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Li J, Chen S, Xiao J, Ji J, Huang C, Shu G. FOXC1 transcriptionally suppresses ABHD5 to inhibit the progression of renal cell carcinoma through AMPK/mTOR pathway. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:62. [PMID: 39093497 PMCID: PMC11297099 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09899-w] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased activity of the transcription factor FOXC1 leads to elevated transcription of target genes, ultimately facilitating the progression of various cancer types. However, there are currently no literature reports on the role of FOXC1 in renal cell carcinoma. METHODS By using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, FOXC1 mRNA and protein expression was evaluated. Gain of function experiments were utilized to assess the proliferation and metastasis ability of cells. A nude mouse model was created for transplanting tumors and establishing a lung metastasis model to observe cell proliferation and spread in a living organism. Various techniques including biological analysis, CHIP assay, luciferase assay, RT-qRCR and Western blotting experiments were utilized to investigate how FOXC1 contributes to the transcription of ABHD5 on a molecular level. FOXC1 was assessed by Western blot for its impact on AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. RESULTS FOXC1 is down-regulated in RCC, causing unfavorable prognosis of patients with RCC. Further experiments showed that forced FOXC1 expression significantly restrains RCC cell growth and cell metastasis. Mechanically, FOXC1 promotes the transcription of ABHD5 to activate AMPK signal pathway to inhibit mTOR signal pathway. Finally, knockdown of ABHD5 recovered the inhibitory role of FOXC1 overexpression induced cell growth and metastasis suppression. CONCLUSION In general, our study demonstrates that FOXC1 exerts its tumor suppressor role by promoting ABHD5 transcription to regulating AMPK/mTOR signal pathway. FOXC1 could serve as both a diagnostic indicator and potential treatment focus for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfa Li
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuangchen Chen
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayuan Ji
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenchen Huang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Ge Shu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Fan K, Wang Y, Bian J, Sun Y, Dou J, Pan J, Yu Y. Study on the effects of rapamycin and the mTORC1/2 dual inhibitor OSI-027 on the metabolism of colon cancer cells based on UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics. Invest New Drugs 2024; 42:418-427. [PMID: 38916794 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-024-01438-y] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
mTORC1/2 dual inhibitors may be more effective than mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. However, their metabolic impacts on colon cancer cells remain unexplored. We conducted a comparative analysis of the anti-proliferative effects of rapamycin and the novel OSI-027 in colon cancer cells HCT-116, evaluating their metabolic influences through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Our results demonstrate that OSI-027 more effectively inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation than rapamycin. Additionally, we identified nearly 600 metabolites from the spectra, revealing significant differences in metabolic patterns between cells treated with OSI-027 and rapamycin. Through VIP value screening, we pinpointed crucial metabolites contributing to these distinctions. For inhibiting glycolysis and reducing glucose consumption, OSI-027 was likely to be more potent than rapamycin. For amino acids metabolism, although OSI-027 has a broad effect as rapamycin, their effects in degrees were not exactly the same. These findings address the knowledge gap regarding mTORC1/2 dual inhibitors and lay a foundation for their further development and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San Xiang Road, Suzhou City, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San Xiang Road, Suzhou City, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangyujing Bian
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San Xiang Road, Suzhou City, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- College of Pharmacy, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yewen Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San Xiang Road, Suzhou City, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- College of Pharmacy, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Dou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San Xiang Road, Suzhou City, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San Xiang Road, Suzhou City, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yunli Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San Xiang Road, Suzhou City, 215004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Rossetti CL, Alves BL, Peçanha FLM, Franco AT, Nosé V, Carneiro EM, Lew J, Bernal-Mizrachi E, Werneck-de-Castro JP. Defining the In Vivo Role of mTORC1 in Thyrocytes by Studying the TSC2 Conditional Knockout Mouse Model. Thyroid 2024; 34:1047-1057. [PMID: 38661550 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2024.0053] [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] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background: The thyroid gland is susceptible to abnormal epithelial cell growth, often resulting in thyroid dysfunction. The serine-threonine protein kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates cellular metabolism, proliferation, and growth through two different protein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. The PI3K-Akt-mTORC1 pathway's overactivity is well associated with heightened aggressiveness in thyroid cancer, but recent studies indicate the involvement of mTORC2 as well. Methods: To elucidate mTORC1's role in thyrocytes, we developed a novel mouse model with mTORC1 gain of function in thyrocytes by deleting tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), an intracellular inhibitor of mTORC1. Results: The resulting TPO-TSC2KO mice exhibited a 70-80% reduction in TSC2 levels, leading to a sixfold increase in mTORC1 activity. Thyroid glands of both male and female TPO-TSC2KO mice displayed rapid enlargement and continued growth throughout life, with larger follicles and increased colloid and epithelium areas. We observed elevated thyrocyte proliferation as indicated by Ki67 staining and elevated cyclin D3 expression in the TPO-TSC2KO mice. mTORC1 activation resulted in a progressive downregulation of key genes involved in thyroid hormone biosynthesis, including thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid peroxidase (Tpo), and sodium-iodide symporter (Nis), while Tff1, Pax8, and Mct8 mRNA levels remained unaffected. NIS protein expression was also diminished in TPO-TSC2KO mice. Treatment with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin prevented thyroid mass expansion and restored the gene expression alterations in TPO-TSC2KO mice. Although total thyroxine (T4), total triiodothyronine (T3), and TSH plasma levels were normal at 2 months of age, a slight decrease in T4 and an increase in TSH levels were observed at 6 and 12 months of age while T3 remained similar in TPO-TSC2KO compared with littermate control mice. Conclusions: Our thyrocyte-specific mouse model reveals that mTORC1 activation inhibits thyroid hormone (TH) biosynthesis, suppresses thyrocyte gene expression, and promotes growth and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ludke Rossetti
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Bruna Lourençoni Alves
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC), Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Aime T Franco
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vania Nosé
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Everardo Magalhaes Carneiro
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC), Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - John Lew
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Miami VA Health Care System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ernesto Bernal-Mizrachi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Miami VA Health Care System, Miami, Florida, USA
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4
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Shultz KD, Al Anbari YF, Wright NT. I told you to stop: obscurin's role in epithelial cell migration. Biochem Soc Trans 2024:BST20240564. [PMID: 39051125 DOI: 10.1042/bst20240564] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The giant cytoskeletal protein obscurin contains multiple cell signaling domains that influence cell migration. Here, we follow each of these pathways, examine how these pathways modulate epithelial cell migration, and discuss the cross-talk between these pathways. Specifically, obscurin uses its PH domain to inhibit phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent migration and its RhoGEF domain to activate RhoA and slow cell migration. While obscurin's effect on the PI3K pathway agrees with the literature, obscurin's effect on the RhoA pathway runs counter to most other RhoA effectors, whose activation tends to lead to enhanced motility. Obscurin also phosphorylates cadherins, and this may also influence cell motility. When taken together, obscurin's ability to modulate three independent cell migration pathways is likely why obscurin knockout cells experience enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and why obscurin is a frequently mutated gene in several types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamrin D Shultz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, 901 Carrier Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22807, U.S.A
| | - Yasmin F Al Anbari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, 901 Carrier Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22807, U.S.A
| | - Nathan T Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, 901 Carrier Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22807, U.S.A
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5
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Dong L, Dong C, Yu Y, Jiao X, Zhang X, Zhang X, Li Z. Transcriptomic analysis of Paraoxonase 1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and its potential impact on tumor immunity. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03598-y. [PMID: 39031295 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03598-y] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a complex pathogenesis that confers aggressive malignancy, leading to a lack of dependable biomarkers for predicting invasion and metastasis, which results in poor prognoses in patients with HCC. Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is an uncommon metabolic disorder marked by hepatomegaly and liver fibrosis. Notably, hepatic adenomas in GSD patients present a heightened risk of malignancy compared to those in individuals without the disorder. In this investigation, PON1 emerged as a potential pivotal gene for HCC through bioinformatics analysis. METHODS Transcriptomic profiling data of liver cancer were collected and integrated from TCGA and GEO databases. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify mutated mRNAs associated with GSD, and the PON1 gene was selected as a key gene. Patients were grouped based on the expression levels of PON1, and differences in clinical characteristics, biological pathways, immune infiltration, and expression of immune checkpoints were compared. RESULTS The expression levels of the PON1 gene showed significant differences between the high-expression group and the low-expression group in HCC patients. Further analysis indicated that the PON1 gene at different expression levels might influence the clinical manifestations, biological processes, immune infiltration, and expression of immune checkpoints in HCC. Additionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) results revealed high expression of PON1 in normal tissues and low expression in HCC tissues. These findings provide important clues and future research directions for the early diagnosis, prognosis, immunotherapy, and potential molecular interactions of HCC. CONCLUSION Our investigation underscores the noteworthy prognostic significance of PON1 in HCC, suggesting its potential pivotal role in modulating tumor progression and immune cell infiltration. These findings establish PON1 as a novel tumor biomarker with significant implications for the prognosis, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linhuan Dong
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Changjun Dong
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Yunlin Yu
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Xin Jiao
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Xiangwei Zhang
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Xianlin Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China.
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6
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Rathee M, Umar SM, Dev AJR, Kashyap A, Mathur SR, Gogia A, Mohapatra P, Prasad CP. Canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling upregulates aerobic glycolysis in diverse cancer types. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:788. [PMID: 38970704 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09694-0] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Despite many efforts, a comprehensive understanding and clarification of the intricate connections within cancer cell metabolism remain elusive. This might pertain to intracellular dynamics and the complex interplay between cancer cells, and cells with the tumor stroma. Almost a century ago, Otto Warburg found that cancer cells exhibit a glycolytic phenotype, which continues to be a subject of thorough investigation. Past and ongoing investigations have demonstrated intricate mechanisms by which tumors modulate their functionality by utilizing extracellular glucose as a substrate, thereby sustaining the essential proliferation of cancer cells. This concept of "aerobic glycolysis," where cancer cells (even in the presence of enough oxygen) metabolize glucose to produce lactate plays a critical role in cancer progression and is regulated by various signaling pathways. Recent research has revealed that the canonical wingless-related integrated site (WNT) pathway promotes aerobic glycolysis, directly and indirectly, thereby influencing cancer development and progression. The present review seeks to gather knowledge about how the WNT/β-catenin pathway influences aerobic glycolysis, referring to relevant studies in different types of cancer. Furthermore, we propose the concept of impeding the glycolytic phenotype of tumors by employing specific inhibitors that target WNT/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meetu Rathee
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sheikh Mohammad Umar
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Arundhathi J R Dev
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Akanksha Kashyap
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sandeep R Mathur
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ajay Gogia
- Department of Medical Oncology, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | | | - Chandra Prakash Prasad
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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7
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Lee J, Mani A, Shin MJ, Krauss RM. Leveraging altered lipid metabolism in treating B cell malignancies. Prog Lipid Res 2024; 95:101288. [PMID: 38964473 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2024.101288] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
B cell malignancies, comprising over 80 heterogeneous blood cancers, pose significant prognostic challenges due to intricate oncogenic signaling. Emerging evidence emphasizes the pivotal role of disrupted lipid metabolism in the development of these malignancies. Variations in lipid species, such as phospholipids, cholesterol, sphingolipids, and fatty acids, are widespread across B cell malignancies, contributing to uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival. Phospholipids play a crucial role in initial signaling cascades leading to B cell activation and malignant transformation through constitutive B cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Dysregulated cholesterol and sphingolipid homeostasis support lipid raft integrity, crucial for propagating oncogenic signals. Sphingolipids impact malignant B cell stemness, proliferation, and survival, while glycosphingolipids in lipid rafts modulate BCR activation. Additionally, cancer cells enhance fatty acid-related processes to meet heightened metabolic demands. In obese individuals, the obesity-derived lipids and adipokines surrounding adipocytes rewire lipid metabolism in malignant B cells, evading cytotoxic therapies. Genetic drivers such as MYC translocations also intrinsically alter lipid metabolism in malignant B cells. In summary, intrinsic and extrinsic factors converge to reprogram lipid metabolism, fostering aggressive phenotypes in B cell malignancies. Therefore, targeting altered lipid metabolism has translational potential for improving risk stratification and clinical management of diverse B cell malignancy subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoong Lee
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Arya Mani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Min-Jeong Shin
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ronald M Krauss
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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8
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Iranpanah A, Majnooni MB, Biganeh H, Amirian R, Rastegari-Pouyani M, Filosa R, Cheang WS, Fakhri S, Khan H. Exploiting new strategies in combating head and neck carcinoma: A comprehensive review on phytochemical approaches passing through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3736-3762. [PMID: 38776136 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8228] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Recently, malignant neoplasms have growingly caused human morbidity and mortality. Head and neck cancer (HNC) constitutes a substantial group of malignancies occurring in various anatomical regions of the head and neck, including lips, mouth, throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, oropharynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, and salivary glands. The present study addresses the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as a possible therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Finding new multitargeting agents capable of modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR and cross-linked mediators could be viewed as an effective strategy in combating HNC. Recent studies have introduced phytochemicals as multitargeting agents and rich sources for finding and developing new therapeutic agents. Phytochemicals have exhibited immense anticancer effects, including targeting different stages of HNC through the modulation of several signaling pathways. Moreover, phenolic/polyphenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenes/terpenoids, and other secondary metabolites have demonstrated promising anticancer activities because of their diverse pharmacological and biological properties like antiproliferative, antineoplastic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The current review is mainly focused on new therapeutic strategies for HNC passing through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as new strategies in combating HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Biganeh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roshanak Amirian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rastegari-Pouyani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rosanna Filosa
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Wai San Cheang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
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9
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Wu HT, Wu BX, Fang ZX, Wu Z, Hou YY, Deng Y, Cui YK, Liu J. Lomitapide repurposing for treatment of malignancies: A promising direction. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32998. [PMID: 38988566 PMCID: PMC11234027 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32998] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of novel drugs from basic science to clinical practice requires several years, much effort, and cost. Drug repurposing can promote the utilization of clinical drugs in cancer therapy. Recent studies have shown the potential effects of lomitapide on treating malignancies, which is currently used for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia. We systematically review possible functions and mechanisms of lomitapide as an anti-tumor compound, regarding the aspects of apoptosis, autophagy, and metabolism of tumor cells, to support repurposing lomitapide for the clinical treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Bing-Xuan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Ze-Xuan Fang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Yan-Yu Hou
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Yu-Kun Cui
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Jing Liu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
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10
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Malla A, Gupta S, Sur R. Glycolytic enzymes in non-glycolytic web: functional analysis of the key players. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:351-378. [PMID: 38196050 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01213-5] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
To survive in the tumour microenvironment, cancer cells undergo rapid metabolic reprograming and adaptability. One of the key characteristics of cancer is increased glycolytic selectivity and decreased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Apart from ATP synthesis, glycolysis is also responsible for NADH regeneration and macromolecular biosynthesis, such as amino acid biosynthesis and nucleotide biosynthesis. This allows cancer cells to survive and proliferate even in low-nutrient and oxygen conditions, making glycolytic enzymes a promising target for various anti-cancer agents. Oncogenic activation is also caused by the uncontrolled production and activity of glycolytic enzymes. Nevertheless, in addition to conventional glycolytic processes, some glycolytic enzymes are involved in non-canonical functions such as transcriptional regulation, autophagy, epigenetic changes, inflammation, various signaling cascades, redox regulation, oxidative stress, obesity and fatty acid metabolism, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders, and hypoxia. The mechanisms underlying the non-canonical glycolytic enzyme activities are still not comprehensive. This review summarizes the current findings on the mechanisms fundamental to the non-glycolytic actions of glycolytic enzymes and their intermediates in maintaining the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avirup Malla
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Suvroma Gupta
- Department of Aquaculture Management, Khejuri college, West Bengal, Baratala, India.
| | - Runa Sur
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India.
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11
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Tufail M, Wan WD, Jiang C, Li N. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to overcome drug resistance in cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111055. [PMID: 38763348 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111055] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores the challenge of drug resistance in cancer by focusing on the pivotal PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, elucidating its role in oncogenesis and resistance mechanisms across various cancer types. It meticulously examines the diverse mechanisms underlying resistance, including genetic mutations, feedback loops, and microenvironmental factors, while also discussing the associated resistance patterns. Evaluating current therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway, the article highlights the hurdles encountered in drug development and clinical trials. Innovative approaches to overcome resistance, such as combination therapies and precision medicine, are critically analyzed, alongside discussions on emerging therapies like immunotherapy and molecularly targeted agents. Overall, this comprehensive review not only sheds light on the complexities of resistance in cancer but also provides a roadmap for advancing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Dong Wan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Canhua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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12
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Wang J, Zou J, Shi Y, Zeng N, Guo D, Wang H, Zhao C, Luan F, Zhang X, Sun J. Traditional Chinese medicine and mitophagy: A novel approach for cardiovascular disease management. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155472. [PMID: 38461630 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155472] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing an enormous economic burden on individuals and human society. Laboratory studies have identified several drugs that target mitophagy for the prevention and treatment of CVD. Only a few of these drugs have been successful in clinical trials, and most studies have been limited to animal and cellular models. Furthermore, conventional drugs used to treat CVD, such as antiplatelet agents, statins, and diuretics, often result in adverse effects on patients' cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory systems. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained significant attention for its unique theoretical basis and clinical efficacy in treating CVD. PURPOSE This paper systematically summarizes all the herbal compounds, extracts, and active monomers used to target mitophagy for the treatment of CVD in the last five years. It provides valuable information for researchers in the field of basic cardiovascular research, pharmacologists, and clinicians developing herbal medicines with fewer side effects, as well as a useful reference for future mitophagy research. METHODS The search terms "cardiovascular disease," "mitophagy," "herbal preparations," "active monomers," and "cardiac disease pathogenesis" in combination with "natural products" and "diseases" were used to search for studies published in the past five years until January 2024. RESULTS Studies have shown that mitophagy plays a significant role in the progression and development of CVD, such as atherosclerosis (AS), heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI), cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia. Herbal compound preparations, crude extracts, and active monomers have shown potential as effective treatments for these conditions. These substances protect cardiomyocytes by inducing mitophagy, scavenging damaged mitochondria, and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. They display notable efficacy in combating CVD. CONCLUSION TCM (including herbal compound preparations, extracts, and active monomers) can treat CVD through various pharmacological mechanisms and signaling pathways by inducing mitophagy. They represent a hotspot for future cardiovascular basic research and a promising candidate for the development of future cardiovascular drugs with fewer side effects and better therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Junbo Zou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yajun Shi
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Nan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Dongyan Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - He Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Fei Luan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Jing Sun
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 712046, Shaanxi, PR China.
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13
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Ponzone L, Audrito V, Landi C, Moiso E, Levra Levron C, Ferrua S, Savino A, Vitale N, Gasparrini M, Avalle L, Vantaggiato L, Shaba E, Tassone B, Saoncella S, Orso F, Viavattene D, Marina E, Fiorilla I, Burrone G, Abili Y, Altruda F, Bini L, Deaglio S, Defilippi P, Menga A, Poli V, Porporato PE, Provero P, Raffaelli N, Riganti C, Taverna D, Cavallo F, Calautti E. RICTOR/mTORC2 downregulation in BRAF V600E melanoma cells promotes resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibition. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:105. [PMID: 38755661 PMCID: PMC11097536 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02010-1] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main drawback of BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAF/MEKi)-based targeted therapy in the management of BRAF-mutated cutaneous metastatic melanoma (MM) is the development of therapeutic resistance. We aimed to assess in this context the role of mTORC2, a signaling complex defined by the presence of the essential RICTOR subunit, regarded as an oncogenic driver in several tumor types, including MM. METHODS After analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas MM patients' database to explore both overall survival and molecular signatures as a function of intra-tumor RICTOR levels, we investigated the effects of RICTOR downregulation in BRAFV600E MM cell lines on their response to BRAF/MEKi. We performed proteomic screening to identify proteins modulated by changes in RICTOR expression, and Seahorse analysis to evaluate the effects of RICTOR depletion on mitochondrial respiration. The combination of BRAFi with drugs targeting proteins and processes emerged in the proteomic screening was carried out on RICTOR-deficient cells in vitro and in a xenograft setting in vivo. RESULTS Low RICTOR levels in BRAF-mutated MM correlate with a worse clinical outcome. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of low-RICTOR tumors display gene signatures suggestive of activation of the mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain (ETC) energy production. RICTOR-deficient BRAFV600E cells are intrinsically tolerant to BRAF/MEKi and anticipate the onset of resistance to BRAFi upon prolonged drug exposure. Moreover, in drug-naïve cells we observed a decline in RICTOR expression shortly after BRAFi exposure. In RICTOR-depleted cells, both mitochondrial respiration and expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) are enhanced, and their pharmacological inhibition restores sensitivity to BRAFi. CONCLUSIONS Our work unveils an unforeseen tumor-suppressing role for mTORC2 in the early adaptation phase of BRAFV600E melanoma cells to targeted therapy and identifies the NAMPT-ETC axis as a potential therapeutic vulnerability of low RICTOR tumors. Importantly, our findings indicate that the evaluation of intra-tumor RICTOR levels has a prognostic value in metastatic melanoma and may help to guide therapeutic strategies in a personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ponzone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Valentina Audrito
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Claudia Landi
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Enrico Moiso
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Chiara Levra Levron
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrua
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Aurora Savino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Gasparrini
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Enxhi Shaba
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Beatrice Tassone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Personal Care, dsm-firmenich, Kaiseraugst, 4303, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Saoncella
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Francesca Orso
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Daniele Viavattene
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marina
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Irene Fiorilla
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Giulia Burrone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Youssef Abili
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- GenomeUp, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Alessio Menga
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Valeria Poli
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Paolo Ettore Porporato
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Paolo Provero
- Neuroscience Department "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Nadia Raffaelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Daniela Taverna
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Enzo Calautti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy.
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Zhang H, Li X, Sun W, Qin H, Li H, Yan H, Wang H, Zhang X, Zhang S, Wang H. PTEN and P-4E-BP1 might be associated with postoperative recurrence of rectal cancer patients undergoing concurrent radiochemotherapy. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:582. [PMID: 38741069 PMCID: PMC11089754 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12339-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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local recurrence after surgery and radiochemotherapy seriously affects the prognosis of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. Studies on molecular markers related to the radiochemotherapy sensitivity of cancers have been widely carried out, which might provide valued information for clinicians to carry out individual treatment. AIM To find potential biomarkers of tumors for predicting postoperative recurrence. METHODS In this study, LARC patients undergoing surgery and concurrent radiochemotherapy were enrolled. We focused on clinicopathological factors and PTEN, SIRT1, p-4E-BP1, and pS6 protein expression assessed by immunohistochemistry in 73 rectal cancer patients with local recurrence and 76 patients without local recurrence. RESULTS The expression of PTEN was higher, while the expression of p-4E-BP1 was lower in patients without local recurrence than in patients with local recurrence. Moreover, TNM stage, lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI), PTEN and p-4E-BP1 might be independent risk factors for local recurrence after LARC surgery combined with concurrent radiochemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that PTEN and p-4E-BP1 might be potential biomarkers for prognostic prediction and therapeutic targets for LARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofan Li
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Rongcheng, Shandong, Rongcheng, P. R. China
| | - Wanjun Sun
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, P. R. China
| | - Haoren Qin
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, P. R. China
| | - Haipeng Li
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, P. R. China
| | - Hao Yan
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, P. R. China
| | - Huaqing Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, P. R. China
| | - Xipeng Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, No.190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, P. R. China.
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Xia WF, Zheng XL, Liu WY, Huang YT, Wen CJ, Zhou HH, Wu QC, Wu LX. Romidepsin exhibits anti-esophageal squamous cell carcinoma activity through the DDIT4-mTORC1 pathway. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:778-789. [PMID: 38480975 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00760-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common human malignancies worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Current treatment options are limited, highlighting the need for development of novel effective agents. Here, a high-throughput drug screening (HTS) was performed using ESCC cell lines in both two- and three-dimensional culture systems to screen compounds that have anti-ESCC activity. Our screen identified romidepsin, a histone deactylase inhibitor, as a potential anti-ESCC agent. Romidepsin treatment decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in ESCC cell lines, and these findings were confirmed in ESCC cell line-derived xenografted (CDX) mouse models. Mechanically, romidepsin induced transcriptional upregulation of DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) gene by histone hyperacetylation at its promoter region, leading to the inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Furthermore, romidepsin exhibited better efficacy and safety compared to the conventional therapeutic drugs in ESCC patient-derived xenografted (PDX) mouse models. These data indicate that romidepsin may be a novel option for anti-ESCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Feng Xia
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zheng
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wen-Yi Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yu-Tang Huang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chun-Jie Wen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hong-Hao Zhou
- Pharmacogenetics Research Institute, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Qing-Chen Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Lan-Xiang Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Li Y, Liu J, Yao D, Guo Z, Jiang X, Zhang C, Qu L, Liu Y, Hu Y, Gao L, Wang Y, Xu Y. Elevated aerobic glycolysis driven by p62-mTOR axis promotes arsenic-induced oncogenic phenotypes in human mammary epithelial cells. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1369-1381. [PMID: 38485781 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03709-2] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Chronic arsenic exposure is considered to increase the risk of breast cancer. p62 is a multifunctional adaptor protein that controls myriad cellular processes and is overexpressed in breast cancer tissues. Although previous studies have indicated the involvement of p62 accumulation in arsenic tumorigenesis, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Here, we found that 0.1 µM or 0.5 µM arsenite exposure for 24 weeks induced oncogenic phenotypes in human mammary epithelial cells. Elevated aerobic glycolysis, cell proliferation capacity, and activation of p62-mTOR pathway, as indicated by increased protein levels of p62, phosphorylated-mTOR (p-mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), were observed in chronically arsenite-exposed cells, and of note in advance of the onset of oncogenic phenotypes. Moreover, p62 silencing inhibited acquisition of oncogenic phenotypes in arsenite-exposed cells. The protein levels of p-mTOR and HIF1α, as well as aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation, were suppressed by p62 knockdown. In addition, re-activation of p‑mTOR reversed the inhibitory effects of p62 knockdown. Collectively, our data suggest that p62 exerts an oncogenic role via mTORC1 activation and acts as a key player in glucose metabolism during arsenite-induced malignant transformation, which provides a new mechanistic clue for the arsenite carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfang Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic (China Medical University), Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Liu
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Dianqi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic (China Medical University), Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic (China Medical University), Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuheng Jiang
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengwen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic (China Medical University), Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Litong Qu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic (China Medical University), Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyan Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic (China Medical University), Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanyue Gao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic (China Medical University), Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic (China Medical University), Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenic (China Medical University), Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
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Shinde A, Shannahan J. Inhalation exposure-induced toxicity and disease mediated via mTOR dysregulation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2024; 249:10135. [PMID: 38711460 PMCID: PMC11070522 DOI: 10.3389/ebm.2024.10135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental air pollution is a global health concern, associated with multiple respiratory and systemic diseases. Epidemiological supports continued urbanization and industrialization increasing the prevalence of inhalation exposures. Exposure to these inhaled pollutants induces toxicity via activation of numerous cellular mechanisms including oxidative stress, autophagy, disrupted cellular metabolism, inflammation, tumorigenesis, and others contributing to disease development. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator involved in various cellular processes related to the modulation of metabolism and maintenance of homeostasis. Dysregulation of mTOR occurs following inhalation exposures and has also been implicated in many diseases such as cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, mTOR plays a fundamental role in protein transcription and translation involved in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. It is necessary to understand inhalation exposure-induced dysregulation of mTOR since it is key regulator which may contribute to numerous disease processes. This mini review evaluates the available literature regarding several types of inhalation exposure and their impacts on mTOR signaling. Particularly we focus on the mTOR signaling pathway related outcomes of autophagy, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. Furthermore, we will examine the implications of dysregulated mTOR pathway in exposure-induced diseases. Throughout this mini review, current gaps will be identified related to exposure-induced mTOR dysregulation which may enable the targeting of mTOR signaling for the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Shannahan
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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18
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Stokes ME, Vasciaveo A, Small JC, Zask A, Reznik E, Smith N, Wang Q, Daniels J, Forouhar F, Rajbhandari P, Califano A, Stockwell BR. Subtype-selective prenylated isoflavonoids disrupt regulatory drivers of MYCN-amplified cancers. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:805-819.e9. [PMID: 38061356 PMCID: PMC11031350 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.11.007] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors have proven difficult to target with small molecules because they lack pockets necessary for potent binding. Disruption of protein expression can suppress targets and enable therapeutic intervention. To this end, we developed a drug discovery workflow that incorporates cell-line-selective screening and high-throughput expression profiling followed by regulatory network analysis to identify compounds that suppress regulatory drivers of disease. Applying this approach to neuroblastoma (NBL), we screened bioactive molecules in cell lines representing its MYC-dependent (MYCNA) and mesenchymal (MES) subtypes to identify selective compounds, followed by PLATESeq profiling of treated cells. This revealed compounds that disrupt a sub-network of MYCNA-specific regulatory proteins, resulting in MYCN degradation in vivo. The top hit was isopomiferin, a prenylated isoflavonoid that inhibited casein kinase 2 (CK2) in cells. Isopomiferin and its structural analogs inhibited MYC and MYCN in NBL and lung cancer cells, highlighting the general MYC-inhibiting potential of this unique scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Stokes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Alessandro Vasciaveo
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonnell Candice Small
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Arie Zask
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Eduard Reznik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nailah Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jacob Daniels
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY 10032, USA
| | - Farhad Forouhar
- Proteomics and Macromolecular Crystallography Shared Resource (PMCSR), Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY 10032, USA
| | - Presha Rajbhandari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Brent R Stockwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA; Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York City, NY 10027, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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19
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Edwards DN, Wang S, Song W, Kim LC, Ngwa VM, Hwang Y, Ess KC, Boothby MR, Chen J. Regulation of fatty acid delivery to metastases by tumor endothelium. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.02.587724. [PMID: 38617241 PMCID: PMC11014634 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.02.587724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis, the main cause of death in cancer patients, requires outgrowth of tumor cells after their dissemination and residence in microscopic niches. Nutrient sufficiency is a determinant of such outgrowth1. Fatty acids (FA) can be metabolized by cancer cells for their energetic and anabolic needs but impair the cytotoxicity of T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME)2,3, thereby supporting metastatic progression. However, despite the important role of FA in metastatic outgrowth, the regulation of intratumoral FA is poorly understood. In this report, we show that tumor endothelium actively promotes tumor growth and restricts anti-tumor cytolysis by transferring FA into developing metastatic tumors. This process uses transendothelial fatty acid transport via endosome cargo trafficking in a mechanism that requires mTORC1 activity. Thus, tumor burden was significantly reduced upon endothelial-specific targeted deletion of Raptor, a unique component of the mTORC1 complex (RptorECKO). In vivo trafficking of a fluorescent palmitic acid analog to tumor cells and T cells was reduced in RptorECKO lung metastatic tumors, which correlated with improved markers of T cell cytotoxicity. Combination of anti-PD1 with RAD001/everolimus, at a low dose that selectively inhibits mTORC1 in endothelial cells4, impaired FA uptake in T cells and reduced metastatic disease, corresponding to improved anti-tumor immunity. These findings describe a novel mechanism of transendothelial fatty acid transfer into the TME during metastatic outgrowth and highlight a target for future development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna N. Edwards
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shan Wang
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wenqiang Song
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Laura C. Kim
- Vanderbilt University, Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Verra M. Ngwa
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yoonha Hwang
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kevin C. Ess
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Denver, CO, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mark R. Boothby
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jin Chen
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA
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20
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Zhang P, Chen Z, Li J, Mao H, Hu Y. TRIM34 suppresses non-small-cell lung carcinoma via inducing mTORC1-dependent glucose utilization and promoting cellular death. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109925. [PMID: 38336254 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109925] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a type of pernicious tumor, which owns high morbidity and mortality. TRIM34 has a stimulative role in cell apoptosis and a suppressive role in inflammation. However, no studies were focused on the regulatory impacts of TRIM34 in NSCLC. This study aimed to examine the underlying regulatory effects of TRIM34 in NSCLC. TRIM34 exhibited lower expression in NSCLC. TRIM34 facilitated mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in NSCLC. TRIM34 induced the increased activity of mTORC1 and accelerated glycolysis in NSCLC. Enhanced mitochondrial damage induced by TRIM34 overexpression was reversed after rapamycin (mTORC1 inhibitor) treatment in NSCLC. The strengthened cell apoptosis stimulated by TRIM34 overexpression was rescued after rapamycin treatment. TRIM34 activated mTORC1 to suppress NSCLC progression in vivo. TRIM34 suppressed NSCLC via inducing mTORC1-dependent glucose utilization and promoting cellular death. The results suggest that TRIM34 can be a useful therapeutic biomarker for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, 100853, China; Department of Oncology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhida Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Oncology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hui Mao
- Department of Oncology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Oncology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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21
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Kaur G, Sohanur Rahman M, Shaikh S, Panda K, Chinnapaiyan S, Santiago Estevez M, Xia L, Unwalla H, Rahman I. Emerging roles of senolytics/senomorphics in HIV-related co-morbidities. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116179. [PMID: 38556028 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116179] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is known to cause cellular senescence and inflammation among infected individuals. While the traditional antiretroviral therapies (ART) have allowed the once fatal infection to be managed effectively, the quality of life of HIV patients on prolonged ART use is still inferior. Most of these individuals suffer from life-threatening comorbidities like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and diabetes, to name a few. Interestingly, cellular senescence is known to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of these comorbidities as well. It is therefore important to understand the role of cellular senescence in the disease progression and co-morbidity development in HIV-infected individuals. In this respect, use of senolytic/senomorphic drugs as combination therapy with ART would be beneficial for HIV patients. This review provides a critical analysis of the current literature to determine the potential and efficacy of using senolytics/senotherapeutics in managing HIV infection, latency, and associated co-morbidities in humans. The various classes of senolytics have been studied in detail to focus on their potential to combat against HIV infections and associated pathologies with advancing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Kaur
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Md Sohanur Rahman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sadiya Shaikh
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kingshuk Panda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Srinivasan Chinnapaiyan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Maria Santiago Estevez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Li Xia
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Hoshang Unwalla
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Irfan Rahman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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22
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Jang SK, Kim G, Ahn SH, Hong J, Jin HO, Park IC. Duloxetine enhances the sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells to EGFR inhibitors by REDD1-induced mTORC1/S6K1 suppression. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1087-1100. [PMID: 38590408 PMCID: PMC10998747 DOI: 10.62347/wmqv6643] [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: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Although epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have been effective targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most advanced NSCLC inevitably develop resistance to these therapies. Combination therapies emerge as valuable approach to preventing, delaying, or overcoming disease progression. Duloxetine, an antidepressant known as a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, is commonly prescribed for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. In the present study, we investigated the combined effects of duloxetine and EGFR-TKIs and their possible mechanism in NSCLC cells. Compared with either monotherapy, the combination of duloxetine and EGFR-TKIs leads to synergistic cell death. Mechanistically, duloxetine suppresses 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (p70S6K1) activity through mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), and this effect is associated with the synergistic induction of cell death of duloxetine combined with EGFR-TKIs. More importantly, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-induced regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1) is responsible for the suppression of mTORC1/S6K1 activation. Additionally, we found that the combination effect was significantly attenuated in REDD1 knockout NSCLC cells. Taken together, our findings reveal that the ATF4/REDD1/mTORC1/S6K1 signaling axis, as a novel mechanism, is responsible for the synergistic therapeutic effect of duloxetine with EGFR-TKIs. These results suggest that combining EGFR-TKIs with duloxetine appears to be a promising way to improve EGFR-TKI efficacy against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Kyeong Jang
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
- Department of Food and Microbial Technology, Seoul Women’s University621 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongmi Kim
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hee Ahn
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungil Hong
- Department of Food and Microbial Technology, Seoul Women’s University621 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ok Jin
- KIRAMS Radiation Biobank, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Chul Park
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
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23
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Bei Y, Bramé L, Kirchner M, Fritsche-Guenther R, Kunz S, Bhattacharya A, Rusu MC, Gürgen D, Dubios FPB, Köppke JKC, Proba J, Wittstruck N, Sidorova OA, Chamorro González R, Dorado Garcia H, Brückner L, Xu R, Giurgiu M, Rodriguez-Fos E, Yu Q, Spanjaard B, Koche RP, Schmitt CA, Schulte JH, Eggert A, Haase K, Kirwan J, Hagemann AIH, Mertins P, Dörr JR, Henssen AG. Passenger Gene Coamplifications Create Collateral Therapeutic Vulnerabilities in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:492-507. [PMID: 38197697 PMCID: PMC10911929 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1189] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
DNA amplifications in cancer do not only harbor oncogenes. We sought to determine whether passenger coamplifications could create collateral therapeutic vulnerabilities. Through an analysis of >3,000 cancer genomes followed by the interrogation of CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screens across >700 cancer cell lines, we determined that passenger coamplifications are accompanied by distinct dependency profiles. In a proof-of-principle study, we demonstrate that the coamplification of the bona fide passenger gene DEAD-Box Helicase 1 (DDX1) creates an increased dependency on the mTOR pathway. Interaction proteomics identified tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle components as previously unrecognized DDX1 interaction partners. Live-cell metabolomics highlighted that this interaction could impair TCA activity, which in turn resulted in enhanced mTORC1 activity. Consequently, genetic and pharmacologic disruption of mTORC1 resulted in pronounced cell death in vitro and in vivo. Thus, structurally linked coamplification of a passenger gene and an oncogene can result in collateral vulnerabilities. SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrate that coamplification of passenger genes, which were largely neglected in cancer biology in the past, can create distinct cancer dependencies. Because passenger coamplifications are frequent in cancer, this principle has the potential to expand target discovery in oncology. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 384.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Bei
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luca Bramé
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marieluise Kirchner
- Core Unit Proteomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raphaela Fritsche-Guenther
- Core Unit Metabolomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Severine Kunz
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Technology Platform Electron Microscopy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Animesh Bhattacharya
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mara-Camelia Rusu
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Technology Platform Electron Microscopy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis Gürgen
- Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology (EPO), Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank P B Dubios
- Institute of pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia K C Köppke
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jutta Proba
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Wittstruck
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga Alexandra Sidorova
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rocío Chamorro González
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heathcliff Dorado Garcia
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lotte Brückner
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Technology Platform Electron Microscopy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin Xu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mădălina Giurgiu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elias Rodriguez-Fos
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Qinghao Yu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bastiaan Spanjaard
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard P Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Clemens A Schmitt
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Haase
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Kirwan
- Core Unit Metabolomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja I H Hagemann
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Core Unit Proteomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan R Dörr
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the MDC and Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anton G Henssen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Technology Platform Electron Microscopy, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the MDC and Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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24
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Mannar D, Ahmed S, Subramaniam S. AAA ATPase protein-protein interactions as therapeutic targets in cancer. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102291. [PMID: 38056141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
AAA ATPases are a conserved group of enzymes that couple ATP hydrolysis to diverse activities critical for cellular homeostasis by targeted protein-protein interactions. Some of these interactions are potential therapeutic targets because of their role in cancers which rely on increased AAA ATPase activities for maintenance of genomic stability. Two well-characterized members of this family are p97/VCP and RUVBL ATPases where there is a growing understanding of their structure and function, as well as an emerging landscape of selective inhibitors. Here we highlight recent progress in this field, with particular emphasis on structural advances enabled by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Mannar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sana Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sriram Subramaniam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Gandeeva Therapeutics, Inc., Burnaby, BC V5C 6N5, Canada.
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25
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Bonnet LV, Palandri A, Flores-Martin JB, Hallak ME. Arginyltransferase 1 modulates p62-driven autophagy via mTORC1/AMPk signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:87. [PMID: 38297346 PMCID: PMC10832197 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01499-9] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginyltransferase (Ate1) orchestrates posttranslational protein arginylation, a pivotal regulator of cellular proteolytic processes. In eukaryotic cells, two interconnected systems-the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and macroautophagy-mediate proteolysis and cooperate to maintain quality protein control and cellular homeostasis. Previous studies have shown that N-terminal arginylation facilitates protein degradation through the UPS. Dysregulation of this machinery triggers p62-mediated autophagy to ensure proper substrate processing. Nevertheless, how Ate1 operates through this intricate mechanism remains elusive. METHODS We investigated Ate1 subcellular distribution through confocal microscopy and biochemical assays using cells transiently or stably expressing either endogenous Ate1 or a GFP-tagged Ate1 isoform transfected in CHO-K1 or MEFs, respectively. To assess Ate1 and p62-cargo clustering, we analyzed their colocalization and multimerization status by immunofluorescence and nonreducing immunoblotting, respectively. Additionally, we employed Ate1 KO cells to examine the role of Ate1 in autophagy. Ate1 KO MEFs cells stably expressing GFP-tagged Ate1-1 isoform were used as a model for phenotype rescue. Autophagy dynamics were evaluated by analyzing LC3B turnover and p62/SQSTM1 levels under both steady-state and serum-starvation conditions, through immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. We determined mTORC1/AMPk activation by assessing mTOR and AMPk phosphorylation through immunoblotting, while mTORC1 lysosomal localization was monitored by confocal microscopy. RESULTS Here, we report a multifaceted role for Ate1 in the autophagic process, wherein it clusters with p62, facilitates autophagic clearance, and modulates its signaling. Mechanistically, we found that cell-specific inactivation of Ate1 elicits overactivation of the mTORC1/AMPk signaling hub that underlies a failure in autophagic flux and subsequent substrate accumulation, which is partially rescued by ectopic expression of Ate1. Statistical significance was assessed using a two-sided unpaired t test with a significance threshold set at P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS Our findings uncover a critical housekeeping role of Ate1 in mTORC1/AMPk-regulated autophagy, as a potential therapeutic target related to this pathway, that is dysregulated in many neurodegenerative and cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V Bonnet
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CIQUIBIC, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Anabela Palandri
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CIQUIBIC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jesica B Flores-Martin
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CIQUIBIC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marta E Hallak
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CIQUIBIC, Córdoba, Argentina.
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26
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Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Al Hmada Y, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Santourlidis S, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Brodell RT, Hassan M. CD133-Dependent Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase /AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling in Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance. Cells 2024; 13:240. [PMID: 38334632 PMCID: PMC10854812 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030240] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma frequently harbors genetic alterations in key molecules leading to the aberrant activation of PI3K and its downstream pathways. Although the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR in melanoma progression and drug resistance is well documented, targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway showed less efficiency in clinical trials than might have been expected, since the suppression of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway-induced feedback loops is mostly associated with the activation of compensatory pathways such as MAPK/MEK/ERK. Consequently, the development of intrinsic and acquired resistance can occur. As a solid tumor, melanoma is notorious for its heterogeneity. This can be expressed in the form of genetically divergent subpopulations including a small fraction of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs) that make the most of the tumor mass. Like other CSCs, melanoma stem-like cells (MSCs) are characterized by their unique cell surface proteins/stemness markers and aberrant signaling pathways. In addition to its function as a robust marker for stemness properties, CD133 is crucial for the maintenance of stemness properties and drug resistance. Herein, the role of CD133-dependent activation of PI3K/mTOR in the regulation of melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | | | - Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mossad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Almeida LO, Silva LC, Emerick C, Amorim Dos Santos J, Castilho RM, Squarize CH. Head and neck cancer stem cell maintenance relies on mTOR signaling, specifically involving the mechanistic target of rapamycin complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2). Arch Oral Biol 2024; 157:105840. [PMID: 37939517 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105840] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emerging evidence suggests that the modest response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to treatment is associated with cancer stem cells (CSC). However, the signaling pathways that play a role in HNSCC CSC maintenance and therapy response are not well-understood. In this study, we investigate the response of CSCs to phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) modulation and its potential dependency on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. DESIGN PTEN deficiency was stably induced using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Downregulation of RPTOR/mTORC1 and RICTOR/mTORC2 was achieved using small interfering RNA (siRNA). CSCs were evaluated through tumorsphere formation and were classified into various subtypes: parasphere, merosphere, and holosphere. We investigated the effect of rapamycin on CSC properties in both control and PTEN-deficient HNSCC cells. RESULTS PTEN deficiency led to an accumulation of CSCs and enhanced a favorable response to rapamycin treatment. The viability of HNSCC CSCs was dependent on mTOR signaling. Deficiencies in both mTORC1 and mTORC2 reduced the number of CSCs. However, CSCs with PTEN deficiency had a greater reliance on mTORC1 signaling. Interestingly, when considering CSC subtypes, a deficiency in mTORC2 led to an increased number of paraspheres in both the control and PTEN-deficient groups. CONCLUSIONS Loss of PTEN signaling increased the HNSCC CSC population, which can be targeted by rapamycin. However, the mTORC2 deficiency can induce a problematic selection of paraspheres CSCs subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana O Almeida
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Basic and Oral Biology, University of Sao Paulo School of Dentistry, Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luan César Silva
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Emerick
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Amorim Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rogerio M Castilho
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Cristiane H Squarize
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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28
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Xu Q, Zhou W, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Jiang R, Ai Z, Chen J, Ma L. IRX2 regulates endometrial carcinoma oncogenesis by transcriptional repressing RUVBL1. Exp Cell Res 2024; 434:113866. [PMID: 38042247 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113866] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a rising concern among gynecological malignancies. Iroquois Homeobox 2 (IRX2), a member of the Iroquois homeobox gene family, demonstrates variable effects in different cancer types, emphasizing the need for extensive exploration of its involvement in EC progression. Utilizing TCGA and GEO databases, as well as performing immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis on clinical samples, we assessed the expression levels of IRX2 and its promoter methylation in EC. To understand the functional roles of IRX2, we conducted various assays including in vitro CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays, cell invasion assays, and cell apoptosis assays. Moreover, we utilized in vivo subcutaneous xenograft mouse models. Additionally, we performed KEGG pathway and gene set enrichment analyses to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms. To validate the regulatory relationship between IRX2 and RUVBL1, we employed chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Our results indicate significantly reduced levels of IRX2 expression in EC, correlating with higher histological grades, advanced clinical stages, and diminished overall survival. We observed that DNA methylation of the IRX2 promoter suppresses its expression in EC, with cg26333652 and cg11793269 playing critical roles as methylated sites. In contrast, ectopic overexpression of IRX2 substantially inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, and promotes cell apoptosis. Additionally, we discovered that IRX2 exerts negative regulation on the expression of RUVBL1, which is upregulated in EC and associated with a poorer prognosis. In conclusion, our findings indicate that decreased expression of IRX2 facilitates EC cell growth through the regulation of RUVBL1 expression, thereby contributing to the development of EC. Hence, targeting the IRX2-RUVBL1 axis holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for EC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyang Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanzhen Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuedi Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongzhen Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihong Ai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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29
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Marcello YMB, Silveira DA, Gupta S, Mombach JCM. PTEN expression can be used as a switch between senescence and apoptosis in breast cancer cells according to a logical model of the G2/M checkpoint. Biosystems 2024; 235:105097. [PMID: 38065398 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105097] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Worldwide, the second-highest mortality rate is caused by breast cancer (BC). The most studied BC cell line is MCF-7 because it exhibits strong consistency with clinical cases and is a good system for analyzing tumors with functional estrogen receptors (ER-positive cancers). In this paper, we introduce the first theoretical method for describing PTEN-loss-induced cellular senescence (PICS), which is an increase in cellular senescence caused by PTEN knockout, utilizing a logical model of the G2/M checkpoint. We predict that PTEN expression acts as a switch between cell phenotypes associated with senescence and apoptosis. We show that PICS is induced by the activity of the positive feedback between AKT and mTORC2, and that overexpression of PTEN will disrupt the feedback, abrogating senescence and only leading to arrest or apoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-21 can be used as a target against proliferation control because its knockout is equivalent to PTEN overexpression. We think the findings can be used to motivate new strategies for MCF-7 strain proliferation control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda M B Marcello
- Department of Physics, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Shantanu Gupta
- Computer Science Department, IME, USP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Carlos M Mombach
- Department of Physics, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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30
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Elmetwalli A, Nageh A, Youssef AI, Youssef M, Ahmed MAER, Noreldin AE, El-Sewedy T. Ammonia scavenger and glutamine synthetase inhibitors cocktail in targeting mTOR/β-catenin and MMP-14 for nitrogen homeostasis and liver cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 41:38. [PMID: 38157146 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02250-z] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The glutamine synthetase (GS) facilitates cancer cell growth by catalyzing de novo glutamine synthesis. This enzyme removes ammonia waste from the liver following the urea cycle. Since cancer development is associated with dysregulated urea cycles, there has been no investigation of GS's role in ammonia clearance. Here, we demonstrate that, although GS expression is increased in the setting of β-catenin oncogenic activation, it is insufficient to clear the ammonia waste burden due to the dysregulated urea cycle and may thus be unable to prevent cancer formation. In vivo study, a total of 165 male Swiss albino mice allocated in 11 groups were used, and liver cancer was induced by p-DAB. The activity of GS was evaluated along with the relative expression of mTOR, β-catenin, MMP-14, and GS genes in liver samples and HepG2 cells using qRT-PCR. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the NH3 scavenger phenyl acetate (PA) and/or GS-inhibitor L-methionine sulfoximine (MSO) and the migratory potential of cells was assessed by MTT and wound healing assays, respectively. The Swiss target prediction algorithm was used to screen the mentioned compounds for probable targets. The treatment of the HepG2 cell line with PA plus MSO demonstrated strong cytotoxicity. The post-scratch remaining wound area (%) in the untreated HepG2 cells was 2.0%. In contrast, the remaining wound area (%) in the cells treated with PA, MSO, and PA + MSO for 48 h was 61.1, 55.8, and 78.5%, respectively. The combination of the two drugs had the greatest effect, resulting in the greatest decrease in the GS activity, β-catenin, and mTOR expression. MSO and PA are both capable of suppressing mTOR, a key player in the development of HCC, and MMP-14, a key player in the development of HCC. PA inhibited the MMP-14 enzyme more effectively than MSO, implying that PA might be a better way to target HCC as it inhibited MMP-14 more effectively than MSO. A large number of abnormal hepatocytes (5%) were found to be present in the HCC mice compared to mice in the control group as determined by the histopathological lesions scores. In contrast, PA, MSO, and PA + MSO showed a significant reduction in the hepatic lesions score either when protecting the liver or when treating the liver. The molecular docking study indicated that PA and MSO form a three-dimensional structure with NF-κB and COX-II, blocking their ability to promote cancer and cause gene mutations. PA and MSO could be used to manipulate GS activities to modulate ammonia levels, thus providing a potential treatment for ammonia homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Elmetwalli
- Department of Clinical Trial Research Unit and Drug Discovery, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
- Microbiology Division, Higher Technological Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Aly Nageh
- Fertility and Assisted Reproductive Techniques Unit, International Teaching Hospital, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amany I Youssef
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Magda Youssef
- Department of Histochemistry and Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abd El-Rahman Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Military Medical Academy, Alexandria Armed Forces Hospitals, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Noreldin
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Tarek El-Sewedy
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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31
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李 彬, 汪 越, 侯 凤, 杜 家, 童 旭. [Rapamycin enhances inhibitory effect of RSL3 on proliferation, invasion and migration of testicular cancer I-10 cells in vitro]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2023; 43:2145-2151. [PMID: 38189403 PMCID: PMC10774114 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.12.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of rapamycin for enhancing the inhibitory effect of RSL3 on proliferation, invasion and migration of testicular cancer I-10 cells in vitro. METHODS I-10 cells treated with 0-16 μmol/L RSL3 (Type Ⅱ) either alone or in combination with 16 μmol/L rapamycin (RAPA) were examined for changes in proliferation using MTT assay and colonyforming assay, and the changes in cell migration and invasion abilities were detected with wounding-healing assay and Transwell assay. The changes in the levels of lipid reactive oxygen species in the treated cells were detected using flow cytometry. GSH and MDA contents in the cells were detected using commercial detection kits, and GPX4 protein expression level was determined with Western blotting. RESULTS The cytotoxic effect of RSL3 increased dose-dependently in I-10 cells, and the combined treatment with rapamycin further enhanced its cytotoxicity. Treatment of I-10 cells with RSL3 alone significantly decreased cell colony numbers (P < 0.05), wounding-healing rates (P < 0.01), and invasion and migration cell numbers (P < 0.05), increased lipid reactive oxygen species level and MDA content (P < 0.05), and lowered GSH content and expression level of GPX4 protein in the cells (P < 0.01). The inhibitory effects of RSL3 were significantly enhanced by co-treatment of the cells with rapamycin (P < 0.05 or 0.01). CONCLUSION Rapamycin enhances the inhibitory effect of RSL3 on proliferation, invasion and migration of I-10 cells by enhancing RSL3-mediated cell ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- 彬 李
- />蚌埠医学院药学院/安徽省生化药物工程技术研究中心,安徽 蚌埠 233030School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biochemical Pharmaceuticals, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - 越 汪
- />蚌埠医学院药学院/安徽省生化药物工程技术研究中心,安徽 蚌埠 233030School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biochemical Pharmaceuticals, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - 凤伟 侯
- />蚌埠医学院药学院/安徽省生化药物工程技术研究中心,安徽 蚌埠 233030School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biochemical Pharmaceuticals, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - 家如 杜
- />蚌埠医学院药学院/安徽省生化药物工程技术研究中心,安徽 蚌埠 233030School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biochemical Pharmaceuticals, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - 旭辉 童
- />蚌埠医学院药学院/安徽省生化药物工程技术研究中心,安徽 蚌埠 233030School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biochemical Pharmaceuticals, Bengbu 233030, China
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32
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Tai YT, Fukuda T, Morozumi Y, Hirai H, Oda AH, Kamada Y, Akikusa Y, Kanki T, Ohta K, Shiozaki K. Fission Yeast TORC1 Promotes Cell Proliferation through Sfp1, a Transcription Factor Involved in Ribosome Biogenesis. Mol Cell Biol 2023; 43:675-692. [PMID: 38051102 PMCID: PMC10761059 DOI: 10.1080/10985549.2023.2282349] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) is activated in response to nutrient availability and growth factors, promoting cellular anabolism and proliferation. To explore the mechanism of TORC1-mediated proliferation control, we performed a genetic screen in fission yeast and identified Sfp1, a zinc-finger transcription factor, as a multicopy suppressor of temperature-sensitive TORC1 mutants. Our observations suggest that TORC1 phosphorylates Sfp1 and protects Sfp1 from proteasomal degradation. Transcription analysis revealed that Sfp1 positively regulates genes involved in ribosome production together with two additional transcription factors, Ifh1/Crf1 and Fhl1. Ifh1 physically interacts with Fhl1, and the nuclear localization of Ifh1 is regulated in response to nutrient levels in a manner dependent on TORC1 and Sfp1. Taken together, our data suggest that the transcriptional regulation of the genes involved in ribosome biosynthesis by Sfp1, Ifh1, and Fhl1 is one of the key pathways through which nutrient-activated TORC1 promotes cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Teng Tai
- Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fukuda
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuichi Morozumi
- Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Hayato Hirai
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arisa H. Oda
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kamada
- National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yutaka Akikusa
- Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomotake Kanki
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Ohta
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Shiozaki
- Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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33
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Werner AN, Kumar AI, Charest PG. CRISPR-mediated reversion of oncogenic KRAS mutation results in increased proliferation and reveals independent roles of Ras and mTORC2 in the migration of A549 lung cancer cells. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar128. [PMID: 37729017 PMCID: PMC10848948 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-05-0152] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the RAS oncogene has been extensively studied, new aspects concerning its role and regulation in normal biology and cancer continue to be discovered. Recently, others and we have shown that the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2) is a Ras effector in Dictyostelium and mammalian cells. mTORC2 plays evolutionarily conserved roles in cell survival and migration and has been linked to tumorigenesis. Because RAS is often mutated in lung cancer, we investigated whether a Ras-mTORC2 pathway contributes to enhancing the migration of lung cancer cells expressing oncogenic Ras. We used A549 cells and CRISPR/Cas9 to revert the cells' KRAS G12S mutation to wild-type and establish A549 revertant (REV) cell lines, which we then used to evaluate the Ras-mediated regulation of mTORC2 and cell migration. Interestingly, our results suggest that K-Ras and mTORC2 promote A549 cell migration but as part of different pathways and independently of Ras's mutational status. Moreover, further characterization of the A549REV cells revealed that loss of mutant K-Ras expression for the wild-type protein leads to an increase in cell growth and proliferation, suggesting that the A549 cells have low KRAS-mutant dependency and that recovering expression of wild-type K-Ras protein increases these cells tumorigenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa N. Werner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - Avani I. Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - Pascale G. Charest
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85721
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34
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Li Q, Sun M, Meng Y, Feng M, Wang M, Chang C, Dong H, Bu F, Xu C, Liu J, Ling Q, Qiao Y, Chen J. Kinesin family member 18B activates mTORC1 signaling via actin gamma 1 to promote the recurrence of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:54. [PMID: 37957153 PMCID: PMC10643429 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00499-7] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway is frequently reported to be hyperactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and contributes to HCC recurrence. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of mTORC1 signaling in HCC are not fully understood. In the present study, we found that the expression of kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B) was positively correlated with mTORC1 signaling in HCC, and the upregulation of KIF18B and p-mTOR was associated with a poor prognosis and HCC recurrence. Utilizing in vitro and in vivo assays, we showed that KIF18B promoted HCC cell proliferation and migration through activating mTORC1 signaling. Mechanistically, we identified Actin gamma 1 (γ-Actin) as a binding partner of KIF18B. KIF18B and γ-Actin synergistically modulated lysosome positioning, promoted mTORC1 translocation to lysosome membrane, and prohibited p70 S6K from entering lysosomes for degradation, which finally led to the enhancement of mTORC1 signaling transduction. Moreover, we found that KIF18B was a direct target of Forkhead box M1, which explains the potential mechanism of KIF18B overexpression in HCC. Our study highlights the potential of KIF18B as a therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Mengqing Sun
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Yao Meng
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Mengqing Feng
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Menglan Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Cunjie Chang
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Heng Dong
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Fangtian Bu
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Chao Xu
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China
| | - Qi Ling
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, P. R. China.
| | - Yiting Qiao
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China.
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, P. R. China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, P. R. China.
| | - Jianxiang Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, P. R. China.
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, 169610, Singapore.
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Chen Y, Jiao D, He H, Sun H, Liu Y, Shi Q, Zhang P, Li Y, Mo R, Gao K, Wang C. Disruption of the Keap1-mTORC2 axis by cancer-derived Keap1/mLST8 mutations leads to oncogenic mTORC2-AKT activation. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102872. [PMID: 37688978 PMCID: PMC10498434 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102872] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which participates in the regulation of cellular growth and metabolism, is aberrantly regulated in various cancer types. The mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), which consists of the core components mTOR, Rictor, mSin1, and mLST8, primarily responds to growth signals. However, the coordination between mTORC2 assembly and activity remains poorly understood. Keap1, a major sensor of oxidative stress in cells, functions as a substrate adaptor for Cullin 3-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL3) to promote proteasomal degradation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), which is a transcription factor that protects cells against oxidative and electrophilic stress. In the present study, we demonstrate that Keap1 binds to mLST8 via a conserved ETGE motif. The CRL3Keap1 ubiquitin ligase complex promotes non-degradative ubiquitination of mLST8, thus reducing mTORC2 complex integrity and mTORC2-AKT activation. However, this effect can be prevented by oxidative/electrophilic stresses and growth factor signaling-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. Cancer-derived Keap1 or mLST8 mutations disrupt the Keap1-mLST8 interaction and allow mLST8 to evade Keap1-mediated ubiquitination, thereby enhancing mTORC2-AKT activation and promoting cell malignancy and remodeling cell metabolism. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of Keap1/mLST8 mutation-driven tumorigenesis by promoting mTORC2-AKT activation, which is independent of the canonical NRF2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingji Chen
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Dongyue Jiao
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Huiying He
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Huiru Sun
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Yajuan Liu
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Qing Shi
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Pingzhao Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yao Li
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Ren Mo
- Department of Urology, Inner Mongolia Urological Institute, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Hohhot, 010017, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
| | - Kun Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Chenji Wang
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China.
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Nguyen A, Brown D, Krishnan R, Bastin D, Deng L, Chen L, Salem O, Walsh SR, Bramson JL, Wan Y. HDACi-dependent Microenvironmental Normalization Overcomes Tumor Burden-induced T-cell Exhaustion. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4289-4305. [PMID: 37561398 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE T-cell exhaustion limits immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors. Although immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) can mediate tumor regression, their potency is often determined by tumor burden. Here, we identified tumor burden-related pathway changes that are conducive to T-cell exhaustion. We then determined whether microenvironmental reprogramming via epigenetic modulation could reverse T-cell exhaustion and improve immunotherapeutic responsiveness. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We developed a murine syngeneic tumor model wherein an increased burden ablated therapeutic responsiveness to ACT, which corresponded with systemic induction of T-cell exhaustion. Transcriptome analysis of these large tumors allowed us to characterize changes to immunosuppressive pathway expression during class I histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 treatment. We then measured the therapeutic impact of MS-275 during ACT and assessed T-cell exhaustion by transcriptome/phenotypic analysis. RESULTS ACT durably regressed small tumors but failed to control large tumors, which were associated with systemic T-cell exhaustion and ablation of T-cell responses. Large tumors were defined by an immunosuppressive pathway signature. MS-275 reversed this pathway signature and promoted durable regression of large tumors during ACT. Prototypical exhaustion marker Tim-3 was selectively upregulated in transferred T cells despite displaying a reduced exhaustion signature. Instead, we observed enhanced activation-dependent signaling correlating with enrichment of the IL2-STAT5 signaling axis. Activated CD8+ T-cell responses were predominantly skewed toward terminal effector cell-like CD44+ Tim-3hi TCF1- CD127- KLRG1+ differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Tumor burden-induced pathway changes can be reversed through epigenetic reprogramming, enabling the conversion from T-cell exhaustion to effector lineage differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dominique Brown
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ramya Krishnan
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Donald Bastin
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Li Deng
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lan Chen
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Omar Salem
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Scott R Walsh
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jonathan L Bramson
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Yonghong Wan
- Department of Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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Cui Z, Zou F, Wang R, Wang L, Cheng F, Wang L, Pan R, Guan X, Zheng N, Wang W. Integrative bioinformatics analysis of WDHD1: a potential biomarker for pan-cancer prognosis, diagnosis, and immunotherapy. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:309. [PMID: 37759234 PMCID: PMC10523704 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03187-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although WD repeat and high-mobility group box DNA binding protein 1 (WDHD1) played an essential role in DNA replication, chromosome stability, and DNA damage repair, the panoramic picture of WDHD1 in human tumors remains unclear. Hence, this study aims to comprehensively characterize WDHD1 across 33 human cancers. METHODS Based on publicly available databases such as TCGA, GTEx, and HPA, we used a bioinformatics approach to systematically explore the genomic features and biological functions of WDHD1 in pan-cancer. RESULTS WDHD1 mRNA levels were significantly increased in more than 20 types of tumor tissues. Elevated WDHD1 expression was associated with significantly shorter overall survival (OS) in 10 tumors. Furthermore, in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), WDHD1 expression was significantly associated with higher histological grades and pathological stages. In addition, WDHD1 had a high diagnostic value among 16 tumors (area under the ROC curve [AUC] > 0.9). Functional enrichment analyses suggested that WDHD1 probably participated in many oncogenic pathways such as E2F and MYC targets (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05), and it was involved in the processes of DNA replication and DNA damage repair (p.adjust < 0.05). WDHD1 expression also correlated with the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of rapamycin (4 out of 10 cancers) and paclitaxel (10 out of 10 cancers). Overall, WDHD1 was negatively associated with immune cell infiltration and might promote tumor immune escape. Our analysis of genomic alterations suggested that WDHD1 was altered in 1.5% of pan-cancer cohorts and the "mutation" was the predominant type of alteration. Finally, through correlation analysis, we found that WDHD1 might be closely associated with tumor heterogeneity, tumor stemness, mismatch repair (MMR), and RNA methylation modification, which were all processes associated with the tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS Our pan-cancer analysis of WDHD1 provides valuable insights into the genomic characterization and biological functions of WDHD1 in human cancers and offers some theoretical support for the future use of WDHD1-targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and chemotherapeutic combinations for the management of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fan Zou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Rongli Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Feiyan Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rumeng Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Nini Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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Nakamura T, Nishikawa Y, Shiokawa M, Takeda H, Yokode M, Matsumoto S, Muramoto Y, Ota S, Yoshida H, Okada H, Kuwada T, Marui S, Matsumori T, Maruno T, Uza N, Kodama Y, Hatano E, Seno H. ELF3 suppresses gallbladder cancer development through downregulation of the EREG/EGFR/mTOR complex 1 signalling pathway. J Pathol 2023; 261:28-42. [PMID: 37345534 DOI: 10.1002/path.6144] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The prognosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains poor, and a better understanding of GBC molecular mechanisms is important. Genome sequencing of human GBC has demonstrated that loss-of-function mutations of E74-like ETS transcription factor 3 (ELF3) are frequently observed, with ELF3 considered to be a tumour suppressor in GBC. To clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ELF3 suppresses GBC development, we performed in vivo analysis using a combination of autochthonous and allograft mouse models. We first evaluated the clinical significance of ELF3 expression in human GBC tissues and found that low ELF3 expression was associated with advanced clinical stage and deep tumour invasion. For in vivo analysis, we generated Pdx1-Cre; KrasG12D ; Trp53R172H ; Elf3f/f (KPCE) mice and Pdx1-Cre; KrasG12D ; Trp53R172H ; Elf3wt/wt (KPC) mice as a control and analysed their gallbladders histologically. KPCE mice developed larger papillary lesions in the gallbladder than those developed by KPC mice. Organoids established from the gallbladders of KPCE and KPC mice were analysed in vitro. RNA sequencing showed upregulated expression of epiregulin (Ereg) in KPCE organoids, and western blotting revealed that EGFR/mechanical targets of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) were upregulated in KPCE organoids. In addition, ChIP assays on Elf3-overexpressing KPCE organoids showed that ELF3 directly regulated Ereg. Ereg deletion in KPCE organoids (using CRISPR/Cas9) induced EGFR/mTORC1 downregulation, indicating that ELF3 controlled EGFR/mTORC1 activity through regulation of Ereg expression. We also generated allograft mouse models using KPCE and KPC organoids and found that KPCE organoid allograft tumours exhibited poorly differentiated structures with mTORC1 upregulation and mesenchymal phenotype, which were suppressed by Ereg deletion. Furthermore, EGFR/mTORC1 inhibition suppressed cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in KPCE organoids. Our results suggest that ELF3 suppresses GBC development via downregulation of EREG/EGFR/mTORC1 signalling. EGFR/mTORC1 inhibition is a potential therapeutic option for GBC with ELF3 mutation. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeharu Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Nishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shiokawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Takeda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masataka Yokode
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shimpei Matsumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Muramoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sakiko Ota
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Okada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kuwada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Saiko Marui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Matsumori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahisa Maruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Norimitsu Uza
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuzo Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Seno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Yang F, Liu X, Li Y, Yu Z, Huang X, Yang G, Xu S. Evolutionary analysis of the mTOR pathway provide insights into lifespan extension across mammals. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:456. [PMID: 37582720 PMCID: PMC10426088 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09554-4] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifespan extension has independently evolved several times during mammalian evolution, leading to the emergence of a group of long-lived animals. Though mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is shown as a central regulator of lifespan and aging, the underlying influence of mTOR pathway on the evolution of lifespan in mammals is not well understood. RESULTS Here, we performed evolution analyses of 72 genes involved in the mTOR network across 48 mammals to explore the underlying mechanism of lifespan extension. We identified a total of 20 genes with significant evolution signals unique to long-lived species, including 12 positively selected genes, four convergent evolution genes, and five longevity associated genes whose evolution rate related to the maximum lifespan (MLS). Of these genes, four positively selected genes, two convergent evolution genes and one longevity-associated gene were involved in the autophagy response and aging-related diseases, while eight genes were known as cancer genes, indicating the long-lived species might have evolved effective regulation mechanisms of autophagy and cancer to extend lifespan. CONCLUSION Our study revealed genes with significant evolutionary signals unique to long-lived species, which provided new insight into the lifespan extension of mammals and might bring new strategies to extend human lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yi Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhenpeng Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiverity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Derwich A, Sykutera M, Bromińska B, Rubiś B, Ruchała M, Sawicka-Gutaj N. The Role of Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK Pathways in Aggressive Pituitary Adenomas-New Potential Therapeutic Approach-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10952. [PMID: 37446128 PMCID: PMC10341524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary tumors (PT) are mostly benign, although occasionally they demonstrate aggressive behavior, invasion of surrounding tissues, rapid growth, resistance to conventional treatments, and multiple recurrences. The pathogenesis of PT is still not fully understood, and the factors responsible for its invasiveness, aggressiveness, and potential for metastasis are unknown. RAF/MEK/ERK and mTOR signaling are significant pathways in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and survival, its importance in tumorigenesis has been highlighted. The aim of our review is to determine the role of the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways in the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors. Additionally, we evaluate their potential in a new therapeutic approach to provide alternative therapies and improved outcomes for patients with aggressive pituitary tumors that do not respond to standard treatment. We perform a systematic literature search using the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases (search date was 2012-2023). Out of the 529 screened studies, 13 met the inclusion criteria, 7 related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and 7 to the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway (one study was used in both analyses). Understanding the specific factors involved in PT tumorigenesis provides opportunities for targeted therapies. We also review the possible new targeted therapies and the use of mTOR inhibitors and TKI in PT management. Although the RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways play a pivotal role in the complex signaling network along with many interactions, further research is urgently needed to clarify the exact functions and the underlying mechanisms of these signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas and their role in its invasiveness and aggressive clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Derwich
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Sykutera
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Barbara Bromińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchała
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Nadia Sawicka-Gutaj
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
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Liang PI, Lai HY, Chan TC, Li WM, Hsing CH, Huang SK, Hsieh KL, Tseng WH, Chen TJ, Li WS, Chen HD, Kuo YH, Li CF. Upregulation of dihydropyrimidinase-like 3 (DPYSL3) protein predicts poor prognosis in urothelial carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:599. [PMID: 37380971 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11090-z] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dihydropyrimidinase-like 3 (DPYSL3) is a cytosolic phosphoprotein expressed in the nervous system and is crucial for neurogenesis. A previous study showed that increased DPYSL3 expression promotes tumour aggressiveness in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, and colon cancer. However, the role of DPYSL3 in affecting the biological behaviour of urothelial carcinoma (UC) is not yet understood. METHODS A UC transcriptomic dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus and the Urothelial Bladder Cancer (BLCA) dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used for the in silico study. We collected 340 upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and 295 urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma (UBUC) samples for the immunohistochemical study. Fresh tumour tissue from 50 patients was used to examine the DPYSL3 mRNA level. In addition, urothelial cell lines with and without DPYSL3 knockdown were used for the functional study. RESULTS The in silico study revealed that DPYSL3 correlated with advanced tumour stage and metastasis development while functioning primarily in the nucleobase-containing compound metabolic process (GO:0006139). DPYSL3 mRNA expression is significantly upregulated in advanced UC. Furthermore, overexpression of the DPYSL3 protein is significantly associated with the aggressive behaviour of UTUC and UBUC. DPYSL3 expression independently predicts disease-specific survival (DSS) and metastatic-free survival (MFS) in patients with UC. In non-muscle-invasive UBUC, DPYSL3 expression predicts local recurrence-free survival. UC cell lines with DPYSL3 knockdown exhibited decreased proliferation, migration, invasion, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) tube formation but increased apoptosis and G1 arrest. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the enriched processes related to DPYSL3 overexpression in UC were tissue morphogenesis, cell mesenchyme migration, smooth muscle regulation, metabolic processes, and RNA processing. In vivo study revealed DPYSL3 knockdown in UC tumours significantly suppressed the growth of tumours and decreased MYC and GLUT1 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS DPYSL3 promotes the aggressiveness of UC cells by changing their biological behaviours and is likely associated with cytoskeletal and metabolic process modifications. Furthermore, DPYSL3 protein overexpression in UC was associated with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and independently predicted poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, DPYSL3 can be used as a novel therapeutic target for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peir-In Liang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807378, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yue Lai
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan
| | - Ti-Chun Chan
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, 704016, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ming Li
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807378, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807378, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807378, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Health and Welfare Pingtung Hospital, Pingtung, 90054, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsi Hsing
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan
| | - Steven K Huang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Science Industries, College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, 711301, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Lin Hsieh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsin Tseng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ju Chen
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Technology, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, 71703, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Shan Li
- Department of Medical Technology, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, 71703, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Da Chen
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807378, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan.
- College of Pharmacy and Science, Chia Nan University, Tainan, 71710, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710402, Taiwan.
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, 704016, Taiwan.
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Jaworska M, Szczudło J, Pietrzyk A, Shah J, Trojan SE, Ostrowska B, Kocemba-Pilarczyk KA. The Warburg effect: a score for many instruments in the concert of cancer and cancer niche cells. Pharmacol Rep 2023:10.1007/s43440-023-00504-1. [PMID: 37332080 PMCID: PMC10374743 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00504-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Although Warburg's discovery of intensive glucose uptake by tumors, followed by lactate fermentation in oxygen presence of oxygen was made a century ago, it is still an area of intense research and development of new hypotheses that, layer by layer, unravel the complexities of neoplastic transformation. This seemingly simple metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells reveals an intriguing, multi-faceted nature that may link various phenomena including cell signaling, cell proliferation, ROS generation, energy supply, macromolecules synthesis/biosynthetic precursor supply, immunosuppression, or cooperation of cancerous cells with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), known as reversed Warburg effect. According to the current perception of the causes and consequences of the Warburg effect, PI3K/Akt/mTOR are the main signaling pathways that, in concert with the transcription factors HIF-1, p53, and c-Myc, modulate the activity/expression of key regulatory enzymes, including PKM2, and PDK1 to tune in the most optimal metabolic setting for the cancer cell. This in turn secures adequate levels of biosynthetic precursors, NADPH, NAD+, and rapid ATP production to meet the increased demands of intensively proliferating tumor cells. The end-product of "aerobic glycolysis", lactate, an oncometabolite, may provide fuel to neighboring cancer cells, and facilitate metastasis and immunosuppression together enabling cancer progression. The importance and possible applicability of the presented issue are best illustrated by numerous trials with various agents targeting the Warburg effect, constituting a promising strategy in future anti-cancer regimens. In this review, we present the key aspects of this multifactorial phenomenon, depicting the mechanisms and benefits behind the Warburg effect, and also pointing to selected aspects in the field of anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Jaworska
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Julia Szczudło
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adrian Pietrzyk
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jay Shah
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- Government Medical College Miraj, Miraj, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sonia E Trojan
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Barbara Ostrowska
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga A Kocemba-Pilarczyk
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.
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Sun Y, Li R, Nong B, Songyang Z, Wang X, Ma W, Zhou Q. A Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Potential Biological Functions and Prognosis Values of RICTOR. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1280. [PMID: 37372460 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of the network defined by phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) downstream of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) has been recognized for many years. However, the central role of RICTOR (rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR) in this pathway has only recently come to light. The function of RICTOR in pan-cancer still needs to be systematically elucidated. In this study, we examined RICTOR's molecular characteristics and clinical prognostic value by pan-cancer analysis. Our findings indicate that RICTOR was overexpressed in twelve cancer types, and a high RICTOR expression was linked to poor overall survival. Moreover, the CRISPR Achilles' knockout analysis revealed that RICTOR was a critical gene for the survival of many tumor cells. Function analysis revealed that RICTOR-related genes were mainly involved in TOR signaling and cell growth. We further demonstrated that the RICTOR expression was significantly influenced by genetic alteration and DNA-methylation in multiple cancer types. Additionally, we found a positive relationship between RICTOR expression and the immune infiltration of macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblasts in Colon adenocarcinoma and Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we validated the ability of RICTOR in sustaining tumor growth and invasion in the Hela cell line using cell-cycle analysis, the cell proliferation assay, and wound-healing assay. Our pan-cancer analysis highlights the critical role of RICTOR in tumor progression and its potential as a prognostic marker for various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Rui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Baoting Nong
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zhou Songyang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xianren Wang
- Department of Otolarygology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Wei H, Tang L, Wang J, Ni M, Liao X, Guo E. Comprehensive investigation of the prognostic values and molecular mechanisms of syntaxin binding protein 5 antisense RNA 1 in patients with colon adenocarcinoma based on RNA sequencing dataset. J Cancer 2023; 14:1607-1622. [PMID: 37325053 PMCID: PMC10266242 DOI: 10.7150/jca.83423] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The main purpose of this study is to perform a comprehensive investigation of the prognostic value and molecular mechanism of syntaxin binding protein 5 antisense RNA 1 (STXBP5-AS1) through the whole genome RNA sequencing data of the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) cohort. Methods: There were 438 COAD patients were fit into current study for survival analysis. Gene expression profiling interactive analysis 2.0, Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery v6.8, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and connectivity map (CMap) are used to investigate the molecular mechanisms and targeted drugs of STXBP5-AS1 in COAD. Results: By comparing the expression level of tumor and non-tumor tissues, we found that STXBP5-AS1 was notablely down-regulated in COAD tumor tissues. Survival analysis suggested that low STXBP5-AS1 expression was significantly related to poor overall survival (OS) of COAD (log-rank P=0.035, adjusted P=0.005, HR=0.545, 95%CI=0.356-0.836). The enrichment analysis of STXBP5-AS1 co-expressed genes, GSEA and differentially expressed genes suggests that STXBP5-AS1 may play a part in COAD by regulating the following biological processes or pathways: cell junction, DNA replication, apoptosis, cell cycle, metastasis, tumor protein 53, Wnt, mTORC1, MCM, notch receptor 4, transforming growth factor beta receptor, and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. CMap analysis was screened out four small molecule drugs (anisomycin, cephaeline, NU-1025 and quipazine) that may be used as STXBP5-AS1 targeted therapy drugs in COAD. The co-expression analysis of STXBP5-AS1 and immune cell gene signature indicated that STXBP5-AS1 was significantly related to immune cell gene set in normal intestinal tissues, but not in COAD tumor tissues. Conclusion: Our results revealed that STXBP5-AS1 is notablely down-regulated in COAD tumor tissues, and may act as a novel prognostic biomarker for COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotang Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 530031, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 530031, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Jialei Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 530031, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Ni
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 530031, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiwen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Erna Guo
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
- Institute of International Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
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Parate S, Kumar V, Hong JC, Lee KW. Investigation of Macrocyclic mTOR Modulators of Rapamycin Binding Site via Pharmacoinformatics Approaches. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 104:107875. [PMID: 37148678 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2023.107875] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/Akt/mTOR is an essential intracellular signaling pathway in which the serine/threonine mTOR kinase portrays a major role in cell growth, proliferation and survival. The mTOR kinase is frequently dysregulated in a broad spectrum of cancers, thus making it a potential target. Rapamycin and its analogs (rapalogs) allosterically inhibit mTOR, thereby dodging the deleterious effects prompted by ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitors. However, the available mTOR allosteric site inhibitors exhibit low oral bioavailability and suboptimal solubility. Bearing in mind this narrow therapeutic window of the current allosteric mTOR inhibitors, an in silico study was designed in search of new macrocyclic inhibitors. The macrocycles from the ChemBridge database (12,677 molecules) were filtered for their drug-likeness properties and the procured compounds were subjected for molecular docking within the binding cleft between FKBP25 and FRB domains of mTOR. The docking analysis resulted with 15 macrocycles displaying higher scores than the selective mTOR allosteric site inhibitor, DL001. The docked complexes were refined by subsequent molecular dynamics simulations for a period of 100 ns. Successive binding free energy computation revealed a total of 7 macrocyclic compounds (HITS) demonstrating better binding affinity than DL001, towards mTOR. The consequent assessment of pharmacokinetic properties resulted in HITS with similar or better properties than the selective inhibitor, DL001. The HITS from this investigation could act as effective mTOR allosteric site inhibitors and serve as macrocyclic scaffolds for developing compounds targeting the dysregulated mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Parate
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, South Korea; Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, South Korea
| | - Jong Chan Hong
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, South Korea.
| | - Keun Woo Lee
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, South Korea.
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Fu W, Wu G. Targeting mTOR for Anti-Aging and Anti-Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073157. [PMID: 37049920 PMCID: PMC10095787 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The balance between anabolism and catabolism is disrupted with aging, with the rate of anabolism being faster than that of catabolism. Therefore, mTOR, whose major function is to enhance anabolism and inhibit catabolism, has become a potential target of inhibition for anti-aging therapy. Interestingly, it was found that the downregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway had a lifespan-extending effect resembling calorie restriction. In addition, the mTOR signaling pathway promotes cell proliferation and has been regarded as a potential anti-cancer target. Rapamycin and rapalogs, such as everolimus, have proven to be effective in preventing certain tumor growth. Here, we reviewed the basic knowledge of mTOR signaling, including both mTORC1 and mTORC2. Then, for anti-aging, we cited a lot of evidence to discuss the role of targeting mTOR and its anti-aging mechanism. For cancer therapy, we also discussed the role of mTOR signaling in different types of cancers, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, tumor immunity, etc. In short, we discussed the research progress and both the advantages and disadvantages of targeting mTOR in anti-aging and anti-cancer therapy. Hopefully, this review may promote more ideas to be generated for developing inhibitors of mTOR signaling to fight cancer and extend lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, the Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences MOE, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Geng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, the Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences MOE, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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Makhoul C, Houghton FJ, Hinde E, Gleeson PA. Arf5-mediated regulation of mTORC1 at the plasma membrane. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar23. [PMID: 36735494 PMCID: PMC10092653 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-07-0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase regulates a major signaling pathway in eukaryotic cells. In addition to regulation of mTORC1 at lysosomes, mTORC1 is also localized at other locations. However, little is known about the recruitment and activation of mTORC1 at nonlysosomal sites. To identify regulators of mTORC1 recruitment to nonlysosomal compartments, novel interacting partners with the mTORC1 subunit, Raptor, were identified using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. We show that one of the interacting partners, Arf5, is a novel regulator of mTORC1 signaling at plasma membrane ruffles. Arf5-GFP localizes with endogenous mTOR at PI3,4P2-enriched membrane ruffles together with the GTPase required for mTORC1 activation, Rheb. Knockdown of Arf5 reduced the recruitment of mTOR to membrane ruffles. The activation of mTORC1 at membrane ruffles was directly demonstrated using a plasma membrane-targeted mTORC1 biosensor, and Arf5 was shown to enhance the phosphorylation of the mTORC1 biosensor substrate. In addition, endogenous Arf5 was shown to be required for rapid activation of mTORC1-mediated S6 phosphorylation following nutrient starvation and refeeding. Our findings reveal a novel Arf5-dependent pathway for recruitment and activation of mTORC1 at plasma membrane ruffles, a process relevant for spatial and temporal regulation of mTORC1 by receptor and nutrient stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Makhoul
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute and
| | - Fiona J Houghton
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute and
| | - Elizabeth Hinde
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute and.,School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Paul A Gleeson
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute and
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Gai Y, Qian L, Jiang S, Li J, Zhang X, Yang X, Pan H, Liao Y, Wang H, Huang S, Zhang S, Nie H, Ma M, Li H. Vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35) acts as a tumor promoter via facilitating cell cycle progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:90. [PMID: 36933061 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01020-4] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is insidious and highly malignant with extremely poor prognosis and drug resistance to current chemotherapies. Therefore, there is a critical need to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying PDAC progression to develop promising diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In parallel, vacuolar protein sorting (VPS) proteins, involved in the sorting, transportation, and localization of membrane proteins, have gradually attracted the attention of researchers in the development of cancers. Although VPS35 has been reported to promote carcinoma progression, the specific molecular mechanism is still unclear. Here, we determined the impact of VPS35 on the tumorigenesis of PDAC and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. We performed a pan-cancer analysis of 46 VPS genes using RNAseq data from GTEx (control) and TCGA (tumor) and predicted potential functions of VPS35 in PDAC by enrichment analysis. Furthermore, cell cloning experiments, gene knockout, cell cycle analysis, immunohistochemistry, and other molecular and biochemical experiments were used to validate the function of VPS35. Consequently, VPS35 was found overexpressed in multiple cancers and correlated with the poor prognosis of PDAC. Meanwhile, we verified that VPS35 could modulate the cell cycle and promote tumor cell growth in PDAC. Collectively, we provide solid evidence that VPS35 facilitates the cell cycle progression as a critical novel target in PDAC clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhi Gai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Liheng Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingna Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiling Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhen Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mingze Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
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Arora D, Hackenberg Y, Li J, Winter D. Updates on the study of lysosomal protein dynamics: possibilities for the clinic. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:47-55. [PMID: 36919490 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2190515] [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] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The lysosome is the main degradative organelle of almost all mammalian cells, fulfilling important functions in macromolecule recycling, metabolism, and signaling. Lysosomal dysfunction is connected to a continuously growing number of pathologic conditions, and lysosomal proteins present potential biomarkers for a variety of diseases. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in their analysis in patient samples. AREAS COVERED We provide an overview of OMICs studies which identified lysosomal proteins as potential biomarkers for pathological conditions, covering proteomics, genomics, and transcriptomics approaches, identified through PubMed searches. With respect to discovery proteomics analyses, mainly lysosomal luminal and associated proteins were detected, while membrane proteins were found less frequently. Comprehensive coverage of the lysosomal proteome was only achieved by ultra-deep-coverage studies, but targeted approaches allowed for the reproducible quantification of lysosomal proteins in diverse sample types. EXPERT OPINION The low abundance of lysosomal proteins complicates their reproducible analysis in patient samples. Whole proteome shotgun analyses fail in many instances to cover the lysosomal proteome, which is due to under-sampling and/or a lack of sensitivity. With the current state of the art, targeted proteomics assays provide the best performance for the characterization of lysosomal proteins in patient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhriti Arora
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yannic Hackenberg
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jiaran Li
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dominic Winter
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Clinical Implications of mTOR Expression in Papillary Thyroid Cancer—A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061665. [PMID: 36980552 PMCID: PMC10046096 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) comprises approximately 80% of all thyroid malignancies. Although several etiological factors, such as age, gender, and irradiation, are already known to be involved in the development of PTC, the genetics of cancerogenesis remain undetermined. The mTOR pathway regulates several cellular processes that are critical for tumorigenesis. Activated mTOR is involved in the development and progression of PTC. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of papers studying the expression of the mTOR gene and protein and its relationship with PTC risk and clinical outcome. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases (the search date was 2012–2022). Studies investigating the expression of mTOR in the peripheral blood or tissue of patients with PTC were deemed eligible for inclusion. Seven of the 286 screened studies met the inclusion criteria for mTOR gene expression and four for mTOR protein expression. We also analyzed the data on mTOR protein expression in PTC. We analyzed the association of mTOR expression with papillary thyroid cancer clinicopathological features, such as the TNM stage, BRAF V600E mutation, sex distribution, lymph node and distant metastases, and survival prognosis. Understanding specific factors involved in PTC tumorigenesis provides opportunities for targeted therapies. We also reviewed the possible new targeted therapies and the use of mTOR inhibitors in PTC. This topic requires further research with novel techniques to translate the achieved results to clinical application.
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