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Gupta PK, Orlovskiy S, Arias-Mendoza F, Nelson DS, Nath K. 1H and 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Metabolomic Imaging: Assessing Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibition in Melanoma. Cells 2024; 13:1220. [PMID: 39056801 PMCID: PMC11274771 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The MAPK signaling pathway with BRAF mutations has been shown to drive the pathogenesis of 40-60% of melanomas. Inhibitors of this pathway's BRAF and MEK components are currently used to treat these malignancies. However, responses to these treatments are not always successful. Therefore, identifying noninvasive biomarkers to predict treatment responses is essential for personalized medicine in melanoma. Using noninvasive 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS), we previously showed that BRAF inhibition reduces lactate and alanine tumor levels in the early stages of effective therapy and could be considered as metabolic imaging biomarkers for drug response. The present work demonstrates that these metabolic changes observed by 1H MRS and those assessed by 31P MRS are also found in preclinical human melanoma models treated with MEK inhibitors. Apart from 1H and 31P MRS, additional supporting in vitro biochemical analyses are described. Our results indicate significant early metabolic correlations with response levels to MEK inhibition in the melanoma models and are consistent with our previous study of BRAF inhibition. Given these results, our study supports the potential clinical utility of noninvasive MRS to objectively image metabolic biomarkers for the early prediction of melanoma's response to MEK inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar Gupta
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.O.); (F.A.-M.); (D.S.N.)
| | - Stepan Orlovskiy
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.O.); (F.A.-M.); (D.S.N.)
| | - Fernando Arias-Mendoza
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.O.); (F.A.-M.); (D.S.N.)
- Advanced Imaging Research, Inc., Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
| | - David S. Nelson
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.O.); (F.A.-M.); (D.S.N.)
| | - Kavindra Nath
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.O.); (F.A.-M.); (D.S.N.)
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2
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Park BS, Jeon H, Kim Y, Kwon H, Choi GE, Chi SG, Park HM, Lee H, Kim T. Polyamine and EIF5A hypusination downstream of c-Myc confers targeted therapy resistance in BRAF mutant melanoma. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:136. [PMID: 38965534 PMCID: PMC11223307 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02031-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRAF inhibitors are widely employed in the treatment of melanoma with the BRAF V600E mutation. However, the development of resistance compromises their therapeutic efficacy. Diverse genomic and transcriptomic alterations are found in BRAF inhibitor resistant melanoma, posing a pressing need for convergent, druggable target that reverse therapy resistant tumor with different resistance mechanisms. METHODS CRISPR-Cas9 screens were performed to identify novel target gene whose inhibition selectively targets A375VR, a BRAF V600E mutant cell line with acquired resistance to vemurafenib. Various in vitro and in vivo assays, including cell competition assay, water soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay, live-dead assay and xenograft assay were performed to confirm synergistic cell death. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analyses quantified polyamine biosynthesis and changes in proteome in vemurafenib resistant melanoma. EIF5A hypusination dependent protein translation and subsequent changes in mitochondrial biogenesis and activity were assayed by O-propargyl-puromycin labeling assay, mitotracker, mitoSOX labeling and seahorse assay. Bioinformatics analyses were used to identify the association of polyamine biosynthesis with BRAF inhibitor resistance and poor prognosis in melanoma patient cohorts. RESULTS We elucidate the role of polyamine biosynthesis and its regulatory mechanisms in promoting BRAF inhibitor resistance. Leveraging CRISPR-Cas9 screens, we identify AMD1 (S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase 1), a critical enzyme for polyamine biosynthesis, as a druggable target whose inhibition reduces vemurafenib resistance. Metabolomic and proteomic analyses reveal that polyamine biosynthesis is upregulated in vemurafenib-resistant cancer, resulting in enhanced EIF5A hypusination, translation of mitochondrial proteins and oxidative phosphorylation. We also identify that sustained c-Myc levels in vemurafenib-resistant cancer are responsible for elevated polyamine biosynthesis. Inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis or c-Myc reversed vemurafenib resistance both in vitro cell line models and in vivo in a xenograft model. Polyamine biosynthesis signature is associated with poor prognosis and shorter progression free survival after BRAF/MAPK inhibitor treatment in melanoma cohorts, highlighting the clinical relevance of our findings. CONCLUSIONS Our findings delineate the molecular mechanisms involving polyamine-EIF5A hypusination-mitochondrial respiration pathway conferring BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma. These targets will serve as effective therapeutic targets that can maximize the therapeutic efficacy of existing BRAF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Sun Park
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro-14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 AnamRo, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Heeju Jeon
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro-14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 AnamRo, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonseo Kim
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro- 14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Haejin Kwon
- Advanced Analysis and Data Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro-14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Eun Choi
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro-14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Gil Chi
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 AnamRo, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Mee Park
- Advanced Analysis and Data Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro-14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunbeom Lee
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro- 14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Tackhoon Kim
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Hwarangro-14-Gil, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, 145 AnamRo, SeongbukGu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217 GajeongRo YuseongGu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Loftus AW, Zarei M, Kakish H, Hajihassani O, Hue JJ, Boutros C, Graor HJ, Nakazzi F, Bahlibi T, Winter JM, Rothermel LD. Therapeutic implications of the metabolic changes associated with BRAF inhibition in melanoma. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102795. [PMID: 38972133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma metabolism can be reprogrammed by activating BRAF mutations. These mutations are present in up to 50% of cutaneous melanomas, with the most common being V600E. BRAF mutations augment glycolysis to promote macromolecular synthesis and proliferation. Prior to the development of targeted anti-BRAF therapies, these mutations were associated with accelerated clinical disease in the metastatic setting. Combination BRAF and MEK inhibition is a first line treatment option for locally advanced or metastatic melanoma harboring targetable BRAF mutations. This therapy shows excellent response rates but these responses are not durable, with almost all patients developing resistance. When BRAF mutated melanoma cells are inhibited with targeted therapies the metabolism of those cells also changes. These cells rely less on glycolysis for energy production, and instead shift to a mitochondrial phenotype with upregulated TCA cycle activity and oxidative phosphorylation. An increased dependence on glutamine utilization is exhibited to support TCA cycle substrates in this metabolic rewiring of BRAF mutated melanoma. Herein we describe the relevant core metabolic pathways modulated by BRAF inhibition. These adaptive pathways represent vulnerabilities that could be targeted to overcome resistance to BRAF inhibitors. This review evaluates current and future therapeutic strategies that target metabolic reprogramming in melanoma cells, particularly in response to BRAF inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Loftus
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Mehrdad Zarei
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hanna Kakish
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Omid Hajihassani
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan J Hue
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Christina Boutros
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Hallie J Graor
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Faith Nakazzi
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tsegaw Bahlibi
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jordan M Winter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Luke D Rothermel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Aubé F, Fontrodona N, Guiguettaz L, Vallin E, Fabbri L, Lapendry A, Vagner S, Ricci EP, Auboeuf D. Metabolism-dependent secondary effect of anti-MAPK cancer therapy on DNA repair. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae019. [PMID: 38690580 PMCID: PMC11059277 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Amino acid bioavailability impacts mRNA translation in a codon-dependent manner. Here, we report that the anti-cancer MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) decrease the intracellular concentration of aspartate and glutamate in melanoma cells. This coincides with the accumulation of ribosomes on codons corresponding to these amino acids and triggers the translation-dependent degradation of mRNAs encoding aspartate- and glutamate-rich proteins, involved in DNA metabolism such as DNA replication and repair. Consequently, cells that survive MAPKi degrade aspartate and glutamate likely to generate energy, which simultaneously decreases their requirement for amino acids due to the downregulation of aspartate- and glutamate-rich proteins involved in cell proliferation. Concomitantly, the downregulation of aspartate- and glutamate-rich proteins involved in DNA repair increases DNA damage loads. Thus, DNA repair defects, and therefore mutations, are at least in part a secondary effect of the metabolic adaptation of cells exposed to MAPKi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Aubé
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allée d’Italie F-69364 Lyon, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, LBMC, ENS, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Fontrodona
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allée d’Italie F-69364 Lyon, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, LBMC, ENS, Lyon, France
| | - Laura Guiguettaz
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allée d’Italie F-69364 Lyon, France
| | - Elodie Vallin
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allée d’Italie F-69364 Lyon, France
| | - Lucilla Fabbri
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, INSERM U1278, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3348, INSERM U1278, Orsay, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Orsay, France
| | - Audrey Lapendry
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allée d’Italie F-69364 Lyon, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, LBMC, ENS, Lyon, France
| | - Stephan Vagner
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, INSERM U1278, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3348, INSERM U1278, Orsay, France
- Equipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Orsay, France
| | - Emiliano P Ricci
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allée d’Italie F-69364 Lyon, France
| | - Didier Auboeuf
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allée d’Italie F-69364 Lyon, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, LBMC, ENS, Lyon, France
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5
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Ju SH, Song M, Lim JY, Kang YE, Yi HS, Shong M. Metabolic Reprogramming in Thyroid Cancer. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2024; 39:425-444. [PMID: 38853437 PMCID: PMC11220218 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2023.1802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine malignancy with increasing incidence globally. Although most cases can be treated effectively, some cases are more aggressive and have a higher risk of mortality. Inhibiting RET and BRAF kinases has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of thyroid cancer, particularly in cases of advanced or aggressive disease. However, the development of resistance mechanisms may limit the efficacy of these kinase inhibitors. Therefore, developing precise strategies to target thyroid cancer cell metabolism and overcome resistance is a critical area of research for advancing thyroid cancer treatment. In the field of cancer therapeutics, researchers have explored combinatorial strategies involving dual metabolic inhibition and metabolic inhibitors in combination with targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to overcome the challenge of metabolic plasticity. This review highlights the need for new therapeutic approaches for thyroid cancer and discusses promising metabolic inhibitors targeting thyroid cancer. It also discusses the challenges posed by metabolic plasticity in the development of effective strategies for targeting cancer cell metabolism and explores the potential advantages of combined metabolic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hyeon Ju
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Minchul Song
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joung Youl Lim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yea Eun Kang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyon-Seung Yi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Minho Shong
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
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6
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Cherfan C, Chebly A, Rezvani HR, Beylot-Barry M, Chevret E. Delving into the Metabolism of Sézary Cells: A Brief Review. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:635. [PMID: 38790264 PMCID: PMC11121102 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders caused by the accumulation of neoplastic T or B lymphocytes in the skin. Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive and rare form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) characterized by an erythroderma and the presence of atypical cerebriform T cells named Sézary cells in skin and blood. Most of the available treatments for SS are not curative, which means there is an urgent need for the development of novel efficient therapies. Recently, targeting cancer metabolism has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. This is due to the accumulating evidence that metabolic reprogramming highly contributes to tumor progression. Genes play a pivotal role in regulating metabolic processes, and alterations in these genes can disrupt the delicate balance of metabolic pathways, potentially contributing to cancer development. In this review, we discuss the importance of targeting energy metabolism in tumors and the currently available data on the metabolism of Sézary cells, paving the way for potential new therapeutic approaches aiming to improve clinical outcomes for patients suffering from SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carel Cherfan
- BRIC, BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, UMR 1312, Inserm, Université de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France; (C.C.); (H.R.R.); (M.B.-B.)
| | - Alain Chebly
- Center Jacques Loiselet for Medical Genetics and Genomics (CGGM), Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut P.O. Box 17-5208, Lebanon;
| | - Hamid Reza Rezvani
- BRIC, BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, UMR 1312, Inserm, Université de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France; (C.C.); (H.R.R.); (M.B.-B.)
| | - Marie Beylot-Barry
- BRIC, BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, UMR 1312, Inserm, Université de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France; (C.C.); (H.R.R.); (M.B.-B.)
- Dermatology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, 33075 Bordeaux, France
| | - Edith Chevret
- BRIC, BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, UMR 1312, Inserm, Université de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France; (C.C.); (H.R.R.); (M.B.-B.)
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7
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Ponzone L, Audrito V, Landi C, Moiso E, Levra Levron C, Ferrua S, Savino A, Vitale N, Gasparrini M, Avalle L, Vantaggiato L, Shaba E, Tassone B, Saoncella S, Orso F, Viavattene D, Marina E, Fiorilla I, Burrone G, Abili Y, Altruda F, Bini L, Deaglio S, Defilippi P, Menga A, Poli V, Porporato PE, Provero P, Raffaelli N, Riganti C, Taverna D, Cavallo F, Calautti E. RICTOR/mTORC2 downregulation in BRAF V600E melanoma cells promotes resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibition. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:105. [PMID: 38755661 PMCID: PMC11097536 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main drawback of BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAF/MEKi)-based targeted therapy in the management of BRAF-mutated cutaneous metastatic melanoma (MM) is the development of therapeutic resistance. We aimed to assess in this context the role of mTORC2, a signaling complex defined by the presence of the essential RICTOR subunit, regarded as an oncogenic driver in several tumor types, including MM. METHODS After analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas MM patients' database to explore both overall survival and molecular signatures as a function of intra-tumor RICTOR levels, we investigated the effects of RICTOR downregulation in BRAFV600E MM cell lines on their response to BRAF/MEKi. We performed proteomic screening to identify proteins modulated by changes in RICTOR expression, and Seahorse analysis to evaluate the effects of RICTOR depletion on mitochondrial respiration. The combination of BRAFi with drugs targeting proteins and processes emerged in the proteomic screening was carried out on RICTOR-deficient cells in vitro and in a xenograft setting in vivo. RESULTS Low RICTOR levels in BRAF-mutated MM correlate with a worse clinical outcome. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of low-RICTOR tumors display gene signatures suggestive of activation of the mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain (ETC) energy production. RICTOR-deficient BRAFV600E cells are intrinsically tolerant to BRAF/MEKi and anticipate the onset of resistance to BRAFi upon prolonged drug exposure. Moreover, in drug-naïve cells we observed a decline in RICTOR expression shortly after BRAFi exposure. In RICTOR-depleted cells, both mitochondrial respiration and expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) are enhanced, and their pharmacological inhibition restores sensitivity to BRAFi. CONCLUSIONS Our work unveils an unforeseen tumor-suppressing role for mTORC2 in the early adaptation phase of BRAFV600E melanoma cells to targeted therapy and identifies the NAMPT-ETC axis as a potential therapeutic vulnerability of low RICTOR tumors. Importantly, our findings indicate that the evaluation of intra-tumor RICTOR levels has a prognostic value in metastatic melanoma and may help to guide therapeutic strategies in a personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ponzone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Valentina Audrito
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Claudia Landi
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Enrico Moiso
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Chiara Levra Levron
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrua
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Aurora Savino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Gasparrini
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Enxhi Shaba
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Beatrice Tassone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Personal Care, dsm-firmenich, Kaiseraugst, 4303, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Saoncella
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Francesca Orso
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Daniele Viavattene
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marina
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Irene Fiorilla
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Giulia Burrone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Youssef Abili
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- GenomeUp, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Alessio Menga
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Valeria Poli
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Paolo Ettore Porporato
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Paolo Provero
- Neuroscience Department "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Nadia Raffaelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Daniela Taverna
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Enzo Calautti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy.
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8
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Wang B, Pei J, Xu S, Liu J, Yu J. A glutamine tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells: recent advances in unraveling the ongoing battle. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:74. [PMID: 38459595 PMCID: PMC10921613 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine metabolism plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, immune cell function, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism has been implicated in cancer development and immune responses, supported by mounting evidence. Cancer cells heavily rely on glutamine as a critical nutrient for survival and proliferation, while immune cells require glutamine for activation and proliferation during immune reactions. This metabolic competition creates a dynamic tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells. Targeting glutamine transporters and downstream enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism holds significant promise in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic approaches that improve anti-tumor immunity and patient outcomes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in unraveling the tug-of-war of glutamine metabolism between cancer and immune cells and explore potential applications of basic science discoveries in the clinical setting. Further investigations into the regulation of glutamine metabolism in cancer and immune cells are expected to yield valuable insights, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinli Pei
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengnan Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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9
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Farah C, Mignion L, Jordan BF. Metabolic Profiling to Assess Response to Targeted and Immune Therapy in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1725. [PMID: 38339003 PMCID: PMC10855758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031725] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There is currently no consensus to determine which advanced melanoma patients will benefit from targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of both, highlighting the critical need to identify early-response biomarkers to advanced melanoma therapy. The goal of this review is to provide scientific rationale to highlight the potential role of metabolic imaging to assess response to targeted and/or immune therapy in melanoma cancer. For that purpose, a brief overview of current melanoma treatments is provided. Then, current knowledge with respect to melanoma metabolism is described with an emphasis on major crosstalks between melanoma cell metabolism and signaling pathways involved in BRAF-targeted therapy as well as in immune checkpoint inhibition therapies. Finally, preclinical and clinical studies using metabolic imaging and/or profiling to assess response to melanoma treatment are summarized with a particular focus on PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging and 13C-MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantale Farah
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Lionel Mignion
- Nuclear and Electron Spin Technologies (NEST) Platform, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Bénédicte F. Jordan
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- Nuclear and Electron Spin Technologies (NEST) Platform, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium;
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10
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Hussan A, Moyo B, Amenuvor G, Meyer D, Sitole L. Investigating the antitumor effects of a novel ruthenium (II) complex on malignant melanoma cells: An NMR-based metabolomic approach. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 686:149169. [PMID: 37922571 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Metals have been used for many years in medicine, particularly for the treatment of cancer. Cisplatin is one of the most used drugs in the treatment of cancer. Although platinum-containing therapeutics have unparalleled efficacy in cancer treatment, they are coupled with adverse effects and the development of tumour resistance. This has led to the exploration of other metal-based modalities including ruthenium-based compounds. Thus, in our previous study, we synthesized and characterized a novel ruthenium (II) complex (referred to herein as GA113) containing a bis-amino-phosphine ligand. The complex was subsequently screened for its anti-cancerous potential against a human malignant melanoma A375 cell line and findings revealed favourable cytotoxicity. In the current study, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based cellular metabolomics approach was applied to probe the possible mechanism of GA113 in A375 cells. In addition, other biological assays including light microscopy, Hoechst-33258 and MitoTracker Orange CM-H2TMRos stain were used to assess cellular viability and apoptosis in GA113-treated cells. Consequently, multivariate statistical data analysis was applied to the metabolomic data to identify potential biomarkers. Six signatory metabolites were altered after treatment. Changes in these metabolites were linked to two metabolic pathways, which include the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolic pathway as well as the glycine, serine, and threonine pathway. By means of an NMR-based metabolomic approach, we identified the potential mechanism of action of complex GA113 in A375 cancer cells thus providing new insights into the metabolic pathways affected by complex GA113 and establishing a foundation for further development, research, and eventual application in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Hussan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa
| | - Brenden Moyo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa
| | - Gershon Amenuvor
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Computational Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Debra Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa
| | - Lungile Sitole
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa.
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11
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Chai K, Wang C, Zhou J, Mu W, Gao M, Fan Z, Lv G. Quenching thirst with poison? Paradoxical effect of anticancer drugs. Pharmacol Res 2023; 198:106987. [PMID: 37949332 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer drugs have been developed with expectations to provide long-term or at least short-term survival benefits for patients with cancer. Unfortunately, drug therapy tends to provoke malignant biological and clinical behaviours of cancer cells relating not only to the evolution of resistance to specific drugs but also to the enhancement of their proliferation and metastasis abilities. Thus, drug therapy is suspected to impair long-term survival in treated patients under certain circumstances. The paradoxical therapeutic effects could be described as 'quenching thirst with poison', where temporary relief is sought regardless of the consequences. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which tumours react on drug-induced stress to maintain viability is crucial to develop rational targeting approaches which may optimize survival in patients with cancer. In this review, we describe the paradoxical adverse effects of anticancer drugs, in particular how cancer cells complete resistance evolution, enhance proliferation, escape from immune surveillance and metastasize efficiently when encountered with drug therapy. We also describe an integrative therapeutic framework that may diminish such paradoxical effects, consisting of four main strategies: (1) targeting endogenous stress response pathways, (2) targeting new identities of cancer cells, (3) adaptive therapy- exploiting subclonal competition of cancer cells, and (4) targeting tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Chai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chuanlei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianpeng Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wentao Mu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Menghan Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhongqi Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Guoyue Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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12
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Lee YJ, Choi YS, Kim S, Heo JY, Kim DS, Kim KD, Nam SM, Nam HS, Lee SH, Choi D, Cho MK. Overexpression of Dock180 and Elmo1 in Melanoma is Associated with Cell Survival and Migration. Ann Dermatol 2023; 35:439-450. [PMID: 38086358 PMCID: PMC10733078 DOI: 10.5021/ad.23.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and metastatic skin cancers. Although overexpression of Dock180 and Elmo1 has been identified in various cancers, including glioma, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer, their expression and functions in melanoma remain unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to confirm the expression of Dock180 and Elmo1, their underlying mechanisms, and roles in melanoma. METHODS Both immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting were used to confirm expression of Dock180 and Elmo1 in human melanoma. To identify roles of Dock180 and Elmo1 in cell survival, apoptosis and migration, downregulation of Dock180 or Elmo1 in melanoma cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA) was performed. RESULTS We identified overexpression of Dock180 and Elmo1 in human melanoma compared to normal skin ex vivo. Inhibition of Dock180 or Elmo1 following siRNA in melanoma cells reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis as supported by increased proportion of cells with Annexin V-PE (+) staining and sub-G0/G1 peak in cell cycle analysis. Moreover, inhibition of Dock180 or Elmo1 regulated apoptosis-related proteins, showing downregulation of Bcl-2, caspase-3, and PARP and upregulation of Bax, PUMA, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP. Furthermore, knockdown of Dock180 and Elmo1 in melanoma cells reduced cell migration and changed cellular signaling pathways including ERK and AKT. Vemurafenib decreased cell viability in concentration-dependent manner, while transfection with Dock180- or Elmo1-specific siRNA in melanoma cells significantly reduced cell viability. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that both Dock180 and Elmo1 may be associated with cancer progression, and can be potential targets for treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Yu Sung Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sooyoung Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Young Heo
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Dam Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Min Nam
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Hae Seon Nam
- Division of Molecular Cancer Research, Soonchunhyang Medical Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Sang Han Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Dongsic Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Moon Kyun Cho
- Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
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13
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Polónia B, Xavier CPR, Kopecka J, Riganti C, Vasconcelos MH. The role of Extracellular Vesicles in glycolytic and lipid metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells: Consequences for drug resistance. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 73:150-162. [PMID: 37225643 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In order to adapt to a higher proliferative rate and an increased demand for energy sources, cancer cells rewire their metabolic pathways, a process currently recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Even though the metabolism of glucose is perhaps the most discussed metabolic shift in cancer, lipid metabolic alterations have been recently recognized as relevant players in the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Importantly, some of these metabolic alterations are reported to induce a drug resistant phenotype in cancer cells. The acquisition of drug resistance traits severely hinders cancer treatment, being currently considered one of the major challenges of the oncological field. Evidence suggests that Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), which play a crucial role in intercellular communication, may act as facilitators of tumour progression, survival and drug resistance by modulating several aspects involved in the metabolism of cancer cells. This review aims to gather and discuss relevant data regarding metabolic reprograming in cancer, particularly involving the glycolytic and lipid alterations, focusing on its influence on drug resistance and highlighting the relevance of EVs as intercellular mediators of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Polónia
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Portugal, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Portugal, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center for Molecular Biotechnology "G. Tarone", University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Portugal, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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14
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Pendleton KE, Wang K, Echeverria GV. Rewiring of mitochondrial metabolism in therapy-resistant cancers: permanent and plastic adaptations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1254313. [PMID: 37779896 PMCID: PMC10534013 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1254313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of tumor cell metabolism is widely recognized as a "hallmark of cancer." Many of the selective pressures encountered by tumor cells, such as exposure to anticancer therapies, navigation of the metastatic cascade, and communication with the tumor microenvironment, can elicit further rewiring of tumor cell metabolism. Furthermore, phenotypic plasticity has been recently appreciated as an emerging "hallmark of cancer." Mitochondria are dynamic organelles and central hubs of metabolism whose roles in cancers have been a major focus of numerous studies. Importantly, therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondria are being developed. Interestingly, both plastic (i.e., reversible) and permanent (i.e., stable) metabolic adaptations have been observed following exposure to anticancer therapeutics. Understanding the plastic or permanent nature of these mechanisms is of crucial importance for devising the initiation, duration, and sequential nature of metabolism-targeting therapies. In this review, we compare permanent and plastic mitochondrial mechanisms driving therapy resistance. We also discuss experimental models of therapy-induced metabolic adaptation, therapeutic implications for targeting permanent and plastic metabolic states, and clinical implications of metabolic adaptations. While the plasticity of metabolic adaptations can make effective therapeutic treatment challenging, understanding the mechanisms behind these plastic phenotypes may lead to promising clinical interventions that will ultimately lead to better overall care for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Pendleton
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Karen Wang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gloria V. Echeverria
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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15
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Redondo-Muñoz M, Rodriguez-Baena FJ, Aldaz P, Caballé-Mestres A, Moncho-Amor V, Otaegi-Ugartemendia M, Carrasco-Garcia E, Olias-Arjona A, Lasheras-Otero I, Santamaria E, Bocanegra A, Chocarro L, Grier A, Dzieciatkowska M M, Bigas C, Martin J, Urdiroz-Urricelqui U, Marzo F, Santamaria E, Kochan G, Escors D, Larrayoz IM, Heyn H, D'Alessandro A, Attolini CSO, Matheu A, Wellbrock C, Benitah SA, Sanchez-Laorden B, Arozarena I. Metabolic rewiring induced by ranolazine improves melanoma responses to targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1544-1562. [PMID: 37563469 PMCID: PMC10513932 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00861-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Resistance of melanoma to targeted therapy and immunotherapy is linked to metabolic rewiring. Here, we show that increased fatty acid oxidation (FAO) during prolonged BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment contributes to acquired therapy resistance in mice. Targeting FAO using the US Food and Drug Administration-approved and European Medicines Agency-approved anti-anginal drug ranolazine (RANO) delays tumour recurrence with acquired BRAFi resistance. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis reveals that RANO diminishes the abundance of the therapy-resistant NGFRhi neural crest stem cell subpopulation. Moreover, by rewiring the methionine salvage pathway, RANO enhances melanoma immunogenicity through increased antigen presentation and interferon signalling. Combination of RANO with anti-PD-L1 antibodies strongly improves survival by increasing antitumour immune responses. Altogether, we show that RANO increases the efficacy of targeted melanoma therapy through its effects on FAO and the methionine salvage pathway. Importantly, our study suggests that RANO could sensitize BRAFi-resistant tumours to immunotherapy. Since RANO has very mild side-effects, it might constitute a therapeutic option to improve the two main strategies currently used to treat metastatic melanoma.
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Grants
- P30 CA046934 NCI NIH HHS
- Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Institute of Health Carlos III)
- Departamento de Salud del Gobierno de Navarra, Spain (Grant Ref. No: GºNa 71/17)
- Marta Redondo-Muñoz is funded by a PhD studentship from the Department of Industry of the Government of Navarra, Spain. MRM acknowledges funding from the Grupo Español Multidisciplinar de Melanoma
- The University of Colorado School of Medicine Metabolomics Core is supported in part by the University of Colorado Cancer Center award from the National Cancer Institute P30CA046934
- David Escors Acknowledges funding from The Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC), PROYE16001ESCO), Biomedicine Project Grant from the Department of Health of the Government of Navarre-FEDER funds (BMED 050-2019, 51-2021) ; Strategic projects from the Department of Industry, Government of Navarre (AGATA, Ref. 0011-1411-2020-000013; LINTERNA, Ref. 0011-1411-2020-000033; DESCARTHES, 0011-1411-2019-000058).
- Research in the S.A.B. laboratory is supported partially by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No. 787041), the Government of Cataluña (SGR grant), the Government of Spain (MINECO), the La Marató/TV3 Foundation, the Foundation Lilliane Bettencourt, the Spanish Association for Cancer Research (AECC) and The Worldwide Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF)
- Work in B.S-L´s lab is funded by:PID2019-106852-RBI00 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033, the Melanoma Research Alliance (https://doi.org/10.48050/pc.gr.91574 to B.S-L) and the FERO Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Redondo-Muñoz
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Paula Aldaz
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Adriá Caballé-Mestres
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Moncho-Amor
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Estefania Carrasco-Garcia
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Olias-Arjona
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Lasheras-Otero
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eva Santamaria
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luisa Chocarro
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Abby Grier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Monika Dzieciatkowska M
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Claudia Bigas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefina Martin
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Uxue Urdiroz-Urricelqui
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florencio Marzo
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Santamaria
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Escors
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Marcos Larrayoz
- Biomarkers and Molecular Signaling Group, Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Foundation Rioja Salud, Logroño, Spain
- Unidad Predepartamental de Enfermería, Universidad de La Rioja (UR), Logroño, Spain
| | - Holger Heyn
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Camille Stephan-Otto Attolini
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ander Matheu
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Salvador Aznar Benitah
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Imanol Arozarena
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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16
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Song L, Wei X, Zhang X, Lu Y. Combining single-cell and transcriptomic analysis revealed the immunomodulatory effect of GOT2 on a glutamine-dependent manner in cutaneous melanoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1241454. [PMID: 37693904 PMCID: PMC10483140 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1241454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Reprogramming in glutamine metabolism is a hallmark of cancers, while its role in cutaneous melanoma has not been studied at great length. Methods: Here, we constructed a glutamine metabolism-related prognostic signature in cutaneous melanoma with a variety of bioinformatics methods according to the glutamine metabolism regulatory molecules. Moreover, experimental verification was carried out for the key gene. Results: We have identified two subgroups of cutaneous melanoma patients, each with different prognoses, immune characteristics, and genetic mutations. GOT2 was the most concerned key gene among the model genes. We verified its role in promoting tumor cell proliferation by CCK-8 and clone formation assays. Conclusion: Our study cast new light on the prognosis of cutaneous melanoma, and the internal mechanism regulating glutamine metabolism of GOT2 may provide a new avenue for treating the cutaneous melanoma disease precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lebin Song
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiyi Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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17
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Bai R, Meng Y, Cui J. Therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic characteristics of cancer cells. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023:104037. [PMID: 37236409 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is one of the important characteristics of cancer and is a key process leading to malignant proliferation, tumor development and treatment resistance. A variety of therapeutic drugs targeting metabolic reaction enzymes, transport receptors, and special metabolic processes have been developed. In this review, we investigate the characteristics of multiple metabolic changes in cancer cells, including glycolytic pathways, lipid metabolism, and glutamine metabolism changes, describe how these changes promote tumor development and tumor resistance, and summarize the progress and challenges of therapeutic strategies targeting various links of tumor metabolism in combination with current study data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rilan Bai
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Ying Meng
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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18
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Metabolic reprogramming of glutamine involved in tumorigenesis, multidrug resistance and tumor immunity. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 940:175323. [PMID: 36535492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine, as the most abundant amino acid in the body, participates in the biological synthesis of nucleotides and other non-essential amino acids in the process of cell metabolism. Recent studies showed that glutamine metabolic reprogramming is an important signal during cancer development and progression. This metabolic signature in cancer cells can promote the development of cancer by activating multiple signaling pathways and oncogenes. It can also be involved in tumor immune regulation and promote the development of drug resistance to tumors. In this review, we mainly summarize the role of glutamine metabolic reprogramming in tumors, including the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. We further discussed the promising tumor treatment strategy by targeting glutamine metabolism alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics.
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19
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Ni R, Li Z, Li L, Peng D, Ming Y, Li L, Liu Y. Rethinking glutamine metabolism and the regulation of glutamine addiction by oncogenes in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1143798. [PMID: 36959802 PMCID: PMC10029103 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1143798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamine, the most abundant non-essential amino acid in human blood, is crucial for cancer cell growth and cancer progression. Glutamine mainly functions as a carbon and nitrogen source for biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and redox homeostasis maintenance in cancer cells. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism is a notable metabolic characteristic of cancer cells. Some carcinogen-driven cancers exhibit a marked dependence on glutamine, also known as glutamine addiction, which has rendered the glutamine metabolic pathway a breakpoint in cancer therapeutics. However, some cancer cells can adapt to the glutamine unavailability by reprogramming metabolism, thus limiting the success of this therapeutic approach. Given the complexity of metabolic networks and the limited impact of inhibiting glutamine metabolism alone, the combination of glutamine metabolism inhibition and other therapeutic methods may outperform corresponding monotherapies in the treatment of cancers. This review summarizes the uptake, transport, and metabolic characteristics of glutamine, as well as the regulation of glutamine dependence by some important oncogenes in various cancers to emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, we discuss a glutamine metabolic pathway, the glutaminase II pathway, that has been substantially overlooked. Finally, we discuss the applicability of polytherapeutic strategies targeting glutamine metabolism to provide a new perspective on cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ni
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Peng
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Ming
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of pharmacy, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Li, ; Yao Liu,
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Li, ; Yao Liu,
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20
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Vital PDS, Bonatelli M, Dias MP, de Salis LVV, Pinto MT, Baltazar F, Maria-Engler SS, Pinheiro C. 3-Bromopyruvate Suppresses the Malignant Phenotype of Vemurafenib-Resistant Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415650. [PMID: 36555289 PMCID: PMC9779063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) BRAF mutations are associated with high mortality and are a substantial factor in therapeutic decisions. Therapies targeting BRAF-mutated tumors, such as vemurafenib (PLX), have significantly improved the overall survival of melanoma patients. However, patient relapse and low response rates remain challenging, even with contemporary therapeutic alternatives. Highly proliferative tumors often rely on glycolysis to sustain their aggressive phenotype. 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) is a promising glycolysis inhibitor reported to mitigate resistance in tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of 3BP as an antineoplastic agent for PLX-resistant melanoma treatment. (2) The effect of 3BP alone or in combination with PLX on viability, proliferation, colony formation, cell death, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal marker and metabolic protein expression, extracellular glucose and lactate, and reactive species were evaluated in two PLX-resistant melanoma cell lines. (3) 3BP treatment, which was more effective as monotherapy than combined with PLX, disturbed the metabolic and epithelial-mesenchymal profile of PLX-resistant cells, impairing their proliferation, migration, and invasion and triggering cell death. (4) 3BP monotherapy is a potent metabolic-disrupting agent against PLX-resistant melanomas, supporting the suppression of the malignant phenotype in this type of neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik da Silva Vital
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
| | - Murilo Bonatelli
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Pereira Dias
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
| | - Larissa Vedovato Vilela de Salis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata—FACISB, Barretos 14785-002, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Tomazini Pinto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Silvya Stuchi Maria-Engler
- Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Céline Pinheiro
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata—FACISB, Barretos 14785-002, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(17)-3321-3060
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21
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Wang L, Otkur W, Wang A, Wang W, Lyu Y, Fang L, Shan X, Song M, Feng Y, Zhao Y, Piao HL, Qi H, Liu JW. Norcantharidin overcomes vemurafenib resistance in melanoma by inhibiting pentose phosphate pathway and lipogenesis via downregulating the mTOR pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906043. [PMID: 36034784 PMCID: PMC9411668 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer with a high incidence and low survival rate. More than half of melanomas present the activating BRAF mutations, along which V600E mutant represents 70%–90%. Vemurafenib (Vem) is an FDA-approved small-molecule kinase inhibitor that selectively targets activated BRAF V600E and inhibits its activity. However, the majority of patients treated with Vem develop acquired resistance. Hence, this study aims to explore a new treatment strategy to overcome the Vem resistance. Here, we found that a potential anticancer drug norcantharidin (NCTD) displayed a more significant proliferation inhibitory effect against Vem-resistant melanoma cells (A375R) than the parental melanoma cells (A375), which promised to be a therapeutic agent against BRAF V600E-mutated and acquired Vem-resistant melanoma. The metabolomics analysis showed that NCTD could, especially reverse the upregulation of pentose phosphate pathway and lipogenesis resulting from the Vem resistance. In addition, the transcriptomic analysis showed a dramatical downregulation in genes related to lipid metabolism and mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in A375R cells, but not in A375 cells, upon NCTD treatment. Moreover, NCTD upregulated butyrophilin (BTN) family genes, which played important roles in modulating T-cell response. Consistently, we found that Vem resistance led to an obvious elevation of the p-mTOR expression, which could be remarkably reduced by NCTD treatment. Taken together, NCTD may serve as a promising therapeutic option to resolve the problem of Vem resistance and to improve patient outcomes by combining with immunomodulatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Wuxiyar Otkur
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Aman Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Yitong Lyu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Dalian, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiu Shan
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mingzhou Song
- Department of Computer Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
- Graduate Program in Molecular Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hai-Long Piao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
| | - Huan Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
| | - Ji-Wei Liu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
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22
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Sun N, Tian Y, Chen Y, Guo W, Li C. Metabolic rewiring directs melanoma immunology. Front Immunol 2022; 13:909580. [PMID: 36003368 PMCID: PMC9393691 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.909580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma results from the malignant transformation of melanocytes and accounts for the most lethal type of skin cancers. In the pathogenesis of melanoma, disordered metabolism is a hallmark characteristic with multiple metabolic paradigms involved in, e.g., glycolysis, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and autophagy. Under the driving forces of oncogenic mutations, melanoma metabolism is rewired to provide not only building bricks for macromolecule synthesis and sufficient energy for rapid proliferation and metastasis but also various metabolic intermediates for signal pathway transduction. Of note, metabolic alterations in tumor orchestrate tumor immunology by affecting the functions of surrounding immune cells, thereby interfering with their antitumor capacity, in addition to the direct influence on tumor cell intrinsic biological activities. In this review, we first introduced the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment proceedings of melanoma. Then, the components of the tumor microenvironment, especially different populations of immune cells and their roles in antitumor immunity, were reviewed. Sequentially, how metabolic rewiring contributes to tumor cell malignant behaviors in melanoma pathogenesis was discussed. Following this, the proceedings of metabolism- and metabolic intermediate-regulated tumor immunology were comprehensively dissertated. Finally, we summarized currently available drugs that can be employed to target metabolism to intervene tumor immunology and modulate immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyue Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yangzi Tian
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Chunying Li, ; Weinan Guo,
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Chunying Li, ; Weinan Guo,
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23
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Falletta P, Goding CR, Vivas-García Y. Connecting Metabolic Rewiring With Phenotype Switching in Melanoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930250. [PMID: 35912100 PMCID: PMC9334657 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a complex and aggressive cancer type that contains different cell subpopulations displaying distinct phenotypes within the same tumor. Metabolic reprogramming, a hallmark of cell transformation, is essential for melanoma cells to adopt different phenotypic states necessary for adaptation to changes arising from a dynamic milieu and oncogenic mutations. Increasing evidence demonstrates how melanoma cells can exhibit distinct metabolic profiles depending on their specific phenotype, allowing adaptation to hostile microenvironmental conditions, such as hypoxia or nutrient depletion. For instance, increased glucose consumption and lipid anabolism are associated with proliferation, while a dependency on exogenous fatty acids and an oxidative state are linked to invasion and metastatic dissemination. How these different metabolic dependencies are integrated with specific cell phenotypes is poorly understood and little is known about metabolic changes underpinning melanoma metastasis. Recent evidence suggests that metabolic rewiring engaging transitions to invasion and metastatic progression may be dependent on several factors, such as specific oncogenic programs or lineage-restricted mechanisms controlling cell metabolism, intra-tumor microenvironmental cues and anatomical location of metastasis. In this review we highlight how the main molecular events supporting melanoma metabolic rewiring and phenotype-switching are parallel and interconnected events that dictate tumor progression and metastatic dissemination through interplay with the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Falletta
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Falletta, ; Colin R. Goding, ; Yurena Vivas-García, ,
| | - Colin R. Goding
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Paola Falletta, ; Colin R. Goding, ; Yurena Vivas-García, ,
| | - Yurena Vivas-García
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Paola Falletta, ; Colin R. Goding, ; Yurena Vivas-García, ,
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24
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Principi E, Sondo E, Bianchi G, Ravera S, Morini M, Tomati V, Pastorino C, Zara F, Bruno C, Eva A, Pedemonte N, Raffaghello L. Targeting of Ubiquitin E3 Ligase RNF5 as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Neuroectodermal Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071802. [PMID: 35406574 PMCID: PMC8997491 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
RNF5, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) E3 ubiquitin ligase, participates to the ER-associated protein degradation guaranteeing the protein homeostasis. Depending on tumor model tested, RNF5 exerts pro- or anti-tumor activity. The aim of this study was to elucidate the controversial role of RNF5 in neuroblastoma and melanoma, two neuroectodermal tumors of infancy and adulthood, respectively. RNF5 gene levels are evaluated in publicly available datasets reporting the gene expression profile of melanoma and neuroblastoma primary tumors at diagnosis. The therapeutic effect of Analog-1, an RNF5 pharmacological activator, was investigated on in vitro and in vivo neuroblastoma and melanoma models. In both neuroblastoma and melanoma patients the high expression of RNF5 correlated with a better prognostic outcome. Treatment of neuroblastoma and melanoma cell lines with Analog-1 reduced cell viability by impairing the glutamine availability and energy metabolism through inhibition of F1Fo ATP-synthase activity. This latter event led to a marked increase in oxidative stress, which, in turn, caused cell death. Similarly, neuroblastoma- and melanoma-bearing mice treated with Analog-1 showed a significant delay of tumor growth in comparison to those treated with vehicle only. These findings validate RNF5 as an innovative drug target and support the development of Analog-1 in early phase clinical trials for neuroblastoma and melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Principi
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elvira Sondo
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Bianchi
- Stem Cell Laboratory and Cell Therapy Center, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Experimental Medicine Department, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Tomati
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Pastorino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DI-NOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DI-NOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Bruno
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DI-NOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Eva
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Lizzia Raffaghello
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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25
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Understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Phenotype Switching and Crosstalk with TME to Reveal New Vulnerabilities of Melanoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071157. [PMID: 35406721 PMCID: PMC8997563 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma cells are notorious for their high plasticity and ability to switch back and forth between various melanoma cell states, enabling the adaptation to sub-optimal conditions and therapeutics. This phenotypic plasticity, which has gained more attention in cancer research, is proposed as a new paradigm for melanoma progression. In this review, we provide a detailed and deep comprehensive recapitulation of the complex spectrum of phenotype switching in melanoma, the key regulator factors, the various and new melanoma states, and corresponding signatures. We also present an extensive description of the role of epigenetic modifications (chromatin remodeling, methylation, and activities of long non-coding RNAs/miRNAs) and metabolic rewiring in the dynamic switch. Furthermore, we elucidate the main role of the crosstalk between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and oxidative stress in the regulation of the phenotype switching. Finally, we discuss in detail several rational therapeutic approaches, such as exploiting phenotype-specific and metabolic vulnerabilities and targeting components and signals of the TME, to improve the response of melanoma patients to treatments.
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26
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Tiersma JF, Evers B, Bakker BM, Jalving M, de Jong S. Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase Inhibition by Dichloroacetate in Melanoma Cells Unveils Metabolic Vulnerabilities. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073745. [PMID: 35409102 PMCID: PMC8999016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is characterized by high glucose uptake, partially mediated through elevated pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), making PDK a potential treatment target in melanoma. We aimed to reduce glucose uptake in melanoma cell lines through PDK inhibitors dichloroacetate (DCA) and AZD7545 and through PDK knockdown, to inhibit cell growth and potentially unveil metabolic co-vulnerabilities resulting from PDK inhibition. MeWo cells were most sensitive to DCA, while SK-MEL-2 was the least sensitive, with IC50 values ranging from 13.3 to 27.0 mM. DCA strongly reduced PDH phosphorylation and increased the oxygen consumption rate:extracellular acidification rate (OCR:ECAR) ratio up to 6-fold. Knockdown of single PDK isoforms had similar effects on PDH phosphorylation and OCR:ECAR ratio as DCA but did not influence sensitivity to DCA. Growth inhibition by DCA was synergistic with the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 (2- to 5-fold sensitization) and with diclofenac, known to inhibit monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) (3- to 8-fold sensitization). CB-839 did not affect the OCR:ECAR response to DCA, whereas diclofenac strongly inhibited ECAR and further increased the OCR:ECAR ratio. We conclude that in melanoma cell lines, DCA reduces proliferation through reprogramming of cellular metabolism and synergizes with other metabolically targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiske F. Tiersma
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Bernard Evers
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signalling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (B.E.); (B.M.B.)
| | - Barbara M. Bakker
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signalling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (B.E.); (B.M.B.)
| | - Mathilde Jalving
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: (M.J.); (S.d.J.); Tel.: +31-50-3615692 (M.J.); +31-50-3612964 (S.d.J.)
| | - Steven de Jong
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: (M.J.); (S.d.J.); Tel.: +31-50-3615692 (M.J.); +31-50-3612964 (S.d.J.)
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Combined HP 13C Pyruvate and 13C-Glucose Fluxomic as a Potential Marker of Response to Targeted Therapies in YUMM1.7 Melanoma Xenografts. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030717. [PMID: 35327519 PMCID: PMC8945537 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A vast majority of BRAF V600E mutated melanoma patients will develop resistance to combined BRAF/MEK inhibition after initial clinical response. Resistance to targeted therapy is described to be accompanied by specific metabolic changes in melanoma. The aim of this work was to evaluate metabolic imaging using 13C-MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) as a marker of response to BRAF/MEK inhibition in a syngeneic melanoma model. Tumor growth was significantly delayed in mice bearing YUMM1.7 melanoma xenografts treated with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib, and/or with the MEK inhibitor trametinib, in comparison with the control group. 13C-MRS was performed in vivo after injection of hyperpolarized (HP) 13C-pyruvate, at baseline and 24 h after treatment, to evaluate dynamic changes in pyruvate-lactate exchange. Furthermore, ex vivo 13C-MRS steady state metabolic tracing experiments were performed after U-13C-glucose or 5-13C-glutamine injection, 24 h after treatment. The HP 13C-lactate-to-pyruvate ratio was not modified in response to BRAF/MEK inhibition, whereas the production of 13C-lactate from 13C-glucose was significantly reduced 24 h after treatment with vemurafenib, trametinib, or with the combined inhibitors. Conversely, 13C-glutamine metabolism was not modified in response to BRAF/MEK inhibition. In conclusion, we identified 13C-glucose fluxomic as a potential marker of response to BRAF/MEK inhibition in YUMM1.7 melanoma xenografts.
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Smith LK, Parmenter T, Kleinschmidt M, Kusnadi EP, Kang J, Martin CA, Lau P, Patel R, Lorent J, Papadopoli D, Trigos A, Ward T, Rao AD, Lelliott EJ, Sheppard KE, Goode D, Hicks RJ, Tiganis T, Simpson KJ, Larsson O, Blythe B, Cullinane C, Wickramasinghe VO, Pearson RB, McArthur GA. Adaptive translational reprogramming of metabolism limits the response to targeted therapy in BRAF V600 melanoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1100. [PMID: 35232962 PMCID: PMC8888590 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28705-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of therapies targeting oncogenes in cancer, clinical outcomes are limited by residual disease that ultimately results in relapse. This residual disease is often characterized by non-genetic adaptive resistance, that in melanoma is characterised by altered metabolism. Here, we examine how targeted therapy reprograms metabolism in BRAF-mutant melanoma cells using a genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screen and global gene expression profiling. Using this systematic approach we demonstrate post-transcriptional regulation of metabolism following BRAF inhibition, involving selective mRNA transport and translation. As proof of concept we demonstrate the RNA processing kinase U2AF homology motif kinase 1 (UHMK1) associates with mRNAs encoding metabolism proteins and selectively controls their transport and translation during adaptation to BRAF-targeted therapy. UHMK1 inactivation induces cell death by disrupting therapy induced metabolic reprogramming, and importantly, delays resistance to BRAF and MEK combination therapy in multiple in vivo models. We propose selective mRNA processing and translation by UHMK1 constitutes a mechanism of non-genetic resistance to targeted therapy in melanoma by controlling metabolic plasticity induced by therapy. Different adaptive mechanisms have been reported to reduce the efficacy of mutant BRAF inhibition in melanoma. Here, the authors show BRAF inhibition induces the translational regulation of metabolic genes leading to acquired therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorey K Smith
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. .,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Tiffany Parmenter
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Eric P Kusnadi
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jian Kang
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Claire A Martin
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Lau
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Riyaben Patel
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Julie Lorent
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Papadopoli
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Anna Trigos
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Teresa Ward
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aparna D Rao
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emily J Lelliott
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karen E Sheppard
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Goode
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rodney J Hicks
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tony Tiganis
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kaylene J Simpson
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ola Larsson
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Benjamin Blythe
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carleen Cullinane
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vihandha O Wickramasinghe
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard B Pearson
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grant A McArthur
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. .,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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29
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de Groot E, Varghese S, Tan L, Knighton B, Sobieski M, Nguyen N, Park YS, Powell R, Lorenzi PL, Zheng B, Stephan C, Gopal YNV. Combined inhibition of HMGCoA reductase and mitochondrial complex I induces tumor regression of BRAF inhibitor-resistant melanomas. Cancer Metab 2022; 10:6. [PMID: 35193687 PMCID: PMC8862475 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-022-00281-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary and posttreatment resistance to BRAFV600 mutation–targeting inhibitors leads to disease relapse in a majority of melanoma patients. In many instances, this resistance is promoted by upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) in melanoma cells. We recently showed that a novel electron transport chain (ETC) complex I inhibitor, IACS-010759 (IACS), abolished OxPhos and significantly inhibited tumor growth of high-OxPhos, BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi)–resistant human melanomas. However, the inhibition was not uniform across different high OxPhos melanomas, and combination with BRAFi did not improve efficacy. Methods We performed a high-throughput unbiased combinatorial drug screen of clinically relevant small molecules to identify the most potent combination agent with IACS for inhibiting the growth of high-OxPhos, BRAFi-resistant melanomas. We performed bioenergetics and carbon-13 metabolite tracing to delineate the metabolic basis of sensitization of melanomas to the combination treatment. We performed xenograft tumor growth studies and Reverse-Phase Protein Array (RPPA)–based functional proteomics analysis of tumors from mice fed with regular or high-fat diet to evaluate in vivo molecular basis of sensitization to the combination treatment. Results A combinatorial drug screen and subsequent validation studies identified Atorvastatin (STN), a hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (HMGCRi), as the most potent treatment combination with IACS to inhibit in vitro cell growth and induce tumor regression or stasis of some BRAFi-resistant melanomas. Bioenergetics analysis revealed a dependence on fatty acid metabolism in melanomas that responded to the combination treatment. RPPA analysis and carbon-13 tracing analysis in these melanoma cells showed that IACS treatment decreased metabolic fuel utilization for fatty acid metabolism, but increased substrate availability for activation of the mevalonate pathway by HMGCR, creating a dependence on this pathway. Functional proteomic analysis showed that IACS treatment inhibited MAPK but activated AKT pathway. Combination treatment with STN counteracted AKT activation. Conclusions STN and other clinically approved HMGCRi could be promising combinatorial agents for improving the efficacy of ETC inhibitors like IACS in BRAFi-resistant melanomas. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40170-022-00281-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn de Groot
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sruthy Varghese
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lin Tan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Barbara Knighton
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mary Sobieski
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yong Sung Park
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Reid Powell
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip L Lorenzi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin Zheng
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Clifford Stephan
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Y N Vashisht Gopal
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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30
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Novel potential oncogenic and druggable mutations of FGFRs recur in the kinase domain across cancer types. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166313. [PMID: 34826586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are recurrently altered by single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in many human cancers. The prevalence of SNVs in FGFRs depends on the cancer type. In some tumors, such as the urothelial carcinoma, mutations of FGFRs occur at very high frequency (up to 60%). Many characterized mutations occur in the extracellular or transmembrane domains, while fewer known mutations are found in the kinase domain. In this study, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify novel putative cancer driver or therapeutically actionable mutations of the kinase domain of FGFRs. To pinpoint those mutations that may be clinically relevant, we exploited the recurrence of alterations on analogous amino acid residues within the kinase domain (PK_Tyr_Ser-Thr) of different kinases as a predictor of functional impact. By exploiting MutationAligner and LowMACA bioinformatics resources, we highlighted novel uncharacterized mutations of FGFRs which recur in other protein kinases. By revealing unanticipated correspondence with known variants, we were able to infer their functional effects, as alterations clustering on similar residues in analogous proteins have a high probability to elicit similar effects. As FGFRs represent an important class of oncogenes and drug targets, our study opens the way for further studies to validate their driver and/or actionable nature and, in the long term, for a more efficacious application of precision oncology.
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31
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Montico B, Giurato G, Pecoraro G, Salvati A, Covre A, Colizzi F, Steffan A, Weisz A, Maio M, Sigalotti L, Fratta E. The pleiotropic roles of circular and long noncoding RNAs in cutaneous melanoma. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:565-593. [PMID: 34080276 PMCID: PMC8807361 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a very aggressive disease, often characterized by unresponsiveness to conventional therapies and high mortality rates worldwide. The identification of the activating BRAFV600 mutations in approximately 50% of CM patients has recently fueled the development of novel small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target BRAFV600 -mutant CM. In addition, a major progress in CM treatment has been made by monoclonal antibodies that regulate the immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, although target-based therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies have yielded promising results, CM treatment remains a major challenge. In the last decade, accumulating evidence points to the aberrant expression of different types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in CM. While studies on microRNAs have grown exponentially leading to significant insights on CM biology, the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this tumor is less understood, and much remains to be discovered. Here, we summarize and critically review the available evidence on the molecular functions of circRNAs and lncRNAs in BRAFV600 -mutant CM and CM immunogenicity, providing recent updates on their functional role in targeted therapy and immunotherapy resistance. In addition, we also include an evaluation of several algorithms and databases for prediction and validation of circRNA and lncRNA functional interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Montico
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGSUniversity of Salerno Campus of MedicineBaronissiItaly
| | - Giovanni Pecoraro
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGSUniversity of Salerno Campus of MedicineBaronissiItaly
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Alessia Covre
- Center for Immuno‐OncologyUniversity Hospital of SienaItaly
- University of SienaItaly
| | - Francesca Colizzi
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGSUniversity of Salerno Campus of MedicineBaronissiItaly
| | - Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno‐OncologyUniversity Hospital of SienaItaly
- University of SienaItaly
- NIBIT Foundation OnlusSienaItaly
| | - Luca Sigalotti
- Oncogenetics and Functional Oncogenomics UnitCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
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32
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Amino Acid Metabolism in Cancer Drug Resistance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11010140. [PMID: 35011702 PMCID: PMC8750102 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the numerous investigations on resistance mechanisms, drug resistance in cancer therapies still limits favorable outcomes in cancer patients. The complexities of the inherent characteristics of tumors, such as tumor heterogeneity and the complicated interaction within the tumor microenvironment, still hinder efforts to overcome drug resistance in cancer cells, requiring innovative approaches. In this review, we describe recent studies offering evidence for the essential roles of amino acid metabolism in driving drug resistance in cancer cells. Amino acids support cancer cells in counteracting therapies by maintaining redox homeostasis, sustaining biosynthetic processes, regulating epigenetic modification, and providing metabolic intermediates for energy generation. In addition, amino acid metabolism impacts anticancer immune responses, creating an immunosuppressive or immunoeffective microenvironment. A comprehensive understanding of amino acid metabolism as it relates to therapeutic resistance mechanisms will improve anticancer therapeutic strategies.
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33
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Saberian C, Davies MA. Re-thinking therapeutic development for CNS metastatic disease. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:74-81. [PMID: 34152638 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There has been unprecedented progress in the development of systemic therapies for patients with metastatic melanoma over the last decade. There is now tremendous potential and momentum to further and markedly reduce the impact of this disease. However, developing more effective treatments for metastases to the CNS remains a critical challenge for patients with melanoma. Melanoma patients with active CNS metastases have largely been excluded from both early-phase and registration trials for all currently approved targeted and immune therapies for this disease. While this exclusion has generally been justified in clinical research due to concerns about poor prognosis, lack of CNS penetration of agents and/or risk of toxicities, recent post-approval trials have shown the feasibility, safety and clinical benefit of clinical investigation in these patients. These trials have also identified key areas for which more effective strategies are needed. In parallel, recent translational and preclinical research has provided insights into novel immune, molecular and metabolic features of melanoma brain metastases that may mediate the aggressive biology and therapeutic resistance of these tumors. Together, these advances suggest the need for new paradigms for therapeutic development for melanoma patients with CNS metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Saberian
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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34
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Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer that originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Although melanoma has long been regarded as a cancerous malignancy with few therapeutic options, increased biological understanding and unprecedented innovations in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints have substantially improved the prognosis of patients. However, the low response rate and inevitable occurrence of resistance to currently available targeted therapies have posed the obstacle in the path of melanoma management to obtain further amelioration. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying melanoma pathogenesis more comprehensively, which might lead to more substantial progress in therapeutic approaches and expand clinical options for melanoma therapy. In this review, we firstly make a brief introduction to melanoma epidemiology, clinical subtypes, risk factors, and current therapies. Then, the signal pathways orchestrating melanoma pathogenesis, including genetic mutations, key transcriptional regulators, epigenetic dysregulations, metabolic reprogramming, crucial metastasis-related signals, tumor-promoting inflammatory pathways, and pro-angiogenic factors, have been systemically reviewed and discussed. Subsequently, we outline current progresses in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints, as well as the mechanisms underlying the treatment resistance. Finally, the prospects and challenges in the development of melanoma therapy, especially immunotherapy and related ongoing clinical trials, are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huina Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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35
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Gonçalves AC, Richiardone E, Jorge J, Polónia B, Xavier CPR, Salaroglio IC, Riganti C, Vasconcelos MH, Corbet C, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB. Impact of cancer metabolism on therapy resistance - Clinical implications. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 59:100797. [PMID: 34955385 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite an increasing arsenal of anticancer therapies, many patients continue to have poor outcomes due to the therapeutic failures and tumor relapses. Indeed, the clinical efficacy of anticancer therapies is markedly limited by intrinsic and/or acquired resistance mechanisms that can occur in any tumor type and with any treatment. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to implement fundamental changes in the tumor treatment paradigm by the development of new experimental strategies that can help to predict the occurrence of clinical drug resistance and to identify alternative therapeutic options. Apart from mutation-driven resistance mechanisms, tumor microenvironment (TME) conditions generate an intratumoral phenotypic heterogeneity that supports disease progression and dismal outcomes. Tumor cell metabolism is a prototypical example of dynamic, heterogeneous, and adaptive phenotypic trait, resulting from the combination of intrinsic [(epi)genetic changes, tissue of origin and differentiation dependency] and extrinsic (oxygen and nutrient availability, metabolic interactions within the TME) factors, enabling cancer cells to survive, metastasize and develop resistance to anticancer therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding metabolism-based mechanisms conferring adaptive resistance to chemo-, radio-and immunotherapies as well as targeted therapies. Furthermore, we report the role of TME-mediated intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity in therapy resistance and how adaptations in amino acid, glucose, and lipid metabolism support the growth of therapy-resistant cancers and/or cellular subpopulations. We also report the intricate interplay between tumor signaling and metabolic pathways in cancer cells and discuss how manipulating key metabolic enzymes and/or providing dietary changes may help to eradicate relapse-sustaining cancer cells. Finally, in the current era of personalized medicine, we describe the strategies that may be applied to implement metabolic profiling for tumor imaging, biomarker identification, selection of tailored treatments and monitoring therapy response during the clinical management of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elena Richiardone
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Belgium
| | - Joana Jorge
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Polónia
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Torino, Italy
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Belgium.
| | - Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Hematology Service, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal.
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36
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Metabolic Plasticity in Melanoma Progression and Response to Oncogene Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225810. [PMID: 34830962 PMCID: PMC8616485 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Targeted anti-cancer therapies have revolutionised melanoma patient care; however, cures remain uncommon due to acquired drug resistance that results in disease relapse. Recent insights from the clinic and experimental settings have identified a key role for metabolic plasticity, defined as the flexibility to utilise different nutrients and process them in different ways, in both disease progression and response to targeted therapies. Here, we discuss how this plasticity creates a moving target with important implications for identifying new combination therapies. Abstract Resistance to therapy continues to be a barrier to curative treatments in melanoma. Recent insights from the clinic and experimental settings have highlighted a range of non-genetic adaptive mechanisms that contribute to therapy resistance and disease relapse, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming. A growing body of evidence highlights the inherent plasticity of melanoma metabolism, evidenced by reversible metabolome alterations and flexibility in fuel usage that occur during metastasis and response to anti-cancer therapies. Here, we discuss how the inherent metabolic plasticity of melanoma cells facilitates both disease progression and acquisition of anti-cancer therapy resistance. In particular, we discuss in detail the different metabolic changes that occur during the three major phases of the targeted therapy response—the early response, drug tolerance and acquired resistance. We also discuss how non-genetic programs, including transcription and translation, control this process. The prevalence and diverse array of these non-genetic resistance mechanisms poses a new challenge to the field that requires innovative strategies to monitor and counteract these adaptive processes in the quest to prevent therapy resistance.
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37
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Huang C, Radi RH, Arbiser JL. Mitochondrial Metabolism in Melanoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113197. [PMID: 34831420 PMCID: PMC8618235 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma and its associated alterations in cellular pathways have been growing areas of interest in research, especially as specific biological pathways are being elucidated. Some of these alterations include changes in the mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma. Many mitochondrial metabolic changes lead to differences in the survivability of cancer cells and confer resistance to targeted therapies. While extensive work has gone into characterizing mechanisms of resistance, the role of mitochondrial adaptation as a mode of resistance is not completely understood. In this review, we wish to explore mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma and how it impacts modes of resistance. There are several genes that play a major role in melanoma mitochondrial metabolism which require a full understanding to optimally target melanoma. These include BRAF, CRAF, SOX2, MCL1, TRAP1, RHOA, SRF, SIRT3, PTEN, and AKT1. We will be discussing the role of these genes in melanoma in greater detail. An enhanced understanding of mitochondrial metabolism and these modes of resistance may result in novel combinatorial and sequential therapies that may lead to greater therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Huang
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.R.)
| | - Rakan H. Radi
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.R.)
| | - Jack L. Arbiser
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.R.)
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(404)-727-5063; Fax: +1-(404)-727-0923
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38
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Fiedorowicz M, Wieteska M, Rylewicz K, Kossowski B, Piątkowska-Janko E, Czarnecka AM, Toczylowska B, Bogorodzki P. Hyperpolarized 13C tracers: Technical advancements and perspectives for clinical applications. Biocybern Biomed Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbe.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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39
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Wilder CS, Chen Z, DiGiovanni J. Pharmacologic approaches to amino acid depletion for cancer therapy. Mol Carcinog 2021; 61:127-152. [PMID: 34534385 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to support increased demands in bioenergetics and biosynthesis and to maintain reactive oxygen species at optimum levels. As metabolic alterations are broadly observed across many cancer types, metabolic reprogramming is considered a hallmark of cancer. A metabolic alteration commonly seen in cancer cells is an increased demand for certain amino acids. Amino acids are involved in a wide range of cellular functions, including proliferation, redox balance, bioenergetic and biosynthesis support, and homeostatic functions. Thus, targeting amino acid dependency in cancer is an attractive strategy for a number of cancers. In particular, pharmacologically mediated amino acid depletion has been evaluated as a cancer treatment option for several cancers. Amino acids that have been investigated for the feasibility of drug-induced depletion in preclinical and clinical studies for cancer treatment include arginine, asparagine, cysteine, glutamine, lysine, and methionine. In this review, we will summarize the status of current research on pharmacologically mediated amino acid depletion as a strategy for cancer treatment and potential chemotherapeutic combinations that synergize with amino acid depletion to further inhibit tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly S Wilder
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Zhao Chen
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - John DiGiovanni
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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40
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Metabolic Interplay between the Immune System and Melanoma Cells: Therapeutic Implications. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060607. [PMID: 34073463 PMCID: PMC8227307 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma represents the most fatal skin cancer due to its aggressive biological behavior and high metastatic potential. Treatment strategies for advanced disease have dramatically changed over the last years due to the introduction of BRAF/MEK inhibitors and immunotherapy. However, many patients either display primary (i.e., innate) or eventually develop secondary (i.e., acquired) resistance to systemic treatments. Treatment resistance depends on multiple mechanisms driven by a set of rewiring processes, which involve cancer metabolism, epigenetic, gene expression, and interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Prognostic and predictive biomarkers are needed to guide patients’ selection and treatment decisions. Indeed, there are no recognized clinical or biological characteristics that identify which patients will benefit more from available treatments, but several biomarkers have been studied with promising preliminary results. In this review, we will summarize novel tumor metabolic pathways and tumor-host metabolic crosstalk mechanisms leading to melanoma progression and drug resistance, with an overview on their translational potential as novel therapeutic targets.
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41
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Cho H, Shen Q, Zhang LH, Okumura M, Kawakami A, Ambrose J, Sigoillot F, Miller HR, Gleim S, Cobos-Correa A, Wang Y, Piechon P, Roma G, Eggimann F, Moore C, Aspesi P, Mapa FA, Burks H, Ross NT, Krastel P, Hild M, Maimone TJ, Fisher DE, Nomura DK, Tallarico JA, Canham SM, Jenkins JL, Forrester WC. CYP27A1-dependent anti-melanoma activity of limonoid natural products targets mitochondrial metabolism. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1407-1419.e6. [PMID: 33794192 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Three limonoid natural products with selective anti-proliferative activity against BRAF(V600E) and NRAS(Q61K)-mutation-dependent melanoma cell lines were identified. Differential transcriptome analysis revealed dependency of compound activity on expression of the mitochondrial cytochrome P450 oxidase CYP27A1, a transcriptional target of melanogenesis-associated transcription factor (MITF). We determined that CYP27A1 activity is necessary for the generation of a reactive metabolite that proceeds to inhibit cellular proliferation. A genome-wide small interfering RNA screen in combination with chemical proteomics experiments revealed gene-drug functional epistasis, suggesting that these compounds target mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibit tumor bioenergetics through a covalent mechanism. Our work suggests a strategy for melanoma-specific targeting by exploiting the expression of MITF target gene CYP27A1 and inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in BRAF mutant melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyelim Cho
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Qiong Shen
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lydia H Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Mikiko Okumura
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Akinori Kawakami
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jessi Ambrose
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Frederic Sigoillot
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Howard R Miller
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Scott Gleim
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Amanda Cobos-Correa
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ying Wang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Piechon
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Guglielmo Roma
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Eggimann
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles Moore
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Aspesi
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Felipa A Mapa
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Heather Burks
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nathan T Ross
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Philipp Krastel
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Forum 1 Novartis Campus, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Hild
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Thomas J Maimone
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - David E Fisher
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Daniel K Nomura
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - John A Tallarico
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Stephen M Canham
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jeremy L Jenkins
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - William C Forrester
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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42
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Grillo E, Corsini M, Ravelli C, Zammataro L, Bacci M, Morandi A, Monti E, Presta M, Mitola S. Expression of activated VEGFR2 by R1051Q mutation alters the energy metabolism of Sk-Mel-31 melanoma cells by increasing glutamine dependence. Cancer Lett 2021; 507:80-88. [PMID: 33744390 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) activating mutations are emerging as important oncogenic driver events. Understanding the biological implications of such mutations may help to pinpoint novel therapeutic targets. Here we show that activated VEGFR2 via the pro-oncogenic R1051Q mutation induces relevant metabolic changes in melanoma cells. The expression of VEGFR2R1051Q leads to higher energy metabolism and ATP production compared to control cells expressing VEGFR2WT. Furthermore, activated VEGFR2R1051Q augments the dependence on glutamine (Gln) of melanoma cells, thus increasing Gln uptake and their sensitivity to Gln deprivation and to inhibitors of glutaminase, the enzyme initiating Gln metabolism by cells. Overall, these results highlight Gln addiction as a metabolic vulnerability of tumors harboring the activating VEGFR2R1051Q mutation and suggest novel therapeutic approaches for those patients harboring activating mutations of VEGFR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy.
| | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Luca Zammataro
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Marina Bacci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy.
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43
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Wu Z, Lee YF, Yeo XH, Loo SY, Tam WL. Shifting the Gears of Metabolic Plasticity to Drive Cell State Transitions in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1316. [PMID: 33804114 PMCID: PMC7999312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. Metabolic plasticity defines the ability of cancer cells to reprogram a plethora of metabolic pathways to meet unique energetic needs during the various steps of disease progression. Cell state transitions are phenotypic adaptations which confer distinct advantages that help cancer cells overcome progression hurdles, that include tumor initiation, expansive growth, resistance to therapy, metastasis, colonization, and relapse. It is increasingly appreciated that cancer cells need to appropriately reprogram their cellular metabolism in a timely manner to support the changes associated with new phenotypic cell states. We discuss metabolic alterations that may be adopted by cancer cells in relation to the maintenance of cancer stemness, activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition program for facilitating metastasis, and the acquisition of drug resistance. While such metabolic plasticity is harnessed by cancer cells for survival, their dependence and addiction towards certain metabolic pathways also present therapeutic opportunities that may be exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Wu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (Z.W.); (X.H.Y.)
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
| | - Yi Fei Lee
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Xun Hui Yeo
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (Z.W.); (X.H.Y.)
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
| | - Ser Yue Loo
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (Z.W.); (X.H.Y.)
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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Scott DA. Analysis of Melanoma Cell Glutamine Metabolism by Stable Isotope Tracing and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2265:91-110. [PMID: 33704708 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1205-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutamine is a major substrate for biosynthesis. It contributes to multiple pathways required for cell proliferation, supports antioxidant defense via glutathione synthesis, and sustains the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle through anaplerosis. Glutamine-fueled anaplerosis and related biosynthesis can be studied in detail in melanoma using stable isotope (13C) labeling followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of metabolite amounts and labeling. Detailed protocols for the assay of polar metabolites (including amino acids, TCA cycle, and glycolysis metabolites) and fatty acids by these methods following cell treatment with 13C-glutamine or 13C-glucose are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Scott
- Cancer Metabolism Core, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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45
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Linking Serine/Glycine Metabolism to Radiotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061191. [PMID: 33801846 PMCID: PMC8002185 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061191] [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: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hyperactivation of the de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis across different cancer types and its critical contribution in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance indicate the relevance of serine/glycine metabolism-targeted therapies as therapeutic intervention in cancer. In this review, we specifically focus on the contribution of the de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis pathway to radioresistance. We provide a future perspective on how de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis inhibition and serine-free diets may improve the outcome of radiotherapy. Future research in this field is needed to better understand serine/glycine metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells in response to radiation and the influence of this pathway in the tumor microenvironment, which may provide the rationale for the optimal combination therapies. Abstract The activation of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis in a subset of tumors has been described as a major contributor to tumor pathogenesis, poor outcome, and treatment resistance. Amplifications and mutations of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis enzymes can trigger pathway activation; however, a large group of cancers displays serine/glycine pathway overexpression induced by oncogenic drivers and unknown regulatory mechanisms. A better understanding of the regulatory network of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis activation in cancer might be essential to unveil opportunities to target tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance. In the current review, we describe how the activation of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis in cancer is linked to treatment resistance and its implications in the clinic. To our knowledge, only a few studies have identified this pathway as metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells in response to radiation therapy. We propose an important contribution of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis pathway activation to radioresistance by being involved in cancer cell viability and proliferation, maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and redox homeostasis under hypoxia and nutrient-deprived conditions. Current approaches for inhibition of the de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis pathway provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention, which in combination with radiotherapy might be a promising strategy for tumor control and ultimately eradication. Further research is needed to gain molecular and mechanistic insight into the activation of this pathway in response to radiation therapy and to design sophisticated stratification methods to select patients that might benefit from serine/glycine metabolism-targeted therapies in combination with radiotherapy.
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Prelowska MK, Mehlich D, Ugurlu MT, Kedzierska H, Cwiek A, Kosnik A, Kaminska K, Marusiak AA, Nowis D. Inhibition of the ʟ-glutamine transporter ASCT2 sensitizes plasma cell myeloma cells to proteasome inhibitors. Cancer Lett 2021; 507:13-25. [PMID: 33713737 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Proteasome inhibitors (PIs), used in the treatment of plasma cell myeloma (PCM), interfere with the degradation of misfolded proteins leading to activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) and cell death. However, despite initial strong antimyeloma effects, PCM cells eventually develop acquired resistance to PIs. The pleiotropic role of ʟ-glutamine (Gln) in cellular functions makes inhibition of Gln metabolism a potentially good candidate for combination therapy. Here, we show that PCM cells, both sensitive and resistant to PIs, express membrane Gln transporter (ASCT2), require extracellular Gln for survival, and are sensitive to ASCT2 inhibitors (ASCT2i). ASCT2i synergistically potentiate the cytotoxic activity of PIs by inducing apoptosis and modulating autophagy. Combination of ASCT2 inhibitor V9302 and proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib upregulates the intracellular levels of ROS and oxidative stress markers and triggers catastrophic UPR as shown by upregulated spliced Xbp1 mRNA, ATF3 and CHOP levels. Moreover, analysis of RNA sequencing revealed that the PI in combination with ASCT2i reduced the levels of Gln metabolism regulators such as MYC and NRAS. Analysis of PCM patients' data revealed that upregulated ASCT2 and other Gln metabolism regulators are associated with advanced disease stage and with PIs resistance. Altogether, we identified a potent therapeutic approach that may prevent acquired resistance to PIs and may contribute to the improvement of treatment of patients suffering from PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika K Prelowska
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland; Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dawid Mehlich
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland; Doctoral School of Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Methodology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Talha Ugurlu
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hanna Kedzierska
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Cwiek
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Artur Kosnik
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudia Kaminska
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna A Marusiak
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
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Feng Y, Pathria G, Heynen-Genel S, Jackson M, James B, Yin J, Scott DA, Ronai ZA. Identification and Characterization of IMD-0354 as a Glutamine Carrier Protein Inhibitor in Melanoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:816-832. [PMID: 33632871 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A key hallmark of cancer, altered metabolism, is central to cancer pathogenesis and therapy resistance. Robust glutamine metabolism is among cellular processes regulating tumor progression and responsiveness to therapy in a number of cancers, including melanoma and breast cancer. Among mechanisms underlying the increase in glutamine metabolism in tumors is enhanced glutamine uptake mediated by the glutamine transporters, with SLC1A5 (also known as ASCT2) shown to play a predominant role. Correspondingly, increased SLC1A5 expression coincides with poorer survival in patients with breast cancer and melanoma. Therefore, we performed an image-based screen to identify small molecules that are able to prevent the localization of SLC1A5 to the plasma membrane without impacting cell shape. From 7,000 small molecules, nine were selected as hits, of which one (IMD-0354) qualified for further detailed functional assessment. IMD-0354 was confirmed as a potent inhibitor of glutamine uptake that attained sustained low intracellular glutamine levels. Concomitant with its inhibition of glutamine uptake, IMD-0354 attenuated mTOR signaling, suppressed two- and three-dimensional growth of melanoma cells, and induced cell-cycle arrest, autophagy, and apoptosis. Pronounced effect of IMD-0354 was observed in different tumor-derived cell lines, compared with nontransformed cells. RNA-sequencing analysis identified the unfolded protein response, cell cycle, and response (DNA damage response pathways) to be affected by IMD-0354. Combination of IMD-0354 with GLS1 or LDHA inhibitors enhanced melanoma cell death. In vivo, IMD-0354 suppressed melanoma growth in a xenograft model. As a modulator of glutamine metabolism, IMD-0354 may serve as an important therapeutic and experimental tool that deserves further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Feng
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Gaurav Pathria
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Susanne Heynen-Genel
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Michael Jackson
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Brian James
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Jun Yin
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - David A Scott
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Ze'ev A Ronai
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California.
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48
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Discovery of a new molecule inducing melanoma cell death: dual AMPK/MELK targeting for novel melanoma therapies. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:64. [PMID: 33431809 PMCID: PMC7801734 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03344-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the search of biguanide-derived molecules against melanoma, we have discovered and developed a series of bioactive products and identified the promising new compound CRO15. This molecule exerted anti-melanoma effects on cells lines and cells isolated from patients including the ones derived from tumors resistant to BRAF inhibitors. Moreover, CRO15 was able to decrease viability of cells lines from a broad range of cancer types. This compound acts by two distinct mechanisms. First by activating the AMPK pathway induced by a mitochondrial disorder. Second by inhibition of MELK kinase activity, which induces cell cycle arrest and activation of DNA damage repair pathways by p53 and REDD1 activation. All of these mechanisms activate autophagic and apoptotic processes resulting in melanoma cell death. The strong efficacy of CRO15 to reduce the growth of melanoma xenograft sensitive or resistant to BRAF inhibitors opens interesting perspective.
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49
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Marcucci F, Rumio C. Glycolysis-induced drug resistance in tumors-A response to danger signals? Neoplasia 2021; 23:234-245. [PMID: 33418276 PMCID: PMC7804361 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells often switch from mitochondrial oxidative metabolism to glycolytic metabolism even under aerobic conditions. Tumor cell glycolysis is accompanied by several nonenzymatic activities among which induction of drug resistance has important therapeutic implications. In this article, we review the main aspects of glycolysis-induced drug resistance. We discuss the classes of antitumor drugs that are affected and the components of the glycolytic pathway (transporters, enzymes, metabolites) that are involved in the induction of drug resistance. Glycolysis-associated drug resistance occurs in response to stimuli, either cell-autonomous (e.g., oncoproteins) or deriving from the tumor microenvironment (e.g., hypoxia or pseudohypoxia, mechanical cues, etc.). Several mechanisms mediate the induction of drug resistance in response to glycolytic metabolism: inhibition of apoptosis, induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, induction of autophagy, inhibition of drug influx and increase of drug efflux. We suggest that drug resistance in response to glycolysis comes into play in presence of qualitative (e.g., expression of embryonic enzyme isoforms, post-translational enzyme modifications) or quantitative (e.g., overexpression of enzymes or overproduction of metabolites) alterations of glycolytic metabolism. We also discern similarities between changes occurring in tumor cells in response to stimuli inducing glycolysis-associated drug resistance and those occurring in cells of the innate immune system in response to danger signals and that have been referred to as danger-associated metabolic modifications. Eventually, we briefly address that also mitochondrial oxidative metabolism may induce drug resistance and discuss the therapeutic implications deriving from the fact that the main energy-generating metabolic pathways may be both at the origin of antitumor drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Fischer GM, Guerrieri RA, Hu Q, Joon AY, Kumar S, Haydu LE, McQuade JL, Vashisht Gopal YN, Knighton B, Deng W, Hudgens CW, Lazar AJ, Tetzlaff MT, Davies MA. Clinical, molecular, metabolic, and immune features associated with oxidative phosphorylation in melanoma brain metastases. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdaa177. [PMID: 33575655 PMCID: PMC7865080 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdaa177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, we showed that melanoma brain metastases (MBMs) are characterized by increased utilization of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) metabolic pathway compared to melanoma extracranial metastases (ECMs). MBM growth was inhibited by a potent direct OXPHOS inhibitor, but observed toxicities support the need to identify alternative therapeutic strategies. Thus, we explored the features associated with OXPHOS to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities of MBMs. Methods We applied an OXPHOS gene signature to our cohort of surgically resected MBMs that had undergone RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) (n = 88). Clustering by curated gene sets identified MBMs with significant enrichment (High-OXPHOS; n = 21) and depletion (Low-OXPHOS; n = 25) of OXPHOS genes. Clinical data, RNA-seq analysis, and immunohistochemistry were utilized to identify significant clinical, molecular, metabolic, and immune associations with OXPHOS in MBMs. Preclinical models were used to further compare melanomas with High- and Low-OXPHOS and for functional validation. Results High-OXPHOS MBMs were associated with shorter survival from craniotomy compared to Low-OXPHOS MBMs. High-OXPHOS MBMs exhibited an increase in glutamine metabolism, and treatment with the glutaminase inhibitor CB839 improved survival in mice with MAPKi-resistant, High-OXPHOS intracranial xenografts. High-OXPHOS MBMs also exhibited a transcriptional signature of deficient immune activation, which was reversed in B16-F10 intracranial tumors with metformin treatment, an OXPHOS inhibitor. Conclusions OXPHOS is associated with distinct clinical, molecular, metabolic, and immune phenotypes in MBMs. These associations suggest rational therapeutic strategies for further testing to improve outcomes in MBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant M Fischer
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Renato A Guerrieri
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qianghua Hu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aron Y Joon
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Swaminathan Kumar
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren E Haydu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer L McQuade
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Y N Vashisht Gopal
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Barbara Knighton
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wanleng Deng
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Courtney W Hudgens
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology/Lab Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander J Lazar
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology/Lab Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael T Tetzlaff
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology/Lab Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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