1
|
Rahman MK, Umashankar B, Choucair H, Pazderka C, Bourget K, Chen Y, Dunstan CR, Rawling T, Murray M. Inclusion of the in-chain sulfur in 3-thiaCTU increases the efficiency of mitochondrial targeting and cell killing by anticancer aryl-urea fatty acids. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 939:175470. [PMID: 36543287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria in tumor cells are functionally different from those in normal cells and could be targeted to develop new anticancer agents. We showed recently that the aryl-ureido fatty acid CTU is the prototype of a new class of mitochondrion-targeted agents that kill cancer cells by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress and promoting apoptosis. However, prolonged treatment with high doses of CTU were required for in vivo anti-tumor activity. Thus, new strategies are now required to produce agents that have enhanced anticancer activity over CTU. In the present study we prepared a novel aryl-urea termed 3-thiaCTU, that contained an in-chain sulfur heteroatom, for evaluation in tumor cell lines and in mice carrying tumor xenografts. The principal finding to emerge was that 3-thiaCTU was several-fold more active than CTU in the activation of aryl-urea mechanisms that promoted cancer cell killing. Thus, in in vitro studies 3-thiaCTU disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ROS production, activated ER-stress and promoted tumor cell apoptosis more effectively than CTU. 3-ThiaCTU was also significantly more active than CTUin vivo in mice that carried MDA-MB-231 cell xenografts. Compared to CTU, 3-thiaCTU prevented tumor growth more effectively and at much lower doses. These findings indicate that, in comparison to CTU, 3-thiaCTU is an aryl-urea with markedly enhanced activity that could now be suitable for development as a novel anticancer agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Khalilur Rahman
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Balasubrahmanyam Umashankar
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Hassan Choucair
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Curtis Pazderka
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Kirsi Bourget
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Yongjuan Chen
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Colin R Dunstan
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Tristan Rawling
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lin H, Patel S, Affleck VS, Wilson I, Turnbull DM, Joshi AR, Maxwell R, Stoll EA. Fatty acid oxidation is required for the respiration and proliferation of malignant glioma cells. Neuro Oncol 2016; 19:43-54. [PMID: 27365097 PMCID: PMC5193020 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/now128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor in adults, with approximately 4 cases per 100 000 people each year. Gliomas, like many tumors, are thought to primarily metabolize glucose for energy production; however, the reliance upon glycolysis has recently been called into question. In this study, we aimed to identify the metabolic fuel requirements of human glioma cells. METHODS We used database searches and tissue culture resources to evaluate genotype and protein expression, tracked oxygen consumption rates to study metabolic responses to various substrates, performed histochemical techniques and fluorescence-activated cell sorting-based mitotic profiling to study cellular proliferation rates, and employed an animal model of malignant glioma to evaluate a new therapeutic intervention. RESULTS We observed the presence of enzymes required for fatty acid oxidation within human glioma tissues. In addition, we demonstrated that this metabolic pathway is a major contributor to aerobic respiration in primary-cultured cells isolated from human glioma and grown under serum-free conditions. Moreover, inhibiting fatty acid oxidation reduces proliferative activity in these primary-cultured cells and prolongs survival in a syngeneic mouse model of malignant glioma. CONCLUSIONS Fatty acid oxidation enzymes are present and active within glioma tissues. Targeting this metabolic pathway reduces energy production and cellular proliferation in glioma cells. The drug etomoxir may provide therapeutic benefit to patients with malignant glioma. In addition, the expression of fatty acid oxidation enzymes may provide prognostic indicators for clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Lin
- M.Sc. Programme in Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); B.Sc. Programme in Physiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (S.P.); Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (I.W., R.M.); Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T., E.A.S.); Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (A.R.J.)
| | - Shaan Patel
- M.Sc. Programme in Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); B.Sc. Programme in Physiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (S.P.); Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (I.W., R.M.); Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T., E.A.S.); Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (A.R.J.)
| | - Valerie S Affleck
- M.Sc. Programme in Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); B.Sc. Programme in Physiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (S.P.); Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (I.W., R.M.); Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T., E.A.S.); Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (A.R.J.)
| | - Ian Wilson
- M.Sc. Programme in Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); B.Sc. Programme in Physiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (S.P.); Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (I.W., R.M.); Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T., E.A.S.); Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (A.R.J.)
| | - Douglass M Turnbull
- M.Sc. Programme in Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); B.Sc. Programme in Physiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (S.P.); Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (I.W., R.M.); Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T., E.A.S.); Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (A.R.J.)
| | - Abhijit R Joshi
- M.Sc. Programme in Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); B.Sc. Programme in Physiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (S.P.); Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (I.W., R.M.); Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T., E.A.S.); Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (A.R.J.)
| | - Ross Maxwell
- M.Sc. Programme in Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); B.Sc. Programme in Physiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (S.P.); Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (I.W., R.M.); Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T., E.A.S.); Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (A.R.J.)
| | - Elizabeth A Stoll
- M.Sc. Programme in Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (H.L., V.S.A.); B.Sc. Programme in Physiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (S.P.); Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (I.W., R.M.); Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T., E.A.S.); Centre for Brain Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (D.M.T.); Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (A.R.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Murray M, Hraiki A, Bebawy M, Pazderka C, Rawling T. Anti-tumor activities of lipids and lipid analogues and their development as potential anticancer drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 150:109-28. [PMID: 25603423 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lipids have the potential for development as anticancer agents. Endogenous membrane lipids, such as ceramides and certain saturated fatty acids, have been found to modulate the viability of tumor cells. In addition, many tumors over-express cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase or cytochrome P450 enzymes that mediate the biotransformation of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to potent eicosanoid regulators of tumor cell proliferation and cell death. In contrast, several analogous products from the biotransformation of ω-3 PUFAs impair particular tumorigenic pathways. For example, the ω-3 17,18-epoxide of eicosapentaenoic acid activates anti-proliferative and proapoptotic signaling cascades in tumor cells and the lipoxygenase-derived resolvins are effective inhibitors of inflammatory pathways that may drive tumor expansion. However, the development of potential anti-cancer drugs based on these molecules is complex, with in vivo stability a major issue. Nevertheless, recent successes with the antitumor alkyl phospholipids, which are synthetic analogues of naturally-occurring membrane phospholipid esters, have provided the impetus for development of further molecules. The alkyl phospholipids have been tested against a range of cancers and show considerable activity against skin cancers and certain leukemias. Very recently, it has been shown that combination strategies, in which alkyl phospholipids are used in conjunction with established anticancer agents, are promising new therapeutic approaches. In future, the evaluation of new lipid-based molecules in single-agent and combination treatments may also be assessed. This could provide a range of important treatment options in the management of advanced and metastatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Murray
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Adam Hraiki
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mary Bebawy
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Curtis Pazderka
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Tristan Rawling
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Murray M, Dyari HRE, Allison SE, Rawling T. Lipid analogues as potential drugs for the regulation of mitochondrial cell death. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:2051-66. [PMID: 24111728 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrion plays an important role in the production of energy as ATP, the regulation of cell viability and apoptosis, and the biosynthesis of major structural and regulatory molecules, such as lipids. During ATP production, reactive oxygen species are generated that alter the intracellular redox state and activate apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a well-recognized component of the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer. Understanding mitochondrial function, and how this is dysregulated in disease, offers the opportunity for the development of drug molecules to specifically target such defects. Altered energy metabolism in cancer, in which ATP production occurs largely by glycolysis, rather than by oxidative phosphorylation, is attributable in part to the up-regulation of cell survival signalling cascades. These pathways also regulate the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic factors that may determine the rate of cell death and proliferation. A number of anti-cancer drugs have been developed that target these factors and one of the most promising groups of agents in this regard are the lipid-based molecules that act directly or indirectly at the mitochondrion. These molecules have emerged in part from an understanding of the mitochondrial actions of naturally occurring fatty acids. Some of these agents have already entered clinical trials because they specifically target known mitochondrial defects in the cancer cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Murray
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lundemo AG, Pettersen CHH, Berge K, Berge RK, Schønberg SA. Tetradecylthioacetic acid inhibits proliferation of human SW620 colon cancer cells--gene expression profiling implies endoplasmic reticulum stress. Lipids Health Dis 2011; 10:190. [PMID: 22027281 PMCID: PMC3235040 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-10-190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous reports have shown an antiproliferative effect of the synthetic, 3-thia fatty acid tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) on different cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms behind the observed effects are poorly understood. We therefore wanted to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in TTA-induced growth inhibition of the human colon cancer cell line SW620 by gene expression profiling. Methods An antiproliferative effect of TTA on SW620 cells in vitro was displayed in real time using the xCELLigence System (Roche). Affymetrix gene expression profiling was performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind the antiproliferative effect of TTA. Changes in gene expression were verified at protein level by western blotting. Results TTA reduced SW620 cell growth, measured as baseline cell index, by 35% and 55% after 48 h and 72 h, respectively. We show for the first time that TTA induces an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in cancer cells. Gene expression analysis revealed changes related to ER stress and unfolded protein response (UPR). This was verified at protein level by phosphorylation of eukaryote translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) and downstream up-regulation of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Transcripts for positive and negative cell cycle regulators were down- and up-regulated, respectively. This, together with a down-regulation of Cyclin D1 at protein level, indicates inhibition of cell cycle progression. TTA also affected transcripts involved in calcium homeostasis. Moreover, mRNA and protein level of the ER stress inducible C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), Tribbles homolog 3 (Drosophila) (TRIB3) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) were enhanced, and the C/EBPβ LIP/LAP ratio was significantly increased. These results indicate prolonged ER stress and a possible link to induction of cell death. Conclusion We find that TTA-induced growth inhibition of SW620 cells seems to be mediated through induction of ER stress and activation of the UPR pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne G Lundemo
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, PO Box 8905, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iversen PO, Sørensen DR, Tronstad KJ, Gudbrandsen OA, Rustan AC, Berge RK, Drevon CA. A bioactively modified fatty acid improves survival and impairs metastasis in preclinical models of acute leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 12:3525-31. [PMID: 16740779 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-05-2802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the sulfur-substituted fatty acid tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in lymphoma and leukemic cell lines, but it is unknown if they can modify leukemogenesis in the intact organism. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We now examined the effects of PUFA and TTA in rats transplanted with either acute promyelocytic leukemia or acute T-cell leukemia. The rats were randomized to isoenergetic diets containing either lard (control), omega3 (n-3) PUFA, or TTA. RESULTS Whereas TTA prolonged survival (P < 0.05) in both types of rat leukemia, n-3 PUFA had no significant effect compared with controls. Only TTA inhibited (P < 0.05) leukemic infiltration in the bone marrow and spleen, probably due to apoptosis of the leukemic cells. Plasma metalloproteinase activity, a marker of metastatic activity, was significantly reduced in TTA-fed rats only. CONCLUSIONS Dietary intake of TTA, but not of n-3 PUFA, in rats with acute leukemia, prolonged their survival. TTA intake was also associated with reduced leukemic cell burden as well as diminished extramedullar dissemination. TTA represents a modified fatty acid that exerts unique effects on malignant hematopoietic cells, and the present study indicates that TTA may have a therapeutic potential in patients with acute leukemias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Per O Iversen
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
De Pascale MC, Bassi AM, Patrone V, Villacorta L, Azzi A, Zingg JM. Increased expression of transglutaminase-1 and PPARgamma after vitamin E treatment in human keratinocytes. Arch Biochem Biophys 2006; 447:97-106. [PMID: 16530159 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2006.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2005] [Revised: 01/24/2006] [Accepted: 02/03/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In skin, vitamin E acts as the predominant lipophilic antioxidant with a protective function against irradiation and oxidative stress. In addition to that, vitamin E can also modulate signal transduction and gene expression. To study whether the four natural tocopherol analogues (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-tocopherol) can influence transcriptional activity by modulating the activity of nuclear receptors, a human keratinocytes cell line (NCTC 2544) was transfected with plasmids containing the luciferase reporter gene under control by direct repeat elements (DR1-DR4), representing binding sites for four different classes of nuclear receptors. In this model, the tocopherols positively modulated only the reporter construct containing a consensus element for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). The induction was strongest with gamma-tocopherol and was most likely the direct consequence of stimulation of PPARgamma protein expression in keratinocytes. Vitamin E treatment also led to increased expression of a known PPARgamma target gene involved in terminal keratinocytes differentiation, the transglutaminase-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Clara De Pascale
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Martínez J, Gutiérrez A, Casas J, Lladó V, López-Bellan A, Besalduch J, Dopazo A, Escribá PV. The repression of E2F-1 is critical for the activity of Minerval against cancer. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2005; 315:466-74. [PMID: 16027227 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.105.088716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently discovered anticancer drug Minerval (2-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid) is a synthetic fatty acid that modifies the structure of the membrane. This restructuring facilitates the recruitment of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha to membranes and is associated with the antineoplastic activity of Minerval in cellular and animal models of cancer. Minerval is a derivative of oleic acid (OA) with an enhanced antiproliferative activity in human cancer cells and animal models of cancer, which is associated with PKCalpha activation and p21(CIP) overexpression. However, the signaling cascades involved in its pharmacological activity remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that this drug induced cell cycle arrest before entry into S phase, human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells accumulating in the G0/G1 phase. This cell cycle arrest was associated with a marked decrease in the expression of E2F-1. This transcription factor activates several cell cycle-related genes, and, accordingly, the expression of certain cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) was markedly lower upon exposure to Minerval. The reduced availability of these kinase heterodimers was associated with reduced phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) observed after drug treatment. Significantly, hypophosphorylated pRb remains bound to E2F-1 and maintains this transcription factor inactive. The modulation of these antiproliferative mechanisms by Minerval explains its anticancer potency, through a new therapeutic strategy that can be used to develop new antitumor drugs. On the other hand, apoptosis did not seem to be involved in its pharmacological mechanism. Interestingly, whereas the changes induced by OA were only modest, they may reflect the beneficial effects of high olive oil intake against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Martínez
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine, Associate Unit of the Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), IUNICS, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. de Valldemossa Km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dyrøy E, Yndestad A, Ueland T, Halvorsen B, Damås JK, Aukrust P, Berge RK. Antiinflammatory Effects of Tetradecylthioacetic Acid Involve Both Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor α–Dependent and –Independent Pathways. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2005; 25:1364-9. [PMID: 15920037 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.0000171982.57713.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) is a hypolipidemic antioxidant with immunomodulating properties involving activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Human endothelial cells express PPARs. We hypothesized that TTA could modulate endothelial cell activation at least partly through PPAR-related mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS We explored this hypothesis by different experimental approaches involving both in vitro studies in human endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in vivo studies in humans and PPAR-alpha-/- mice. Our main findings were as follows: (1) TTA suppressed the tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in HUVECs. (2) No TTA-mediated attenuation of VCAM-1 and chemokine expression was seen in the liver of PPAR-alpha-/- mice. (3) Whereas TTA markedly enhanced PPAR-alpha-target genes in the liver of wild-type, but not of PPAR-alpha-/-, mice, no such effect on PPAR-alpha-target genes was seen in HUVECs. (4) The relevance of our findings to human disease was suggested by a TTA-mediated downregulation of serum levels of soluble VCAM-1 and IL-8 in psoriasis patients. CONCLUSIONS We show that TTA has the ability to attenuate tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated endothelial cell activation, further supporting antiinflammatory effects of this fatty acid, possibly involving both PPAR-alpha-dependent and -independent pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Endre Dyrøy
- Institute of Medicine, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Diehl AM. Tumor necrosis factor and its potential role in insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Liver Dis 2004; 8:619-38, x. [PMID: 15331067 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2004.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of hepatic pathology that resembles alcohol-induced fatty liver disease(AFLD), but which develops in individuals who are not heavy drinkers. In people, NAFLD is associated strongly with obesity,insulin resistance, and dysmetabolic syndrome, but the exact mechanisms that promote liver disease in this clinical context remain poorly understood. The proinflammatory cytokine, funor necrosis factor alpha is known to be a key mediator of AFLD. This article discusses clinical and experimental evidence that tumor necrosis factor plays a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance syndromes, including nonalcoholic fatty syndromes, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mae Diehl
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Ross Research Building, Room 918, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205-2109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Petersen RK, Jørgensen C, Rustan AC, Frøyland L, Muller-Decker K, Furstenberger G, Berge RK, Kristiansen K, Madsen L. Arachidonic acid-dependent inhibition of adipocyte differentiation requires PKA activity and is associated with sustained expression of cyclooxygenases. J Lipid Res 2003; 44:2320-30. [PMID: 12923227 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m300192-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Arachidonic acid inhibits adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells via a prostaglandin synthesis-dependent pathway. Here we show that this inhibition requires the presence of a cAMP-elevating agent during the first two days of treatment. Suppression of protein kinase A activity by H-89 restored differentiation in the presence of arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid treatment led to a prolonged activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and suppression of ERK1/2 activity by the addition of U0126 rescued differentiation. Upon induction of differentiation, expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was transiently induced and then declined, whereas COX-1 expression declined gradually as differentiation progressed. Treatment with arachidonic acid led to sustained expression of COX-1 and COX-2. Omission of a cAMP-elevating agent or addition of H-89 or U0126 prevented sustained expression of COX-2. Unexpectedly, we observed that selective COX-1 or COX-2 inhibitors rescued adipocyte differentiation in the presence of arachidonic acid as effectively as did the nonselective COX-inhibitor indomethacin. De novo fatty acid synthesis, diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) activity, and triacylglycerol accumulation were repressed in cells treated with arachidonic acid. Indomethacin restored DGAT activity and triacylglycerol accumulation without restoring de novo fatty acid synthesis, resulting in an enhanced incorporation of arachidonic acid into cellular triacylglycerols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus K Petersen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tronstad KJ, Gjertsen BT, Krakstad C, Berge K, Brustugun OT, Døskeland SO, Berge RK. Mitochondrial-targeted fatty acid analog induces apoptosis with selective loss of mitochondrial glutathione in promyelocytic leukemia cells. CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY 2003; 10:609-18. [PMID: 12890534 DOI: 10.1016/s1074-5521(03)00142-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Some fatty acids and derivatives are known to induce cell death in cancer cells. Mitochondria may have important roles in the death process. Therefore, we investigated the mitochondrial contribution in cell death induced by a modified fatty acid, tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA), which cannot be beta-oxidized. TTA treatment induced apoptosis in IPC-81 leukemia cells via depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsi) and early release of cytochrome c, accompanied by depletion of mitochondrial glutathione. Caspase-3 activation and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) occurred at a late stage, but the broad-spectra caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk did not block TTA-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of Bcl-2 partially prevented TTA-induced apoptosis, whereas cAMP-induced cell death was completely blocked. In conclusion, TTA seems to trigger apoptosis through mitochondrial-mediated mechanisms and selective modulation of the mitochondrial redox equilibrium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Johan Tronstad
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Berge K, Tronstad KJ, Bohov P, Madsen L, Berge RK. Impact of mitochondrial beta-oxidation in fatty acid-mediated inhibition of glioma cell proliferation. J Lipid Res 2003; 44:118-27. [PMID: 12518030 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m200312-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA), which cannot be beta-oxidized, exerts growth-limiting properties in glioma cells. In order to investigate the importance of modulated lipid metabolism and alterations in mitochondrial properties in this cell death process, we incubated glioma cells both with TTA and the oxidizable fatty acid palmitic acid (PA), in the presence of L-carnitine and the carnitine palmitoyltransferase inhibitors etomoxir and aminocarnitine. L-carnitine partly abolished the PA-mediated growth reduction of glioma cells, whereas etomoxir and aminocarnitine enhanced the antiproliferative effect of PA. The production of acid-soluble products increased and the incorporation of PA into glycerolipids decreased after L-carnitine supplementation. L-carnitine was found to enhance the antiproliferative effect of TTA, but did not affect the incorporation of TTA into glycerolipids, or ceramide. PDMP, sphingosine 1-phosphate, desipramine, fumonisin B(1), and L-cycloserine were able not to rescue the glioma cells from PA and TTA-induced growth inhibition, suggesting that increased ceramide production is not important in the growth reduction. TTA-mediated growth inhibition was accompanied with an increased uptake of PA and increased incorporation of PA into triacylglycerol (TG). Our data suggest that mitochondrial functions are involved in fatty acid-mediated growth inhibition. Whether there is a causal relationship between TG accumulation and the apoptotic process remains to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kjetil Berge
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, N-5021 Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tronstad KJ, Bruserud Ø, Berge K, Berge RK. Antiproliferative effects of a non-beta-oxidizable fatty acid, tetradecylthioacetic acid, in native human acute myelogenous leukemia blast cultures. Leukemia 2002; 16:2292-301. [PMID: 12399975 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2402698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2002] [Accepted: 06/14/2002] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The lipid metabolism is important in the regulation of cell proliferation. We have examined effects of a fatty acid analogue, tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA), on the functional phenotype of native, human AML cells. TTA inhibited AML blast proliferation in the presence of single cytokines (GM-CSF and SCF: P > 0.05, 35 patients with detectable proliferation) and a combination of cytokines (P < 0.005, n = 21). This antiproliferative effect was generally stronger than for the normal fatty acid palmitic acid (PA). Both TTA and PA increased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) (P < 0.05, 27 patients with detectable cytokine release), but only PA increased interleukein 1beta (IL-1beta) release (P < 0.005, n = 34). AML blast populations varied significantly in their levels and activities of metabolites and enzymes characterizing oxidative status and fatty acid metabolism, and there was no significant correlation between the intrinsic oxidative status and the effects of PA and TTA on blast proliferation. Although TTA reduced the proliferation of mitogen-stimulated normal T cells derived from healthy individuals (P < 0.05, n = 8), no adverse effects were seen on peripheral blood cell counts (reticulocytes, platelets, total white blood cells, differential leukocyte counts) for healthy volunteers receiving TTA (oral administration of 1000 mg/day for 7 consecutive days). Our results suggest that TTA can inhibit AML blast proliferation through pathways that are unrelated to autocrine cytokine secretion and intrinsic oxidative status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K J Tronstad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Thia substituted fatty acids are saturated fatty acids which are modified by insertion of a sulfur atom at specific positions in the carbon backbone. During the last few years pleiotropic effects of the 3-thia fatty acid tetradecylthioacetic acid have been revealed. The biological responses to tetradecylthioacetic acid include mitochondrial proliferation, increased catabolism of fatty acids, antiadiposity, improvement in insulin sensitivity, antioxidant properties, reduced proliferation and induction of apoptosis in rapidly proliferating cells, cell differentiation and antiinflammatory action. These biological responses indicate that tetradecylthioacetic acid changes the plasma profile from atherogenic to cardioprotective. As a pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ligand, tetradecylthioacetic acid regulates the adipose tissue mass and the expression of lipid metabolizing enzymes, particularly those involved in catabolic pathways. In contrast, circumstantial evidences suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-independent metabolic pathways may be of importance for the antioxidant, antiproliferative and antiinflammatory action of tetradecylthioacetic acid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rolf K Berge
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Berge K, Tronstad KJ, Flindt EN, Rasmussen TH, Madsen L, Kristiansen K, Berge RK. Tetradecylthioacetic acid inhibits growth of rat glioma cells ex vivo and in vivo via PPAR-dependent and PPAR-independent pathways. Carcinogenesis 2001; 22:1747-55. [PMID: 11698335 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/22.11.1747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors involved in fatty acid metabolism and energy homeostasis. The PPARs also play crucial roles in the control of cellular growth and differentiation. Especially, the recently emerged concept of ligand-dependent PPARgamma-mediated inhibition of cancer cell proliferation through induction of G(1)-phase arrest and differentiation is of clinical interest to cancer therapy. Tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) is a sulphur-substituted saturated fatty acid analog with unique biochemical properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of TTA-administration on cell proliferation in glioma cancer models. The rat glioma cell line BT4Cn, whether grown in culture or implanted in rats, expressed significant levels of PPARgamma and PPARdelta, with PPARgamma being the predominant PPAR subtype. In BT4Cn cells, TTA activated all PPAR subtypes in a dose-dependent manner. In cell culture experiments, the PPARgamma-selective ligand BRL49653 moderately inhibited growth of BT4Cn cells, whereas administration of TTA resulted in a marked growth inhibition. Administration of the PPARgamma-selective antagonist GW9662 abolished BRL49653-induced growth inhibition, but only marginally reduced the effect of TTA. TTA reduced tumor growth and increased the survival time of rats with implanted BT4Cn tumor. TTA-induced apoptosis in BT4Cn cells, and the administration of TTA led to cytochrome c release from mitochondria and increased the glutathione content in glioma cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that TTA inhibits proliferation of glioma cancer cells through both PPARgamma-dependent and PPARgamma-independent pathways, of which the latter appears to predominate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Berge
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, N-5021 Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tronstad KJ, Berge K, Flindt EN, Kristiansen K, Berge RK. Optimization of methods and treatment conditions for studying effects of fatty acids on cell growth. Lipids 2001; 36:305-13. [PMID: 11337987 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-001-0722-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antiproliferative properties of molecular regulators of lipid metabolism have been increasingly studied during recent years. Discussion is ongoing concerning optimal treatment conditions and assays used for monitoring proliferation and cytotoxicity. The objective of the present work was to optimize methods and treatment conditions used for studying antiproliferative effects of fatty acids and analogs, represented by palmitic acid (PA) and the beta-oxidation-restricted fatty acid analog tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA), in rat (BT4Cn) and human (D54Mg and GaMg) glioma cell lines. Changes in [3H]thymidine incorporation preceded changes in cell number in TTA-treated glioma cell cultures, and the growth inhibition was more significantly expressed by [3H]thymidine incorporation than cell number. Addition of bovine serum albumin decreased cellular fatty acid uptake and reduced the effects of TTA and PA on [3H]thymidine incorporation. Determination of the antiproliferative effect of TTA in BT4Cn cells by MTT conversion and [3H]thymidine incorporation yielded concordant results. TTA-mediated reduction in cell number corresponded to reduction in cellular protein and total DNA content in BT4Cn cells. Reduced growth potential in TTA-treated multicellular D54Mg and GaMg spheroids supported the findings from monolayer cultures. In conclusion, cell density, treatment period, fatty acid administration, and methods for growth determination may profoundly influence the outcome of cell growth experiments. Thus, experimental conditions should be carefully controlled when performing cell growth experiments, and effects on cell growth should preferably be confirmed by different methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K J Tronstad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Bergen, Haukeland Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|