved for advanced melanoma treatment. The impact of enzyme knockdown on cell proliferation and chemosensitivity was also investigated in WM-115 melanoma cells. Results obtained demonstrated that NNMT silencing led to a significant reduction of cell proliferation and migration of A375 cells. Moreover, enzyme downregulation was associated with an increase of melanoma cells sensitivity to treatment with dacarbazine. Analogous effects induced by enzyme knockdown on cell proliferation and chemosensitivity were also found in the WM-115 cell line. Our data seem to demonstrate that NNMT could represent a promising molecular target for the effective treatment of this form of skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Campagna
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Veronica Pompei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessia Salvucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Molinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valerio Brisigotti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Campanati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Annamaria Offidani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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14
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Thamim M, Thirumoorthy K. Computational studies of selective N-methylation in nicotinamide: Epigenetic reprogramming in cancer. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2020.113058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Wu M, Hu W, Wang G, Yao Y, Yu XF. Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated With Immune Infiltrates in Gastric Cancer. Front Genet 2020; 11:580299. [PMID: 33193702 PMCID: PMC7655872 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.580299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the word. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment of cancer. However, it is unclear which GC subpopulation would benefit most from immunotherapy and it is necessary to develop effective biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy response. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a metabolic regulator of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) differentiation and cancer progression. In this study, we explored the correlations of NNMT to tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and immune marker sets in The Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Adenocarcinoma STAD (TCGA-STAD). Subsequently, we screened the NNMT correlated genes and performed the enrichment analysis of these genes. We eventually predicted the 19 most potential small-molecule drugs using the connectivity map (CMap) and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). Also, nadolol, tranexamic acid, felbinac and dapsone were considered the four most promising drugs for GC. In summary, NNMT can be used as a prognostic biomarker that reflect immune infiltration level and a novel therapeutic target in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaowei Wu
- Cancer Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weilei Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Yao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Yu
- Cancer Institute, Second Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Mascitti M, Sartini D, Togni L, Pozzi V, Rubini C, Santarelli A, Emanuelli M. Differential expression of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in primary and recurrent ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts. Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13220. [PMID: 32129473 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Odontogenic tumours are a group of rare heterogeneous diseases that range from hamartomatous tissue proliferations to benign and malignant neoplasms. Recurrences can occur after 10 years, so long-term clinical and radiological follow-up is required. The study of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of these lesions is necessary to identify new prognostic markers. In this study, we evaluate the possible role of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) in ameloblastomas (AM) and odontogenic keratocysts (OKC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 105 surgical specimens of primary and recurrent lesions were obtained from 55 patients (25 AM, 30 OKC). In particular, 50 AMs (25 primary, 25 recurrences) and 55 OKCs (30 primary, 25 recurrences) were retrieved. We carried out immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate the cytoplasmic expression of NNMT, measuring the percentage of positive cells and the value of NNMT expression intensity. RESULTS NNMT expression was significantly higher in recurrent than primary AMs (P = .0430). This result was confirmed by staining intensity, showing more cases with moderate/intense staining in recurrent AMs (P = .0470). NNMT expression was significantly lower in recurrent than primary OKC (P = .0014). Staining intensity showed more cases with moderate/intense staining in primary OKCs (P = .0276). CONCLUSIONS This report is the first to evaluate NNMT expression in odontogenic lesions and to demonstrate a differential expression in recurrent AMs and OKCs, suggesting that there is potential for use of NNMT as prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mascitti
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Togni
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Pozzi
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Santarelli
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.,Dentistry Clinic, National Institute of Health and Science of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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17
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Pozzi V, Salvolini E, Lucarini G, Salvucci A, Campagna R, Rubini C, Sartini D, Emanuelli M. Cancer stem cell enrichment is associated with enhancement of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase expression. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:1415-1425. [PMID: 32150326 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cancer stem cell theory states that a subset of tumor cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), has the ability to self-renew and differentiate within the tumors. According to this theory, CSCs would be mainly responsible for tumor initiation, progression, resistance to therapy, recurrence, and metastasis. In this study, a culture system was setup to enrich CSCs from bladder cancer (T24), lung cancer (A549), colorectal cancer (CaCo-2), and osteosarcoma (MG63) cell lines, through sphere formation. Magnetic-activated cell sorting was also used to further increase CSC enrichment. Subsequently, molecular characterization of CSC-enriched cell populations and parental cells was carried out, by exploring the expression levels of stem markers and the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). Results obtained showed a significant upregulation of stem cell markers in CSC-enriched populations, obtained upon sphere formation, compared with parental counterparts. Moreover, NNMT expression levels were markedly increased in samples enriched with CSCs with respect to control cells. Considering the fundamental role played by CSCs in carcinogenesis, reported data strengthen the hypothesis that sustains a pivotal role of NNMT in cancer growth and metastasis. In addition, these findings could represent an important achievement for the development of new and effective anticancer therapies, based on CSC-associated targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Guendalina Lucarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessia Salvucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Campagna
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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18
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Pompei V, Salvolini E, Rubini C, Lucarini G, Molinelli E, Brisigotti V, Pozzi V, Sartini D, Campanati A, Offidani A, Emanuelli M. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in nonmelanoma skin cancers. Eur J Clin Invest 2019; 49:e13175. [PMID: 31571214 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represent the most common forms of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Although successful treatment of these neoplasms is based on surgical excision, an increasing number of BCCs relapses and many SCCs display high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a cytosolic enzyme, which was found to be upregulated in different solid tumours. However, there are no data regarding enzyme expression in NMSCs. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the potential involvement of NNMT in BCCs and SCCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses were carried out on 40 BCC cases and 39 SCC cases, to evaluate enzyme expression in tumour and surrounding healthy margins. Moreover, the relationship between NNMT intratumour levels and clinico-pathological parameters were explored. RESULTS Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase was found to be overexpressed in BCCs compared with control tissues, while a significant enzyme downregulation was detected in SCCs with respect to corresponding healthy margins. In addition, NNMT levels were negatively related to aggressiveness of both BCCs (distinguishing between infiltrative and nodular tumours) and SCCs (considering head and neck forms and tumours of the extremities and trunk). CONCLUSIONS These evidences seem to demonstrate that the different NNMT dysregulation detected in BCC and SCC may be the result of important biological traits distinctively characterizing these two forms within NMSCs. In addition, enzyme levels seem to be inversely correlated with tumour aggressiveness, thus suggesting the potential suitability of the enzyme as a prognostic biomarker for both neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Pompei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Guendalina Lucarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Molinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valerio Brisigotti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Pozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Campanati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Annamaria Offidani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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19
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Sartini D, Pompei V, Lucarini G, Rubini C, Molinelli E, Brisigotti V, Salvolini E, Campanati A, Offidani A, Emanuelli M. Differential expression of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in cutaneous keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 34:e121-e123. [PMID: 31705831 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - V Pompei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - G Lucarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - C Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - E Molinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - V Brisigotti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - E Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Campanati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Offidani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - M Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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20
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Adult Human Liver: Hype or Hope? Cells 2019; 8:cells8101127. [PMID: 31546729 PMCID: PMC6830330 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases constitute a significant economic, social, and biomedical burden. Among commonly adopted approaches, only organ transplantation can radically help patients with end-stage liver pathologies. Cell therapy with hepatocytes as a treatment for chronic liver disease has demonstrated promising results. However, quality human hepatocytes are in short supply. Stem/progenitor cells capable of differentiating into functionally active hepatocytes provide an attractive alternative approach to cell therapy for liver diseases, as well as to liver-tissue engineering, drug screening, and basic research. The application of methods generally used to isolate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and maintain them in culture to human liver tissue provides cells, designated here as liver MSCs. They have much in common with MSCs from other tissues, but differ in two aspects-expression of a range of hepatocyte-specific genes and, possibly, inherent commitment to hepatogenic differentiation. The aim of this review is to analyze data regarding liver MSCs, probably another type of liver stem/progenitor cells different from hepatic stellate cells or so-called hepatic progenitor cells. The review presents an analysis of the phenotypic characteristics of liver MSCs, their differentiation and therapeutic potential, methods for isolating these cells from human liver, and discusses issues of their origin and heterogeneity. Human liver MSCs are a fascinating object of fundamental research with a potential for important practical applications.
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21
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Hah YS, Cho HY, Jo SY, Park YS, Heo EP, Yoon TJ. Nicotinamide N‑methyltransferase induces the proliferation and invasion of squamous cell carcinoma cells. Oncol Rep 2019; 42:1805-1814. [PMID: 31545452 PMCID: PMC6787961 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common malignancy initiated by keratinocytes of the epidermis, which are able to invade the dermis and its periphery. Although most patients with cSCC present with curable localized tumors, recurrence, metastasis and mortality occasionally occur. In the present study, nicotinamide N‑methyltransferase (NNMT) was identified as an upregulated protein in the SCC12 cell line, which has high invasive potential compared with the SCC13 cell line. The effects of NNMT knockdown on proliferation, migration and invasion were investigated using SCC cells. shRNA‑mediated downregulation of NNMT expression levels inhibited the proliferation and density‑dependent growth of SCC12 cells. In addition, the results of a cell motility assay showed that the migration and invasion of SCC cells were markedly decreased in NNMT‑knockdown cells. The assessment of epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT)‑associated gene expression using PCR array analysis revealed that high NNMT expression levels were accompanied by high expression levels of EMT‑associated genes, and that NNMT knockdown effectively suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9, osteopontin, versican core protein and zinc finger protein SNAI2 in SCC12 cells. These results revealed that the upregulation of NNMT induced cellular invasion via EMT‑related gene expression in SCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sool Hah
- Biomedical Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, and Institute of Health Sciences, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Young Cho
- Biomedical Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, and Institute of Health Sciences, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Jo
- Department of Dermatology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon 51353, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sook Park
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon 51353, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Phil Heo
- Department of Dermatology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon 51353, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Yoon
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University and Hospital, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
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22
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Gao Y, van Haren MJ, Moret EE, Rood JJM, Sartini D, Salvucci A, Emanuelli M, Craveur P, Babault N, Jin J, Martin NI. Bisubstrate Inhibitors of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT) with Enhanced Activity. J Med Chem 2019; 62:6597-6614. [PMID: 31265285 PMCID: PMC6713424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide to form N-methylnicotinamide. Overexpression of NNMT is associated with a variety of diseases, including a number of cancers and metabolic disorders, suggesting a role for NNMT as a potential therapeutic target. By structural modification of a lead NNMT inhibitor previously developed in our group, we prepared a diverse library of inhibitors to probe the different regions of the enzyme's active site. This investigation revealed that incorporation of a naphthalene moiety, intended to bind the hydrophobic nicotinamide binding pocket via π-π stacking interactions, significantly increases the activity of bisubstrate-like NNMT inhibitors (half-maximal inhibitory concentration 1.41 μM). These findings are further supported by isothermal titration calorimetry binding assays as well as modeling studies. The most active NNMT inhibitor identified in the present study demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation of the HSC-2 human oral cancer cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Gao
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden University , Sylviusweg 72 , 2333 BE Leiden , The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs J van Haren
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden University , Sylviusweg 72 , 2333 BE Leiden , The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences , Universitá Politecnica delle Marche , Via Ranieri 65 , 60131 Ancona , Italy
| | - Alessia Salvucci
- Department of Clinical Sciences , Universitá Politecnica delle Marche , Via Ranieri 65 , 60131 Ancona , Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences , Universitá Politecnica delle Marche , Via Ranieri 65 , 60131 Ancona , Italy
| | - Pierrick Craveur
- Synsight , Genopole Entreprises , 4 Rue Pierre Fontaine , 91000 Évry , France
| | - Nicolas Babault
- Synsight , Genopole Entreprises , 4 Rue Pierre Fontaine , 91000 Évry , France.,Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Nathaniel I Martin
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden University , Sylviusweg 72 , 2333 BE Leiden , The Netherlands
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23
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Analysis of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in oral malignant melanoma and potential prognostic significance. Melanoma Res 2019; 29:151-156. [DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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24
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Nemmara VV, Tilvawala R, Salinger AJ, Miller L, Nguyen SH, Weerapana E, Thompson PR. Citrullination Inactivates Nicotinamide- N-methyltransferase. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2663-2672. [PMID: 30044909 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide- N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the irreversible methylation of nicotinamide (NAM) to form N-methyl nicotinamide using S-adenosyl methionine as a methyl donor. NNMT is implicated in several chronic disease conditions, including cancers, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson's disease. Although phosphorylation of NNMT in gastric tumors is reported, the functional effects of this post-translational modification has not been investigated. We previously reported that citrullination of NNMT by Protein Arginine Deiminases abolished its methyltransferase activity. Herein, we investigate the mechanism of inactivation. Using tandem mass spectrometry, we identified three sites of citrullination in NNMT. With this information in hand, we used a combination of site-directed mutagenesis, kinetics, and circular dichoism experiments to demonstrate that citrullination of R132 leads to a structural perturbation that ultimately promotes NNMT inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh V. Nemmara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ronak Tilvawala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ari J. Salinger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lacey Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Son Hong Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Eranthie Weerapana
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, United States
| | - Paul R. Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, UMass Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
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25
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Seta R, Mascitti M, Campagna R, Sartini D, Fumarola S, Santarelli A, Giuliani M, Cecati M, Muzio LL, Emanuelli M. Overexpression of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in HSC-2 OSCC cell line: effect on apoptosis and cell proliferation. Clin Oral Investig 2018; 23:829-838. [PMID: 29882109 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-018-2497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of oral cavity. Despite advances in therapeutic approaches, the 5-year survival rate for oral cancer has not improved in the last three decades. Therefore, new molecular targets for early diagnosis and treatment of OSCC are needed. In the present study, we focused on the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). We have previously shown that enzyme expression is upregulated in OSCC and NNMT knockdown in PE/CA PJ-15 cells significantly decreased cell growth in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS To further explore the role of the enzyme in oral cancer cell metabolism, HSC-2 cells were transfected with the NNMT expression vector (pcDNA3-NNMT) and the effect of enzyme upregulation on cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. Subsequently, we investigated at molecular level the role of NNMT on apoptosis and cell proliferation, by exploring the expression of β-catenin, survivin, and Ki-67 by real-time PCR. Moreover, we performed immunohistochemistry on 20 OSCC tissue samples to explore the expression level of NNMT and survivin ΔEx3 isoform. RESULTS Enzyme upregulation significantly increased cell growth in vitro. Moreover, a positive correlation between NNMT and survivin ΔEx3 isoform expression levels was found both in HSC-2 cells and in OSCC tissue samples. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results indicate a possible involvement of NNMT in the proliferation and tumorigenic capacity of OSCC cells and seem to suggest that the enzyme could represent a potential target for the treatment of oral cancer. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The involvement of NNMT in cell growth and anti-apoptotic mechanisms seems to suggest that this enzyme could be a new therapeutic target to improve the survival of OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Seta
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Mascitti
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Campagna
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Fumarola
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Santarelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michele Giuliani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71121 - 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Monia Cecati
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lo Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71121 - 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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26
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Covalent inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) provide evidence for target engagement challenges in situ. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:2682-2687. [PMID: 29731364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the N-methylation of nicotinamide using S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor and, through doing so, can modulate cellular methylation potential to impact diverse epigenetic processes. NNMT has been implicated in a range of diseases, including cancer and metabolic disorders. Potent, selective, and cell-active inhibitors would constitute valuable probes to study the biological functions and therapeutic potential of NNMT. We previously reported the discovery of electrophilic small molecules that inhibit NNMT by reacting with an active-site cysteine residue in the SAM-binding pocket. Here, we have used activity-based protein profiling (ABPP)-guided medicinal chemistry to optimize the potency and selectivity of NNMT inhibitors, culminating in the discovery of multiple alpha-chloroacetamide (αCA) compounds with sub-µM IC50 values in vitro and excellent proteomic selectivity in cell lysates. However, these compounds showed much weaker inhibition of NNMT in cells, a feature that was not shared by off-targets of the αCAs. Our results show the potential for developing potent and selective covalent inhibitors of NNMT, but also highlight challenges that may be faced in targeting this enzyme in cellular systems.
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27
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Liang L, Zeng M, Pan H, Liu H, He Y. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells by activating transforming growth factor-β1 expression. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:4592-4598. [PMID: 29541230 PMCID: PMC5835905 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is aberrantly expressed in a number of tumors. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the gene and protein levels of NNMT were significantly increased in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, upregulation of NNMT significantly increased the expression of mesenchymal markers, including α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), vimentin and fibronectin, but decreased the levels of epithelial cadherin. Since transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 may serve a key function in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the effects of NNMT on the expression of TGF-β1 were investigated in BGC-823 cells. The results demonstrated that overexpression of NNMT significantly induced the expression of TGF-β1. However, knockdown of NNMT inhibited the expression of TGF-β1, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)2 and α-SMA. Additionally, pre-incubation with TGF-β1 partially eliminated NNMT-mediated changes in EMT. Collectively, the results demonstrated that upregulation of NNMT in gastric cancer cells may increase the expression of TGF-β1, therefore activating TGF-β1/Smad signaling, which in turn promotes EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Liang
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
| | - Haixia Pan
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
| | - Hao Liu
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
| | - Yangke He
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
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28
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Ganzetti G, Sartini D, Campanati A, Rubini C, Molinelli E, Brisigotti V, Cecati M, Pozzi V, Campagna R, Offidani A, Emanuelli M. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase: potential involvement in cutaneous malignant melanoma. Melanoma Res 2018; 28:82-88. [PMID: 29420365 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is an enzyme that catalyzes the N-methylation of nicotinamide and pyridine compounds, participating in xenobiotic and drug metabolism. Data on literature have evidenced a possible role of NNMT in many solid cancers, but no data are currently available in cutaneous melanoma. Recent important advances have been achieved in the treatment of advanced melanoma with targeted therapy and immunotherapy. However, the identification of biomarkers that can be used for the detection of early stage disease as well as for monitoring the therapeutic response during treatment is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to study the possible role of NNMT in melanoma. In the present study, we carried out immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate the expression of the enzyme NNMT in 34 melanomas and 34 nevi. Moreover, we explored the relationship between NNMT levels and the prognostic parameters of patients with melanoma. The results obtained showed significantly (P<0.0001) higher NNMT expression in melanoma compared with that detected in nevi. In addition, a significant (P<0.05) inverse relationship was found between enzyme levels and Breslow thickness, Clark level, the presence/number of mitoses, and ulceration. Taken together, these data seem to suggest that NNMT could represent a molecular biomarker for melanoma, thus highlighting its potential for both diagnosis and prognosis of this neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Corrado Rubini
- Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Valentina Pozzi
- Clinical and Stomatological Sciences
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Centre (NY-MaSBiC), New York City, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Monica Emanuelli
- Clinical and Stomatological Sciences
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Centre (NY-MaSBiC), New York City, New York, USA
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29
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van Haren MJ, Taig R, Kuppens J, Sastre Toraño J, Moret EE, Parsons RB, Sartini D, Emanuelli M, Martin NI. Inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase designed to mimic the methylation reaction transition state. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 15:6656-6667. [PMID: 28758655 DOI: 10.1039/c7ob01357d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is an enzyme that catalyses the methylation of nicotinamide to form N'-methylnicotinamide. Both NNMT and its methylated product have recently been linked to a variety of diseases, suggesting a role for the enzyme as a therapeutic target beyond its previously ascribed metabolic function in detoxification. We here describe the systematic development of NNMT inhibitors derived from the structures of the substrates involved in the methylation reaction. By covalently linking fragments of the NNMT substrates a diverse library of bisubstrate-like compounds was prepared. The ability of these compounds to inhibit NNMT was evaluated providing valuable insights into the structural tolerances of the enzyme active site. These studies led to the identification of new NNMT inhibitors that mimic the transition state of the methylation reaction and inhibit the enzyme with activity on par with established methyltransferase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs J van Haren
- Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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30
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Rudolphi B, Zapp B, Kraus NA, Ehebauer F, Kraus BJ, Kraus D. Body weight predicts Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase activity in mouse fat. Endocr Res 2018; 43:55-63. [PMID: 29035138 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2017.1381972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AIM Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a novel regulator of energy homeostasis in adipose tissue. NNMT expression is higher in obese mice than in lean mice, and NNMT knockdown prevents diet-induced obesity. Little is known about the regulation of enzyme activity during the development of obesity. The aim of this study was to analyze NNMT activity in tissues of mice with incipient and established obesity. METHODS A fluorescence-based, sensitive, low-volume, high-throughput method was developed to assay NNMT activity. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks (incipient obesity) and for 12 weeks (established obesity). Tissues and serum were harvested and analyzed. RESULTS NNMT activity was highest in subcutaneous white fat (55.0 µU/mg), followed by epididymal white fat (35.6 µU/mg), brown adipose tissue (7.8 µU/mg), liver (7.6 µU/mg), and lung (7.3 µU/mg). Little activity was detected in heart, skeletal muscle, and kidney. No activity was found in serum samples. Body weight predicted NNMT activity in white fat, but not in brown fat or any other tissue, and only in incipient obesity. With established obesity, this association was lost. CONCLUSIONS As obesity develops, body weight predicts NNMT activity in white adipose tissue, but not in any other tissue, consistent with a specific role of adipose-tissue NNMT in the regulation of body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Rudolphi
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Benedikt Zapp
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Nils A Kraus
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Franziska Ehebauer
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Bettina J Kraus
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Daniel Kraus
- a Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abteilung für Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
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31
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Ruf S, Hallur MS, Anchan NK, Swamy IN, Murugesan KR, Sarkar S, Narasimhulu LK, Putta VPRK, Shaik S, Chandrasekar DV, Mane VS, Kadnur SV, Suresh J, Bhamidipati RK, Singh M, Burri RR, Kristam R, Schreuder H, Czech J, Rudolph C, Marker A, Langer T, Mullangi R, Yura T, Gosu R, Kannt A, Dhakshinamoorthy S, Rajagopal S. Novel nicotinamide analog as inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:922-925. [PMID: 29433927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) has been linked to obesity and diabetes. We have identified a novel nicotinamide (NA) analog, compound 12 that inhibited NNMT enzymatic activity and reduced the formation of 1-methyl-nicotinamide (MNA), the primary metabolite of NA by ∼80% at 2 h when dosed in mice orally at 50 mg/kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Ruf
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | | | - Nisha K Anchan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | - Indu N Swamy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | | | - Sayantani Sarkar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | | | | | - Shama Shaik
- Department of Discovery Biology, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India; Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | | | - Vishal Subhash Mane
- Department of Discovery Biology, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India; Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | - Sanjay Venkatachalapathi Kadnur
- Department of Discovery Biology, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India; Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | - Juluri Suresh
- Department of Discovery Biology, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India; Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | | | - Manvi Singh
- Department of Computational Chemistry, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | | | - Rajendra Kristam
- Department of Computational Chemistry, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | - Herman Schreuder
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Joerg Czech
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christine Rudolph
- Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alexander Marker
- R&D Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Langer
- Biologics Research, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ramesh Mullangi
- Department of Structural Biology, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | - Takeshi Yura
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | - Ramachandraiah Gosu
- Department of Structural Biology, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | - Aimo Kannt
- R&D Diabetes, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Experimental Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Saravanakumar Dhakshinamoorthy
- Department of Discovery Biology, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India; Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India
| | - Sridharan Rajagopal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Bangalore 560022, India.
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32
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Clinical performance and utility of a NNMT-based urine test for bladder cancer. Int J Biol Markers 2017; 33:94-101. [PMID: 29148015 DOI: 10.5301/ijbm.5000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer (BC) represents the most common neoplasm of the urinary tract. Although cystoscopy and urine cytology represent the gold standard methods to monitor BC, both procedures have limitations. Therefore, the identification of reliable biomarkers for early and noninvasive detection of BC is urgently required. Methods: In this study, we analyzed nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) expression in urine samples from 55 BC patients and 107 controls, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify the best cutoff value to discriminate BC patients from healthy donors, and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a urine-based NNMT test. Results: The results demonstrated that urinary NNMT expression was significantly (p<0.05) higher in BC patients. Moreover, a significant (p<0.05) inverse correlation was found between NNMT expression and histological grade. The ROC analysis revealed that a ΔCq of 13.3 was the best cutoff value, since it was associated with the highest combination of sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) value was 0.913 (p<0.05), indicating the excellent diagnostic accuracy of a urine-based NNMT test. Conclusions: Our data indicate that NNMT is a promising biomarker that could be used to support the early and noninvasive diagnosis of BC.
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Neelakantan H, Wang HY, Vance V, Hommel JD, McHardy SF, Watowich SJ. Structure–Activity Relationship for Small Molecule Inhibitors of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase. J Med Chem 2017; 60:5015-5028. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harshini Neelakantan
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550 United States
| | - Hua-Yu Wang
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249 United States
| | - Virginia Vance
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550 United States
| | - Jonathan D. Hommel
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550 United States
| | - Stanton F. McHardy
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249 United States
| | - Stanley J. Watowich
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550 United States
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Neelakantan H, Vance V, Wang HYL, McHardy SF, Watowich SJ. Noncoupled Fluorescent Assay for Direct Real-Time Monitoring of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase Activity. Biochemistry 2017; 56:824-832. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Harshini Neelakantan
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Virginia Vance
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Hua-Yu Leo Wang
- Center
for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Stanton F. McHardy
- Center
for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Stanley J. Watowich
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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Palanichamy K, Kanji S, Gordon N, Thirumoorthy K, Jacob JR, Litzenberg KT, Patel D, Chakravarti A. NNMT Silencing Activates Tumor Suppressor PP2A, Inactivates Oncogenic STKs, and Inhibits Tumor Forming Ability. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 23:2325-2334. [PMID: 27810903 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To identify potential molecular hubs that regulate oncogenic kinases and target them to improve treatment outcomes for glioblastoma patients.Experimental Design: Data mining of The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets identified nicotinamide-N-methyl transferase (NNMT) as a prognostic marker for glioblastoma, an enzyme linked to the reorganization of the methylome. We tested our hypothesis that NNMT plays a crucial role by modulating protein methylation, leading to inactivation of tumor suppressors and activation of oncogenes. Further experiments were performed to understand the underlying biochemical mechanisms using glioblastoma patient samples, established, primary, and isogenic cells.Results: We demonstrate that NNMT outcompetes leucine carboxyl methyl transferase 1 (LCMT1) for methyl transfer from principal methyl donor SAM in biological systems. Inhibiting NNMT increased the availability of methyl groups for LCMT1 to methylate PP2A, resulting in the inhibition of oncogenic serine/threonine kinases (STK). Further, NNMT inhibition retained the radiosensitizer nicotinamide and enhanced radiation sensitivity. We have provided the biochemical rationale of how NNMT plays a vital role in inhibiting tumor suppressor PP2A while concomitantly activating STKs.Conclusions: We report the intricate novel mechanism in which NNMT inhibits tumor suppressor PP2A by reorganizing the methylome both at epigenome and proteome levels and concomitantly activating prosurvival STKs. In glioblastoma tumors with NNMT expression, activation of PP2A can be accomplished by FDA approved perphenazine (PPZ), which is currently used to treat mood disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. This study forms a foundation for further glioblastoma clinical trials using PPZ with standard of care treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 23(9); 2325-34. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalakannan Palanichamy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Suman Kanji
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Nicolaus Gordon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Krishnan Thirumoorthy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John R Jacob
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kevin T Litzenberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Disha Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Arnab Chakravarti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
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Chauhan A, Semwal DK, Mishra SP, Goyal S, Marathe R, Semwal RB. Combination of mTOR and MAPK Inhibitors-A Potential Way to Treat Renal Cell Carcinoma. Med Sci (Basel) 2016; 4:medsci4040016. [PMID: 29083380 PMCID: PMC5635794 DOI: 10.3390/medsci4040016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common neoplasm that occurs in the kidney and is marked by a unique biology, with a long history of poor response to conventional cancer treatments. In the past few years, there have been significant advancements to understand the biology of RCC. This has led to the introduction of novel targeted therapies in the management of patients with metastatic disease. Patients treated with targeted therapies for RCC had shown positive impact on overall survival, however, no cure is possible and patients need to undergo treatment for long periods of time, which raises challenges to manage the associated adverse events. Moreover, many patients may not respond to it and even response may not last long enough in the responders. Many inhibitors of the Mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway are currently being used in treatment of advanced RCC. Studies showed that inhibitions of mTOR pathways induce Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) escape cell death and cells become resistant to mTOR inhibitors. Because of this, there is a need to inhibit both pathways with their inhibitors comparatively for a better outcome and treatment of patients with RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Chauhan
- Department of Urology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Harrawala, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Deepak Kumar Semwal
- Department of Phytochemistry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Harrawala, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Satyendra Prasad Mishra
- Vice Chancellor, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Harrawala, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Sandeep Goyal
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
| | - Rajendra Marathe
- Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
| | - Ruchi Badoni Semwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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van Haren MJ, Sastre Toraño J, Sartini D, Emanuelli M, Parsons RB, Martin NI. A Rapid and Efficient Assay for the Characterization of Substrates and Inhibitors of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5307-15. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs J. van Haren
- Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Javier Sastre Toraño
- Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department
of Clinical Sciences, Universitá Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department
of Clinical Sciences, Universitá Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Richard B. Parsons
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Nathaniel I. Martin
- Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase catalyses the N-methylation of the endogenous β-carboline norharman: evidence for a novel detoxification pathway. Biochem J 2016; 473:3253-67. [PMID: 27389312 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is responsible for the N-methylation of nicotinamide to 1-methylnicotinamide. Our recent studies have demonstrated that NNMT regulates cellular processes fundamental to the correct functioning and survival of the cell. It has been proposed that NNMT may possess β-carboline (BC) N-methyltransferase activity, endogenously and exogenously produced pyridine-containing compounds which, when N-methylated, are potent inhibitors of Complex I and have been proposed to have a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. We have investigated the ability of recombinant NNMT to N-methylate norharman (NH) to 2-N-methylnorharman (MeNH). In addition, we have investigated the toxicity of the BC NH, its precursor 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronorharman (THNH) and its N-methylated metabolite MeNH, using our in vitro SH-SY5Y NNMT expression model. Recombinant NNMT demonstrated NH 2N-methyltransferase activity, with a Km of 90 ± 20 µM, a kcat of 3 × 10(-4) ± 2 × 10(-5) s(-1) and a specificity constant (kcat/Km) of 3 ± 1 s(-1) M(-1) THNH was the least toxic of all three compounds investigated, whereas NH demonstrated the greatest, with no difference observed in terms of cell viability and cell death between NNMT-expressing and non-expressing cells. In NNMT-expressing cells, MeNH increased cell viability and cellular ATP concentration in a dose-dependent manner after 72 and 120 h incubation, an effect that was not observed after 24 h incubation or in non-NNNT-expressing cells at any time point. Taken together, these results suggest that NNMT may be a detoxification pathway for BCs such as NH.
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Kwon Y, Song J, Lee H, Kim EY, Lee K, Lee SK, Kim S. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of Sulfonamide Analogues of Antofine and Cryptopleurine as Potent and Orally Active Antitumor Agents. J Med Chem 2015; 58:7749-62. [PMID: 26393416 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Due to their profound antiproliferative activity and unique mode of action, phenanthroindolizidine and phenanthroquinolizidine alkaloids, represented by antofine and cryptopleurine, have attracted attention recently as potential therapeutic agents. We have designed, synthesized, and evaluated the methanesulfonamide analogues of these natural alkaloids with the hope of improving their druglikeness. The analogues showed enhanced growth inhibition of human cancer cells compared with the parent natural products. In particular, a methanesulfonamide analogue of cryptopleurine (5b) exhibited improved bioavailability and significant antitumor activity, which suggests that 5b is a promising new anticancer agent. Our studies suggest that the inhibition of cancer cell growth by 5b is associated with the induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest via nicotinamide N-methyltransferase-dependent JNK activation in Caki-1 renal cancer cells. In addition, compound 5b significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of Caki-1 cancer cells by modulating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongseok Kwon
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University , Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Jayoung Song
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University , Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Honggu Lee
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University , Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Eun-Yeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University , Sejong 339-700, Korea
| | - Kiho Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University , Sejong 339-700, Korea
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University , Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Sanghee Kim
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University , Seoul 151-742, Korea
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40
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Giuliante R, Sartini D, Bacchetti T, Rocchetti R, Klöting I, Polidori C, Ferretti G, Emanuelli M. Potential Involvement of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome. Metab Syndr Relat Disord 2015; 13:165-70. [DOI: 10.1089/met.2014.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rachela Giuliante
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bacchetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Environment, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Romina Rocchetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ingrid Klöting
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Medical Faculty, University of Greifswald, Karlsburg, Germany
| | - Carlo Polidori
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Gianna Ferretti
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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41
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Bi HC, Pan YZ, Qiu JX, Krausz KW, Li F, Johnson CH, Jiang CT, Gonzalez FJ, Yu AM. N-methylnicotinamide and nicotinamide N-methyltransferase are associated with microRNA-1291-altered pancreatic carcinoma cell metabolome and suppressed tumorigenesis. Carcinogenesis 2014; 35:2264-72. [PMID: 25115443 PMCID: PMC4178474 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgu174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell metabolome comprises abundant information that may be predictive of cell functions in response to epigenetic or genetic changes at different stages of cell proliferation and metastasis. An unbiased ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics study revealed a significantly altered metabolome for human pancreatic carcinoma PANC-1 cells with gain-of-function non-coding microRNA-1291 (miR-1291), which led to a lower migration and invasion capacity as well as suppressed tumorigenesis in a xenograft tumor mouse model. A number of metabolites, including N-methylnicotinamide, involved in nicotinamide metabolism, and l-carnitine, isobutyryl-carnitine and isovaleryl-carnitine, involved in fatty acid metabolism, were elevated in miR-1291-expressing PANC-1. Notably, N-methylnicotinamide was elevated to the greatest extent, and this was associated with a sharp increase in nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) mRNA level in miR-1291-expressing PANC-1 cells. In addition, expression of NNMT mRNA was inversely correlated with pancreatic tumor size in the xenograft mouse model. These results indicate that miR-1291-altered PANC-1 cell function is associated with the increase in N-methylnicotinamide level and NNMT expression, and in turn NNMT may be indicative of the extent of pancreatic carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chang Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China, Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yu-Zhuo Pan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SUNY-Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA and
| | - Jing-Xin Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Kristopher W Krausz
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fei Li
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Caroline H Johnson
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chang-Tao Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SUNY-Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA and
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Xie X, Yu H, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Li G, Ruan Z, Li F, Wang X, Liu H, Zhang J. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase enhances the capacity of tumorigenesis associated with the promotion of cell cycle progression in human colorectal cancer cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 2014; 564:52-66. [PMID: 25201588 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2014.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme involved in the biotransformation and detoxification of many drugs and xenobiotic compounds, has been found to be overexpressed in several malignancies, including colorectal cancer. However, the biological function of NNMT and the related mechanisms in colorectal cancer have not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of NNMT on tumorigenesis by overexpressing NNMT in the human colorectal cancer cells line SW480 which lacks constitutive NNMT expression, and downregulating NNMT expression in HT-29 cells, which exhibit high endogenous expression of NNMT. We found that NNMT significantly accelerates cell proliferation, enhances colony formation in vitro and tumorigenicity in mice; it also inhibits apoptosis, promotes cell cycle progression, increases ATP and 1-methylnicotinamide level and decreases ROS level. We also showed that 1-methylnicotinamide accelerates cell growth, inhibits apoptosis, promotes cell cycle progression, attenuates ROS production and increases ATP level. Our results indicate that NNMT enhances the capacity of tumorigenesis associated with the inhibition of cell apoptosis and the promotion of cell cycle progression in human colorectal cancer cells and the 1-methylnicotinamide increased by NNMT mediates the cellular effects of NNMT in cells. NNMT may play a vital role in energy balance and ROS induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyou Xie
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Haitao Yu
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Yanzhong Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Yanwen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Guiling Li
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Zhi Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Fengying Li
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Xiuhong Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Huixing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China.
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43
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Li G, Yu H, Xie X. Down-regulation of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells via the mitochondria-mediated pathway. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89202. [PMID: 24558488 PMCID: PMC3928407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) has been found involved in cell proliferation of several malignancies. However, the functional role of NNMT in breast cancer has not been elucidated. In the present study, we showed that NNMT was selectively expressed in some breast cancer cell lines, down-regulation of NNMT expression in Bcap-37 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines by NNMT shRNA significantly inhibited cell growth in vitro, decreased tumorigenicity in mice and induced apoptosis. The silencing reciprocal effect of NNMT was confirmed by over-expressing NNMT in the MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell lines which lack constitutive expression of NNMT. In addition, down-regulation of NNMT expression resulted in reducing expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, up-regulation of Bax, Puma, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP, increasing reactive oxygen species production and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and decreasing the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. These data suggest that down-regulation of NNMT induces apoptosis via the mitochondria-mediated pathway in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir RunRun Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanzhong Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir RunRun Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guiling Li
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir RunRun Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Yu
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir RunRun Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyou Xie
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir RunRun Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Jamal K, Patel P, Sooriakumaran P. Minimally invasive surgical modalities in the management of localized prostate cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 8:957-66. [DOI: 10.1586/14737140.8.6.957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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45
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Sartini D, Muzzonigro G, Milanese G, Pozzi V, Vici A, Morganti S, Rossi V, Mazzucchelli R, Montironi R, Emanuelli M. Upregulation of tissue and urinary nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in bladder cancer: potential for the development of a urine-based diagnostic test. Cell Biochem Biophys 2013; 65:473-83. [PMID: 23097023 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-012-9451-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Carcinoma of the bladder is one of the most common urologic malignancies occurring worldwide. Diagnosis and monitoring of bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) are based on cystoscopy and urinary cytology. However, these diagnostic methods still have some limitations, mainly related to invasive nature and lack of sensitivity. New reliable and non-invasive biomarkers for bladder cancer detection are therefore required. To explore the involvement of enzymes of drug metabolism in bladder cancer, in the present study, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of tumor and normal looking tissues obtained from the same patient by cDNA macroarray. The enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) was identified as a highly expressed gene in bladder cancer. RT-PCR, Real-Time PCR, Western blot analysis, and catalytic activity assay, performed on a large cohort of patients with bladder UC, confirmed NNMT upregulation. NNMT mRNA and protein levels were also determined in urine specimens obtained from patients with bladder UC and healthy subjects. We found that NNMT expression levels were significantly higher in patients with bladder tumor compared to controls that showed very low or undetectable amounts of NNMT transcript and protein. Our results indicate that a marked NNMT increase is a peculiar feature of bladder UC and suggest the potential suitability of urine NNMT expression levels determination for early and non-invasive diagnosis of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Sartini
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60131, Ancona, Italy
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46
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Sazci A, Ozel MD, Ergul E, Aygun C. Association of nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase gene rs694539 variant with patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2013; 17:849-53. [PMID: 23964925 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2013.0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of abnormal hepatic steatosis in the absence of a history of alcohol use and with a prevalence of 15%-45% in developed nations. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced stage of NAFLD with a pronounced major inflammatory component. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase (NNMT) gene rs694539 variant in the development of NASH. Therefore, we analyzed 80 NASH patients and 183 healthy controls using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method developed in our laboratory. The NNMT rs694539 variant was found to be significantly associated with NASH (χ(2)=9.349, p=0.009). The individuals with the GG genotype had protection against NASH (χ(2)=3.793, p=0.051, odds ratio [OR]=0.580, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.334-1.006), whereas the individuals with the AA genotype showed statistically significant increased risk for NASH (χ(2)=7.748, p=0.005, OR=7.338, 95% CI=1.448-37.190). Moreover, the G allele was protective against NASH (χ(2)=7.748, p=0.005, OR=0.136, and 95% CI=0.027-0.691). On the other hand, the A allele was a risk factor for NASH (χ(2)=3.793, p=0.051, OR=1.725, and 95% CI=0.994-2.996). Consequently, the rs694539 variant of NNMT gene is a genetic risk factor for developing NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sazci
- 1 Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kocaeli , Kocaeli, Turkey
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RNA-mediated gene silencing of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase is associated with decreased tumorigenicity in human oral carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71272. [PMID: 23990942 PMCID: PMC3749215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer. Despite progress in the treatment of OSCC, overall survival has not improved substantially in the last three decades. Therefore, identification of reliable biomarkers becomes essential to develop effective anti-cancer therapy. In this study, we focused on the enzyme Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which plays a fundamental role in the biotransformation of many xenobiotics. Although several tumors have been associated with abnormal NNMT expression, its role in cancer cell metabolism remains largely unknown. In this report, 7 human oral cancer cell lines were examined for NNMT expression by Real-Time PCR, Western blot and HPLC-based catalytic assay. Subsequently, we evaluated the in vitro effect of shRNA-mediated silencing of NNMT on cell proliferation. In vivo tumorigenicity of oral cancer cells with stable knockdown of NNMT was assayed by using xenograft models. High expression levels of NNMT were found in PE/CA PJ-15 cells, in keeping with the results of Western blot and catalytic activity assay. PE/CA PJ-15 cell line was stably transfected with shRNA plasmids against NNMT and analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and soft agar Assays. Transfected and control cells were injected into athymic mice in order to evaluate the effect of NNMT silencing on tumor growth. NNMT downregulation resulted in decreased cell proliferation and colony formation ability on soft agar. In athymic mice, NNMT silencing induced a marked reduction in tumour volume. Our results show that the downregulation of NNMT expression in human oral carcinoma cells significantly inhibits cell growth in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. All these experimental data seem to suggest that NNMT plays a critical role in the proliferation and tumorigenic capacity of oral cancer cells, and its inhibition could represent a potential molecular approach to the treatment of oral carcinoma.
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Win KT, Lee SW, Huang HY, Lin LC, Lin CY, Hsing CH, Chen LT, Li CF. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase overexpression is associated with Akt phosphorylation and indicates worse prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2013; 34:3923-31. [PMID: 23838801 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-0980-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is overexpressed in many human cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Akt (also known as protein kinase B) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase, serving as a downstream effector of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway. NNMT was first identified as a differentially upregulated gene in nasopharyngeal cancer tissues through data mining from published transcriptomic databases. Since no prior study has attempted to evaluate the clinical significance of NNMT or phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) expression in nasopharyngeal cancer, this study explores their expression in a large cohort of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer. The study included 124 nasopharyngeal cancer patients who were free of distant metastasis at initial diagnosis. Pathological slides were reviewed and clinical findings collected. We evaluated the expression of NNMT and pAkt immunohistochemically, stratified them into two groups (high and low expression) and examined the correlation with disease-specific survival (DSS), metastasis-free survival (MeFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and various clinicopathological factors. NNMT expression was significantly positively associated with pAkt expression. The high expression of both markers was significantly associated with an increment of tumor stage (p = 0.006 and p = 0.006, respectively). High expression of NNMT correlated significantly with a more aggressive clinical course and a significantly shorter DSS. Furthermore, NNMT expression and pAkt expression were strongly predictive of MeFS (p = 0.008; p = 0.0063) and LRFS (p = 0.005; p = 0.0125). In multivariate analysis, high expression of NNMT remained as a robust prognosticator for both end points evaluated. It independently portended inferior DSS (p = 0.02, HR = 1.976) and worse MeFS (p = 0.029, HR = 2.022) after tumor stage (p = 0.033, HR = 2.150; p = 0.028, HR = 2.942, for DSS and LRFS, respectively). We found NNMT positively correlated with pAkt expression and was independent adverse prognosticators of patient survival. NNMT therefore has potential utility as an indicator for prognosis, predicting treatment response to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and even as a therapeutic target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khin Than Win
- Department of Pathology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, 901 Chunghwa Road, Yung Kang Dist., Tainan County, 710, Taiwan
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Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Promising Results for Targeted Anti-cancer Therapy. Cell Biochem Biophys 2013; 67:865-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s12013-013-9574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Full-Length Enrich c-DNA Libraries-Clear Cell-Renal Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:680796. [PMID: 22545051 PMCID: PMC3321460 DOI: 10.1155/2012/680796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common subtype of RCC, is characterized by high metastasis potential and strong resistance to traditional therapies, resulting in a poor five-year survival rate of patients. Several therapies targeted to VEGF pathway for advanced RCC have been developed, however, it still needs to discover new therapeutic targets for treating RCC. Genome-wide gene expression analyses have been broadly used to identify unknown molecular mechanisms of cancer progression. Recently, we applied the oligo-capping method to construct the full-length cDNA libraries of ccRCC and adjacent normal kidney, and analyzed the gene expression profiles by high-throughput sequencing. This paper presents a review for recent findings on therapeutic potential of MYC pathway and nicotinamide N-methyltransferase for the treatment of RCC.
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