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Fiorito V, Tolosano E. Unearthing FLVCR1a: tracing the path to a vital cellular transporter. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:166. [PMID: 38581583 PMCID: PMC10998817 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05205-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The Feline Leukemia Virus Subgroup C Receptor 1a (FLVCR1a) is a member of the SLC49 Major Facilitator Superfamily of transporters. Initially recognized as the receptor for the retrovirus responsible of pure red cell aplasia in cats, nearly two decades since its discovery, FLVCR1a remains a puzzling transporter, with ongoing discussions regarding what it transports and how its expression is regulated. Nonetheless, despite this, the substantial body of evidence accumulated over the years has provided insights into several critical processes in which this transporter plays a complex role, and the health implications stemming from its malfunction. The present review intends to offer a comprehensive overview and a critical analysis of the existing literature on FLVCR1a, with the goal of emphasising the vital importance of this transporter for the organism and elucidating the interconnections among the various functions attributed to this transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Fiorito
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) "Guido Tarone", Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) "Guido Tarone", Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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Xu S, Wang Z, Ye J, Mei S, Zhang J. Identification of Iron Metabolism-Related Genes as Prognostic Indicators for Lower-Grade Glioma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:729103. [PMID: 34568059 PMCID: PMC8458946 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.729103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower-grade glioma (LGG) is characterized by genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity, and a dismal prognosis. Iron metabolism is considered central for glioma tumorigenesis, tumor progression and tumor microenvironment, although key iron metabolism-related genes are unclear. Here we developed and validated an iron metabolism-related gene signature LGG prognosis. RNA-sequence and clinicopathological data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) were downloaded. Prognostic iron metabolism-related genes were screened and used to construct a risk-score model via differential gene expression analysis, univariate Cox analysis, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO)-regression algorithm. All LGG patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups, based on the risk score. The prognostic significance of the risk-score model in the TCGA and CGGA cohorts was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Risk- score distributions in subgroups were stratified by age, gender, the World Health Organization (WHO) grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation status, the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyl-transferase (MGMT) promoter-methylation status, and the 1p/19q co-deletion status. Furthermore, a nomogram model with a risk score was developed, and its predictive performance was validated with the TCGA and CGGA cohorts. Additionally, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified signaling pathways and pathological processes enriched in the high-risk group. Finally, immune infiltration and immune checkpoint analysis were utilized to investigate the tumor microenvironment characteristics related to the risk score. We identified a prognostic 15-gene iron metabolism-related signature and constructed a risk-score model. High risk scores were associated with an age of > 40, wild-type IDH1, a WHO grade of III, an unmethylated MGMT promoter, and 1p/19q non-codeletion. ROC analysis indicated that the risk-score model accurately predicted 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of LGG patients in the both TCGA and CGGA cohorts. KM analysis showed that the high-risk group had a much lower overall survival than the low-risk group (P < 0.0001). The nomogram model showed a strong ability to predict the overall survival of LGG patients in the TCGA and CGGA cohorts. GSEA analysis indicated that inflammatory responses, tumor-associated pathways, and pathological processes were enriched in high-risk group. Moreover, a high risk score correlated with the infiltration immune cells (dendritic cells, macrophages, CD4+ T cells, and B cells) and expression of immune checkpoint (PD1, PDL1, TIM3, and CD48). Our prognostic model was based on iron metabolism-related genes in LGG, can potentially aid in LGG prognosis, and provides potential targets against gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenbin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Gastroenterology Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zefeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Shuhao Mei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Brain Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Fiorito V, Allocco AL, Petrillo S, Gazzano E, Torretta S, Marchi S, Destefanis F, Pacelli C, Audrito V, Provero P, Medico E, Chiabrando D, Porporato PE, Cancelliere C, Bardelli A, Trusolino L, Capitanio N, Deaglio S, Altruda F, Pinton P, Cardaci S, Riganti C, Tolosano E. The heme synthesis-export system regulates the tricarboxylic acid cycle flux and oxidative phosphorylation. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109252. [PMID: 34133926 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme is an iron-containing porphyrin of vital importance for cell energetic metabolism. High rates of heme synthesis are commonly observed in proliferating cells. Moreover, the cell-surface heme exporter feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor 1a (FLVCR1a) is overexpressed in several tumor types. However, the reasons why heme synthesis and export are enhanced in highly proliferating cells remain unknown. Here, we illustrate a functional axis between heme synthesis and heme export: heme efflux through the plasma membrane sustains heme synthesis, and implementation of the two processes down-modulates the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux and oxidative phosphorylation. Conversely, inhibition of heme export reduces heme synthesis and promotes the TCA cycle fueling and flux as well as oxidative phosphorylation. These data indicate that the heme synthesis-export system modulates the TCA cycle and oxidative metabolism and provide a mechanistic basis for the observation that both processes are enhanced in cells with high-energy demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Fiorito
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Allocco
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Gazzano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Simone Torretta
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Saverio Marchi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Destefanis
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Consiglia Pacelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Valentina Audrito
- Immunogenetics Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Provero
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Center for Omics Sciences, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCSS, Milano, Italy
| | - Enzo Medico
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, TO, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Deborah Chiabrando
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Ettore Porporato
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Bardelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, TO, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, TO, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Nazzareno Capitanio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Immunogenetics Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Cardaci
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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Fiorito V, Chiabrando D, Petrillo S, Bertino F, Tolosano E. The Multifaceted Role of Heme in Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1540. [PMID: 32010627 PMCID: PMC6974621 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme, an iron-containing porphyrin, is of vital importance for cells due to its involvement in several biological processes, including oxygen transport, energy production and drug metabolism. Besides these vital functions, heme also bears toxic properties and, therefore, the amount of heme inside the cells must be tightly regulated. Similarly, heme intake from dietary sources is strictly controlled to meet body requirements. The multifaceted nature of heme renders it a best candidate molecule exploited/controlled by tumor cells in order to modulate their energetic metabolism, to interact with the microenvironment and to sustain proliferation and survival. The present review summarizes the literature on heme and cancer, emphasizing the importance to consider heme as a prominent player in different aspects of tumor onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Fiorito
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Deborah Chiabrando
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Bertino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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Mitophagy mediated by BNIP3 and BNIP3L/NIX in urothelial cells of the urinary bladder of cattle harbouring bovine papillomavirus infection. Vet Microbiol 2019; 236:108396. [PMID: 31500722 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a powerful tool that host cells use to defend against viral infection. Mitophagy, the selective autophagic removal of dysfunctional mitochondria was upregulated in urothelial cancer cells harbouring bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection, as detected by the expression of BPV E5 protein, the major oncoprotein of bovine Deltapapillomavirus genus. HIF-1α-induced mitophagy receptors, BNIP3 and BNIP3L/Nix, were found to be overexpressed in these cells. The BNIP3 and BNIP3L/Nix receptors were amplified, and amplicon sequencing showed homology between bovine BNPI3 and BNIP3L/Nix sequences deposited in GenBank (accession number: NM_001076366.1 and NM_001034614.2, respectively). The transcripts and protein levels of BNIP3 and BNIP3L/Nix were significantly overexpressed in hypoxic neoplastic cells relative to healthy, non-neoplastic cells. BNIP3 and BNIP3L/Nix interacted with the LC3 protein, a marker of autophagosome (mitophagosome) membrane, ERAS, a small GTPase, and p62, known to be a specific autophagy receptor protein, that plays a role in mitochondrial priming for mitophagy and subsequent elimination. ERAS also interacted with the BPV E5 oncoprotein at mitochondrial level. Furthermore, in anti-Bag3 mitochondrial immunoprecipitates, a complex composed of the Hsc70/Hsp70 chaperone, CHIP co-chaperone, Synpo2, ERAS, LC3, p62, BNPI3, and BNIP3L/Nix was also detected. Bag3 may play a role in mitophagosome formation together with the Synpo2 protein and may be involved in the degradation of Hsc70/Hsp70-bound CHIP-ubiquitinated cargo, in association with its chaperone. ERAS may be involved in mitophagosome maturation via the PI3K signalling pathway. Ultrastructural findings revealed the presence of mitochondria exhibiting severe fragmentation and loss of cristae, as well as numerous mitochondria-containing autophagosomes.
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