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Raza S, Siddiqui JA, Srivastava A, Chattopadhyay N, Sinha RA, Chakravarti B. Autophagy as a Therapeutic Target in Breast Tumors: The Cancer stem cell perspective. AUTOPHAGY REPORTS 2024; 3:27694127.2024.2358648. [PMID: 39006309 PMCID: PMC7616179 DOI: 10.1080/27694127.2024.2358648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, with a subpopulation of tumor cells known as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) with self-renewal and differentiation abilities that play a critical role in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex area where diverse cancer cells reside creating a highly interactive environment with secreted factors, and the extracellular matrix. Autophagy, a cellular self-digestion process, influences dynamic cellular processes in the tumor TME integrating diverse signals that regulate tumor development and heterogeneity. Autophagy acts as a double-edged sword in the breast TME, with both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing roles. Autophagy promotes breast tumorigenesis by regulating tumor cell survival, migration and invasion, metabolic reprogramming, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). BCSCs harness autophagy to maintain stemness properties, evade immune surveillance, and resist therapeutic interventions. Conversely, excessive, or dysregulated autophagy may lead to BCSC differentiation or cell death, offering a potential avenue for therapeutic exploration. The molecular mechanisms that regulate autophagy in BCSCs including the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), AMPK, and Beclin-1 signaling pathways may be potential targets for pharmacological intervention in breast cancer. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between autophagy and BCSCs, highlighting recent advancements in our understanding of their interplay. We also discuss the current state of autophagy-targeting agents and their preclinical and clinical development in BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Raza
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow226014, India
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Anubhav Srivastava
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Biotechnology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow226014, India
| | - Naibedya Chattopadhyay
- Division of Endocrinology and Center for Research in Anabolic Skeletal Target in Health and Illness (ASTHI), CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Rohit Anthony Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow226014, India
| | - Bandana Chakravarti
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow226014, India
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Du J, Qin H. Lipid metabolism dynamics in cancer stem cells: potential targets for cancers. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1367981. [PMID: 38994204 PMCID: PMC11236562 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1367981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subset of heterogeneous cells within tumors that possess the ability to self-renew and initiate tumorigenesis. They serve as potential drivers for tumor initiation, metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance. Recent research has demonstrated that the stemness preservation of CSCs is heavily reliant on their unique lipid metabolism alterations, enabling them to maintain their own environmental homeostasis through various mechanisms. The primary objectives involve augmenting intracellular fatty acid (FA) content to bolster energy supply, promoting β-oxidation of FA to optimize energy utilization, and elevating the mevalonate (MVA) pathway for efficient cholesterol synthesis. Additionally, lipid droplets (LDs) can serve as alternative energy sources in the presence of glycolysis blockade in CSCs, thereby safeguarding FA from peroxidation. Furthermore, the interplay between autophagy and lipid metabolism facilitates rapid adaptation of CSCs to the harsh microenvironment induced by chemotherapy. In this review, we comprehensively review recent studies pertaining to lipid metabolism in CSCs and provide a concise overview of the indispensable role played by LDs, FA, cholesterol metabolism, and autophagy in maintaining the stemness of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Du
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Guizhou Hospital, Guiyang, China
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Amissah HA, Combs SE, Shevtsov M. Tumor Dormancy and Reactivation: The Role of Heat Shock Proteins. Cells 2024; 13:1087. [PMID: 38994941 PMCID: PMC11240553 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131087] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors are a heterogeneous group of cell masses originating in various organs or tissues. The cellular composition of the tumor cell mass interacts in an intricate manner, influenced by humoral, genetic, molecular, and tumor microenvironment cues that dictate tumor growth or suppression. As a result, tumors undergo a period of a dormant state before their clinically discernible stage, which surpasses the clinical dormancy threshold. Moreover, as a genetically imprinted strategy, early-seeder cells, a distinct population of tumor cells, break off to dock nearby or extravasate into blood vessels to secondary tissues, where they form disseminated solitary dormant tumor cells with reversible capacity. Among the various mechanisms underlying the dormant tumor mass and dormant tumor cell formation, heat shock proteins (HSPs) might play one of the most important roles in how the dormancy program plays out. It is known that numerous aberrant cellular processes, such as malignant transformation, cancer cell stemness, tumor invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and signaling pathway maintenance, are influenced by the HSPs. An accumulating body of knowledge suggests that HSPs may be involved in the angiogenic switch, immune editing, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling cascades, crucial genetically imprinted strategies important to the tumor dormancy initiation and dormancy maintenance program. In this review, we highlight the biological events that orchestrate the dormancy state and the body of work that has been conducted on the dynamics of HSPs in a tumor mass, as well as tumor cell dormancy and reactivation. Additionally, we propose a conceptual framework that could possibly underlie dormant tumor reactivation in metastatic relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneef Ahmed Amissah
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Department of Medical Biology and Medical Biology, FEFU Campus, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia
- Diagnostics Laboratory Department, Trauma and Specialist Hospital, CE-122-2486, Central Region, Winneba P.O. Box 326, Ghana
| | - Stephanie E Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universität München (TUM), Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Maxim Shevtsov
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universität München (TUM), Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Laboratory of Biomedical Nanotechnologies, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 194064 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Personalized Medicine Centre, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Koltai T, Fliegel L. Dichloroacetate for Cancer Treatment: Some Facts and Many Doubts. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:744. [PMID: 38931411 PMCID: PMC11206832 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060744] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rarely has a chemical elicited as much controversy as dichloroacetate (DCA). DCA was initially considered a dangerous toxic industrial waste product, then a potential treatment for lactic acidosis. However, the main controversies started in 2008 when DCA was found to have anti-cancer effects on experimental animals. These publications showed contradictory results in vivo and in vitro such that a thorough consideration of this compound's in cancer is merited. Despite 50 years of experimentation, DCA's future in therapeutics is uncertain. Without adequate clinical trials and health authorities' approval, DCA has been introduced in off-label cancer treatments in alternative medicine clinics in Canada, Germany, and other European countries. The lack of well-planned clinical trials and its use by people without medical training has discouraged consideration by the scientific community. There are few thorough clinical studies of DCA, and many publications are individual case reports. Case reports of DCA's benefits against cancer have been increasing recently. Furthermore, it has been shown that DCA synergizes with conventional treatments and other repurposable drugs. Beyond the classic DCA target, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, new target molecules have also been recently discovered. These findings have renewed interest in DCA. This paper explores whether existing evidence justifies further research on DCA for cancer treatment and it explores the role DCA may play in it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Koltai
- Hospital del Centro Gallego de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 2199, Argentina
| | - Larry Fliegel
- Department of Biochemistry, University Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
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Masoudi M, Moti D, Masoudi R, Auwal A, Hossain MM, Pronoy TUH, Rashel KM, Gopalan V, Islam F. Metabolic adaptations in cancer stem cells: A key to therapy resistance. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167164. [PMID: 38599259 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of tumor cells that can initiate and sustain tumor growth and cause recurrence and metastasis. CSCs are particularly resistant to conventional therapies compared to their counterparts, owing greatly to their intrinsic metabolic plasticity. Metabolic plasticity allows CSCs to switch between different energy production and usage pathways based on environmental and extrinsic factors, including conditions imposed by conventional cancer therapies. To cope with nutrient deprivation and therapeutic stress, CSCs can transpose between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) metabolism. The mechanism behind the metabolic pathway switch in CSCs is not fully understood, however, some evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment (TME) may play an influential role mediated by its release of signals, such as Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways, as well as a background of hypoxia. Exploring the factors that promote metabolic plasticity in CSCs offers the possibility of eventually developing therapies that may more effectively eliminate the crucial tumor cell subtype and alter the disease course substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Masoudi
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Australia
| | - Dilpreet Moti
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Australia
| | - Raha Masoudi
- Faculty of Science, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Abdul Auwal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - M Matakabbir Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Tasfik Ul Haque Pronoy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Khan Mohammad Rashel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Australia
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh.
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Littleflower AB, Parambil ST, Antony GR, Subhadradevi L. The determinants of metabolic discrepancies in aerobic glycolysis: Providing potential targets for breast cancer treatment. Biochimie 2024; 220:107-121. [PMID: 38184121 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Altered aerobic glycolysis is the robust mechanism to support cancer cell survival and proliferation beyond the maintenance of cellular energy metabolism. Several investigators portrayed the important role of deregulated glycolysis in different cancers, including breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most ubiquitous form of cancer and the primary cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Breast cancer with increased glycolytic flux is hampered to eradicate with current therapies and can result in tumor recurrence. In spite of the low order efficiency of ATP production, cancer cells are highly addicted to glycolysis. The glycolytic dependency of cancer cells provides potential therapeutic strategies to preferentially kill cancer cells by inhibiting glycolysis using antiglycolytic agents. The present review emphasizes the most recent research on the implication of glycolytic enzymes, including glucose transporters (GLUTs), hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK), lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDHA), associated signalling pathways and transcription factors, as well as the antiglycolytic agents that target key glycolytic enzymes in breast cancer. The potential activity of glycolytic inhibitors impinges cancer prevalence and cellular resistance to conventional drugs even under worse physiological conditions such as hypoxia. As a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs, it provides the feasibility of new therapeutic modalities against a wide spectrum of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajeesh Babu Littleflower
- Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Sulfath Thottungal Parambil
- Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Gisha Rose Antony
- Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
| | - Lakshmi Subhadradevi
- Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India.
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Wells AE, Wilson JJ, Heuer SE, Sears JD, Wei J, Pandey R, Costa MW, Kaczorowski CC, Roopenian DC, Chang CH, Carter GW. Transcriptome analysis reveals organ-specific effects of 2-deoxyglucose treatment in healthy mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299595. [PMID: 38451972 PMCID: PMC10919611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glycolytic inhibition via 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) has potential therapeutic benefits for a range of diseases, including cancer, epilepsy, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and COVID-19, but the systemic effects of 2DG on gene function across different tissues are unclear. METHODS This study analyzed the transcriptional profiles of nine tissues from C57BL/6J mice treated with 2DG to understand how it modulates pathways systemically. Principal component analysis (PCA), weighted gene co-network analysis (WGCNA), analysis of variance, and pathway analysis were all performed to identify modules altered by 2DG treatment. RESULTS PCA revealed that samples clustered predominantly by tissue, suggesting that 2DG affects each tissue uniquely. Unsupervised clustering and WGCNA revealed six distinct tissue-specific modules significantly affected by 2DG, each with unique key pathways and genes. 2DG predominantly affected mitochondrial metabolism in the heart, while in the small intestine, it affected immunological pathways. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that 2DG has a systemic impact that varies across organs, potentially affecting multiple pathways and functions. The study provides insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of 2DG across different diseases and highlights the importance of understanding its systemic effects for future research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E. Wells
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - John J. Wilson
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Heuer
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - John D. Sears
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - Jian Wei
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Raghav Pandey
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - Mauro W. Costa
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - Catherine C. Kaczorowski
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States of America
| | | | - Chih-Hao Chang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States of America
| | - Gregory W. Carter
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
- Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States of America
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Hermawan A, Putri H, Fatimah N, Prasetio HH. Transcriptomics analysis reveals distinct mechanism of breast cancer stem cells regulation in mammospheres from MCF-7 and T47D cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24356. [PMID: 38304813 PMCID: PMC10831612 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Luminal A breast cancer, constituting 70 % of breast cancer cases, presents a challenge due to the development of resistance and recurrence caused by breast cancer stem cells (BCSC). Luminal breast tumors are characterized by TP53 expression, a tumor suppressor gene involved in maintaining stem cell attributes in cancer. Although a previous study successfully developed mammospheres (MS) from MCF-7 (with wild-type TP53) and T47D (with mutant TP53) luminal breast cancer cells for BCSC enrichment, their transcriptomic profiles remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate the transcriptomic disparities between MS of MCF-7 and T47D cells using bioinformatics analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including the KEGG pathway, Gene Ontology (GO), drug-gene association, disease-gene association, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), DNA methylation analysis, correlation analysis of DEGs with immune cell infiltration, and association analysis of genes and small-molecule compounds via the Connectivity Map (CMap). Upregulated DEGs were enriched in metabolism-related KEGG pathways, whereas downregulated DEGs were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Drug-gene association analysis revealed that both upregulated and downregulated DEGs were associated with fostamatinib. The KEGG pathway GSEA results indicated that the DEGs were enriched for oxidative phosphorylation, whereas the downregulated DEGs were negatively enriched for the p53 signaling pathway. Examination of DNA methylation revealed a noticeable disparity in the expression patterns of the PKM2, ERO1L, SLC6A6, EPAS1, APLP2, RPL10L, and NEDD4 genes when comparing cohorts with low- and high-risk breast cancer. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was identified between SLC6A6 expression and macrophage presence, as well as MSN, and AKR1B1 expression and neutrophil and dentritic cell infiltration. CMap analysis unveiled SA-83851 as a potential candidate to counteract the effects of DEGs, specifically in cells harbouring mutant TP53. Further research, including in vitro and in vivo validations, is warranted to develop drugs targeting BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hermawan
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip Utara II, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Cancer Chemoprevention Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip Utara II, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences. APSLC Building, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip Utara II, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Herwandhani Putri
- Cancer Chemoprevention Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip Utara II, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nurul Fatimah
- Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences. APSLC Building, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip Utara II, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Heri Himawan Prasetio
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip Utara II, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Bosso M, Haddad D, Al Madhoun A, Al-Mulla F. Targeting the Metabolic Paradigms in Cancer and Diabetes. Biomedicines 2024; 12:211. [PMID: 38255314 PMCID: PMC10813379 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated metabolic dynamics are evident in both cancer and diabetes, with metabolic alterations representing a facet of the myriad changes observed in these conditions. This review delves into the commonalities in metabolism between cancer and type 2 diabetes (T2D), focusing specifically on the contrasting roles of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis as primary energy-generating pathways within cells. Building on earlier research, we explore how a shift towards one pathway over the other serves as a foundational aspect in the development of cancer and T2D. Unlike previous reviews, we posit that this shift may occur in seemingly opposing yet complementary directions, akin to the Yin and Yang concept. These metabolic fluctuations reveal an intricate network of underlying defective signaling pathways, orchestrating the pathogenesis and progression of each disease. The Warburg phenomenon, characterized by the prevalence of aerobic glycolysis over minimal to no OXPHOS, emerges as the predominant metabolic phenotype in cancer. Conversely, in T2D, the prevailing metabolic paradigm has traditionally been perceived in terms of discrete irregularities rather than an OXPHOS-to-glycolysis shift. Throughout T2D pathogenesis, OXPHOS remains consistently heightened due to chronic hyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemia. In advanced insulin resistance and T2D, the metabolic landscape becomes more complex, featuring differential tissue-specific alterations that affect OXPHOS. Recent findings suggest that addressing the metabolic imbalance in both cancer and diabetes could offer an effective treatment strategy. Numerous pharmaceutical and nutritional modalities exhibiting therapeutic effects in both conditions ultimately modulate the OXPHOS-glycolysis axis. Noteworthy nutritional adjuncts, such as alpha-lipoic acid, flavonoids, and glutamine, demonstrate the ability to reprogram metabolism, exerting anti-tumor and anti-diabetic effects. Similarly, pharmacological agents like metformin exhibit therapeutic efficacy in both T2D and cancer. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying these metabolic shifts and explores promising therapeutic strategies aimed at reversing the metabolic imbalance in both disease scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Bosso
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Health Science Center, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Dania Haddad
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (D.H.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Ashraf Al Madhoun
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (D.H.); (A.A.M.)
- Department of Animal and Imaging Core Facilities, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Health Science Center, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman 15462, Kuwait; (D.H.); (A.A.M.)
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Miao Y, Wang P, Huang J, Qi X, Liang Y, Zhao W, Wang H, Lyu J, Zhu H. Metabolomics, Transcriptome and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of the Metabolic Heterogeneity between Oral Cancer Stem Cells and Differentiated Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:237. [PMID: 38254728 PMCID: PMC10813553 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020237] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the distinct metabolic characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSC) may allow us to better cope with the clinical challenges associated with them. In this study, OSCC cell lines (CAL27 and HSC3) and multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) models were used to generate CSC-like cells. Quasi-targeted metabolomics and RNA sequencing were used to explore altered metabolites and metabolism-related genes. Pathview was used to display the metabolites and transcriptome data in a KEGG pathway. The single-cell RNA sequencing data of six patients with oral cancer were analyzed to characterize in vivo CSC metabolism. The results showed that 19 metabolites (phosphoethanolamine, carbamoylphosphate, etc.) were upregulated and 109 metabolites (2-aminooctanoic acid, 7-ketocholesterol, etc.) were downregulated in both MCTS cells. Integration pathway analysis revealed altered activity in energy production (glycolysis, citric cycle, fatty acid oxidation), macromolecular synthesis (purine/pyrimidine metabolism, glycerophospholipids metabolism) and redox control (glutathione metabolism). Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis confirmed altered glycolysis, glutathione and glycerophospholipid metabolism in in vivo CSC. We concluded that CSCs are metabolically inactive compared with differentiated cancer cells. Thus, oral CSCs may resist current metabolic-related drugs. Our result may be helpful in developing better therapeutic strategies against CSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Miao
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310020, China;
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
| | - Jinyan Huang
- Biomedical Big Data Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xin Qi
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
| | - Yingjiqiong Liang
- Biomedical Big Data Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Wenquan Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huiming Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310020, China;
| | - Jiong Lyu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huiyong Zhu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; (P.W.); (H.Z.)
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11
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Singh P, Sen K, Sa P, Khuntia A, Raghav SK, Swain RK, Sahoo SK. Piperlongumine based nanomedicine impairs glycolytic metabolism in triple negative breast cancer stem cells through modulation of GAPDH & FBP1. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155181. [PMID: 38091824 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer and exhibits high rate of chemoresistance, metastasis, and relapse. This can be attributed to the failure of conventional therapeutics to target a sub-population of slow cycling or quiescent cells called as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, elimination of CSCs is essential for effective TNBC treatment. PURPOSE Research suggests that breast CSCs exhibit elevated glycolytic metabolism which directly contributes in maintenance of stemness, self-renewability and chemoresistance as well as in tumor progression. Therefore, this study aimed to target rewired metabolism which can serve as Achilles heel for CSCs population and have far reaching effect in TNBC treatment. METHODS We used two preclinical models, zebrafish and nude mice to evaluate the fate of nanoparticles as well as the therapeutic efficacy of both piperlongumine (PL) and its nanomedicine (PL-NPs). RESULTS In this context, we explored a phytochemical piperlongumine (PL) which has potent anti-cancer properties but poor pharmacokinetics impedes its clinical translation. So, we developed PLGA based nanomedicine for PL (PL-NPs), and demonstrated that it overcomes the pharmacokinetic limitations of PL, along with imparting advantages of selective tumor targeting through Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect in zebrafish xenograft model. Further, we demonstrated that PL-NPs efficiently inhibit glycolysis in CSCs through inhibition of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) by modulating glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) and upregulation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1), a rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis. We also illustrated that inhibition of glycolysis results in overall tumor regression in two preclinical models. CONCLUSION This study discusses novel mechanism of action by which PL acts on CSCSs. Taken together our study provides insight into development of PL based nanomedicine which could be exploited in clinics to achieve complete eradication of TNBC by targeting CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Singh
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco square, Bhubaneswar 751 023, Odisha, India; Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad 121 001, Haryana, India
| | - Kaushik Sen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco square, Bhubaneswar 751 023, Odisha, India; Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad 121 001, Haryana, India
| | - Pratikshya Sa
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco square, Bhubaneswar 751 023, Odisha, India; Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad 121 001, Haryana, India
| | - Auromira Khuntia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco square, Bhubaneswar 751 023, Odisha, India; Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad 121 001, Haryana, India
| | - Sunil K Raghav
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco square, Bhubaneswar 751 023, Odisha, India
| | - Rajeeb K Swain
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco square, Bhubaneswar 751 023, Odisha, India
| | - Sanjeeb Kumar Sahoo
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco square, Bhubaneswar 751 023, Odisha, India.
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12
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Zhang S, Yang R, Ouyang Y, Shen Y, Hu L, Xu C. Cancer stem cells: a target for overcoming therapeutic resistance and relapse. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333. [PMID: 38164743 PMCID: PMC10845928 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cells in cancers that are thought to initiate tumorous transformation and promote metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to treatment. Growing evidence has revealed the existence of CSCs in various types of cancers and suggested that CSCs differentiate into diverse lineage cells that contribute to tumor progression. We may be able to overcome the limitations of cancer treatment with a comprehensive understanding of the biological features and mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in CSCs. This review provides an overview of the properties, biomarkers, and mechanisms of resistance shown by CSCs. Recent findings on metabolic features, especially fatty acid metabolism and ferroptosis in CSCs, are highlighted, along with promising targeting strategies. Targeting CSCs is a potential treatment plan to conquer cancer and prevent resistance and relapse in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610042, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Chengdu Wenjiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yujie Ouyang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Lanlin Hu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
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13
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Cui J, Christin JR, Reisz JA, Cendali FI, Sanawar R, Coutinho De Miranda M, D’Alessandro A, Guo W. Targeting ABCA12-controlled ceramide homeostasis inhibits breast cancer stem cell function and chemoresistance. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh1891. [PMID: 38039374 PMCID: PMC10691781 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh1891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance. While emerging evidence suggests that CSCs have a unique dependency on lipid metabolism, the functions and regulation of distinct lipid species in CSCs remain poorly understood. Here, we developed a stem cell factor SOX9-based reporter for isolating CSCs in primary tumors and metastases of spontaneous mammary tumor models. Transcriptomic analyses uncover that SOX9high CSCs up-regulate the ABCA12 lipid transporter. ABCA12 down-regulation impairs cancer stemness and chemoresistance. Lipidomic analyses reveal that ABCA12 maintains cancer stemness and chemoresistance by reducing intracellular ceramide abundance, identifying a CSC-associated function of ABCA subfamily transporter. Ceramide suppresses cancer stemness by inhibiting the YAP-SOX9 signaling pathway in CSCs. Increasing ceramide levels in tumors enhances their sensitivity to chemotherapy and prevents the enrichment of SOX9high CSCs. In addition, SOX9high and ABCA12high cancer cells contribute to chemoresistance in human patient-derived xenografts. These findings identify a CSC-suppressing lipid metabolism pathway that can be exploited to inhibit CSCs and overcome chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Cui
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - John R. Christin
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Julie A. Reisz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Francesca Isabelle Cendali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rahul Sanawar
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Marcelo Coutinho De Miranda
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Wenjun Guo
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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14
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Stouras I, Vasileiou M, Kanatas PF, Tziona E, Tsianava C, Theocharis S. Metabolic Profiles of Cancer Stem Cells and Normal Stem Cells and Their Therapeutic Significance. Cells 2023; 12:2686. [PMID: 38067114 PMCID: PMC10705308 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare cancer cell population, responsible for the facilitation, progression, and resistance of tumors to therapeutic interventions. This subset of cancer cells with stemness and tumorigenic properties is organized in niches within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and presents altered regulation in a variety of metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), as well as lipid, amino acid, and iron metabolism. CSCs exhibit similarities as well as differences when comparedto normal stem cells, but also possess the ability of metabolic plasticity. In this review, we summarize the metabolic characteristics of normal, non-cancerous stem cells and CSCs. We also highlight the significance and implications of interventions targeting CSC metabolism to potentially achieve more robust clinical responses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Stouras
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece;
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Vasileiou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis F. Kanatas
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eleni Tziona
- School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Christina Tsianava
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece;
| | - Stamatis Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece;
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15
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Kang H, Kim B, Park J, Youn H, Youn B. The Warburg effect on radioresistance: Survival beyond growth. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188988. [PMID: 37726064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The Warburg effect is a phenomenon in which cancer cells rely primarily on glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation, even in the presence of oxygen. Although evidence of its involvement in cell proliferation has been discovered, the advantages of the Warburg effect in cancer cell survival under treatment have not been fully elucidated. In recent years, the metabolic characteristics of radioresistant cancer cells have been evaluated, enabling an extension of the original concept of the Warburg effect. In this review, we focused on the role of the Warburg effect in redox homeostasis and DNA damage repair, two critical factors contributing to radioresistance. In addition, we highlighted the metabolic involvement in the radioresistance of cancer stem cells, which is the root cause of tumor recurrence. Finally, we summarized radiosensitizing drugs that target the Warburg effect. Insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the Warburg effect and radioresistance can provide valuable information for developing strategies to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and provide future directions for successful cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunkoo Kang
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeongsoo Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhyeong Park
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - HyeSook Youn
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.
| | - BuHyun Youn
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Mattioli R, Ilari A, Colotti B, Mosca L, Fazi F, Colotti G. Doxorubicin and other anthracyclines in cancers: Activity, chemoresistance and its overcoming. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 93:101205. [PMID: 37515939 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Anthracyclines have been important and effective treatments against a number of cancers since their discovery. However, their use in therapy has been complicated by severe side effects and toxicity that occur during or after treatment, including cardiotoxicity. The mode of action of anthracyclines is complex, with several mechanisms proposed. It is possible that their high toxicity is due to the large set of processes involved in anthracycline action. The development of resistance is a major barrier to successful treatment when using anthracyclines. This resistance is based on a series of mechanisms that have been studied and addressed in recent years. This work provides an overview of the anthracyclines used in cancer therapy. It discusses their mechanisms of activity, toxicity, and chemoresistance, as well as the approaches used to improve their activity, decrease their toxicity, and overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Mattioli
- Dept. Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ilari
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Colotti
- Dept. Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Mosca
- Dept. Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Colotti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Prokakis E, Jansari S, Boshnakovska A, Wiese M, Kusch K, Kramm C, Dullin C, Rehling P, Glatzel M, Pantel K, Wikman H, Johnsen SA, Gallwas J, Wegwitz F. RNF40 epigenetically modulates glycolysis to support the aggressiveness of basal-like breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:641. [PMID: 37770435 PMCID: PMC10539310 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06157-5] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most difficult breast cancer subtype to treat due to the lack of targeted therapies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are strongly enriched in TNBC lesions and are responsible for the rapid development of chemotherapy resistance and metastasis. Ubiquitin-based epigenetic circuits are heavily exploited by CSCs to regulate gene transcription and ultimately sustain their aggressive behavior. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of these ubiquitin-driven dependencies may reprogram the transcription of CSC and render them more sensitive to standard therapies. In this work, we identified the Ring Finger Protein 40 (RNF40) monoubiquitinating histone 2B at lysine 120 (H2Bub1) as an indispensable E3 ligase for sustaining the stem-cell-like features of the growing mammary gland. In addition, we found that the RNF40/H2Bub1-axis promotes the CSC properties and drug-tolerant state by supporting the glycolytic program and promoting pro-tumorigenic YAP1-signaling in TNBC. Collectively, this study unveils a novel tumor-supportive role of RNF40 and underpins its high therapeutic value to combat the malignant behavior of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Prokakis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Shaishavi Jansari
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Angela Boshnakovska
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maria Wiese
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kusch
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, Functional Auditory Genomics Group, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christof Kramm
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dullin
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Rehling
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harriet Wikman
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- The Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Julia Gallwas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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18
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Khan SU, Rayees S, Sharma P, Malik F. Targeting redox regulation and autophagy systems in cancer stem cells. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:1405-1423. [PMID: 36473988 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00955-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a dysregulated cellular level pathological condition that results in tumor formation followed by metastasis. In the heterogeneous tumor architecture, cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential to push forward the progression of tumors due to their strong pro-tumor properties such as stemness, self-renewal, plasticity, metastasis, and being poorly responsive to radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer stem cells have the ability to withstand various stress pressures by modulating transcriptional and translational mechanisms, and adaptable metabolic changes. Owing to CSCs heterogeneity and plasticity, these cells display varied metabolic and redox profiles across different types of cancers. It has been established that there is a disparity in the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generated in CSCs vs Non-CSC and these differential levels are detected across different tumors. CSCs have unique metabolic demands and are known to change plasticity during metastasis by passing through the interchangeable epithelial and mesenchymal-like phenotypes. During the metastatic process, tumor cells undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) thus attaining invasive properties while leaving the primary tumor site, similarly during the course of circulation and extravasation at a distant organ, these cells regain their epithelial characteristics through Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition (MET) to initiate micrometastasis. It has been evidenced that levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and associated metabolic activities vary between the epithelial and mesenchymal states of CSCs. Similarly, the levels of oxidative and metabolic states were observed to get altered in CSCs post-drug treatments. As oxidative and metabolic changes guide the onset of autophagy in cells, its role in self-renewal, quiescence, proliferation and response to drug treatment is well established. This review will highlight the molecular mechanisms useful for expanding therapeutic strategies based on modulating redox regulation and autophagy activation to targets. Specifically, we will account for the mounting data that focus on the role of ROS generated by different metabolic pathways and autophagy regulation in eradicating stem-like cells hereafter referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar, 190005, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sheikh Rayees
- PK PD Toxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India
| | - Pankaj Sharma
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar, 190005, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar, 190005, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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19
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Le CT, Nguyen G, Park SY, Dong HN, Cho YK, Lee JH, Im SS, Choi DH, Cho EH. Phloretin Ameliorates Succinate-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Hepatic Stellate Cells. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2023; 38:395-405. [PMID: 37533177 PMCID: PMC10475967 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2023.1661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGRUOUND Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cells which play a pivotal role in liver fibrosis. During injury, extracellular stimulators can induce HSCs transdifferentiated into active form. Phloretin showed its ability to protect the liver from injury, so in this research we would like to investigate the effect of phloretin on succinate-induced HSCs activation in vitro and liver fibrosis in vivo study. METHODS In in vitro, succinate was used to induce HSCs activation, and then the effect of phloretin on activated HSCs was examined. In in vivo, succinate was used to generated liver fibrosis in mouse and phloretin co-treated to check its protection on the liver. RESULTS Phloretin can reduce the increase of fibrogenic markers and inhibits the proliferation, migration, and contraction caused by succinate in in vitro experiments. Moreover, an upregulation of proteins associated with aerobic glycolysis occurred during the activation of HSCs, which was attenuated by phloretin treatment. In in vivo experiments, intraperitoneal injection of phloretin decreased expression of fibrotic and glycolytic markers in the livers of mice with sodium succinate diet-induced liver fibrosis. These results suggest that aerobic glycolysis plays critical role in activation of HSCs and succinate can induce liver fibrosis in mice, whereas phloretin has therapeutic potential for treating hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSION Intraperitoneal injection of phloretin attenuated succinate-induced hepatic fibrosis and alleviates the succinate-induced HSCs activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Thuc Le
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Giang Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - So Young Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hanh Nguyen Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Lee
- Department of Physiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Seung-Soon Im
- Department of Physiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Dae-Hee Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
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20
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Zheng XX, Chen JJ, Sun YB, Chen TQ, Wang J, Yu SC. Mitochondria in cancer stem cells: Achilles heel or hard armor. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:708-727. [PMID: 37137792 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that mitochondria play core roles in not only cancer stem cell (CSC) metabolism but also the regulation of CSC stemness maintenance and differentiation, which are key regulators of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, an in-depth study of the regulatory mechanism of mitochondria in CSCs is expected to provide a new target for cancer therapy. This article mainly introduces the roles played by mitochondria and related mechanisms in CSC stemness maintenance, metabolic transformation, and chemoresistance. The discussion mainly focuses on the following aspects: mitochondrial morphological structure, subcellular localization, mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial metabolism, and mitophagy. The manuscript also describes the recent clinical research progress on mitochondria-targeted drugs and discusses the basic principles of their targeted strategies. Indeed, an understanding of the application of mitochondria in the regulation of CSCs will promote the development of novel CSC-targeted strategies, thereby significantly improving the long-term survival rate of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xia Zheng
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jun-Jie Chen
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yi-Bo Sun
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Tian-Qing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030002, Shanxi, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shi-Cang Yu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; Jin-feng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China.
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21
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Tavares-Valente D, Cannone S, Greco MR, Carvalho TMA, Baltazar F, Queirós O, Agrimi G, Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA. Extracellular Matrix Collagen I Differentially Regulates the Metabolic Plasticity of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Parenchymal Cell and Cancer Stem Cell. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3868. [PMID: 37568684 PMCID: PMC10417137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a 5-year survival rate of less than 10 percent largely due to the intense fibrotic desmoplastic reaction, characterized by high levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen I that constitutes a niche for a subset of cancer cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cancer cells undergo a complex metabolic adaptation characterized by changes in metabolic pathways and biosynthetic processes. The use of the 3D organotypic model in this study allowed us to manipulate the ECM constituents and mimic the progression of PDAC from an early tumor to an ever more advanced tumor stage. To understand the role of desmoplasia on the metabolism of PDAC parenchymal (CPC) and CSC populations, we studied their basic metabolic parameters in organotypic cultures of increasing collagen content to mimic in vivo conditions. We further measured the ability of the bioenergetic modulators (BMs), 2-deoxyglucose, dichloroacetate and phenformin, to modify their metabolic dependence and the therapeutic activity of paclitaxel albumin nanoparticles (NAB-PTX). While all the BMs decreased cell viability and increased cell death in all ECM types, a distinct, collagen I-dependent profile was observed in CSCs. As ECM collagen I content increased (e.g., more aggressive conditions), the CSCs switched from glucose to mostly glutamine metabolism. All three BMs synergistically potentiated the cytotoxicity of NAB-PTX in both cell lines, which, in CSCs, was collagen I-dependent and the strongest when treated with phenformin + NAB-PTX. Metabolic disruption in PDAC can be useful both as monotherapy or combined with conventional drugs to more efficiently block tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tavares-Valente
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Portugal
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
| | - Stefania Cannone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago Miguel Amaral Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Portugal
| | - Odília Queirós
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
| | - Gennaro Agrimi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Stephan J. Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
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22
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Akhunzianov AA, Nesterova AI, Wanrooij S, Filina YV, Rizvanov AA, Miftakhova RR. Unravelling the Therapeutic Potential of Antibiotics in Hypoxia in a Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cell Line Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11540. [PMID: 37511298 PMCID: PMC10380719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics inhibit breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) by suppressing mitochondrial biogenesis. However, the effectiveness of antibiotics in clinical settings is inconsistent. This inconsistency raises the question of whether the tumor microenvironment, particularly hypoxia, plays a role in the response to antibiotics. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of five commonly used antibiotics for inhibiting CSCs under hypoxia using an MCF-7 cell line model. We assessed the number of CSCs through the mammosphere formation assay and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-bright cell count. Additionally, we examined the impact of antibiotics on the mitochondrial stress response and membrane potential. Furthermore, we analyzed the levels of proteins associated with therapeutic resistance. There was no significant difference in the number of CSCs between cells cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. However, hypoxia did affect the rate of CSC inhibition by antibiotics. Specifically, azithromycin was unable to inhibit sphere formation in hypoxia. Erythromycin and doxycycline did not reduce the ratio of ALDH-bright cells, despite decreasing the number of mammospheres. Furthermore, treatment with chloramphenicol, doxycycline, and tetracycline led to the overexpression of the breast cancer resistance protein. Our findings suggest that hypoxia may weaken the inhibitory effects of antibiotics on the breast cancer model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almaz A Akhunzianov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Alfiya I Nesterova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Republican Clinical Oncology Dispensary Named after Prof. M.Z. Sigal, 420029 Kazan, Russia
| | - Sjoerd Wanrooij
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, 907 36 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Yulia V Filina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert A Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Regina R Miftakhova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
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23
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Razi S, Haghparast A, Chodari Khameneh S, Ebrahimi Sadrabadi A, Aziziyan F, Bakhtiyari M, Nabi-Afjadi M, Tarhriz V, Jalili A, Zalpoor H. The role of tumor microenvironment on cancer stem cell fate in solid tumors. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:143. [PMID: 37328876 PMCID: PMC10273768 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01129-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, the role of cancer stem cells in initiating tumors, metastasis, invasion, and resistance to therapies has been recognized as a potential target for tumor therapy. Understanding the mechanisms by which CSCs contribute to cancer progression can help to provide novel therapeutic approaches against solid tumors. In this line, the effects of mechanical forces on CSCs such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cellular plasticity, etc., the metabolism pathways of CSCs, players of the tumor microenvironment, and their influence on the regulating of CSCs can lead to cancer progression. This review focused on some of these mechanisms of CSCs, paving the way for a better understanding of their regulatory mechanisms and developing platforms for targeted therapies. While progress has been made in research, more studies will be required in the future to explore more aspects of how CSCs contribute to cancer progression. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Razi
- Vira Pioneers of Modern Science (VIPOMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Amin Ebrahimi Sadrabadi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACER, Tehran, Iran
- Cytotech and Bioinformatics Research Group, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 5163639888, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Arsalan Jalili
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACER, Tehran, Iran.
- Parvaz Research Ideas Supporter Institute, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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24
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Shimpi AA, Tan ML, Vilkhovoy M, Dai D, Roberts LM, Kuo J, Huang L, Varner JD, Paszek M, Fischbach C. Convergent Approaches to Delineate the Metabolic Regulation of Tumor Invasion by Hyaluronic Acid Biosynthesis. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202224. [PMID: 36479976 PMCID: PMC10238572 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of breast cancer-related deaths and is often driven by invasion and cancer-stem like cells (CSCs). Both the CSC phenotype and invasion are associated with increased hyaluronic acid (HA) production. How these independent observations are connected, and which role metabolism plays in this process, remains unclear due to the lack of convergent approaches integrating engineered model systems, computational tools, and cancer biology. Using microfluidic invasion models, metabolomics, computational flux balance analysis, and bioinformatic analysis of patient data, the functional links between the stem-like, invasive, and metabolic phenotype of breast cancer cells as a function of HA biosynthesis are investigated. These results suggest that CSCs are more invasive than non-CSCs and that broad metabolic changes caused by overproduction of HA play a role in this process. Accordingly, overexpression of hyaluronic acid synthases (HAS) 2 or 3 induces a metabolic phenotype that promotes cancer cell stemness and invasion in vitro and upregulates a transcriptomic signature predictive of increased invasion and worse patient survival. This study suggests that HA overproduction leads to metabolic adaptations to satisfy the energy demands for 3D invasion of breast CSCs highlighting the importance of engineered model systems and multidisciplinary approaches in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian A. Shimpi
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Matthew L. Tan
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Michael Vilkhovoy
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - David Dai
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - L. Monet Roberts
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Joe Kuo
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Lingting Huang
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Varner
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Matthew Paszek
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Claudia Fischbach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
- Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
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25
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Wells AE, Wilson JJ, Sears JD, Wei J, Heuer S, Pandey R, Costa MW, Kaczorowski CC, Roopenian DC, Chang CH, Carter GW. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Organ-Specific Effects of 2-Deoxyglucose Treatment in Healthy Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.24.537717. [PMID: 37162857 PMCID: PMC10168223 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.24.537717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glycolytic inhibition via 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) has potential therapeutic benefits for a range of diseases, including cancer, epilepsy, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and COVID-19, but the systemic effects of 2DG on gene function across different tissues are unclear. METHODS This study analyzed the transcriptional profiles of nine tissues from C57BL/6J mice treated with 2DG to understand how it modulates pathways systemically. Principal component analysis (PCA), weighted gene co-network analysis (WGCNA), analysis of variance, and pathway analysis were all performed to identify modules altered by 2DG treatment. RESULTS PCA revealed that samples clustered predominantly by tissue, suggesting that 2DG affects each tissue uniquely. Unsupervised clustering and WGCNA revealed six distinct tissue-specific modules significantly affected by 2DG, each with unique key pathways and genes. 2DG predominantly affected mitochondrial metabolism in the heart, while in the small intestine, it affected immunological pathways. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that 2DG has a systemic impact that varies across organs, potentially affecting multiple pathways and functions. The study provides insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of 2DG across different diseases and highlights the importance of understanding its systemic effects for future research and clinical applications.
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26
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Marcucci F, Rumio C. On the Role of Glycolysis in Early Tumorigenesis-Permissive and Executioner Effects. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081124. [PMID: 37190033 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming energy production from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis is now considered a hallmark of cancer. When tumors grow beyond a certain size they give rise to changes in their microenvironment (e.g., hypoxia, mechanical stress) that are conducive to the upregulation of glycolysis. Over the years, however, it has become clear that glycolysis can also associate with the earliest steps of tumorigenesis. Thus, many of the oncoproteins most commonly involved in tumor initiation and progression upregulate glycolysis. Moreover, in recent years, considerable evidence has been reported suggesting that upregulated glycolysis itself, through its enzymes and/or metabolites, may play a causative role in tumorigenesis, either by acting itself as an oncogenic stimulus or by facilitating the appearance of oncogenic mutations. In fact, several changes induced by upregulated glycolysis have been shown to be involved in tumor initiation and early tumorigenesis: glycolysis-induced chromatin remodeling, inhibition of premature senescence and induction of proliferation, effects on DNA repair, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine modification of target proteins, antiapoptotic effects, induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition or autophagy, and induction of angiogenesis. In this article we summarize the evidence that upregulated glycolysis is involved in tumor initiation and, in the following, we propose a mechanistic model aimed at explaining how upregulated glycolysis may play such a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy
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27
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Bubin R, Uljanovs R, Strumfa I. Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087030. [PMID: 37108193 PMCID: PMC10138709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The first discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in leukaemia triggered active research on stemness in neoplastic tissues. CSCs represent a subpopulation of malignant cells, defined by unique properties: a dedifferentiated state, self-renewal, pluripotency, an inherent resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, the presence of certain epigenetic alterations, as well as a higher tumorigenicity in comparison with the general population of cancer cells. A combination of these features highlights CSCs as a high-priority target during cancer treatment. The presence of CSCs has been confirmed in multiple malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, an entity that is well known for its dismal prognosis. As the aggressive course of pancreatic carcinoma is partly attributable to treatment resistance, CSCs could contribute to adverse outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current information regarding the markers and molecular features of CSCs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the therapeutic options to remove them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Bubin
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Romans Uljanovs
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilze Strumfa
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
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28
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Li L, Ni R, Zheng D, Chen L. Eradicating the tumor “seeds”: nanomedicines-based therapies against cancer stem cells. Daru 2023:10.1007/s40199-023-00456-0. [DOI: 10.1007/s40199-023-00456-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
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29
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Wedam R, Greer YE, Wisniewski DJ, Weltz S, Kundu M, Voeller D, Lipkowitz S. Targeting Mitochondria with ClpP Agonists as a Novel Therapeutic Opportunity in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071936. [PMID: 37046596 PMCID: PMC10093243 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the leading cause of cancer mortality in women. Despite the recent development of new therapeutics including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, triple-negative breast cancer remains an aggressive form of breast cancer, and thus improved treatments are needed. In recent decades, it has become increasingly clear that breast cancers harbor metabolic plasticity that is controlled by mitochondria. A myriad of studies provide evidence that mitochondria are essential to breast cancer progression. Mitochondria in breast cancers are widely reprogrammed to enhance energy production and biosynthesis of macromolecules required for tumor growth. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of mitochondrial roles in breast cancers and elucidate why mitochondria are a rational therapeutic target. We will then outline the status of the use of mitochondria-targeting drugs in breast cancers, and highlight ClpP agonists as emerging mitochondria-targeting drugs with a unique mechanism of action. We also illustrate possible drug combination strategies and challenges in the future breast cancer clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Wedam
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yoshimi Endo Greer
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David J Wisniewski
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sarah Weltz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Manjari Kundu
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Donna Voeller
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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30
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Farhadi P, Irani S, Gholami M, Mansouri K. A metabolism targeting three-pronged attack significantly attenuates breast cancer stem cell related markers toward therapeutic application. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114496. [PMID: 36948136 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114496] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metabolism has provided researchers with a promising window to cancer therapy. The metabolic pathways adopted by cancer cells are different from those of normal cells. Thus, metabolism can be considered a linchpin in targeted cancer therapy. Glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and mitochondria represent three critical metabolic spots with important roles in cancer cell survival and proliferation. In the present study, we aimed to target these pathways using three different inhibitors: 2-deoxyglucose, 6-aminonicotinamide, and doxycycline, separately and in combination. Accordingly, cell viability, lactate production, cell cycle profile, apoptotic profile, and expression of surface and molecular markers of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines were investigated under adherent and sphere conditions. Our results from our set conditions indicated various inhibitory effects of these compounds on the breast cancer cell lines. Based on this all-around attack, the combination of drugs demonstrated the most effective inhibitory action compared to separate usage. This study suggests the combined application of these drugs in future investigations and more experimental settings in order to introduce this therapeutic strategy as an efficient anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Farhadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Gholami
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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31
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Tsolou A, Koparanis D, Lamprou I, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI. Increased glucose influx and glycogenesis in lung cancer cells surviving after irradiation. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:692-701. [PMID: 35976051 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2113837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lung cancer is considered as one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide. Radiotherapy is the main treatment modality applied for locally advanced disease, but remnant surviving cancer tissue results in disease progression in the majority of irradiated lung carcinomas. Metabolic reprogramming is regarded as a cancer hallmark and is associated with resistance to radiation therapy. Here, we explored metabolic alterations possibly related to cancer cell radioresistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS We compared the expression of metabolism-related enzymes in the parental A549 lung cancer cell line along with two new cell lines derived from A549 cells after recovery from three (A549-IR3) and six (A549-IR6) irradiation doses with 4 Gy. Differential GLUT1 and GYS1 expression on proliferation and radioresistance were also comparatively investigated. RESULTS A549-IR cells displayed increased extracellular glucose absorption, and enhanced mRNA and protein levels of the GLUT1 glucose transporter. GLUT1 inhibition with BAY-876, suppressed cell proliferation and the effect was significantly more profound on A549-IR3 cells. Protein levels of molecules associated with aerobic or anaerobic glycolysis, or the phosphate pentose pathway were similar in all three cell lines. However, glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1) was upregulated, especially in the A549-IR3 cell line, suggestive of glycogen accumulation in cells surviving post irradiation. GYS1-gene silencing repressed the proliferation capacity of A549, but this increased their radioresistance. The radio-protective effect of the suppression of proliferative activity induced by GYS1 silencing did not protect A549-IR3 cells against further irradiation. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that GYS1 activity is a critical component of the metabolism of lung cancer cells surviving after fractionated radiotherapy. Targeting the glycogen metabolic reprogramming after irradiation may be a valuable approach to pursue eradication of the post-radiotherapy remnant of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avgi Tsolou
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Koparanis
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Lamprou
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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32
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Regulation of Metabolic Plasticity in Cancer Stem Cells and Implications in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235912. [PMID: 36497394 PMCID: PMC9741285 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal capacity, have been associated with tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. While the bulk of tumor cells mainly use glycolysis for energy production, CSCs have gained attention for their ability to switch between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, depending on their energy needs and stimuli from their microenvironment. This metabolic plasticity is mediated by signaling pathways that are also implicated in the regulation of CSC properties, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Hippo networks. Two other stemness-associated processes, autophagy and hypoxia, seem to play a role in the metabolic switching of CSCs as well. Importantly, accumulating evidence has linked the metabolic plasticity of CSCs to their increased resistance to treatment. In this review, we summarize the metabolic signatures of CSCs and the pathways that regulate them; we especially highlight research data that demonstrate the metabolic adaptability of these cells and their role in stemness and therapy resistance. As the development of drug resistance is a major challenge for successful cancer treatment, the potential of specific elimination of CSCs through targeting their metabolism is of great interest and it is particularly examined.
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Sarkar Bhattacharya S, Thirusangu P, Jin L, Staub J, Shridhar V, Molina JR. PFKFB3 works on the FAK-STAT3-SOX2 axis to regulate the stemness in MPM. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1352-1364. [PMID: 35794237 PMCID: PMC9519537 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01867-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm and often acquires chemoresistance by increasing stemness in tumour tissue, thereby generating cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs escape treatment by deploying metabolic pathways to trigger dormancy or proliferation, also gaining the ability to exit and re-enter the cell cycle to hide their cellular identity. METHODS We employed various cellular and biochemical assays to identify the role of the glycolytic enzyme PFKFB3, by knocking it down and pharmacologically inhibiting it with PFK158, to determine its anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo by targeting the CSC population in MPM. RESULTS Here, we have identified PFKFB3 as a strategic player to target the CSC population in MPM and demonstrated that both pharmacologic (PFK158) and genetic inhibition of PFKFB3 destroy the FAK-Stat3-SOX2 nexus resulting in a decline in conspicuous stem cell markers viz. ALDH, CD133, CD44, SOX2. Inhibition of PFKFB3 accumulates p21 and p27 in the nucleus by decreasing SKP2. Lastly, PFK158 diminishes tumour-initiating cells (TICs) mediated MPM xenograft in vivo. CONCLUSIONS This study confers a comprehensive and mechanistic function of PFKFB3 in CSC maintenance that may foster exceptional opportunities for targeted small molecule blockade of the TICs in MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantani Sarkar Bhattacharya
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Prabhu Thirusangu
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ling Jin
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Julie Staub
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Viji Shridhar
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Julian R Molina
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Nguyen A, Kim AH, Kang MK, Park NH, Kim RH, Kim Y, Shin KH. Chronic Alcohol Exposure Promotes Cancer Stemness and Glycolysis in Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines by Activating NFAT Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179779. [PMID: 36077186 PMCID: PMC9456298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Alcohol also enhances the progression and aggressiveness of existing cancers; however, its underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Especially, the local carcinogenic effects of alcohol on OSCC in closest contact with ingestion of alcohol are poorly understood. We demonstrated that chronic ethanol exposure to OSCC increased cancer stem cell (CSC) populations and their stemness features, including self-renewal capacity, expression of stem cell markers, ALDH activity, and migration ability. The ethanol exposure also led to a significant increase in aerobic glycolysis. Moreover, increased aerobic glycolytic activity was required to support the stemness phenotype of ethanol-exposed OSCC, suggesting a molecular coupling between cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming. We further demonstrated that chronic ethanol exposure activated NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) signaling in OSCC. Functional studies revealed that pharmacological and genetic inhibition of NFAT suppressed CSC phenotype and aerobic glycolysis in ethanol-exposed OSCC. Collectively, chronic ethanol exposure promotes cancer stemness and aerobic glycolysis via activation of NFAT signaling. Our study provides a novel insight into the roles of cancer stemness and metabolic reprogramming in the molecular mechanism of alcohol-mediated carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Nguyen
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anna H. Kim
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mo K. Kang
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - No-Hee Park
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Reuben H. Kim
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yong Kim
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Cancer Epigenetics, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (K.-H.S.)
| | - Ki-Hyuk Shin
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (K.-H.S.)
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Mitochondrial Elongation and OPA1 Play Crucial Roles during the Stemness Acquisition Process in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143432. [PMID: 35884493 PMCID: PMC9322438 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal neoplasia and the currently used treatments are not effective in a wide range of patients. Presently, the evidence points out that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are key players during tumor development, metastasis, chemoresistance, and tumor relapse. The study of the metabolism of CSCs, specifically the mitochondrial alterations, could pave the way to the discovery of new therapeutical targets. In this study, we show that during progressive de-differentiation, pancreatic CSCs undergo changes in mitochondrial mass, dynamics, and function. Interestingly, the silencing of OPA1, a protein involved in mitochondrial fusion, significantly inhibits the formation of CSCs. These results reveal new insight into mitochondria and stemness acquisition that could be useful for the design of novel potential therapies in PDAC. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 9%. The high aggressiveness of PDAC is linked to the presence of a subpopulation of cancer cells with a greater tumorigenic capacity, generically called cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs present a heterogeneous metabolic profile that might be supported by an adaptation of mitochondrial function; however, the role of this organelle in the development and maintenance of CSCs remains controversial. To determine the role of mitochondria in CSCs over longer periods, which may reflect more accurately their quiescent state, we studied the mitochondrial physiology in CSCs at short-, medium-, and long-term culture periods. We found that CSCs show a significant increase in mitochondrial mass, more mitochondrial fusion, and higher mRNA expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis than parental cells. These changes are accompanied by a regulation of the activities of OXPHOS complexes II and IV. Furthermore, the protein OPA1, which is involved in mitochondrial dynamics, is overexpressed in CSCs and modulates the tumorsphere formation. Our findings indicate that CSCs undergo mitochondrial remodeling during the stemness acquisition process, which could be exploited as a promising therapeutic target against pancreatic CSCs.
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ALDH1L2 Knockout in U251 Glioblastoma Cells Reduces Tumor Sphere Formation by Increasing Oxidative Stress and Suppressing Methionine Dependency. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091887. [PMID: 35565854 PMCID: PMC9105572 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, the in vitro growth of cancer stem cells in the form of tumor spheres from five different brain cancer cell lines was found to be methionine-dependent. As this earlier work indicated that ALDH1L2, a folate-dependent mitochondria aldehyde dehydrogenase gene, is upregulated in glioblastoma stem cells, we invalidated this gene using CRISPR-cas 9 technique in this present work. We reported here that this invalidation was effective in U251 glioblastoma cells, and no cas9 off target site could be detected by genome sequencing of the two independent knockout targeting either exon I or exon III. The knockout of ALDH1L2 gene in U251 cells rendered the growth of the cancer stem cells of U251 methionine independent. In addition, a much higher ROS (reactive oxygen radicals) level can be detected in the knockout cells compared to the wild type cells. Our evidence here linked the excessive ROS level of the knockout cells to reduced total cellular NADPH. Our evidence suggested also that the cause of the slower growth of the knockout turmor sphere may be related to its partial differentiation.
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Nguyen YTK, To NB, Truong VNP, Kim HY, Ediriweera MK, Lim Y, Cho SK. Impairment of Glucose Metabolism and Suppression of Stemness in MCF-7/SC Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells by Nootkatone. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050906. [PMID: 35631492 PMCID: PMC9145028 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting cancer stem cell metabolism has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) exert distinct metabolism machinery, which plays a major role in radiation and multidrug resistance. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms involved in energy utilization of BCSCs could improve the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies aimed at their elimination. This study was conducted to clarify the glucose metabolism machinery and the function of nootkatone, a bioactive component of grapefruit, in regulating glucose metabolism and stemness characteristics in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 stem cells (MCF-7SCs). In vivo experiments, transcriptomic analysis, seahorse XF analysis, MTT assay, Western blotting, mammosphere formation, wound healing, invasion assay, flow cytometric analysis, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and in silico docking experiments were performed. MCF-7SCs showed a greater tumorigenic capacity and distinct gene profile with enrichment of the genes involved in stemness and glycolysis signaling pathways compared to parental MCF-7 cells, indicating that MCF-7SCs use glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for their energy supply. Nootkatone impaired glucose metabolism through AMPK activation and reduced the stemness characteristics of MCF-7SCs. In silico docking analysis demonstrated that nootkatone efficiently bound to the active site of AMPK. Therefore, this study indicates that regulation of glucose metabolism through AMPK activation could be an attractive target for BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Thi-Kim Nguyen
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.T.-K.N.); (N.B.T.); (V.N.-P.T.); (H.Y.K.)
| | - Ngoc Bao To
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.T.-K.N.); (N.B.T.); (V.N.-P.T.); (H.Y.K.)
| | - Vi Nguyen-Phuong Truong
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.T.-K.N.); (N.B.T.); (V.N.-P.T.); (H.Y.K.)
| | - Hee Young Kim
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.T.-K.N.); (N.B.T.); (V.N.-P.T.); (H.Y.K.)
| | - Meran Keshawa Ediriweera
- Subtropical—Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Yoongho Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea;
| | - Somi Kim Cho
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (Y.T.-K.N.); (N.B.T.); (V.N.-P.T.); (H.Y.K.)
- Subtropical—Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-10-8660-1842
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Breast cancer in the era of integrating “Omics” approaches. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:17. [PMID: 35422484 PMCID: PMC9010455 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00393-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by different clinical outcomes in terms of pathological features, response to therapies, and long-term patient survival. Thus, the heterogeneity found in this cancer led to the concept that breast cancer is not a single disease, being very heterogeneous both at the molecular and clinical level, and rather represents a group of distinct neoplastic diseases of the breast and its cells. Indubitably, in the past decades we witnessed a significant development of innovative therapeutic approaches, including targeted and immunotherapies, leading to impressive results in terms of increased survival for breast cancer patients. However, these multimodal treatments fail to prevent recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, it is urgent to improve our understanding of breast tumor and metastasis biology. Over the past few years, high-throughput “omics” technologies through the identification of novel biomarkers and molecular profiling have shown their great potential in generating new insights in the study of breast cancer, also improving diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of response to treatment. In this review, we discuss how the implementation of “omics” strategies and their integration may lead to a better comprehension of the mechanisms underlying breast cancer. In particular, with the aim to investigate the correlation between different “omics” datasets and to define the new important key pathway and upstream regulators in breast cancer, we applied a new integrative meta-analysis method to combine the results obtained from genomics, proteomics and metabolomics approaches in different revised studies.
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Pan Y, Zhou S, Liu C, Ma X, Xing J, Parshad B, Li W, Wu A, Haag R. Dendritic Polyglycerol-Conjugated Gold Nanostars for Metabolism Inhibition and Targeted Photothermal Therapy in Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102272. [PMID: 34990518 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be responsible for tumor initiation, invasion, metastasis, and recurrence, which lead to treatment failure. Thus, developing effective CSC-targeted therapeutic strategies is crucial for enhancing therapeutic efficacy. In this work, GNSs-dPG-3BP, TPP, and HA nanocomposite particles are developed by simultaneously conjugating hexokinase 2 (HK2) inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3BP), mitochondrial targeting molecule triphenyl phosphonium (TPP), and CSCs targeting agent hyaluronic acid (HA) onto gold nanostars-dendritic polyglycerol (GNSs-dPG) nanoplatforms for efficient eradication of CSCs. The nanocomposite particles possess good biocompatibility and exhibit superior mitochondrial-bound HK2 binding ability via 3BP to inhibit metabolism, and further induce cellular apoptosis by releasing the cytochrome c. Therefore, it enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of CSCs-specific targeted photothermal therapy (PTT), and achieved a synergistic effect for the eradication of breast CSCs. After administration of the synergistic treatment, the self-renewal of breast CSCs and the stemness gene expression are suppressed, CSC-driven mammosphere formation is diminished, the in vivo tumor growth is effectively inhibited, and CSCs are eradicated. Altogether, GNSs-dPG-3BP, TPP, and HA nanocomposite particles have been developed, which will provide a novel strategy for precise and highly efficient targeted eradication of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwei Pan
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Takustrasse 3 Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - Suqiong Zhou
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Takustrasse 3 Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - Chuang Liu
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, & Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Materials of Zhejiang Province Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences Ningbo 315201 P. R. China
| | - Xuehua Ma
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, & Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Materials of Zhejiang Province Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences Ningbo 315201 P. R. China
| | - Jie Xing
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, & Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Materials of Zhejiang Province Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences Ningbo 315201 P. R. China
| | - Badri Parshad
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Takustrasse 3 Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - Wenzhong Li
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Takustrasse 3 Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - Aiguo Wu
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, & Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Materials of Zhejiang Province Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences Ningbo 315201 P. R. China
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry Freie Universität Berlin Takustrasse 3 Berlin 14195 Germany
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Aoun R, El Hadi C, Tahtouh R, El Habre R, Hilal G. Microarray analysis of breast cancer gene expression profiling in response to 2-deoxyglucose, metformin, and glucose starvation. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:123. [PMID: 35305635 PMCID: PMC8933915 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02542-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Altering glucose metabolism and its effects on cancer progression and treatment resistance is an emerging interest in BC research. For instance, combining chemotherapy with glucose-lowering drugs (2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), metformin (MET)) or glucose starvation (GS) has shown better outcomes than with chemotherapy alone. However, the genes and molecular mechanisms that govern the action of these glucose deprivation conditions have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the differentially expressed genes in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 BC cell lines upon treatment with glucose-lowering drugs (2-DG, MET) and GS using microarray analysis to study the difference in biological functions between the glucose challenges and their effect on the vulnerability of BC cells. Methods MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were treated with 20 mM MET or 4 mM 2-DG for 48 h. GS was performed by gradually decreasing the glucose concentration in the culture medium to 0 g/L, in which the cells remained with fetal bovine serum for one week. Expression profiling was carried out using Affymetrix Human Clariom S microarrays. Differentially expressed genes were obtained from the Transcriptome Analysis Console and enriched using DAVID and R packages. Results Our results showed that MDA-MB-231 cells were more responsive to glucose deprivation than MCF-7 cells. Endoplasmic reticulum stress response and cell cycle inhibition were detected after all three glucose deprivations in MDA-MB-231 cells and only under the metformin and GS conditions in MCF-7 cells. Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of DNA replication were observed with all three treatments in MDA-MB-231 cells and metformin-treated MCF-7 cells. Upregulation of cellular response to reactive oxygen species and inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms resulted after metformin and GS administration in MDA-MB-231 cell lines and metformin-treated MCF-7 cells. Autophagy was induced after 2-DG treatment in MDA-MB-231 cells and after metformin in MCF-7 cells. Finally, inhibition of DNA methylation were observed only with GS in MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion The procedure used to process cancer cells and analyze their expression data distinguishes our study from others. GS had the greatest effect on breast cancer cells compared to 2-DG and MET. Combining MET and GS could restrain both cell lines, making them more vulnerable to conventional chemotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02542-w.
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Hellemann E, Walker JL, Lesko MA, Chandrashekarappa DG, Schmidt MC, O’Donnell AF, Durrant JD. Novel mutation in hexokinase 2 confers resistance to 2-deoxyglucose by altering protein dynamics. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009929. [PMID: 35235554 PMCID: PMC8920189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose is central to many biological processes, serving as an energy source and a building block for biosynthesis. After glucose enters the cell, hexokinases convert it to glucose-6-phosphate (Glc-6P) for use in anaerobic fermentation, aerobic oxidative phosphorylation, and the pentose-phosphate pathway. We here describe a genetic screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that generated a novel spontaneous mutation in hexokinase-2, hxk2G238V, that confers resistance to the toxic glucose analog 2-deoxyglucose (2DG). Wild-type hexokinases convert 2DG to 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate (2DG-6P), but 2DG-6P cannot support downstream glycolysis, resulting in a cellular starvation-like response. Curiously, though the hxk2G238V mutation encodes a loss-of-function allele, the affected amino acid does not interact directly with bound glucose, 2DG, or ATP. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that Hxk2G238V impedes sugar binding by altering the protein dynamics of the glucose-binding cleft, as well as the large-scale domain-closure motions required for catalysis. These findings shed new light on Hxk2 dynamics and highlight how allosteric changes can influence catalysis, providing new structural insights into this critical regulator of carbohydrate metabolism. Given that hexokinases are upregulated in some cancers and that 2DG and its derivatives have been studied in anti-cancer trials, the present work also provides insights that may apply to cancer biology and drug resistance. Glucose fuels many of the energy-production processes required for normal cell growth. Before glucose can participate in these processes, it must first be chemically modified by proteins called hexokinases. To better understand how hexokinases modify glucose—and how mutations in hexokinase genes might confer drug resistance—we evolved resistance in yeast to a toxic hexokinase-binding molecule called 2DG. We discovered a mutation in the hexokinase gene that confers 2DG resistance and reduces the protein’s ability to modify glucose. Biochemical analyses and computer simulations of the hexokinase protein suggest that the mutation diminishes glucose binding by altering enzyme flexibility. This work shows how cells can evolve resistance to toxins via only modest changes to protein structures. Furthermore, because cancer-cell hexokinases are particularly active, 2DG has been studied as cancer chemotherapy. Thus, the insights this work provides might also apply to cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich Hellemann
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mitchell A. Lesko
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Dakshayini G. Chandrashekarappa
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Martin C. Schmidt
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Allyson F. O’Donnell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AFO); (JDD)
| | - Jacob D. Durrant
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AFO); (JDD)
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Liu H, Zhang Z, Song L, Gao J, Liu Y. Lipid metabolism of cancer stem cells (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:119. [PMID: 35261633 PMCID: PMC8855159 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also termed cancer-initiating cells, are a special subset of cells with high self-replicating and self-renewing abilities that can differentiate into various cell types under certain conditions. A number of studies have demonstrated that CSCs have distinct metabolic properties. The reprogramming of energy metabolism enables CSCs to meet the needs of self-renewal and stemness maintenance. Increasing evidence supports the view that alterations in lipid metabolism, including an increase in fatty acid (FA) uptake, de novo lipogenesis, formation of lipid droplets and mitochondrial FA oxidation, are involved in CSC regulation. In the present review, the metabolic characteristics of CSCs, particularly in lipid metabolism, were summarized. In addition, the potential mechanisms of CSC lipid metabolism in treatment resistance were discussed. Given their significance in cancer biology, targeting CSC metabolism may serve an important role in future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Zhengyang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Lian Song
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
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Metabolic Features of Tumor Dormancy: Possible Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030547. [PMID: 35158815 PMCID: PMC8833651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor recurrence still represents a major clinical challenge for cancer patients. Cancer cells may undergo a dormant state for long times before re-emerging. Both intracellular- and extracellular-driven pathways are involved in maintaining the dormant state and the subsequent awakening, with a mechanism that is still mostly unknown. In this scenario, cancer metabolism is emerging as a critical driver of tumor progression and dissemination and have gained increasing attention in cancer research. This review focuses on the metabolic adaptations characterizing the dormant phenotype and supporting tumor re-growth. Deciphering the metabolic adaptation sustaining tumor dormancy may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to prevent tumor recurrence based on combined metabolic drugs. Abstract Tumor relapse represents one of the main obstacles to cancer treatment. Many patients experience cancer relapse even decades from the primary tumor eradication, developing more aggressive and metastatic disease. This phenomenon is associated with the emergence of dormant cancer cells, characterized by cell cycle arrest and largely insensitive to conventional anti-cancer therapies. These rare and elusive cells may regain proliferative abilities upon the induction of cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors, thus fueling tumor re-growth and metastasis formation. The molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of resistant dormant cells and their awakening are intriguing but, currently, still largely unknown. However, increasing evidence recently underlined a strong dependency of cell cycle progression to metabolic adaptations of cancer cells. Even if dormant cells are frequently characterized by a general metabolic slowdown and an increased ability to cope with oxidative stress, different factors, such as extracellular matrix composition, stromal cells influence, and nutrient availability, may dictate specific changes in dormant cells, finally resulting in tumor relapse. The main topic of this review is deciphering the role of the metabolic pathways involved in tumor cells dormancy to provide new strategies for selectively targeting these cells to prevent fatal recurrence and maximize therapeutic benefit.
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Barata T, Vieira V, Rodrigues R, Neves RPD, Rocha M. Reconstruction of tissue-specific genome-scale metabolic models for human cancer stem cells. Comput Biol Med 2021; 142:105177. [PMID: 35026576 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.105177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) contribute to cancer aggressiveness, metastasis, chemo/radio-therapy resistance, and tumor recurrence. Recent studies emphasized the importance of metabolic reprogramming of CSCs for the maintenance and progression of the cancer phenotype through both the fulfillment of the energetic requirements and the supply of substrates fundamental for fast-cell growth, as well as through metabolite-induced epigenetic regulation. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop therapeutic strategies tailored to target the metabolism of CSCs. In this work, we built computational Genome-Scale Metabolic Models (GSMMs) for CSCs of different tissues. Flux simulations were then used to predict metabolic phenotypes, identify potential therapeutic targets, and spot already-known Transcription Factors (TFs), miRNAs and antimetabolites that could be used as part of drug repurposing strategies against cancer. Results were in accordance with experimental evidence, provided insights of new metabolic mechanisms for already known agents, and allowed for the identification of potential new targets and compounds that could be interesting for further in vitro and in vivo validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Barata
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vítor Vieira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho - Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Rúben Rodrigues
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho - Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Pires das Neves
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal; IIIUC-Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Rocha
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho - Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal; Department of Informatics, University of Minho.
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Parkinson EK, Adamski J, Zahn G, Gaumann A, Flores-Borja F, Ziegler C, Mycielska ME. Extracellular citrate and metabolic adaptations of cancer cells. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:1073-1091. [PMID: 34932167 PMCID: PMC8825388 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that cancer cells acquire energy via the Warburg effect and oxidative phosphorylation. Citrate is considered to play a crucial role in cancer metabolism by virtue of its production in the reverse Krebs cycle from glutamine. Here, we review the evidence that extracellular citrate is one of the key metabolites of the metabolic pathways present in cancer cells. We review the different mechanisms by which pathways involved in keeping redox balance respond to the need of intracellular citrate synthesis under different extracellular metabolic conditions. In this context, we further discuss the hypothesis that extracellular citrate plays a role in switching between oxidative phosphorylation and the Warburg effect while citrate uptake enhances metastatic activities and therapy resistance. We also present the possibility that organs rich in citrate such as the liver, brain and bones might form a perfect niche for the secondary tumour growth and improve survival of colonising cancer cells. Consistently, metabolic support provided by cancer-associated and senescent cells is also discussed. Finally, we highlight evidence on the role of citrate on immune cells and its potential to modulate the biological functions of pro- and anti-tumour immune cells in the tumour microenvironment. Collectively, we review intriguing evidence supporting the potential role of extracellular citrate in the regulation of the overall cancer metabolism and metastatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kenneth Parkinson
- Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Turner Street, London, E1 2AD, UK.
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Experimental Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Andreas Gaumann
- Institute of Pathology Kaufbeuren-Ravensburg, 87600, Kaufbeuren, Germany
| | - Fabian Flores-Borja
- Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Turner Street, London, E1 2AD, UK
| | - Christine Ziegler
- Department of Structural Biology, Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maria E Mycielska
- Department of Structural Biology, Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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Cell line-directed breast cancer research based on glucose metabolism status. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112526. [PMID: 34906774 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a potential hallmark of tumor cells to support continuous proliferation. Metabolic heterogeneity in breast cancer patients has been highlighted as the driving cause of tumor progression and resistance to anticancer drugs. Studying and identifying distinct metabolic alterations in breast cancer subtypes could offer new perspectives for faster diagnosis and treatment. Given cancer cell dependency on glycolysis, the primary energy source, this enzymatic pathway will play a critical role in targeting therapies. Knowledge about the specific metabolic dependencies of tumors for growth and proliferation can be promising for novel targeted and cell-based therapies. Here, the metabolic status with emphasis on glycolysis of breast cancer cell lines according to their classification was reviewed.
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Xie L, Zhou T, Xie Y, Bode AM, Cao Y. Mitochondria-Shaping Proteins and Chemotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:769036. [PMID: 34868997 PMCID: PMC8637292 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.769036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence, in recent decades, of an entirely new area of “Mitochondrial dynamics”, which consists principally of fission and fusion, reflects the recognition that mitochondria play a significant role in human tumorigenesis and response to therapeutics. Proteins that determine mitochondrial dynamics are referred to as “shaping proteins”. Marked heterogeneity has been observed in the response of tumor cells to chemotherapy, which is associated with imbalances in mitochondrial dynamics and function leading to adaptive and acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, targeting mitochondria-shaping proteins may prove to be a promising approach to treat chemotherapy resistant cancers. In this review, we summarize the alterations of mitochondrial dynamics in chemotherapeutic processing and the antitumor mechanisms by which chemotherapy drugs synergize with mitochondria-shaping proteins. These might shed light on new biomarkers for better prediction of cancer chemosensitivity and contribute to the exploitation of potent therapeutic strategies for the clinical treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Xie
- Hunan Children's Hospital, The Pediatric Academy of University of South China, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tiansheng Zhou
- Hunan Children's Hospital, The Pediatric Academy of University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Yujun Xie
- Hunan Children's Hospital, The Pediatric Academy of University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States
| | - Ya Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Center for Technologies of Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Joint Engineering Research Center for Genetic Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Changsha, China
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Dadgar T, Ebrahimi N, Gholipour AR, Akbari M, Khani L, Ahmadi A, Hamblin MR. Targeting the metabolism of cancer stem cells by energy disruptor molecules. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 169:103545. [PMID: 34838705 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in various tumor types. CSCs are believed to contribute to tumor metastasis and resistance to conventional therapy. So targeting these cells could be an effective strategy to eliminate tumors and a promising new type of cancer treatment. Alterations in metabolism play an essential role in CSC biology and their resistance to treatment. The metabolic properties pathways in CSCs are different from normal cells, and to some extent, are different from regular tumor cells. Interestingly, CSCs can use other nutrients for their metabolism and growth. The different metabolism causes increased sensitivity of CSCs to agents that disrupt cellular homeostasis. Compounds that interfere with the central metabolic pathways are known as energy disruptors and can reduce CSC survival. This review highlights the differences between regular cancer cells and CSC metabolism and discusses the action mechanisms of energy disruptors at the cellular and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahere Dadgar
- Department of Biology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Nasim Ebrahimi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cell and Molecular & Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Gholipour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Maryam Akbari
- Department of Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Khani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Ahmadi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, 75169, Iran.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
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Kaur J, Bhattacharyya S. Cancer Stem Cells: Metabolic Characterization for Targeted Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:756888. [PMID: 34804950 PMCID: PMC8602811 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.756888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within tumor bulk are known for tumor recurrence and metastasis. CSCs show intrinsic resistance to conventional therapies and phenotypic plasticity within the tumor, which make these a difficult target for conventional therapies. CSCs have different metabolic phenotypes based on their needs as compared to the bulk cancer cells. CSCs show metabolic plasticity and constantly alter their metabolic state between glycolysis and oxidative metabolism (OXPHOS) to adapt to scarcity of nutrients and therapeutic stress. The metabolic characteristics of CSCs are distinct compared to non-CSCs and thus provide an opportunity to devise more effective strategies to target CSCs. Mechanism for metabolic switch in CSCs is still unravelled, however existing evidence suggests that tumor microenvironment affects the metabolic phenotype of cancer cells. Understanding CSCs metabolism may help in discovering new and effective clinical targets to prevent cancer relapse and metastasis. This review summarises the current knowledge of CSCs metabolism and highlights the potential targeted treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmeet Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Shalmoli Bhattacharyya
- Department of Biophysics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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Wu W, Yu N, Li F, Gao P, Lin S, Zhu Y. RPL35 promotes neuroblastoma progression via the enhanced aerobic glycolysis. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5701-5714. [PMID: 34873488 PMCID: PMC8640819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an rare type of tumor that almost affects children age 5 or younger due to its rapid proliferation ability. The overall survival rate of patients with advanced NB is not satisfactory. Ribosomal proteins (RPs) play a critical role in the development and progress of cancer. However, the contribution of RPL35 in NB has not been proven. In this study, we reveal that RPL35 is upregulated in NB tissues and the upregulation of RPL35 promotes proliferation and migration of NB while RPL35 knockdown significantly restrained the proliferation of NB cells. In terms of mechanism, glycolysis was decreased and the mitochondrial respiration was increased with knockdown of RPL35 in NB cells, indicating that RPL35 function as a positive regulator in aerobic glycolysis. Importantly, our data indicated that RPL35 deficiency decreased HIF1α expression both in mRNA and protein levels. Western blot analysis showed that RPL35 knockdown has a negative regulatory effect on the ERK pathway, and RPL35 modulated aerobic glycolysis in part through its regulation of the RPL35/ERK/HIF1α axis. Overall, RPL35 functions as a positive regulator of aerobic glycolysis, and the RPL35/ERK/HIF1α axis could be a potential therapeutic target for the therapy of NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union HospitalFuzhou 350001, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Nanding Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union HospitalFuzhou 350001, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medical and Health Key Laboratory of NeurosurgeryJinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Pengqiang Gao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Shiyu Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union HospitalFuzhou 350001, Fujian, China,Fujian Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhou 350122, Fujian, China
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