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Zheng K, Qian Y, Wang H, Song D, You H, Hou B, Han F, Zhu Y, Feng F, Lam SM, Shui G, Li X. Combinatorial lipidomics and proteomics underscore erythrocyte lipid membrane aberrations in the development of adverse cardio-cerebrovascular complications in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Redox Biol 2024; 76:103295. [PMID: 39159596 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-associated deterioration of physiological functions occur at heterogeneous rates across individual organs. A granular evaluation of systemic metabolic mediators of aging in a healthy human cohort (n = 225) identified prominent increases in circulating uremic toxins that were recapitulated in mice, on which we further characterized the aging phenome across five peripheral organs. Our multi-omics analyses connected systemic aging profiles primarily to kidney metabolism, uncovering a metabolic association between localized glucosylceramide (GluCer) accretion and renal functional decline. Elevated GluCers were also associated with higher risk of deaths in an independent cohort of aged individuals (n = 271). We report GluCer-mTOR signaling commencing at late middle-age that disrupts mitophagy and undermines mitochondrial respiration in kidney. Conserved between human and mice, GluCer-mediated renal dysfunction is female-biased and modulated by intracellular purines. Our work provides molecular basis for the sexually disparate effects of mTOR inhibition on mammalian lifespan, possibly ascribed to the evolutionary cost of female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yujun Qian
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiyun Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Song
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui You
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Hou
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yicheng Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sin Man Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Guanghou Shui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Nephrology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Deng X, Wang Y, Guo H, Wang Q, Rao S, Wu H. Pan-Cancer Analysis and Experimental Validation of SOX4 as a Potential Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Immunotherapy Biomarker. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5235. [PMID: 37958409 PMCID: PMC10649301 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215235] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SOX4 plays an important role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The role of SOX4 in pan-cancer and its underlying molecular mechanism in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) are not fully understood. In this study, a comprehensive analysis and experimental validation were performed to explore the function of SOX4 across tumor types. METHODS Raw data in regard to SOX4 expression in malignant tumors were downloaded from the TCGA and GTEx databases. The expression levels, prognostic values, genetic mutation, and DNA promoter methylation of SOX4 across tumor types were explored via systematic bioinformatics analysis. The ceRNA regulatory network, immune characteristics, and prognostic models were analyzed in LIHC. Finally, we conducted in vitro experiments including Western blotting, cell proliferative assay, trypan blue staining, and fluorescence microscopy to further explore the function of SOX4 in LIHC. RESULTS SOX4 expression was significantly upregulated in 24 tumor types. SOX4 expression level was strongly associated with unfavorable prognoses, genetic mutations, and DNA methylation levels across different tumor types. Especially in LIHC, LINC00152/hsa-miR-139-3p/SOX4 was identified as a crucial ceRNA network. Moreover, this study also provides insight into the roles of SOX4 expression in immune cell infiltration, macrophage polarization, immune subtype, molecular subtype, and immunomodulators, as well as the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME)-related prognosis, in LIHC. The study established six favorable prognostic models to predict LIHC prognosis based on the SOX4-associated genes. Finally, lenvatinib treatment can increase the expression of SOX4 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and lead to drug resistance. Silencing SOX4 can effectively eliminate the drug resistance caused by lenvatinib treatment and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that SOX4 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinna Deng
- Departments of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050057, China; (X.D.); (H.G.); (Q.W.); (S.R.)
| | - Yashu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China;
| | - Hao Guo
- Departments of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050057, China; (X.D.); (H.G.); (Q.W.); (S.R.)
| | - Qian Wang
- Departments of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050057, China; (X.D.); (H.G.); (Q.W.); (S.R.)
| | - Shuting Rao
- Departments of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050057, China; (X.D.); (H.G.); (Q.W.); (S.R.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Haijiang Wu
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China;
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Li ZB, Jiang L, Ni JD, Xu YH, Liu F, Liu WM, Wang SG, Liu ZQ, Wang CY. Salvianolic acid B suppresses hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting ceramide glucosyltransferase in hepatic stellate cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1191-1205. [PMID: 36627345 PMCID: PMC10203340 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-01044-9] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) is the first key enzyme in glycosphingolipid (GSL) metabolism that produces glucosylceramide (GlcCer). Increased UGCG synthesis is associated with cell proliferation, invasion and multidrug resistance in human cancers. In this study we investigated the role of UGCG in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. We first found that UGCG was over-expressed in fibrotic livers and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In human HSC-LX2 cells, inhibition of UGCG with PDMP or knockdown of UGCG suppressed the expression of the biomarkers of HSC activation (α-SMA and collagen I). Furthermore, pretreatment with PDMP (40 μM) impaired lysosomal homeostasis and blocked the process of autophagy, leading to activation of retinoic acid signaling pathway and accumulation of lipid droplets. After exploring the structure and key catalytic residues of UGCG in the activation of HSCs, we conducted virtual screening, molecular interaction and molecular docking experiments, and demonstrated salvianolic acid B (SAB) from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza as an UGCG inhibitor with an IC50 value of 159 μM. In CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis, intraperitoneal administration of SAB (30 mg · kg-1 · d-1, for 4 weeks) significantly alleviated hepatic fibrogenesis by inhibiting the activation of HSCs and collagen deposition. In addition, SAB displayed better anti-inflammatory effects in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. These results suggest that UGCG may represent a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis; SAB could act as an inhibitor of UGCG, which is expected to be a candidate drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Bo Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jia-Dong Ni
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuan-Hang Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wen-Ming Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shao-Gui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Zhong-Qiu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Cai-Yan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Zhao X, Li K, Chen M, Liu L. Metabolic codependencies in the tumor microenvironment and gastric cancer: Difficulties and opportunities. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114601. [PMID: 36989719 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenesis and the development of tumors affect metabolism throughout the body. Metabolic reprogramming (also known as metabolic remodeling) is a feature of malignant tumors that is driven by oncogenic changes in the cancer cells themselves as well as by cytokines in the tumor microenvironment. These include endothelial cells, matrix fibroblasts, immune cells, and malignant tumor cells. The heterogeneity of mutant clones is affected by the actions of other cells in the tumor and by metabolites and cytokines in the microenvironment. Metabolism can also influence immune cell phenotype and function. Metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells is the result of a convergence of both internal and external signals. The basal metabolic state is maintained by internal signaling, while external signaling fine-tunes the metabolic process based on metabolite availability and cellular needs. This paper reviews the metabolic characteristics of gastric cancer, focusing on the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that drive cancer metabolism in the tumor microenvironment, and interactions between tumor cell metabolic changes and microenvironment metabolic changes. This information will be helpful for the individualized metabolic treatment of gastric cancers.
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5
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Chen S, Wang Y, Kong L, Ji Y, Cui J, Shen W. Role of UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase in venous malformation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1178045. [PMID: 37274734 PMCID: PMC10235597 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1178045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venous malformation (VM) results from the abnormal growth of the vasculature; however, the detailed molecular mechanism remains unclear. As a glycosyltransferase, UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) is localized to the Golgi body and is a key enzyme in the first step of glycosphingolipid synthesis. Here, we aimed to explore the relationship between UGCG and the development of VM. First, investigations using RT-qPCR and Western blotting on the diseased vasculature of VM patients and normal vascular tissues revealed that UGCG expression was markedly elevated in the diseased vessels. Subsequently, immunofluorescence assay showed that UGCG was co-localized with CD31, an endothelial cell marker, in tissues from patients with VM and healthy subjects. Then, we established TIE2-L914F-mutant human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by lentivirus transfection. Next, Western blotting revealed that UGCG expression was considerably higher in HUVECsTIE2-L914F. In addition, we established a UGCG-overexpressing HUVECs line by plasmid transfection. With the CCK8 cell proliferation experiment, wound healing assay, and tube formation assay, we found that UGCG could promote the proliferation, migration, and tube formation activity of HUVECs, whereas the inhibition of UGCG could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and tube formation activity of HUVECsTIE2-L914F. Finally, Western blotting revealed that UGCG regulates the AKT/mTOR pathway in HUVECs. These data demonstrated that UGCG can affect the activity of vascular endothelial cells and regulate the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway; this is a potential mechanism underlying VM pathogenesis.
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Li M, Zhou B, Zheng C. An integrated bioinformatic analysis of bulk and single-cell sequencing clarifies immune microenvironment and metabolic profiles of lung adenocarcinoma to predict immunotherapy efficacy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1163314. [PMID: 37091977 PMCID: PMC10113470 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1163314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting the tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized as an effective treatment of advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, few studies have addressed the efficacy of immunotherapy for LUAD. Here, a novel method for predicting immunotherapy efficacy has been proposed, which combines single-cell and bulk sequencing to characterize the immune microenvironment and metabolic profile of LUAD. TCGA bulk dataset was used to cluster two immune subtypes: C1 with “cold” tumor characteristics and C2 with “hot” tumor characteristics, with different prognosis. The Scissor algorithm, which is based on these two immune subtypes, identified GSE131907 single cell dataset into two groups of epithelial cells, labeled as Scissor_C1 and Scissor_C2. The enrichment revealed that Scissor_C1 was characterized by hypoxia, and a hypoxic microenvironment is a potential inducing factor for tumor invasion, metastasis, and immune therapy non-response. Furthermore, single cell analysis was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism of hypoxic microenvironment-induced invasion, metastasis, and immune therapy non-response in LUAD. Notably, Scissor_C1 cells significantly interacted with T cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and exhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition and immunosuppressive features. CellChat analysis revealed that a hypoxic microenvironment in Scissor_C1elevated TGFβ signaling and induced ANGPTL4 and SEMA3C secretion. Interaction with endothelial cells with ANGPTL4, which increases vascular permeability and achieves distant metastasis across the vascular endothelium. Additionally, interaction of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and Scissor_C1 via the EREG/EFGR pathway induces tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug-resistance in patients with LAUD. Thereafter, a subgroup of CAF cells that exhibited same features as those of Scissor_C1 that exert immunosuppressive functions in the tumor microenvironment were identified. Moreover, the key genes (EPHB2 and COL1A1) in the Scissor_C1 gene network were explored and their expressions were verified using immunohistochemistry. Finally, the metabolism dysfunction in cells crosstalk was determined, which is characterized by glutamine secretion by TAM and uptake by Scissor_C1 via SLC38A2 transporter, which may induce glutamine addiction in LUAD cells. Overall, single-cell sequencing clarifies how the tumor microenvironment affects immunotherapy efficacy via molecular mechanisms and biological processes, whereas bulk sequencing explains immunotherapy efficacy based on clinical information.
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7
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Zheng YK, Zhou ZS, Wang GZ, Tu JY, Cheng HB, Ma SZ, Ke C, Wang Y, Jian QP, Shu YH, Wu XW. MiR-122-5p regulates the mevalonate pathway by targeting p53 in non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:234. [PMID: 37005437 PMCID: PMC10067850 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05761-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The 5-year survival rate of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is very low. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the occurrence of NSCLC. miR-122-5p interacts with wild-type p53 (wtp53), and wtp53 affects tumor growth by inhibiting the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of these factors in NSCLC. The role of miR-122-5p and p53 was established in samples from NSCLC patients, and human NSCLC cells A549 using the miR-122-5p inhibitor, miR-122-5p mimic, and si-p53. Our results showed that inhibiting miR-122-5p expression led to the activation of p53. This inhibited the progression of the MVA pathway in the NSCLC cells A549, hindered cell proliferation and migration, and promoted apoptosis. miR-122-5p was negatively correlated with p53 expression in p53 wild-type NSCLC patients. The expression of key genes in the MVA pathway in tumors of p53 wild-type NSCLC patients was not always higher than the corresponding normal tissues. The malignancy of NSCLC was positively correlated with the high expression of the key genes in the MVA pathway. Therefore, miR-122-5p regulated NSCLC by targeting p53, providing potential molecular targets for developing targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kun Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Zhong-Shi Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Material Medical Processing Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Guang-Zhong Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Material Medical Processing Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Ji-Yuan Tu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Material Medical Processing Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Huan-Bo Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Shang-Zhi Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Chang Ke
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Qi-Pan Jian
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Yu-Hang Shu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Hořejší K, Jin C, Vaňková Z, Jirásko R, Strouhal O, Melichar B, Teneberg S, Holčapek M. Comprehensive characterization of complex glycosphingolipids in human pancreatic cancer tissues. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102923. [PMID: 36681125 PMCID: PMC9976472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for 90% of primary pancreatic tumors with an average 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. PDAC exhibits aggressive biology, which, together with late detection, results in most PDAC patients presenting with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic disease. In-depth lipid profiling and screening of potential biomarkers currently appear to be a promising approach for early detection of PDAC or other cancers. Here, we isolated and characterized complex glycosphingolipids (GSL) from normal and tumor pancreatic tissues of patients with PDAC using a combination of TLC, chemical staining, carbohydrate-recognized ligand-binding assay, and LC/ESI-MS2. The major neutral GSL identified were GSL with the terminal blood groups A, B, H, Lea, Leb, Lex, Ley, P1, and PX2 determinants together with globo- (Gb3 and Gb4) and neolacto-series GSL (nLc4 and nLc6). We also revealed that the neutral GSL profiles and their relative amounts differ between normal and tumor tissues. Additionally, the normal and tumor pancreatic tissues differ in type 1/2 core chains. Sulfatides and GM3 gangliosides were the predominant acidic GSL along with the minor sialyl-nLc4/nLc6 and sialyl-Lea/Lex. The comprehensive analysis of GSL in human PDAC tissues extends the GSL coverage and provides an important platform for further studies of GSL alterations; therefore, it could contribute to the development of new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Hořejší
- University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, , Pardubice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Chunsheng Jin
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Proteomics Core Facility, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Zuzana Vaňková
- University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, , Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Jirásko
- University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, , Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Strouhal
- Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistryand University Hospital, Department of Oncology, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Bohuslav Melichar
- Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistryand University Hospital, Department of Oncology, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Susann Teneberg
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Michal Holčapek
- University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, , Pardubice, Czech Republic.
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Identification of Therapeutic Targets for Medulloblastoma by Tissue-Specific Genome-Scale Metabolic Model. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020779. [PMID: 36677837 PMCID: PMC9864031 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), occurring in the cerebellum, is the most common childhood brain tumor. Because conventional methods decline life quality and endanger children with detrimental side effects, computer models are needed to imitate the characteristics of cancer cells and uncover effective therapeutic targets with minimum toxic effects on healthy cells. In this study, metabolic changes specific to MB were captured by the genome-scale metabolic brain model integrated with transcriptome data. To determine the roles of sphingolipid metabolism in proliferation and metastasis in the cancer cell, 79 reactions were incorporated into the MB model. The pathways employed by MB without a carbon source and the link between metastasis and the Warburg effect were examined in detail. To reveal therapeutic targets for MB, biomass-coupled reactions, the essential genes/gene products, and the antimetabolites, which might deplete the use of metabolites in cells by triggering competitive inhibition, were determined. As a result, interfering with the enzymes associated with fatty acid synthesis (FAs) and the mevalonate pathway in cholesterol synthesis, suppressing cardiolipin production, and tumor-supporting sphingolipid metabolites might be effective therapeutic approaches for MB. Moreover, decreasing the activity of succinate synthesis and GABA-catalyzing enzymes concurrently might be a promising strategy for metastatic MB.
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Fundamental Role of Pentose Phosphate Pathway within the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Glutamine Addiction of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 12:antiox12010043. [PMID: 36670904 PMCID: PMC9854646 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer utilization of large glutamine equivalents contributes to diverging glucose-6-P flux toward the pentose phosphate shunt (PPP) to feed the building blocks and the antioxidant responses of rapidly proliferating cells. In addition to the well-acknowledged cytosolic pathway, cancer cells also run a largely independent PPP, triggered by hexose-6P-dehydrogenase within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whose activity is mandatory for the integrity of ER-mitochondria networking. To verify whether this reticular metabolism is dependent on glutamine levels, we complemented the metabolomic characterization of intermediates of the glucose metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle with the estimation of proliferating activity, energy metabolism, redox damage, and mitochondrial function in two breast cancer cell lines. ER-PPP activity and its determinants were estimated by the ER accumulation of glucose analogs. Glutamine shortage decreased the proliferation rate despite increased ATP and NADH levels. It depleted NADPH reductive power and increased malondialdehyde content despite a marked increase in glucose-6P-dehydrogenase. This paradox was explained by the deceleration of ER-PPP favored by the decrease in hexose-6P-dehydrogenase expression coupled with the opposite response of its competitor enzyme glucose-6P-phosphatase. The decreased ER-PPP activity eventually hampered mitochondrial function and calcium exchanges. These data configure the ER-PPP as a powerful, unrecognized regulator of cancer cell metabolism and proliferation.
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Byrne FL, Olzomer EM, Lolies N, Hoehn KL, Wegner MS. Update on Glycosphingolipids Abundance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094477. [PMID: 35562868 PMCID: PMC9102297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of primary liver cancer. Low numbers of HCC patients being suitable for liver resection or transplantation and multidrug resistance development during pharmacotherapy leads to high death rates for HCC patients. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of HCC etiology may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of HCC. UDP-glucose ceramide glycosyltransferase (UGCG), a key enzyme in glycosphingolipid metabolism, generates glucosylceramide (GlcCer), which is the precursor for all glycosphingolipids (GSLs). Since UGCG gene expression is altered in 0.8% of HCC tumors, GSLs may play a role in cellular processes in liver cancer cells. Here, we discuss the current literature about GSLs and their abundance in normal liver cells, Gaucher disease and HCC. Furthermore, we review the involvement of UGCG/GlcCer in multidrug resistance development, globosides as a potential prognostic marker for HCC, gangliosides as a potential liver cancer stem cell marker, and the role of sulfatides in tumor metastasis. Only a limited number of molecular mechanisms executed by GSLs in HCC are known, which we summarize here briefly. Overall, the role GSLs play in HCC progression and their ability to serve as biomarkers or prognostic indicators for HCC, requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances L. Byrne
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (F.L.B.); (E.M.O.); (K.L.H.)
| | - Ellen M. Olzomer
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (F.L.B.); (E.M.O.); (K.L.H.)
| | - Nina Lolies
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Kyle L. Hoehn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (F.L.B.); (E.M.O.); (K.L.H.)
| | - Marthe-Susanna Wegner
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (F.L.B.); (E.M.O.); (K.L.H.)
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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12
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Chung LH, Liu D, Liu XT, Qi Y. Ceramide Transfer Protein (CERT): An Overlooked Molecular Player in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13184. [PMID: 34947980 PMCID: PMC8705978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are a class of essential lipids implicated in constructing cellular membranes and regulating nearly all cellular functions. Sphingolipid metabolic network is centered with the ceramide-sphingomyelin axis. Ceramide is well-recognized as a pro-apoptotic signal; while sphingomyelin, as the most abundant type of sphingolipids, is required for cell growth. Therefore, the balance between these two sphingolipids can be critical for cancer cell survival and functioning. Ceramide transfer protein (CERT) dictates the ratio of ceramide to sphingomyelin within the cell. It is the only lipid transfer protein that specifically delivers ceramide from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, where ceramide serves as the substrate for sphingomyelin synthesis. In the past two decades, an increasing body of evidence has suggested a critical role of CERT in cancer, but much more intensive efforts are required to draw a definite conclusion. Herein, we review all research findings of CERT, focusing on its molecular structure, cellular functions and implications in cancer. This comprehensive review of CERT will help to better understand the molecular mechanism of cancer and inspire to identify novel druggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Hoa Chung
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (D.L.); (X.T.L.)
| | | | | | - Yanfei Qi
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (D.L.); (X.T.L.)
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13
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Wegner MS, Schömel N, Olzomer EM, Trautmann S, Olesch C, Byrne FL, Brüne B, Gurke R, Ferreirós N, Weigert A, Geisslinger G, Hoehn KL. Increased glucosylceramide production leads to decreased cell energy metabolism and lowered tumor marker expression in non-cancerous liver cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7025-7041. [PMID: 34626204 PMCID: PMC8558193 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most difficult cancer types to treat. Liver cancer is often diagnosed at late stages and therapeutic treatment is frequently accompanied by development of multidrug resistance. This leads to poor outcomes for cancer patients. Understanding the fundamental molecular mechanisms leading to liver cancer development is crucial for developing new therapeutic approaches, which are more efficient in treating cancer. Mice with a liver specific UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) knockout (KO) show delayed diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver tumor growth. Accordingly, the rationale for our study was to determine whether UGCG overexpression is sufficient to drive cancer phenotypes in liver cells. We investigated the effect of UGCG overexpression (OE) on normal murine liver (NMuLi) cells. Increased UGCG expression results in decreased mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, which is reversible by treatment with EtDO-P4, an UGCG inhibitor. Furthermore, tumor markers such as FGF21 and EPCAM are lowered following UGCG OE, which could be related to glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and lactosylceramide (LacCer) accumulation in glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains (GEMs) and subsequently altered signaling protein phosphorylation. These cellular processes lead to decreased proliferation in NMuLi/UGCG OE cells. Our data show that increased UGCG expression itself does not induce pro-cancerous processes in normal liver cells, which indicates that increased GlcCer expression leads to different outcomes in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe-Susanna Wegner
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, House 74, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Nina Schömel
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, House 74, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ellen M Olzomer
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sandra Trautmann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, House 74, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Catherine Olesch
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frances L Byrne
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bernhard Brüne
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Robert Gurke
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, House 74, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nerea Ferreirós
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, House 74, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, House 74, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kyle L Hoehn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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14
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Wang J, Zhou M, Chen F, Liu X, Gao J, Wang W, Wang H, Yu H. Stimuli-Sheddable Nanomedicine Overcoming Pathophysiological Barriers for Potentiating Immunotherapy of Cancer. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:1486-1509. [PMID: 34544528 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy displays potent potential for clinical cancer management by activating the protective immune response; however, the microenvironment of the immunosuppressive tumor restricts the efficiency of immunotherapies. Along with the complex pathophysiological barrier of the solid tumors, successful immunotherapeutic delivery remains a formidable challenge for conventional nanomedicine. Stimuli-sheddable nano vectors may facilitate the delivery of cargoes to tumors with minimal premature cargo leakage in blood circulation while enhancing the tumor penetration of nanomedicines by deshielding the polyethylene glycol (PEG) corona upon endogenous activity such as acidity, enzymes and glutathione, or external stimuli, such as laser irradiation. Throughout this study, researchers overviewed the recent advances of nanomedicine-based cancer immunotherapy using the stimuli-responsive deshielding nano vectors, which allowed researchers to integrate multiple therapeutic regimens for inducing immunogenic cell death. This aided in blocking the immune checkpoints, repolarizing the macrophages, and regulating the kynurenine metabolism. Furthermore, researchers discussed the critical issues in the development of stimuli-sheddable nanoimmunodulators, primarily aimed at speeding up their clinical translation. Finally, researchers provided novel perspectives for improving cancer management with the stimuli-sheddable nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Magnolia University, Huhhot, 010021, China
| | - Mengxue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fangmin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Jin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Weiqi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Magnolia University, Huhhot, 010021, China
| | - Haijun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
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Malyarenko TV, Kicha AA, Stonik VA, Ivanchina NV. Sphingolipids of Asteroidea and Holothuroidea: Structures and Biological Activities. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:330. [PMID: 34200995 PMCID: PMC8228791 DOI: 10.3390/md19060330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are complex lipids widespread in nature as structural components of biomembranes. Commonly, the sphingolipids of marine organisms differ from those of terrestrial animals and plants. The gangliosides are the most complex sphingolipids characteristic of vertebrates that have been found in only the Echinodermata (echinoderms) phylum of invertebrates. Sphingolipids of the representatives of the Asteroidea and Holothuroidea classes are the most studied among all echinoderms. In this review, we have summarized the data on sphingolipids of these two classes of marine invertebrates over the past two decades. Recently established structures, properties, and peculiarities of biogenesis of ceramides, cerebrosides, and gangliosides from starfishes and holothurians are discussed. The purpose of this review is to provide the most complete information on the chemical structures, structural features, and biological activities of sphingolipids of the Asteroidea and Holothuroidea classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timofey V. Malyarenko
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. 100-let Vladivostoku 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.A.K.); (V.A.S.)
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, Sukhanova Str. 8, 690000 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Alla A. Kicha
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. 100-let Vladivostoku 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.A.K.); (V.A.S.)
| | - Valentin A. Stonik
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. 100-let Vladivostoku 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.A.K.); (V.A.S.)
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, Sukhanova Str. 8, 690000 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Natalia V. Ivanchina
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. 100-let Vladivostoku 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.A.K.); (V.A.S.)
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16
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Li Z, Zhang L, Liu D, Wang C. Ceramide glycosylation and related enzymes in cancer signaling and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111565. [PMID: 33887691 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramides, the core of the sphingolipid metabolism, draw wide attention as tumor suppressor, and act directly on mitochondria to trigger apoptotic cell death. Ceramide-based therapies are being developed by using promote ceramide generating agents. The ceramide metabolism balance is regulated by multifaceted factors in cancer development. Ceramide metabolic enzymes can increase the elimination of ceramide and counteract the anti-tumor effects of ceramide. However, recent research showed that these metabolic enzymes were highly expressed in several cancers. Especially ceramide glycosyltransferases, they catalyze ceramide glycosylation and synthesis the skeleton of glycosphingolipids (GSLs), play an important role in regulating tumor progression and have a significant correlation with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. To further understand the biological characteristics of ceramide metabolism in tumor, this review focuses on the role of ceramide glycosylation and related enzymes in cancer signaling and therapy. Besides, the research on multidrug resistance and potential inhibitors of ceramide glycosyltransferases are also discussed. Advance study on the structure of ceramide glycosyltransferases and ceramide glycosylation signaling pathway will open the path to new therapies and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Caiyan Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
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Chatterjee S, Balram A, Li W. Convergence: Lactosylceramide-Centric Signaling Pathways Induce Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Other Phenotypic Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041816. [PMID: 33673027 PMCID: PMC7917694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactosylceramide (LacCer), also known as CD17/CDw17, is a member of a large family of small molecular weight compounds known as glycosphingolipids. It plays a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of glycosphingolipids, primarily by way of serving as a precursor to the majority of its higher homolog sub-families such as gangliosides, sulfatides, fucosylated-glycosphingolipids and complex neutral glycosphingolipids—some of which confer “second-messenger” and receptor functions. LacCer is an integral component of the “lipid rafts,” serving as a conduit to transduce external stimuli into multiple phenotypes, which may contribute to mortality and morbidity in man and in mouse models of human disease. LacCer is synthesized by the action of LacCer synthase (β-1,4 galactosyltransferase), which transfers galactose from uridine diphosphate galactose (UDP-galactose) to glucosylceramide (GlcCer). The convergence of multiple physiologically relevant external stimuli/agonists—platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stress, cigarette smoke/nicotine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and in particular, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)—on β-1,4 galactosyltransferase results in its phosphorylation or activation, via a “turn-key” reaction, generating LacCer. This newly synthesized LacCer activates NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dihydrogen phosphate) oxidase to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a highly “oxidative stress” environment, which trigger a cascade of signaling molecules and pathways and initiate diverse phenotypes like inflammation and atherosclerosis. For instance, LacCer activates an enzyme, cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), which cleaves arachidonic acid from phosphatidylcholine. In turn, arachidonic acid serves as a precursor to eicosanoids and prostaglandin, which transduce a cascade of reactions leading to inflammation—a major phenotype underscoring the initiation and progression of several debilitating diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer. Our aim here is to present an updated account of studies made in the field of LacCer metabolism and signaling using multiple animal models of human disease, human tissue, and cell-based studies. These advancements have led us to propose that previously unrelated phenotypes converge in a LacCer-centric manner. This LacCer synthase/LacCer-induced “oxidative stress” environment contributes to inflammation, atherosclerosis, skin conditions, hair greying, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, targeting LacCer synthase may well be the answer to remedy these pathologies.
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