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Afrin F, Mateen S, Oman J, Lai JCK, Barrott JJ, Pashikanti S. Natural Products and Small Molecules Targeting Cellular Ceramide Metabolism to Enhance Apoptosis in Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4645. [PMID: 37760612 PMCID: PMC10527029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeting strategies have been used for years in order to control cancer progression and are often based on targeting various enzymes involved in metabolic pathways. Keeping this in mind, it is essential to determine the role of each enzyme in a particular metabolic pathway. In this review, we provide in-depth information on various enzymes such as ceramidase, sphingosine kinase, sphingomyelin synthase, dihydroceramide desaturase, and ceramide synthase which are associated with various types of cancers. We also discuss the physicochemical properties of well-studied inhibitors with natural product origins and their related structures in terms of these enzymes. Targeting ceramide metabolism exhibited promising mono- and combination therapies at preclinical stages in preventing cancer progression and cemented the significance of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer treatments. Targeting ceramide-metabolizing enzymes will help medicinal chemists design potent and selective small molecules for treating cancer progression at various levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farjana Afrin
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - Sameena Mateen
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - Jordan Oman
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - James C. K. Lai
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - Jared J. Barrott
- Cell Biology and Physiology, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Srinath Pashikanti
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
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2
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Santiago Valtierra FX, Aveldaño MI, Oresti GM. Differentiation-linked changes in the biosynthesis and turnover of sphingomyelins in rat male germ cells: Genes involved and effects of testosterone. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103058. [PMID: 36841478 PMCID: PMC10074206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103058] [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: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In rodents, sphingomyelins (SMs) species with very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLCPUFA) are required for normal spermatogenesis. Data on the expression of enzymes with roles in their biosynthesis and turnover during germ cell differentiation and on possible effects on such expression of testosterone (Tes), known to promote this biological process, were lacking. Here we quantified, in isolated pachytene spermatocytes (PtS), round spermatids (RS), and later spermatids (LS), the mRNA levels from genes encoding ceramide (Cer), glucosylceramide (GlcCer), and SM synthases (Cers3, Gcs, Sms1, and Sms2) and sphingomyelinases (aSmase, nSmase) and assessed products of their activity in cells in culture using nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-labeled substrates and [3H]palmitate as precursor. Transcript levels from Cers3 and Gcs were maximal in PtS. While mRNA levels from Sms1 increased with differentiation in the direction PtS→RS→LS, those from Sms2 increased between PtS and RS but decreased in LS. In turn, the nSmase transcript increased in the PtS→RS→LS order. During incubations with NBD-Cer, spermatocytes produced more GlcCer and SM than did spermatids. In total germ cells cultured for up to 25 h with NBD-SM, not only abundant NBD-Cer but also NBD-GlcCer were formed, demonstrating SM→Cer turnover and Cer recycling. After 20 h with [3H]palmitate, PtS produced [3H]SM and RS formed [3H]SM and [3H]Cer, all containing VLCPUFA, and Tes increased their labeling. In total germ cells, Tes augmented in 5 h the expression of genes with roles in VLCPUFA synthesis, decreased the mRNA from Sms2, and increased that from nSmase. Thus, Tes enhanced or accelerated the metabolic changes occurring to VLCPUFA-SM during germ cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia X Santiago Valtierra
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Marta I Aveldaño
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Gerardo M Oresti
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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3
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Arya SB, Chen S, Jordan-Javed F, Parent CA. Ceramide-rich microdomains facilitate nuclear envelope budding for non-conventional exosome formation. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1019-1028. [PMID: 35739317 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00934-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils migrating towards chemoattractant gradients amplify their recruitment range by releasing the secondary chemoattractant leukotriene B4 (LTB4) refs. 1,2. We previously demonstrated that LTB4 and its synthesizing enzymes, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), 5-LO activating protein (FLAP) and leukotriene A4 hydrolase, are packaged and released in exosomes3. Here we report that the biogenesis of the LTB4-containing exosomes originates at the nuclear envelope (NE) of activated neutrophils. We show that the neutral sphingomyelinase 1 (nSMase1)-mediated generation of ceramide-enriched lipid-ordered microdomains initiates the clustering of the LTB4-synthesizing enzymes on the NE. We isolated and analysed exosomes from activated neutrophils and established that the FLAP/5-LO-positive exosome population is distinct from that of the CD63-positive exosome population. Furthermore, we observed a strong co-localization between ALIX and FLAP at the periphery of nuclei and within cytosolic vesicles. We propose that the initiation of NE curvature and bud formation is mediated by nSMase1-dependent ceramide generation, which leads to FLAP and ALIX recruitment. Together, these observations elucidate the mechanism for LTB4 secretion and identify a non-conventional pathway for exosome generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash B Arya
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Song Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fatima Jordan-Javed
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carole A Parent
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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4
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Signorelli P, Conte C, Albi E. The Multiple Roles of Sphingomyelin in Parkinson's Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091311. [PMID: 34572524 PMCID: PMC8469734 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances over the past decade have improved our understanding of the role of sphingolipid in the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease. Much attention has been paid to ceramide derived molecules, especially glucocerebroside, and little on sphingomyelin, a critical molecule for brain physiopathology. Sphingomyelin has been proposed to be involved in PD due to its presence in the myelin sheath and for its role in nerve impulse transmission, in presynaptic plasticity, and in neurotransmitter receptor localization. The analysis of sphingomyelin-metabolizing enzymes, the development of specific inhibitors, and advanced mass spectrometry have all provided insight into the signaling mechanisms of sphingomyelin and its implications in Parkinson's disease. This review describes in vitro and in vivo studies with often conflicting results. We focus on the synthesis and degradation enzymes of sphingomyelin, highlighting the genetic risks and the molecular alterations associated with Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Signorelli
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy;
| | - Carmela Conte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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5
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Modulation of DNA Damage Response by Sphingolipid Signaling: An Interplay that Shapes Cell Fate. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124481. [PMID: 32599736 PMCID: PMC7349968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although once considered as structural components of eukaryotic biological membranes, research in the past few decades hints at a major role of bioactive sphingolipids in mediating an array of physiological processes including cell survival, proliferation, inflammation, senescence, and death. A large body of evidence points to a fundamental role for the sphingolipid metabolic pathway in modulating the DNA damage response (DDR). The interplay between these two elements of cell signaling determines cell fate when cells are exposed to metabolic stress or ionizing radiation among other genotoxic agents. In this review, we aim to dissect the mediators of the DDR and how these interact with the different sphingolipid metabolites to mount various cellular responses.
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6
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Yeast Sphingolipid Phospholipase Gene ISC1 Regulates the Spindle Checkpoint by a CDC55-Dependent Mechanism. Mol Cell Biol 2020; 40:MCB.00340-19. [PMID: 32205408 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00340-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Defects in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) can lead to aneuploidy and cancer. Sphingolipids have important roles in many cellular functions, including cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. However, the specific mechanisms and functions of sphingolipids in cell cycle regulation have not been elucidated. Using analysis of concordance for synthetic lethality for the yeast sphingolipid phospholipase ISC1, we identified two groups of genes. The first comprises genes involved in chromosome segregation and stability (CSM3, CTF4, YKE2, DCC1, and GIM4) as synthetically lethal with ISC1 The second group, to which ISC1 belongs, comprises genes involved in the spindle checkpoint (BUB1, MAD1, BIM1, and KAR3), and they all share the same synthetic lethality with the first group. We demonstrate that spindle checkpoint genes act upstream of Isc1, and their deletion phenocopies that of ISC1 Reciprocally, ISC1 deletion mutants were sensitive to benomyl, indicating a SAC defect. Similar to BUB1 deletion, ISC1 deletion prevents spindle elongation in hydroxyurea-treated cells. Mechanistically, PP2A-Cdc55 ceramide-activated phosphatase was found to act downstream of Isc1, thus coupling the spindle checkpoint genes and Isc1 to CDC55-mediated nuclear functions.
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7
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Fu P, Ebenezer DL, Ha AW, Suryadevara V, Harijith A, Natarajan V. Nuclear lipid mediators: Role of nuclear sphingolipids and sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling in epigenetic regulation of inflammation and gene expression. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:6337-6353. [PMID: 29377310 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol are integral components of eukaryotic cell organelles, including the nucleus. Recent evidence shows characteristic features of nuclear lipid composition and signaling, which are distinct from that of the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. While the nuclear phosphoinositol lipid signaling in cell cycle regulation and differentiation has been well described, there is a paucity on the role of nuclear sphingolipids and sphingolipid signaling in different physiological and pathophysiological human conditions. In this prospective, we describe the role of sphingolipids and specifically focus on the sphingoid bases, such as sphingosine, ceramide, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) generation and catabolism in nuclear signaling and function. Particularly, S1P generated in the nucleus by phosphorylation of SPHK2 modulates HDAC activity either by direct binding or through activation of nuclear reactive oxygen species and regulates cell cycle and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Potential implication of association of SPHK2 with the co-repressor complexes and generation of S1P in the nucleus on chromatin remodeling under normal and pathological conditions is discussed. A better understanding of sphingolipid signaling in the nucleus will facilitate the design and development of new and novel therapeutic approaches to modulate expression of pro-inflammatory and cell cycle dependent genes in human pathologies such as cancer, bacterial lung infection, neurodegeneration, and cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panfeng Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David L Ebenezer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alison W Ha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Anantha Harijith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Viswanathan Natarajan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
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8
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Fernandes V, Teles K, Ribeiro C, Treptow W, Santos G. Fat nucleosome: Role of lipids on chromatin. Prog Lipid Res 2018; 70:29-34. [PMID: 29678609 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Structural changes in chromatin regulate gene expression and define phenotypic outcomes. Molecules that bind to the nucleosome, the complex of DNA and histone proteins, are key modulators of chromatin structure. Most recently, the formation of condensed chromatin regions based on phase-separation in the cell, a basic physical mechanism, was proposed. Increased understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between chromatin and lipids suggest that small lipid molecules, such as cholesterol and short-chain fatty acids, can regulate important nuclear functions. New biophysical data has suggested that cholesterol interacts with nucleosome through multiple binding sites and affects chromatin structure in vitro. Regardless of the mechanism of how lipids bind to chromatin, there is currently little awareness that lipids may be stored in chromatin and influence its state. Focusing on lipids that bind to nuclear receptors, clinically relevant transcription factors, we discuss the potential interactions of the nucleosome with steroid hormones, bile acids and fatty acids, which suggest that other lipid chemotypes may also impact chromatin structure through binding to common sites on the nucleosome. Herein, we review the main impacts of lipids on the nuclear environment, emphasizing its role on chromatin architecture. We postulate that lipids that bind to nucleosomes and affect chromatin states are likely to be worth investigating as tools to modify disease phenotypes at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Fernandes
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia Teórica e Computacional, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Kaian Teles
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, Brazil
| | - Camyla Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, Brazil
| | - Werner Treptow
- Laboratório de Biologia Teórica e Computacional, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Santos
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, Brazil.
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9
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Abstract
This review provides an overview on components of the sphingolipid superfamily, on their localization and metabolism. Information about the sphingolipid biological activity in cell physiopathology is given. Recent studies highlight the role of sphingolipids in inflammatory process. We summarize the emerging data that support the different roles of the sphingolipid members in specific phases of inflammation: (1) migration of immune cells, (2) recognition of exogenous agents, and (3) activation/differentiation of immune cells.
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10
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The Role of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate and Ceramide-1-Phosphate in Inflammation and Cancer. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:4806541. [PMID: 29269995 PMCID: PMC5705877 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4806541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is part of our body's response to tissue injury and pathogens. It helps to recruit various immune cells to the site of inflammation and activates the production of mediators to mobilize systemic protective processes. However, chronic inflammation can increase the risk of diseases like cancer. Apart from cytokines and chemokines, lipid mediators, particularly sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), contribute to inflammation and cancer. S1P is an important player in inflammation-associated colon cancer progression. On the other hand, C1P has been recognized to be involved in cancer cell growth, migration, survival, and inflammation. However, whether C1P is involved in inflammation-associated cancer is not yet established. In contrast, few studies have also suggested that S1P and C1P are involved in anti-inflammatory pathways regulated in certain cell types. Ceramide is the substrate for ceramide kinase (CERK) to yield C1P, and sphingosine is phosphorylated to S1P by sphingosine kinases (SphKs). Biological functions of sphingolipid metabolites have been studied extensively. Ceramide is associated with cell growth inhibition and enhancement of apoptosis while S1P and C1P are associated with enhancement of cell growth and survival. Altogether, S1P and C1P are important regulators of ceramide level and cell fate. This review focuses on S1P and C1P involvement in inflammation and cancer with emphasis on recent progress in the field.
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11
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Nuclear Lipids in the Nervous System: What they do in Health and Disease. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:321-336. [PMID: 27766461 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2085-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the last 20 years it has been widely demonstrated that cell nucleus contains neutral and polar lipids localized in nuclear membranes, nucleoli, nuclear matrix and chromatin. Nuclear lipids may show specific organization forming nuclear lipid microdomains and have both structural and functional roles. Depending on their localization, nuclear lipids play different roles such as the regulation of nuclear membrane and nuclear matrix fluidity but they also can act as platforms for vitamin and hormone function, for active chromatin anchoring, and for the regulation of gene expression, DNA duplication and transcription. Crosstalk among different kinds of lipid signalling pathways influence the physiopathology of numerous cell types. In neural cells the nuclear lipids are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, migration and apoptosis. Abnormal metabolism of nuclear lipids might be closely associated with tumorigenesis and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease among others.
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12
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Cataldi S, Codini M, Cascianelli G, Tringali S, Tringali AR, Lazzarini A, Floridi A, Bartoccini E, Garcia-Gil M, Lazzarini R, Ambesi-Impiombato FS, Curcio F, Beccari T, Albi E. Nuclear lipid microdomain as resting place of dexamethasone to impair cell proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:19832-46. [PMID: 25365174 PMCID: PMC4264141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151119832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The action of dexamethasone is initiated by, and strictly dependent upon, the interaction of the drug with its receptor followed by its translocation into the nucleus where modulates gene expression. Where the drug localizes at the intranuclear level is not yet known. We aimed to study the localization of the drug in nuclear lipid microdomains rich in sphingomyelin content that anchor active chromatin and act as platform for transcription modulation. The study was performed in non-Hodgkin’s T cell human lymphoblastic lymphoma (SUP-T1 cell line). We found that when dexamethasone enters into the nucleus it localizes in nuclear lipid microdomains where influences sphingomyelin metabolism. This is followed after 24 h by a cell cycle block accompanied by the up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), growth arrest and DNA-damage 45A (GADD45A), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes and by the reduction of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phospho signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (phoshoSTAT3) proteins. After 48 h some cells show morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis while the number of the cells that undergo cell division and express B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) is very low. We suggest that the integrity of nuclear lipid microdomains is important for the response to glucocorticoids of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuela Cataldi
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, Crabion, 06074 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Michela Codini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | - Sabina Tringali
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, 96011 Augusta-Siracusa, Italy.
| | | | - Andrea Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, Crabion, 06074 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Floridi
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, Crabion, 06074 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Elisa Bartoccini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, Crabion, 06074 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | - Remo Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, Crabion, 06074 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | - Francesco Curcio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Albi
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, Crabion, 06074 Perugia, Italy.
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13
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Biological functions of sphingomyelins. Prog Lipid Res 2013; 52:424-37. [PMID: 23684760 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sphingomyelin (SM) is a dominant sphingolipid in membranes of mammalian cells and this lipid class is specifically enriched in the plasma membrane, the endocytic recycling compartment, and the trans Golgi network. The distribution of SM and cholesterol among cellular compartments correlate. Sphingolipids have extensive hydrogen-bonding capabilities which together with their saturated nature facilitate the formation of sphingolipid and SM-enriched lateral domains in membranes. Cholesterol prefers to interact with SMs and this interaction has many important functional consequences. In this review, the synthesis, regulation, and intracellular distribution of SMs are discussed. The many direct roles played by membrane SM in various cellular functions and processes will also be discussed. These include involvement in the regulation of endocytosis and receptor-mediated ligand uptake, in ion channel and G-protein coupled receptor function, in protein sorting, and functioning as receptor molecules for various bacterial toxins, and for non-bacterial pore-forming toxins. SM is also an important constituent of the eye lens membrane, and is believed to participate in the regulation of various nuclear functions. SM is an independent risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, and new studies have shed light on possible mechanism behind its role in atherogenesis.
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14
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Abstract
Nuclear lipid metabolism is implicated in various processes, including transcription, splicing, and DNA repair. Sphingolipids play roles in numerous cellular functions, and an emerging body of literature has identified roles for these lipid mediators in distinct nuclear processes. Different sphingolipid species are localized in various subnuclear domains, including chromatin, the nuclear matrix, and the nuclear envelope, where sphingolipids exert specific regulatory and structural functions. Sphingomyelin, the most abundant nuclear sphingolipid, plays both structural and regulatory roles in chromatin assembly and dynamics in addition to being an integral component of the nuclear matrix. Sphingosine-1-phosphate modulates histone acetylation, sphingosine is a ligand for steroidogenic factor 1, and nuclear accumulation of ceramide has been implicated in apoptosis. Finally, nuclear membrane-associated ganglioside GM1 plays a pivotal role in Ca(2+) homeostasis. This review highlights research on the factors that control nuclear sphingolipid metabolism and summarizes the roles of these lipids in various nuclear processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha C Lucki
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
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15
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Cascianelli G, Villani M, Tosti M, Marini F, Bartoccini E, Magni MV, Albi E. Lipid microdomains in cell nucleus. Mol Biol Cell 2008; 19:5289-95. [PMID: 18923143 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e08-05-0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that nuclear lipids play a role in proliferation, differentiation, and apoptotic process. Cellular nuclei contain high levels of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, which are partially linked with cholesterol and proteins to form lipid-protein complexes. These lipids are also associated with transcription factors and newly synthesized RNA but, up to date, their organization is still unknown. The aim of the present work was to study if these specific lipid-protein interactions could be nuclear membrane microdomains and to evaluate their possible role. The results obtained demonstrate for the first time the existence of nuclear microdomains characterized by a specific lipid composition similar to that of intranuclear lipid-protein complexes previously described. Nuclear microdomain lipid composition changes during cell proliferation when the content of newly synthesized RNA increases. Because previous data show a correlation between nuclear lipids and transcription process, the role of nuclear microdomains in cellular functions is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Cascianelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Physiopathology Section, University School of Medicine, University of Perugia, Policlinico Monteluce, 06100 Perugia, Italy
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Albi E, Cataldi S, Rossi G, Viola Magni M, Toller M, Casani S, Perrella G. The nuclear ceramide/diacylglycerol balance depends on the physiological state of thyroid cells and changes during UV-C radiation-induced apoptosis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2008; 478:52-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2008.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2008] [Revised: 07/16/2008] [Accepted: 07/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
It is known that phospholipids represent a minor component of chromatin. It has been highlighted recently that these lipids are metabolized directly inside the nucleus, thanks to the presence of enzymes related to their metabolism, such as neutral sphingomyelinase, sphingomyelin synthase, reverse sphingomyelin synthase and phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C. The chromatin enzymatic activities change during cell proliferation, differentiation and/or apoptosis, independently from the enzyme activities present in nuclear membrane, microsomes or cell membranes. This present study aimed to investigate crosstalk in lipid metabolism in nuclear membrane and chromatin isolated from rat liver in vitro and in vivo. The effect of neutral sphingomyelinase activity on phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C and sphingomyelin synthase, which enrich the intranuclear diacylglycerol pool, and the effect of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C activity on neutral sphingomyelinase and reverse sphingomyelin synthase, which enrich the intranuclear ceramide pool, was investigated. The results show that in chromatin, there exists a phosphatidylcholine/sphingomyelin metabolism crosstalk which regulates the intranuclear ceramide/diacylglycerol pool. The enzyme activities were inhibited by D609, which demonstrated the specificity of this crosstalk. Chromatin lipid metabolism is activated in vivo during cell proliferation, indicating that it could play a role in cell function. The possible mechanism of crosstalk is discussed here, with consideration to recent advances in the field.
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Abstract
Sphingolipids are most prominently expressed in the plasma membrane, but recent studies have pointed to important signaling and regulatory roles in the nucleus. The most abundant nuclear sphingolipid is sphingomyelin (SM), which occurs in the nuclear envelope (NE) as well as intranuclear sites. The major metabolic product of SM is ceramide, which is generated by nuclear sphingomyelinase and triggers apoptosis and other metabolic changes. Ceramide is further hydrolyzed to free fatty acid and sphingosine, the latter undergoing conversion to sphingosine phosphate by action of a specific nuclear kinase. Gangliosides are another type of sphingolipid found in the nucleus, members of the a-series of gangliotetraose gangliosides (GM1, GD1a) occurring in the NE and endonuclear compartments. GM1 in the inner membrane of the NE is tightly associated with a Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger whose activity it potentiates, thereby contributing to regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis in the nucleus. This was shown to exert a cytoprotective role as absence or inactivation of this nuclear complex rendered cells vulnerable to apoptosis. This was demonstrated in the greatly enhanced kainite-induced seizure activity in knockout mice lacking gangliotetraose gangliosides. The pathology included apoptotic destruction of neurons in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Ca(2+) homeostasis was restored in these animals with LIGA-20, a membrane-permeant derivative of GM1 that entered the NE and activated the nuclear Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger. Some evidence suggests the presence of uncharged glycosphingolipids in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Ledeen
- Department of Neurology & Neurosciences, New Jersey Medical School, The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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Rossi G, Viola Magni M, Albi E. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and sphingomyelin metabolism in intranuclear complex during cell proliferation. Arch Biochem Biophys 2007; 464:138-43. [PMID: 17498643 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2007.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2007] [Revised: 04/06/2007] [Accepted: 04/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An "intranuclear complex" characterized by the presence of a new synthesised double-strand RNA stabilized by sphingomyelin and cholesterol has been recently isolated from hepatocyte nuclei. In the present research the existence of STAT3 in the intranuclear complex and its behaviour in relation to cyclin D and sphingomyelin metabolism during liver regeneration were studied with the aim to see if the sphingomyelinase could have a role in cell proliferation. Our data demonstrate that the transcription factor is present in the intranuclear complex either as unphosphorylated or phosphorylated monomeric form. After partial hepatectomy, unphosphorylated STAT3 is very low during G1/S transition of the cell cycle and it increases in correspondence of the of S-phase of the cell cycle when cyclin D1 is reduced. The phosphorylated form increases at the beginning of the S-phase when the neutral sphingomyelinase activity is stimulated with consequent enrichment of ceramide pool. In order to see if the two phenomena could be correlated, the intranuclear complex extracted from normal liver was treated with exogenous sphingomyelinase or ceramide and STAT3 was evaluated. The results show an increase of the phosphorylated transcription factor as happens in liver regeneration, suggesting that sphingomyelinase present in the intranuclear complex is responsible for the STAT3 activation during cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Physiopathology, University School of Medicine, Perugia, Policlinico Monteluce, via Brunamonti, Italy
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Ledeen RW, Wu G. Sphingolipids of the nucleus and their role in nuclear signaling. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2006; 1761:588-98. [PMID: 16814200 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2006.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2006] [Revised: 04/17/2006] [Accepted: 04/19/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids have important signaling and regulatory roles in the nuclei of all vertebrate cells examined to date. Sphingomyelin (SM) is the most abundant of this group and occurs in the nuclear envelope (NE) as well as intranuclear sites. The primary product of SM metabolism is ceramide, whose release by nuclear sphingomyelinase triggers apoptosis and other metabolic changes in the nucleus. Further catabolism results in free fatty acid and sphingosine formation, the latter being capable of conversion to sphingosine phosphate by action of a specific nuclear kinase. Finally, glycosphingolipids such as gangliosides occur in the NE where GM1, one member of the gangliotetraose family, influences Ca(2+) flux by activation of a Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger located in the inner membrane of the NE. The tightly associated GM1/exchanger complex was shown to exert a cytoprotective role in neurons and other cell types, as absence of this nuclear complex rendered cells vulnerable to apoptosis. A striking example of this mode of Ca(2+) regulation is the greatly enhanced seizure activity in knockout mice lacking gangliotetraose gangliosides, involving programmed cell death in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. In this model, Ca(2+) homeostasis was restored most effectively with LIGA-20, a membrane-permeant derivative of GM1 that entered the NE and activated the nuclear Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Ledeen
- Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, New Jersey Medical School, The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 185v South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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Albi E, La Porta CAM, Cataldi S, Magni MV. Nuclear sphingomyelin-synthase and protein kinase C δ in melanoma cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 2005; 438:156-61. [PMID: 15907783 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2005.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2005] [Revised: 04/06/2005] [Accepted: 04/09/2005] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this research is to study the influence of protein kinase C delta on the nuclear phospholipids metabolism. Murine and human melanoma cells, in which overexpression of protein kinase delta was induced, were used. After purification of the nuclei, the phosphatidylcholine-dependent phospholipase C, sphingomyelin-synthase, and sphingomyelinase activities were measured. The results showed that the nuclear sphingomyelin-synthase activity increased and sphingomyelinase activity decreased in the protein kinase C delta overexpressive cells with respect to the controls. As a consequence, the ceramide pool decreased and diacylglycerol pool increased; this effect was not due to the phosphatidylcholine-dependent phospholipase C activity that did not change. The inhibition of sphingomyelinase could be due to protein kinase C delta as well as to existence of a sort of nuclear self-regulation between sphingomyelin-synthase and sphingomyelinase. The possible role of nuclear sphingomyelin-synthase in cell proliferation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Physiopathology, Policlinico Monteluce, University of Perugia, Italy
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