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Caggiano EG, Taniguchi CM. UCP2 and pancreatic cancer: conscious uncoupling for therapeutic effect. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:777-794. [PMID: 38194152 PMCID: PMC11156755 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10157-4] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has an exaggerated dependence on mitochondrial metabolism, but methods to specifically target the mitochondria without off target effects in normal tissues that rely on these organelles is a significant challenge. The mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) has potential as a cancer-specific drug target, and thus, we will review the known biology of UCP2 and discuss its potential role in the pathobiology and future therapy of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G Caggiano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Cullen M Taniguchi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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2
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Luby A, Alves-Guerra MC. UCP2 as a Cancer Target through Energy Metabolism and Oxidative Stress Control. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315077. [PMID: 36499405 PMCID: PMC9735768 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315077] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous therapies, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide due to the lack of markers for early detection and response to treatment in many patients. Technological advances in tumor screening and renewed interest in energy metabolism have allowed us to identify new cellular players in order to develop personalized treatments. Among the metabolic actors, the mitochondrial transporter uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), whose expression is increased in many cancers, has been identified as an interesting target in tumor metabolic reprogramming. Over the past decade, a better understanding of its biochemical and physiological functions has established a role for UCP2 in (1) protecting cells from oxidative stress, (2) regulating tumor progression through changes in glycolytic, oxidative and calcium metabolism, and (3) increasing antitumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment to limit cancer development. With these pleiotropic roles, UCP2 can be considered as a potential tumor biomarker that may be interesting to target positively or negatively, depending on the type, metabolic status and stage of tumors, in combination with conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy to control tumor development and increase response to treatment. This review provides an overview of the latest published science linking mitochondrial UCP2 activity to the tumor context.
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Lee JH, Lee EJ, Park JW, Kim M, Jung KH, Cho YS, Lee KH. CD133 increases oxidative glucose metabolism of HT29 cancer cells by mitochondrial uncoupling and its inhibition enhances reactive oxygen species-inducing therapy. Nucl Med Commun 2022; 43:937-944. [PMID: 35603420 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A better understanding of the metabolic phenotype of stem-like cancer cells could provide targets to help overcome chemoresistance. In this study, we hypothesized that colon cancer cells with the stem cell feature of CD133 expression have increased proton leakage that influences glucose metabolism and offers protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inducing treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS In HT29 colon cancer cells, 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake was increased by CD133 selection and decreased by CD133 silencing. In CD133(+) cells, greater 18 F-FDG uptake was accompanied by increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ROS, indicating increased proton leakage. The uncoupling protein inhibitor genipin reversed the increased 18 F-FDG uptake and greater OCR of CD133(+) cells. The ROS-inducing drug, piperlongumine, suppressed CD133(-) cell survival by stimulating mitochondrial ROS generation but was unable to influence CD133(+) cells when used alone. However, cotreatment of CD133(+) cells with genipin and piperlongumine efficiently stimulated mitochondrial ROS for an enhanced antitumor effect with substantially reduced CD133 expression. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that mitochondrial uncoupling is a metabolic feature of CD133(+) colon cancer cells that provides protection against piperlongumine therapy by suppressing mitochondrial ROS generation. Hence, combining genipin with ROS-inducing treatment may be an effective strategy to reverse the metabolic feature and eliminate stem-like colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul
| | - Eun Ji Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center
| | - Jin Won Park
- Scripps Korea Antibody Institute, Chuncheon-si, South Korea
| | - Mina Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center
| | - Kyung-Ho Jung
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul
| | | | - Kyung-Han Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul
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4
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Genipin, an Inhibitor of UCP2 as a Promising New Anticancer Agent: A Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105637. [PMID: 35628447 PMCID: PMC9147402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genipin is a protein cross-linking agent extracted from Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) fruits. This fruit has conventionally been used as a Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammation and jaundice and as an edible colorant in oriental countries. Uncoupling protein (UCP)-2 is a member of the family of uncoupling proteins, which are anion transporters positioned in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Genipin has been shown to have hepatoprotective activity, acting as an effective antioxidant and inhibitor of mitochondrial UCP2, and is also reported to exert significant anticancer effects. In this review, the author presents the latest progress of genipin as an anticancer agent and concisely describes its various mechanisms of action. In brief, genipin inhibits UCP2 to attenuate generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to ROS/c-Jun N-terminal kinase-dependent apoptosis of cancer cells. Genipin also increases the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-2, a kind of tumor promoter in a variety of cancers, as well as induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in in vitro and in vivo models. These findings suggest that genipin can serve as a promising novel antitumor agent that could be applicable for chemotherapy and/or chemoprevention for cancers.
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Johar D, Elmehrath AO, Khalil RM, Elberry MH, Zaky S, Shalabi SA, Bernstein LH. Protein networks linking Warburg and reverse Warburg effects to cancer cell metabolism. Biofactors 2021; 47:713-728. [PMID: 34453457 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It was 80 years after the Otto Warburg discovery of aerobic glycolysis, a major hallmark in the understanding of cancer. The Warburg effect is the preference of cancer cell for glycolysis that produces lactate even when sufficient oxygen is provided. "reverse Warburg effect" refers to the interstitial tissue communications with adjacent epithelium, that in the process of carcinogenesis, is needed to be explored. Among these cell-cell communications, the contact between epithelial cells; between epithelial cells and matrix; and between fibroblasts and inflammatory cells in the underlying matrix. Cancer involves dysregulation of Warburg and reverse Warburg cellular metabolic pathways. How these gene and protein-based regulatory mechanisms have functioned has been the basis for this review. The importance of the Warburg in oxidative phosphorylation suppression, with increased glycolysis in cancer growth and proliferation is emphasized. Studies that are directed at pathways that would be expected to shift cell metabolism to an increased oxidation and to a decrease in glycolysis are emphasized. Key enzymes required for oxidative phosphorylation, and affect the inhibition of fatty acid metabolism and glutamine dependence are conferred. The findings are of special interest to cancer pharmacotherapy. Studies described in this review are concerned with the effects of therapeutic modalities that are intimately related to the Warburg effect. These interactions described may be helpful as adjuvant therapy in controlling the process of proliferation and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Johar
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Faculty of Women for Arts, Sciences and Education, Ain Shams University, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Rania M Khalil
- Department of Biochemistry, Pharmacy College, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Mostafa H Elberry
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy Zaky
- Hepatogastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samy A Shalabi
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Consultant Pathologist, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Larry H Bernstein
- Emeritus Prof. Department of Pathology, Yale University, Connecticut, USA
- Triplex Consulting Pharmaceuticals, 54 Firethorn Lane Northampton, MA 01060, USA
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Lee JH, Cho YS, Jung KH, Park JW, Lee KH. Genipin enhances the antitumor effect of elesclomol in A549 lung cancer cells by blocking uncoupling protein-2 and stimulating reactive oxygen species production. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:374. [PMID: 33154772 PMCID: PMC7608048 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) serves a role in tumor aggressiveness and anticancer resistance, which is considered to be associated with its ability to attenuate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We hypothesized that UCP2 may protect cancer cells from elesclomol-induced cytotoxicity, and that this may be overcome by blocking UCP2 function with genipin. In A549 lung cancer cells that exhibited high UCP2 expression, treatment with elesclomol alone induced limited changes in glucose uptake, ROS production and cell survival. By contrast, both UCP2 knockdown and genipin treatment mildly reduced glucose uptake, increased ROS production and decreased cell survival. Combining genipin and elesclomol further reduced glucose uptake and increased cellular and mitochondrial ROS production. Moreover, co-treatment with genipin and elesclomol reduced the colony forming capacity to 50.6±7.4% and the cell survival to 42.0±3.4% of that in the control cells (both P<0.001). Suppression of cell survival by treatment with elesclomol and genipin was enhanced in the presence of an exogenous ROS inducer and attenuated by a ROS scavenger. The cytotoxic effects of combining genipin and elesclomol were accompanied by reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and occurred through apoptosis as demonstrated by Annexin V assay and increased protein cleavage of PARP and caspase-3. Finally, in an A549 ×enograft mouse model, tumor growth was only modestly retarded by treatment with elesclomol or genipin alone, but was markedly suppressed by combining the two drugs compared with that in the control group (P=0.008). Therefore, high UCP2 expression may limit the antitumor effect of elesclomol by attenuating ROS responses, and this may be overcome by co-treatment with genipin; combining elesclomol and genipin may be an effective strategy for treating cancers with high UCP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Seok Cho
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ho Jung
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Won Park
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Han Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
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Barbosa AM, Martel F. Targeting Glucose Transporters for Breast Cancer Therapy: The Effect of Natural and Synthetic Compounds. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010154. [PMID: 31936350 PMCID: PMC7016663 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of cellular energy metabolism is widely accepted to be a cancer hallmark. The deviant energetic metabolism of cancer cells-known as the Warburg effect-consists in much higher rates of glucose uptake and glycolytic oxidation coupled with the production of lactic acid, even in the presence of oxygen. Consequently, cancer cells have higher glucose needs and thus display a higher sensitivity to glucose deprivation-induced death than normal cells. So, inhibitors of glucose uptake are potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Overexpression of facilitative glucose transporters (GLUT), mainly GLUT1, in breast cancer cells is firmly established, and the consequences of GLUT inhibition and/or knockout are under investigation. Herein we review the compounds, both of natural and synthetic origin, found to interfere with uptake of glucose by breast cancer cells, and the consequences of interference with that mechanism on breast cancer cell biology. We will also present data where the interaction with GLUT is exploited in order to increase the efficiency or selectivity of anticancer agents, in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Barbosa
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Fátima Martel
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-22-042-6654
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Li J, Jiang R, Cong X, Zhao Y. UCP2 gene polymorphisms in obesity and diabetes, and the role of UCP2 in cancer. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:2525-2534. [PMID: 31330574 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the primary sites for ATP synthesis and free radical generation in organisms. Abnormal mitochondrial metabolism contributes to many diseases, including obesity, diabetes and cancer. UCP2 is an ion/anion transporter located in mitochondrial inner membrane, and has a crucial role in regulating oxidative stress, cellular metabolism, cell proliferation and cell death. Polymorphisms of the UCP2 gene have been associated with diabetes and obesity because UCP2 is involved in energy expenditure and insulin secretion. Moreover, UCP2 gene expression is often amplified in cancers, and increased UCP2 expression contributes to cancer growth, cancer metabolism, anti-apoptosis and drug resistance. The present review summarizes the latest findings of UCP2 with respect to obesity, diabetes and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinran Li
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neurosciences, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Rihua Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianling Cong
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neurosciences, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
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9
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Ježek P, Holendová B, Garlid KD, Jabůrek M. Mitochondrial Uncoupling Proteins: Subtle Regulators of Cellular Redox Signaling. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:667-714. [PMID: 29351723 PMCID: PMC6071544 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Mitochondria are the energetic, metabolic, redox, and information signaling centers of the cell. Substrate pressure, mitochondrial network dynamics, and cristae morphology state are integrated by the protonmotive force Δp or its potential component, ΔΨ, which are attenuated by proton backflux into the matrix, termed uncoupling. The mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP1-5) play an eminent role in the regulation of each of the mentioned aspects, being involved in numerous physiological events including redox signaling. Recent Advances: UCP2 structure, including purine nucleotide and fatty acid (FA) binding sites, strongly support the FA cycling mechanism: UCP2 expels FA anions, whereas uncoupling is achieved by the membrane backflux of protonated FA. Nascent FAs, cleaved by phospholipases, are preferential. The resulting Δp dissipation decreases superoxide formation dependent on Δp. UCP-mediated antioxidant protection and its impairment are expected to play a major role in cell physiology and pathology. Moreover, UCP2-mediated aspartate, oxaloacetate, and malate antiport with phosphate is expected to alter metabolism of cancer cells. CRITICAL ISSUES A wide range of UCP antioxidant effects and participations in redox signaling have been reported; however, mechanisms of UCP activation are still debated. Switching off/on the UCP2 protonophoretic function might serve as redox signaling either by employing/releasing the extra capacity of cell antioxidant systems or by directly increasing/decreasing mitochondrial superoxide sources. Rapid UCP2 degradation, FA levels, elevation of purine nucleotides, decreased Mg2+, or increased pyruvate accumulation may initiate UCP-mediated redox signaling. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Issues such as UCP2 participation in glucose sensing, neuronal (synaptic) function, and immune cell activation should be elucidated. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 667-714.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Ježek
- 1 Department of Mitochondrial Physiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Holendová
- 1 Department of Mitochondrial Physiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Keith D Garlid
- 2 UCLA Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles, California
| | - Martin Jabůrek
- 1 Department of Mitochondrial Physiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Prague, Czech Republic
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10
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Ye J, Li J, Wang X, Li L. Medicinal supplement genipin induces p53 and Bax-dependent apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:2957-2964. [PMID: 30127884 PMCID: PMC6096105 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Genipin is a medicinal herb compound derived from the gardenia fruit, which has been reported to exhibit antitumor activity against several types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor effect of genipin on colon cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Genipin significantly inhibited the viability of HCT116 and SW480 cells in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, genipin was able to significantly inhibit tumor growth in nude mice with xenografts of HCT116 and SW480 cells. The inhibition of tumor growth by genipin treatment was coupled with G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, increased reactive oxygen species damage and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Further investigation of genipin-treated HCT116 cells revealed that the expression of p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in genipin-treated cells was increased compared with the vehicle control, whereas B-cell lymphoma-2 expression appeared to be lower in genipin-treated cells. Collectively, the findings of the present study indicate that genipin was able to decrease proliferation and promote apoptosis in colon cancer cells by inducing the p53/Bax-mediated signaling pathway. Therefore, genipin may be used as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwang Ye
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, P.R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Central Sterile Supply, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, P.R. China
| | - Xiangfeng Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, P.R. China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Vasculocardiology, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, P.R. China
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Shanmugam MK, Shen H, Tang FR, Arfuso F, Rajesh M, Wang L, Kumar AP, Bian J, Goh BC, Bishayee A, Sethi G. Potential role of genipin in cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2018; 133:195-200. [PMID: 29758279 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genipin, an aglycone derived from the iridoid glycoside, geniposide, is isolated and characterized from the extract of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruit (family Rubiaceae). It has long been used in traditional oriental medicine for the prevention and treatment of several inflammation driven diseases, including cancer. Genipin has been shown to have hepatoprotective activity acting as a potent antioxidant and inhibitor of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and also reported to exert significant anticancer effects. It is an excellent crosslinking agent that helps to make novel sustained or delayed release nanoparticle formulations. In this review, we present the latest developments of genipin as an anticancer agent and briefly describe its diverse mechanism(s) of action. Several lines of evidence suggest that genipin is a potent inhibitor of UCP2, which functions as a tumor promoter in a variety of cancers, attenuates generation of reactive oxygen species and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2, as well as induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in vitro and in in vivo models. These finding suggests that genipin can serve as both a prominent anticancer agent as well as a potent crosslinking drug that may find useful application in several novel pharmaceutical formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Hongyuan Shen
- Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Feng Ru Tang
- Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Frank Arfuso
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, WA, Australia
| | - Mohanraj Rajesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Jinsong Bian
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, WA, Australia; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL, 33169, United States of America
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
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Plant-Derived Anticancer Agents: Lessons from the Pharmacology of Geniposide and Its Aglycone, Genipin. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6020039. [PMID: 29587429 PMCID: PMC6027249 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6020039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For centuries, plants have been exploited by mankind as sources of numerous cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Good examples of anticancer compounds of clinical significance today include the taxanes (e.g., taxol), vincristine, vinblastine, and the podophyllotoxin analogues that all trace their origin to higher plants. While all these drugs, along with the various other available therapeutic options, brought some relief in cancer management, a real breakthrough or cure has not yet been achieved. This critical review is a reflection on the lessons learnt from decades of research on the iridoid glycoside geniposide and its aglycone, genipin, which are currently used as gold standard reference compounds in cancer studies. Their effects on tumour development (carcinogenesis), cancer cell survival, and death, with particular emphasis on their mechanisms of actions, are discussed. Particular attention is also given to mechanisms related to the dual pro-oxidant and antioxidant effects of these compounds, the mitochondrial mechanism of cancer cell killing through reactive oxygen species (ROS), including that generated through the uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2), the inflammatory mechanism, and cell cycle regulation. The implications of various studies for the evaluation of glycosidic and aglycone forms of natural products in vitro and in vivo through pharmacokinetic scrutiny are also addressed.
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Uncoupling Protein 2 Inhibition Exacerbates Glucose Fluctuation-Mediated Neuronal Effects. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:388-401. [PMID: 28875237 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9805-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Though glucose fluctuations have been considered as an adverse factor for the development of several diabetes-related complications, their impact in the central nervous system is still not fully elucidated. This study was conducted to evaluate the responses of neuronal cells to different glycemic exposures alongside to elucidate the role of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in regulating such responses. To achieve our goals, primary cortical neurons were submitted to constant high (HG)/low (LG) or glucose level variations (GVs), and the pharmacological inhibition of UCP2 activity was performed using genipin. Results obtained show that GV decreased neuronal cells' viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and manganese superoxide dismutase activity and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. GV also caused an increase in the glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio and in the protein expression levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), UCP2, NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 1 (ND1), and mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase I (MTCO1), both mitochondrial DNA encoded subunits of the electron transport chain. Contrariwise, genipin abrogated all those compensations and increased the levels of caspase 3-like activity, potentiated mitochondrial ROS levels, and the loss of neuronal synaptic integrity, decreased the protein expression levels of NRF1, and increased the protein expression levels of UCP5. Further, in the control and LG conditions, genipin increased mitochondrial ROS and the protein expression levels of UCP4, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), ND1, and MTCO1. Overall, these observations suggest that UCP2 is in the core of neuronal cell protection and/or adaptation against GV-mediated effects and that other isoforms of neuronal UCPs can be upregulated to compensate the inhibition of UCP2 activity.
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Brandi J, Cecconi D, Cordani M, Torrens-Mas M, Pacchiana R, Dalla Pozza E, Butera G, Manfredi M, Marengo E, Oliver J, Roca P, Dando I, Donadelli M. The antioxidant uncoupling protein 2 stimulates hnRNPA2/B1, GLUT1 and PKM2 expression and sensitizes pancreas cancer cells to glycolysis inhibition. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 101:305-316. [PMID: 27989750 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.10.499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Several evidence indicate that metabolic alterations play a pivotal role in cancer development. Here, we report that the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) sustains the metabolic shift from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (mtOXPHOS) to glycolysis in pancreas cancer cells. Indeed, we show that UCP2 sensitizes pancreas cancer cells to the treatment with the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose. Through a bidimensional electrophoresis analysis, we identify 19 protein species differentially expressed after treatment with the UCP2 inhibitor genipin and, by bioinformatic analyses, we show that these proteins are mainly involved in metabolic processes. In particular, we demonstrate that the antioxidant UCP2 induces the expression of hnRNPA2/B1, which is involved in the regulation of both GLUT1 and PKM2 mRNAs, and of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increasing the secretion of L-lactic acid. We further demonstrate that the radical scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine reverts hnRNPA2/B1 and PKM2 inhibition by genipin indicating a role for reactive oxygen species in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells mediated by UCP2. We also observe an UCP2-dependent decrease in mtOXPHOS complex I (NADH dehydrogenase), complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase), complex V (ATPase) and in mitochondrial oxygen consumption, suggesting a role for UCP2 in the counteraction of pancreatic cancer cellular respiration. All these results reveal novel mechanisms through which UCP2 promotes cancer cell proliferation with the concomitant metabolic shift from mtOXPHOS to the glycolytic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Brandi
- Department of Biotechnology, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Cecconi
- Department of Biotechnology, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Margalida Torrens-Mas
- Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, CIBERobn (CB06/03), Carlos III Health Research Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Palma Institute for Health Research (IdISPa), E07010 Palma, Spain; Multidisciplinar Group of Translational Oncology, University Research Institute on Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, E07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Raffaella Pacchiana
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Dalla Pozza
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanna Butera
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont, Alessandria, Italy; ISALIT, Novara, Italy
| | - Emilio Marengo
- Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Jordi Oliver
- Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, CIBERobn (CB06/03), Carlos III Health Research Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Palma Institute for Health Research (IdISPa), E07010 Palma, Spain; Multidisciplinar Group of Translational Oncology, University Research Institute on Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, E07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Pilar Roca
- Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, CIBERobn (CB06/03), Carlos III Health Research Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Palma Institute for Health Research (IdISPa), E07010 Palma, Spain; Multidisciplinar Group of Translational Oncology, University Research Institute on Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, E07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Massimo Donadelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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