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Fontes MG, Silva C, Roldán WH, Monteiro G. Exploring the potential of asparagine restriction in solid cancer treatment: recent discoveries, therapeutic implications, and challenges. Med Oncol 2024; 41:176. [PMID: 38879707 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02424-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid crucial for protein biosynthesis and function, and therefore cell maintenance and growth. Furthermore, this amino acid has an important role in regulating several metabolic pathways, such as tricarboxylic acid cycle and the urea cycle. When compared to normal cells, tumor cells typically present a higher demand for asparagine, making it a compelling target for therapy. In this review article, we investigate different facets of asparagine bioavailability intricate role in malignant tumors raised from solid organs. We take a comprehensive look at asparagine synthetase expression and regulation in cancer, including the impact on tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, we explore asparagine depletion through L-asparaginase as a potential therapeutic method for aggressive solid tumors, approaching different formulations of the enzyme and combinatory therapies. In summary, here we delve into studies about endogenous and exogenous asparagine availability in solid cancers, analyzing therapeutic implications and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gabriel Fontes
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Silva
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - William Henry Roldán
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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2
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Deng B, Liu F, Chen N, Li X, Lei J, Chen N, Wu J, Wang X, Lu J, Fang M, Chen A, Zhang Z, He B, Yan M, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Liu Q. AURKA emerges as a vulnerable target for KEAP1-deficient non-small cell lung cancer by activation of asparagine synthesis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:233. [PMID: 38521813 PMCID: PMC10960834 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06577-x] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
AURKA is an established target for cancer therapy; however, the efficacy of its inhibitors in clinical trials is hindered by differential response rates across different tumor subtypes. In this study, we demonstrate AURKA regulates amino acid synthesis, rendering it a vulnerable target in KEAP1-deficient non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Through CRISPR metabolic screens, we identified that KEAP1-knockdown cells showed the highest sensitivity to the AURKA inhibitor MLN8237. Subsequent investigations confirmed that KEAP1 deficiency heightens the susceptibility of NSCLC cells to AURKA inhibition both in vitro and in vivo, with the response depending on NRF2 activation. Mechanistically, AURKA interacts with the eIF2α kinase GCN2 and maintains its phosphorylation to regulate eIF2α-ATF4-mediated amino acid biosynthesis. AURKA inhibition restrains the expression of asparagine synthetase (ASNS), making KEAP1-deficient NSCLC cells vulnerable to AURKA inhibitors, in which ASNS is highly expressed. Our study unveils the pivotal role of AURKA in amino acid metabolism and identifies a specific metabolic indication for AURKA inhibitors. These findings also provide a novel clinical therapeutic target for KEAP1-mutant/deficient NSCLC, which is characterized by resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Nana Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xinhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jie Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ning Chen
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jie Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Mouxiang Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Ailin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zijian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Min Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zifeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Quentin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Yuan Q, Yin L, He J, Zeng Q, Liang Y, Shen Y, Zu X. Metabolism of asparagine in the physiological state and cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:163. [PMID: 38448969 PMCID: PMC10916255 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01540-x] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Asparagine, an important amino acid in mammals, is produced in several organs and is widely used for the production of other nutrients such as glucose, proteins, lipids, and nucleotides. Asparagine has also been reported to play a vital role in the development of cancer cells. Although several types of cancer cells can synthesise asparagine alone, their synthesis levels are insufficient to meet their requirements. These cells must rely on the supply of exogenous asparagine, which is why asparagine is considered a semi-essential amino acid. Therefore, nutritional inhibition by targeting asparagine is often considered as an anti-cancer strategy and has shown success in the treatment of leukaemia. However, asparagine limitation alone does not achieve an ideal therapeutic effect because of stress responses that upregulate asparagine synthase (ASNS) to meet the requirements for asparagine in cancer cells. Various cancer cells initiate different reprogramming processes in response to the deficiency of asparagine. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the asparagine metabolism in cancers. This review primarily discusses the physiological role of asparagine and the current progress in the field of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Yuan
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Liyang Yin
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qiting Zeng
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yuxin Liang
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yingying Shen
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
| | - Xuyu Zu
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
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Li J, Fang Z, Dal E, Zhang H, Yu K, Ma M, Wang M, Sun R, Lu M, Wang H, Li Y. Transmembrane protein 176B regulates amino acid metabolism through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and promotes gastric cancer progression. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:95. [PMID: 38438907 PMCID: PMC10913232 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03279-4] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed to investigate the expression level, biological function, and underlying mechanism of transmembrane protein 176B (TMEM176B) in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS TMEM176B expression was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB). The function of TMEM176B was determined by various in vitro assays including colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), Transwell, and flow cytometry. Bioinformatics techniques were then used to elucidate the signaling pathways associated with TMEM176B activity. Tumor formation experiments were conducted on nude mice for in vivo validation of the preceding findings. TMEM176B expression was cross-referenced to clinicopathological parameters and survival outcomes. RESULTS It was observed that TMEM176B was overexpressed in GC cells and tissues. Targeted TMEM176B abrogation inhibited colony formation, proliferation, migration, and invasion but promoted apoptosis in GC cell lines while TMEM176B overexpression had the opposite effects. Subsequent experimental validation disclosed an association between TMEM176B and the phosphatidylinositol 3-carboxykinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling axis. Moreover, TMEM176B affects GC cancer progression by regulating asparagine synthetase (ASNS). The in vivo assays confirmed that TMEM176B is oncogenic and the clinical data revealed a connection between TMEM176B expression and the clinicopathological determinants of GC. CONCLUSION The foregoing results suggest that TMEM176B significantly promotes the development of gastric cancer and is an independent prognostic factor of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - ZiQing Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Emre Dal
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84102, USA
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - KeXun Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - MengDi Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - MingLiang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Ruochuan Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - MingDian Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - HuiZhen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - YongXiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
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Jung AR, Shin S, Kim MY, Ha US, Hong SH, Lee JY, Kim SW, Chung YJ, Park YH. Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis Identified ASNS and DDIT3 as the Therapeutic Target in Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2836. [PMID: 38474084 PMCID: PMC10932076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated the mechanisms of progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and novel strategies for its treatment. Despite these advances, the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression to CRPC remain unclear, and currently, no effective treatments for CRPC are available. Here, we characterized the key genes involved in CRPC progression to gain insight into potential therapeutic targets. Bicalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells derived from LNCaP were generated and named Bical R. RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LNCaP and Bical R. In total, 631 DEGs (302 upregulated genes and 329 downregulated genes) were identified. The Cytohubba plug-in in Cytoscape was used to identify seven hub genes (ASNS, AGT, ATF3, ATF4, DDIT3, EFNA5, and VEGFA) associated with CRPC progression. Among these hub genes, ASNS and DDIT3 were markedly upregulated in CRPC cell lines and CRPC patient samples. The patients with high expression of ASNS and DDIT3 showed worse disease-free survival in patients with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) datasets. Our study revealed a potential association between ASNS and DDIT3 and the progression to CRPC. These results may contribute to the development of potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms underlying CRPC progression, aiming to improve clinical efficacy in CRPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ae Ryang Jung
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (A.R.J.); (M.Y.K.); (U.-S.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.Y.L.); (S.W.K.)
| | - Sun Shin
- Department of Integrated Research Center for Genome Polymorphism, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (S.S.); (Y.-J.C.)
- Department of Microbiology, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee Young Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (A.R.J.); (M.Y.K.); (U.-S.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.Y.L.); (S.W.K.)
| | - U-Syn Ha
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (A.R.J.); (M.Y.K.); (U.-S.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.Y.L.); (S.W.K.)
| | - Sung-Hoo Hong
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (A.R.J.); (M.Y.K.); (U.-S.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.Y.L.); (S.W.K.)
| | - Ji Youl Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (A.R.J.); (M.Y.K.); (U.-S.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.Y.L.); (S.W.K.)
| | - Sae Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (A.R.J.); (M.Y.K.); (U.-S.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.Y.L.); (S.W.K.)
| | - Yeun-Jun Chung
- Department of Integrated Research Center for Genome Polymorphism, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (S.S.); (Y.-J.C.)
- Department of Microbiology, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hyun Park
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (A.R.J.); (M.Y.K.); (U.-S.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.Y.L.); (S.W.K.)
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6
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Tomar MS, Kumar A, Shrivastava A. Mitochondrial metabolism as a dynamic regulatory hub to malignant transformation and anti-cancer drug resistance. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 694:149382. [PMID: 38128382 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149382] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Glycolysis is the fundamental cellular process that permits cancer cells to convert energy and grow anaerobically. Recent developments in molecular biology have made it evident that mitochondrial respiration is critical to tumor growth and treatment response. As the principal organelle of cellular energy conversion, mitochondria can rapidly alter cellular metabolic processes, thereby fueling malignancies and contributing to treatment resistance. This review emphasizes the significance of mitochondrial biogenesis, turnover, DNA copy number, and mutations in bioenergetic system regulation. Tumorigenesis requires an intricate cascade of metabolic pathways that includes rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, supply of intermediate metabolites of the TCA cycle through amino acids, and the interaction between mitochondria and lipid metabolism. Cancer recurrence or resistance to therapy often results from the cooperation of several cellular defense mechanisms, most of which are connected to mitochondria. Many clinical trials are underway to assess the effectiveness of inhibiting mitochondrial respiration as a potential cancer therapeutic. We aim to summarize innovative strategies and therapeutic targets by conducting a comprehensive review of recent studies on the relationship between mitochondrial metabolism, tumor development and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manendra Singh Tomar
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal, Saket Nagar, Bhopal, 462020, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh Shrivastava
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Pan Y, Suzuki T, Sakai K, Hirano Y, Ikeda H, Hattori A, Dohmae N, Nishio K, Kakeya H. Bisabosqual A: A novel asparagine synthetase inhibitor suppressing the proliferation and migration of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176156. [PMID: 38059445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176156] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Asparagine synthetase (ASNS) is a crucial enzyme for the de novo biosynthesis of endogenous asparagine (Asn), and ASNS shows the positive relationship with the growth of several solid tumors. Most of ASNS inhibitors are analogs of transition-state in ASNS reaction, but their low cell permeability hinders their anticancer activity. Therefore, novel ASNS inhibitors with a new pharmacophore urgently need to be developed. In this study, we established and applied a system for in vitro screening of ASNS inhibitors, and found a promising unique bisabolane-type meroterpenoid molecule, bisabosqual A (Bis A), able to covalently modify K556 site of ASNS protein. Bis A targeted ASNS to suppress cell proliferation of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells and exhibited a synergistic effect with L-asparaginase (L-ASNase). Mechanistically, Bis A promoted oxidative stress and apoptosis, while inhibiting autophagy, cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), impeding cancer cell development. Moreover, Bis A induced negative feedback pathways containing the GCN2-eIF2α-ATF4, PI3K-AKT-mTORC1 and RAF-MEK-ERK axes, but combination treatment of Bis A and rapamycin/torin-1 overcame the potential drug resistance triggered by mTOR pathways. Our study demonstrates that ASNS inhibition is promising for cancer chemotherapy, and Bis A is a potential lead ASNS inhibitor for anticancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Pan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazuko Sakai
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hirano
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kohoku, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ikeda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Akira Hattori
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazuto Nishio
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kakeya
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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8
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Wang M, Li J, Yang X, Yan Q, Wang H, Xu X, Lu Y, Li D, Wang Y, Sun R, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Meng F, Li Y. Targeting TLK2 inhibits the progression of gastric cancer by reprogramming amino acid metabolism through the mTOR/ASNS axis. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1485-1497. [PMID: 37542132 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00653-8] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Several recent studies have suggested that TLKs are related to tumor progression. However, the function and mechanism of action of TLK2 in gastric cancer (GC) remain elusive. In this study, TLK2 was found to be significantly upregulated in patients with GC and was identified as an independent prognostic factor for GC. Consistently, TLK2 knockdown markedly reduced the aggressiveness of GC, whereas its overexpression had the opposite effect. IP-MS revealed that the effects of TLK2 on GC were mainly associated with metabolism reprogramming. TLK2 knockdown suppressed amino acid synthesis by downregulating the mTORC1 pathway and ASNS expression in GC cells. Mechanistically, mTORC1 directly interacts with the ASNS protein and inhibits its degradation. Further experiments validated that the ASNS protein was degraded via ubiquitination instead of autophagy. Inhibiting and activating the mTORC1 pathway can upregulate and downregulate ASNS ubiquitination, respectively, and the mTORC1 pathway can reverse the regulatory effects of TLK2 on ASNS. Furthermore, TLK2 was found to regulate the mRNA expression of ASNS. TLK2 directly interacted with ATF4, a transcription factor of ASNS, and promoted its expression. The kinase inhibitor fostamatinib significantly inhibited the proliferative, invasive, and migratory capabilities of GC cells by inhibiting TLK2 activity. Altogether, this study reveals a novel functional relationship between TLK2 and the mTORC1/ASNS axis in GC. Therefore, TLK2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Wang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Li
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Qiang Yan
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Huizhen Wang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Xu
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Yida Lu
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Deguan Li
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Yigao Wang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Ruochuan Sun
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Shangxin Zhang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China
| | - Futao Meng
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, China.
| | - Yongxiang Li
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, China.
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9
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Jiao Y, Peng X, Wang Y, Hao Z, Chen L, Wu M, Zhang Y, Li J, Li W, Zhan X. Malignant ascites supernatant enhances the proliferation of gastric cancer cells partially via the upregulation of asparagine synthetase. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:418. [PMID: 37664666 PMCID: PMC10472050 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14005] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant ascites (MA) is a common manifestation of advanced gastric cancer (GC) with peritoneal metastasis (PM), which usually indicates a poor prognosis. The present study aimed to explore the effects of MA, a unique microenvironment of PM, on the proliferation of cancer cells and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Ex vivo experiments demonstrated that GC cells treated with MA exhibited enhanced proliferation. RNA sequencing indicated that asparagine synthetase (ASNS) was one of the differentially expressed genes in GC cells following incubation with MAs. Furthermore, the present study suggested that MA induced an upregulation of ASNS expression and the stimulatory effect of MA on cancer cell proliferation was alleviated upon ASNS downregulation. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a pivotal transcription factor regulating ASNS, was upregulated when cells were treated with MA supernatant. After ATF4 knockdown, the proliferation of MA-treated GC cells and the expression of ASNS decreased. In addition, the decline in the proliferation of the ATF4-downregulated AGS GC cell line was rescued by ASNS upregulation. The findings indicated that MA could promote the proliferation of GC cells via activation of the ATF4-ASNS axis. Hence, it may be a potential target for treating GC with PM and MA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Jiao
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobo Peng
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Zhibin Hao
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Meihong Wu
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yingyi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Wenlin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Xianbao Zhan
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
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10
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Zhou Q, Li L, Sha F, Lei Y, Tian X, Chen L, Chen Y, Liu H, Guo Y. PTTG1 Reprograms Asparagine Metabolism to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression. Cancer Res 2023; 83:2372-2386. [PMID: 37159932 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-3561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and has a poor prognosis. Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) is highly expressed in HCC, suggesting it could play an important role in hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Here, we evaluated the impact of PTTG1 deficiency on HCC development using a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model and a hepatitis B virus (HBV) regulatory X protein (HBx)-induced spontaneous HCC mouse model. PTTG1 deficiency significantly suppressed DEN- and HBx-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Mechanistically, PTTG1 promoted asparagine synthetase (ASNS) transcription by binding to its promoter, and asparagine (Asn) levels were correspondingly increased. The elevated levels of Asn subsequently activated the mTOR pathway to facilitate HCC progression. In addition, asparaginase treatment reversed the proliferation induced by PTTG1 overexpression. Furthermore, HBx promoted ASNS and Asn metabolism by upregulating PTTG1 expression. Overall, PTTG1 is involved in the reprogramming of Asn metabolism to promote HCC progression and may serve as a therapeutic and diagnostic target for HCC. SIGNIFICANCE PTTG1 is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and increases asparagine production to stimulate mTOR activity and promote tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Leijia Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Feifei Sha
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yiming Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuan Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lingjun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huiling Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yunwei Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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11
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Biochemical and Biological Evaluation of an L-Asparaginase from Isolated Escherichia coli MF-107 as an Anti-Tumor Enzyme on MCF7 Cell Line. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2022; 26:279-90. [PMID: 35690915 PMCID: PMC9432472 DOI: 10.52547/ibj.3494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Methods: Results: Conclusion:
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12
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Kumar V, Singh P, Gupta SK, Ali V, Jyotirmayee, Verma M. Alterations in cellular metabolisms after Imatinib therapy: a review. Med Oncol 2022; 39:95. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01699-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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13
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Zhang Q, Li W. Correlation between amino acid metabolism and self-renewal of cancer stem cells: Perspectives in cancer therapy. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:267-286. [PMID: 35662861 PMCID: PMC9136564 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i4.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess self-renewal and differentiation potential, which may be related to recurrence, metastasis, and radiochemotherapy resistance during tumor treatment. Understanding the mechanisms via which CSCs maintain self-renewal may reveal new therapeutic targets for attenuating CSC resistance and extending patient life-span. Recent studies have shown that amino acid metabolism plays an important role in maintaining the self-renewal of CSCs and is involved in regulating their tumorigenicity characteristics. This review summarizes the relationship between CSCs and amino acid metabolism, and discusses the possible mechanisms by which amino acid metabolism regulates CSC characteristics particularly self-renewal, survival and stemness. The ultimate goal is to identify new targets and research directions for elimination of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
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14
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Halama A, Suhre K. Advancing Cancer Treatment by Targeting Glutamine Metabolism—A Roadmap. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030553. [PMID: 35158820 PMCID: PMC8833671 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dysregulated glutamine metabolism is one of the metabolic features evident in cancer cells when compared to normal cells. Cancer cells utilize glutamine for energy generation as well as the synthesis of other molecules that are critical for cancer growth and progression. Therefore, drugs targeting glutamine metabolism have been extensively investigated. However, inhibition of glutamine metabolism in cancer cells results in the activation of other metabolic pathways enabling cancer cells to survive. In this review, we summarize and discuss the targets in glutamine metabolism, which has been probed in the development of anticancer drugs in preclinical and clinical studies. We further discuss pathways activated in response to glutamine metabolism inhibition, enabling cancer cells to survive the challenge. Finally, we put into perspective combined treatment strategies targeting glutamine metabolism along with other pathways as potential treatment options. Abstract Tumor growth and metastasis strongly depend on adapted cell metabolism. Cancer cells adjust their metabolic program to their specific energy needs and in response to an often challenging tumor microenvironment. Glutamine metabolism is one of the metabolic pathways that can be successfully targeted in cancer treatment. The dependence of many hematological and solid tumors on glutamine is associated with mitochondrial glutaminase (GLS) activity that enables channeling of glutamine into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, generation of ATP and NADPH, and regulation of glutathione homeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Small molecules that target glutamine metabolism through inhibition of GLS therefore simultaneously limit energy availability and increase oxidative stress. However, some cancers can reprogram their metabolism to evade this metabolic trap. Therefore, the effectiveness of treatment strategies that rely solely on glutamine inhibition is limited. In this review, we discuss the metabolic and molecular pathways that are linked to dysregulated glutamine metabolism in multiple cancer types. We further summarize and review current clinical trials of glutaminolysis inhibition in cancer patients. Finally, we put into perspective strategies that deploy a combined treatment targeting glutamine metabolism along with other molecular or metabolic pathways and discuss their potential for clinical applications.
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15
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Wang S, Ding Y, Dong R, Wang H, Yin L, Meng S. Canagliflozin Improves Liver Function in Rats by Upregulating Asparagine Synthetase. Pharmacology 2021; 106:606-615. [PMID: 34515223 DOI: 10.1159/000518492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Canagliflozin (CANA) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor that was recently approved for treating diabetes. However, its effects on liver function are not well understood. The function of asparagine synthetase (ASNS) has been studied in several cancers but not in liver injury. Therefore, we investigated the connection between CANA and ASNS in alleviating damage (i.e., their hepatoprotective effect) in a rat liver injury model. METHODS The rat model of liver injury was established using carbon tetrachloride treatment. Rats with liver injury were administered CANA orally for 8 weeks daily. After week 8, peripheral blood was collected to measure serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Liver histopathology was examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining to determine the degree of liver injury. Protein expression in the rat livers was examined using Western blotting. RESULTS CANA treatment decreased serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels compared with those of the untreated group, demonstrating diminished liver injury. Mechanistically, CANA treatment activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), leading to increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), which upregulated ASNS expression in liver-injured rats. CONCLUSION CANA significantly alleviated liver injury by activating the AMPK/Nrf2/ATF4 axis and upregulating ASNS expression, indicating its potential for treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with impaired liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yasong Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruoyao Dong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hongyun Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lingdi Yin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shengnan Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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16
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Ilkhani K, Delgir S, Safi A, Seif F, Samei A, Bastami M, Alivand MR. Clinical and In Silico Outcomes of the Expression of miR-130a-5p and miR-615-3p in Tumor Compared with Non-Tumor Adjacent Tissues of Patients with BC. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:927-935. [PMID: 32972352 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200924105352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women with a high mortality rate. The blockade of asparagine-related pathways may be an effective measure to control the progression and reduction of BC metastasis potential. Recently, it has been shown that various miRNAs, as part of small non-coding RNAs, have a great role in cancer development, especially asparagine-related pathways, to modulate the invasiveness. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-130a-5p and miR-615-3p in tumoral and nontumoral adjacent tissues of patients with BC. METHODS There is a chance that asparagine metabolism is influenced by miR-130a-5p and miR-615-3p as confirmed by bioinformatics analysis. Hence, real-time PCR was conducted on eighty BC tumoral and non-tumoral adjacent tissues to evaluate the expression level of the two miRNAs. To predict the potential biological process and molecular pathways of miR-130a-5p, an in silico analysis was performed. RESULTS This study indicated that miR-130a was downregulated in tumoral tissues compared to non-tumoral adjacent tissues (P-value= 0.01443 and fold change= -2.5137), while miR-615-3p did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, the subgroup studies did not reveal any significant correlation between the expression of these two miRNAs and subfactors. Furthermore, in silico studies unraveled several biological processes related to amino-acid metabolism, as well as pathways related to tumor development such as Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) and JAK-STAT pathways among miR-130a-5p target genes. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that miRNA-130a-5p is downregulated in BC tissues and may play a tumor suppressor role in patients with BC. Therefore, it may be suggested as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khandan Ilkhani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soheila Delgir
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asma Safi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Seif
- Department of Immunology & Allergy, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Samei
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Milad Bastami
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Alivand
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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17
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Radadiya A, Zhu W, Coricello A, Alcaro S, Richards NGJ. Improving the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3193-3200. [PMID: 32786406 PMCID: PMC7497903 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
l-Asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1) was first used as a component of combination drug therapies to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, almost 50 years ago. Administering this enzyme to reduce asparagine levels in the blood is a cornerstone of modern clinical protocols for ALL; indeed, this remains the only successful example of a therapy targeted against a specific metabolic weakness in any form of cancer. Three problems, however, constrain the clinical use of l-asparaginase. First, a type II bacterial variant of l-asparaginase is administered to patients, the majority of whom are children, which produces an immune response thereby limiting the time over which the enzyme can be tolerated. Second, l-asparaginase is subject to proteolytic degradation in the blood. Third, toxic side effects are observed, which may be correlated with the l-glutaminase activity of the enzyme. This Perspective will outline how asparagine depletion negatively impacts the growth of leukemic blasts, discuss the structure and mechanism of l-asparaginase, and briefly describe the clinical use of chemically modified forms of clinically useful l-asparaginases, such as Asparlas, which was recently given FDA approval for use in children (babies to young adults) as part of multidrug treatments for ALL. Finally, we review ongoing efforts to engineer l-asparaginase variants with improved therapeutic properties and briefly detail emerging, alternate strategies for the treatment of forms of ALL that are resistant to asparagine depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Radadiya
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Adriana Coricello
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.,Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nigel G J Richards
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.,Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 13079 Progress Boulevard, Alachua, Florida 32615, United States
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Li X, Ma C, Luo H, Zhang J, Wang J, Guo H. Identification of the differential expression of genes and upstream microRNAs in small cell lung cancer compared with normal lung based on bioinformatics analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19086. [PMID: 32176034 PMCID: PMC7440067 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the most lethal cancer, mainly attributing to its high tendency to metastasis. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) are related to human cancer onset and progression including invasion and metastasis.An eligible gene dataset and an eligible miRNA dataset were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database based our screening criteria. Differentially expressed genes (DE-genes) or DE-miRNAs for each dataset obtained by the R software package. The potential target genes of the top 10 DE-miRNAs were predicted by multiple databases. For annotation, visualization and integrated discovery, Metascape 3.0 was introduced to perform enrichment analysis for the DE-genes and the predicted target genes of the selected top 10 DE-miRNAs, including Pathway and Process Enrichment Analysis or protein-protein interaction enrichment analysis. The intersection of predicted target genes and DE-genes was taken as the final DE-genes. Then apply the predicted miRNAs-targets relationship of top 10 DE-miRNAs to the final DE-genes to gain more convinced DE-miRNAs, DE-genes and their one to one relationship.GSE19945 (miRNA microarray) and GSE40275 (gene microarray) datasets were selected and downloaded. 56 DE-miRNAs and 861 DE-genes were discovered. 297 miRNAs-targets relationships (284 unique genes) were predicted as the target of top 10 upregulating DE-miRNAs. 245 miRNAs-targets relationships (238 unique genes) were identified as the target of top 10 downregulating DE-miRNAs. The key results of enrichment analysis include protein kinase B signaling, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, negative regulation of cell differentiation, response to growth factor, cellular response to lipid, muscle structure development, response to growth factor, signaling by Receptor Tyrosine Kinases, epithelial cell migration, cellular response to organic cyclic compound, Cell Cycle (Mitotic), DNA conformation change, cell division, DNA replication, cell cycle phase transition, blood vessel development, inflammatory response, Staphylococcus aureus infection, leukocyte migration, and myeloid leukocyte activation. Differential expression of genes-upstream miRNAs (RBMS3-hsa-miR-7-5p, NEDD9-hsa-miR-18a-5p, CRIM1-hsa-miR-18a-5p, TGFBR2-hsa-miR-9-5p, MYO1C-hsa-miR-9-5p, KLF4-hsa-miR-7-5p, EMP2-hsa-miR-1290, TMEM2-hsa-miR-18a-5p, CTGF-hsa-miR-18a-5p, TNFAIP3-hsa-miR-18a-5p, THBS1-hsa-miR-182-5p, KPNA2-hsa-miR-144-3p, GPR137C-hsa-miR-1-3p, GRIK3-hsa-miR-144-3p, and MTHFD2-hsa-miR-30a-3p) were identified in SCLC.RBMS3, NEDD9, CRIM1, KPNA2, GPR137C, GRIK3, hsa-miR-7-5p, hsa-miR-18a-5p, hsa-miR-144-3p, hsa-miR-1-3p along with the pathways included protein kinase B signaling, muscle structure development, Cell Cycle (Mitotic) and blood vessel development may gain a high chance to play a key role in the prognosis of SCLC, but more studies should be conducted to reveal it more clearly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwei Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, China
| | | | - Huan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Campus Virchow, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, China
| | - Jinan Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, China
| | - Hongtao Guo
- Department of Radiotherapy, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, China
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Xiao R, Ding C, Zhu H, Liu X, Gao J, Liu Q, Lu D, Zhang N, Zhang A, Zhou H. Suppression of asparagine synthetase enhances the antitumor potency of ART and artemalogue SOMCL-14-221 in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 475:22-33. [PMID: 32014457 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Artemisinin (ART) and SOMCL-14-221 (221), a spirobicyclic analogue of ART, have been reported to inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells with unclear underlying mechanism. In the present study, we validated that both ART and 221 inhibited the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells and the growth of A549 xenograft tumors without appreciable toxicity. The proteomic data revealed proteins upregulated in ART and 221 groups were involved in "response to endoplasmic reticulum stress" and "amino acid metabolism". Asparagine synthetase (ASNS) was identified as a key node protein in these processes. Interestingly, knockdown of ASNS improved the antitumor potency of ART and 221 in vitro and in vivo, and treatments with ART and 221 disordered the amino acid metabolism of A549 cells. Moreover, ART and 221 activated ER stress, and inhibition of ER stress abolished the anti-proliferative effects of ART and 221. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ART and 221 suppress tumor growth by triggering ER stress, and the inhibition of ASNS enhances the antitumor activity of ART and 221, which provides new strategy for drug combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxuan Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chunyong Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jing Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dayun Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Naixia Zhang
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Ao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Hu Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
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20
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Chiu M, Taurino G, Bianchi MG, Kilberg MS, Bussolati O. Asparagine Synthetase in Cancer: Beyond Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1480. [PMID: 31998641 PMCID: PMC6962308 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Asparagine Synthetase (ASNS) catalyzes the synthesis of the non-essential amino acid asparagine (Asn) from aspartate (Asp) and glutamine (Gln). ASNS expression is highly regulated at the transcriptional level, being induced by both the Amino Acid Response (AAR) and the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) pathways. Lack of ASNS protein expression is a hallmark of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) blasts, which, therefore, are auxotrophic for Asn. This peculiarity is the rationale for the use of bacterial L-Asparaginase (ASNase) for ALL therapy, the first example of anti-cancer treatment targeting a tumor-specific metabolic feature. Other hematological and solid cancers express low levels of ASNS and, therefore, should also be Asn auxotrophs and ASNase sensitive. Conversely, in the last few years, several reports indicate that in some cancer types ASNS is overexpressed, promoting cell proliferation, chemoresistance, and a metastatic behavior. However, enhanced ASNS activity may constitute a metabolic vulnerability in selected cancer models, suggesting a variable and tumor-specific role of the enzyme in cancer. Recent evidence indicates that, beyond its canonical role in protein synthesis, Asn may have additional regulatory functions. These observations prompt a re-appreciation of ASNS activity in the biology of normal and cancer tissues, with particular attention to the fueling of Asn exchange between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Chiu
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Taurino
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Massimiliano G Bianchi
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michael S Kilberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ovidio Bussolati
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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21
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Zhu W, Radadiya A, Bisson C, Wenzel S, Nordin BE, Martínez-Márquez F, Imasaki T, Sedelnikova SE, Coricello A, Baumann P, Berry AH, Nomanbhoy TK, Kozarich JW, Jin Y, Rice DW, Takagi Y, Richards NGJ. High-resolution crystal structure of human asparagine synthetase enables analysis of inhibitor binding and selectivity. Commun Biol 2019; 2:345. [PMID: 31552298 PMCID: PMC6748925 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0587-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of human asparagine synthetase (ASNS) promotes metastatic progression and tumor cell invasiveness in colorectal and breast cancer, presumably by altering cellular levels of L-asparagine. Human ASNS is therefore emerging as a bona fide drug target for cancer therapy. Here we show that a slow-onset, tight binding inhibitor, which exhibits nanomolar affinity for human ASNS in vitro, exhibits excellent selectivity at 10 μM concentration in HCT-116 cell lysates with almost no off-target binding. The high-resolution (1.85 Å) crystal structure of human ASNS has enabled us to identify a cluster of negatively charged side chains in the synthetase domain that plays a key role in inhibitor binding. Comparing this structure with those of evolutionarily related AMP-forming enzymes provides insights into intermolecular interactions that give rise to the observed binding selectivity. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of developing second generation human ASNS inhibitors as lead compounds for the discovery of drugs against metastasis. Wen Zhu et al. report the crystal structure of human asparagine synthetase at a 1.85 Å resolution, enabling computational analysis of inhibitor binding. They also find new insights into the intermolecular interactions contributing to binding specificity of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhu
- 1School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,8Present Address: Department of Chemistry and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA USA
| | | | - Claudine Bisson
- 2Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,8Present Address: Department of Chemistry and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Sabine Wenzel
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Brian E Nordin
- 4ActivX Biosciences, Inc, La Jolla, CA USA.,Present Address: Vividion Therapeutics, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Francisco Martínez-Márquez
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Tsuyoshi Imasaki
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA.,5Division of Structural Medicine and Anatomy, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Svetlana E Sedelnikova
- 2Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - Alexandria H Berry
- 6Department of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | | | | | - Yi Jin
- 1School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David W Rice
- 2Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Yuichiro Takagi
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Nigel G J Richards
- 1School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,7Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, FL USA
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22
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Luo L, Qin R, Liu T, Yu M, Yang T, Xu G. OsASN1 Plays a Critical Role in Asparagine-Dependent Rice Development. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010130. [PMID: 30602689 PMCID: PMC6337572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Asparagine is one of the important amino acids for long-distance transport of nitrogen (N) in plants. However, little is known about the effect of asparagine on plant development, especially in crops. Here, a new T-DNA insertion mutant, asparagine synthetase 1 (asn1), was isolated and showed a different plant height, root length, and tiller number compared with wild type (WT). In asn1, the amount of asparagine decreased sharply while the total nitrogen (N) absorption was not influenced. In later stages, asn1 showed reduced tiller number, which resulted in suppressed tiller bud outgrowth. The relative expression of many genes involved in the asparagine metabolic pathways declined in accordance with the decreased amino acid concentration. The CRISPR/Cas9 mutant lines of OsASN1 showed similar phenotype with asn1. These results suggest that OsASN1 is involved in the regulation of rice development and is specific for tiller outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Ruyi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Ming Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Tingwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guohua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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23
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Noree C, Monfort E, Shotelersuk V. Human asparagine synthetase associates with the mitotic spindle. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio.038307. [PMID: 30464009 PMCID: PMC6310878 DOI: 10.1242/bio.038307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are characterized by extensive reprogramming of metabolic pathways in order to promote cell division and survival. However, the growth promotion effects of metabolic reprogramming can be due to moonlighting functions of metabolic enzymes as well as the redirection of flux through particular pathways. To identify metabolic enzymes that might have potential moonlighting functions in oncogenesis, we have examined recent screens of the yeast GFP strain collection for metabolic enzymes that have been implicated in cancer metabolism with an unusual subcellular localization. Asparagine synthetase forms filaments in yeast in response to nutrient limitation and is part of a pathway that is a chemotherapy target in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Interestingly, while yeast asparagine synthetase forms cytoplasmic filaments in response to nutrient stress, human asparagine synthetase is associated with the centrosomes and mitotic spindles. This localization is disrupted by both nocodazole and asparaginase treatments. This failure to localize occurs even though asparagine synthetase is highly upregulated in response to asparaginase treatment. Together, these results argue that human asparagine synthetase undergoes regulated recruitment to the mitotic spindles and that it may have acquired a second role in mitosis similar to other metabolic enzymes that contribute to metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. Summary: While yeast Asn1p/ASN2p forms cytoplasmic filaments in response to nutrient limitation, hASNS is associated with centrosomes and mitotic spindles in actively dividing cells, suggesting its additional role in cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalongrat Noree
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, 25/25 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Elena Monfort
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive (MC 0347), La Jolla, CA 92093-0347, USA
| | - Vorasuk Shotelersuk
- Center of Excellence for Medical Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Xie X, Xu Z, Wang C, Fang C, Zhao J, Xu L, Qian X, Dai J, Sun F, Xu D, He W. Tip60 is associated with resistance to X-ray irradiation in prostate cancer. FEBS Open Bio 2017; 8:271-278. [PMID: 29435417 PMCID: PMC5794467 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tip60, an oncogene, accelerates cell growth by regulating androgen receptor translocation into the nucleus in prostate cancer. However, the mechanism of Tip60 in the response of prostate cancer to radiotherapy, and radioresistance, has not been studied. Using human prostate cancer samples and two human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and DU145), Tip60 protein expression and the acetylation of ataxia telangiectasia mutant (ATM) were analysed by western blotting and immunoprecipitation. Tip60 was downregulated with small interfering RNA. Cells were irradiated using X‐rays at 0.25 Gy·min−1. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. The expression of Tip60 protein was increased in radioresistant prostate cancer tissues in comparison with radiosensitive tissues, which was also confirmed in both irradiated DU145 and LNCaP cells. Furthermore, the acetylation of ATM was also upregulated in a time‐dependent manner after irradiation of both DU145 and LNCaP cells. Additionally, depletion of Tip60 decreased the survival of LNCaP and DU145 cells by inducing apoptosis, reduced the acetylation of ATM and decreased the expression of phosphorylated ATM, Chk2 and cdc25A in both DU145 and LNCaP cells after X‐ray irradiation. The results of this study demonstrated that the expression of Tip60 may be related to the radioresistance of prostate cancer and could serve as a promising predictive factor for prostate cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Zhaoping Xu
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Chenghe Wang
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Chen Fang
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Juping Zhao
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Le Xu
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Xiaoqiang Qian
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Fukang Sun
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Danfeng Xu
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Urology Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine China
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25
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Li Y, Yang FL, Zhu CF, Tang LM. Effect and mechanism of RNAi targeting WWTR1 on biological activity of gastric cancer cells SGC7901. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:2853-2860. [PMID: 29207147 PMCID: PMC5783499 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. It is essential to develop novel targets and therapeutic approaches for GC, which requires identification of novel functional molecules. WW‑domain containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1) may activate many transcriptional factors and exhibit an important role in the development of various tissues in mammals. The results of the present study demonstrated that mRNA and protein levels of WWTR1 are increased in GC tissues and cell lines. The SGC7901 cell line was selected to perform RNA interference (RNAi) targeting WWTR1, and for subsequent study. Compared with control groups (cells without any treatment) and mock groups (cells treated with nonspecific siRNA), cell proliferation of siWWTR1 cells (cells treated with WWTR1 siRNA) was detected using a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay at 12, 24 and 48 h, and decreased in a time‑dependent manner. Cell cycle and apoptosis status were determined by flow cytometry, and it was demonstrated that G1/S transition was blocked in the cell cycle and apoptosis promoted in siWWTR1 cells, compared with control and mock cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to detect the mRNA and protein levels of cell cycle and apoptosis‑associated factors. The expression of Cyclin D1, cancer Myc and B cell lymphoma/leukemia‑2 (Bcl‑2) decreased and Bcl‑2 associated X protein increased significantly in siWWRT1 cells, at the mRNA and protein level, compared with control and mock cells. With the exception of the Hippo pathway, siWWTR1 regulated downstream factors, including mothers against decapentaplegic homolog family member 3 (SMAD3) and inhibitor of DNA binding 1, HLH protein (ID1), HLH protein in the transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β pathway. The expression of asparagine synthetase was decreased whereas ID1, SMAD3 (proteins that participate in intracellular TGF‑β transduction) and betacellulin increased notably in siWWRT1 cells. In conclusion, WWTR1 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of GC cells by regulating cell cycle/apoptosis‑associated factors, and effectors in the TGF‑β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
| | - Fang-Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Fu Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ming Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
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26
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Autophagy suppression potentiates the anti-glioblastoma effect of asparaginase in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2017; 8:91052-91066. [PMID: 29207624 PMCID: PMC5710905 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Asparaginase has been reported to be effective in the treatment of various leukemia and several malignant solid cancers. However, the anti-tumor effect of asparaginase is always restricted due to complicated mechanisms. Herein, we investigated the mechanisms of how glioblastoma resisted asparaginase treatment and reported a novel approach to enhance the anti-glioblastoma effect of asparaginase. We found that asparaginase could induce growth inhibition and caspase-dependent apoptosis in U87MG/U251MG glioblastoma cells. Meanwhile, autophagy was activated as indicated by autophagosomes formation and upregulated expression of LC3-II. Importantly, abolishing autophagy using chloroquine (CQ) and LY294002 enhanced the cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by asparaginase in U87MG/U251MG cells. Further study proved that Akt/mTOR and Erk signaling pathways participated in autophagy induction, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) served as an intracellular regulator for both cytotoxicity and autophagy in asparaginase-treated U87MG/U251MG cells. Moreover, combination treatment with autophagy inhibitor CQ significantly enhanced anti-glioblastoma efficacy of asparaginase in U87MG cell xenograft model. Taken together, our results demonstrated that inhibition of autophagy potentiated the anti-tumor effect of asparagine depletion on glioblastoma, indicating that targeting autophagy and asparagine could be a potential approach for glioblastoma treatment.
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