1
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Cyriac R, Lee K. Glutaminase inhibition as potential cancer therapeutics: current status and future applications. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2290911. [PMID: 38078371 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2290911] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in normal metabolic processes are defining features of cancer. Glutamine, an abundant amino acid in the human blood, plays a critical role in regulating several biosynthetic and bioenergetic pathways that support tumour growth. Glutaminolysis is a metabolic pathway that converts glutamine into various metabolites involved in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and generates antioxidants that are vital for tumour cell survival. As glutaminase catalyses the initial step of this metabolic pathway, it is of great significance in cancer metabolism and tumour progression. Inhibition of glutaminase and targeting of glutaminolysis have emerged as promising strategies for cancer therapy. This review explores the role of glutaminases in cancer metabolism and discusses various glutaminase inhibitors developed as potential therapies for tumour regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajath Cyriac
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology, Korea National University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kwangho Lee
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology, Korea National University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
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2
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Kannan B, Pandi C, Pandi A, Jayaseelan VP, Murugan M S, Arumugam P. Altered expression of GLS2 indicates a poor prognosis and correlates with clinicopathological features of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2024; 53:635-643. [PMID: 38342749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2024.01.011] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Glutamine metabolism, governed by enzymes including glutaminase (GLS1 and GLS2), has a pivotal role in cancer progression. The objective of this study was to determine whether GLS2 transcription levels are associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) when compared to matched adjacent normal tissues. Primary tumour and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 51 OSCC patients, and GLS2 mRNA expression analysis was conducted using real-time qPCR. Additionally, The Cancer Genome Atlas-Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-HNSCC) dataset was utilized to examine GLS2 expression in relation to clinicopathological features, the prognosis, and tumour immune cell infiltration. A significantly reduced expression of GLS2 mRNA was found in the OSCC tissues when compared to the matched adjacent normal tissue samples (P < 0.001), which aligned with the results from the TCGA-HNSCC dataset and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, GLS2 mRNA expression was associated with clinicopathological features including tumour stage, grade, and human papillomavirus status (all P < 0.05), predicted a poorer prognosis (P = 0.024), and was correlated with tumour immune cell infiltration (all P < 0.05) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Functional pathway analysis indicated its involvement in cell proliferation and metabolic cycles. GLS2 dysregulation is linked to oral cancer, suggesting its potential as a predictive prognostic marker for OSCC. Furthermore, targeting glutaminases via GLS2 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kannan
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - C Pandi
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Pandi
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V P Jayaseelan
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Murugan M
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Arumugam
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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3
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Adamoski D, M Dos Reis L, Mafra ACP, Corrêa-da-Silva F, Moraes-Vieira PMMD, Berindan-Neagoe I, Calin GA, Dias SMG. HuR controls glutaminase RNA metabolism. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5620. [PMID: 38965208 PMCID: PMC11224379 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutaminase (GLS) is directly related to cell growth and tumor progression, making it a target for cancer treatment. The RNA-binding protein HuR (encoded by the ELAVL1 gene) influences mRNA stability and alternative splicing. Overexpression of ELAVL1 is common in several cancers, including breast cancer. Here we show that HuR regulates GLS mRNA alternative splicing and isoform translation/stability in breast cancer. Elevated ELAVL1 expression correlates with high levels of the glutaminase isoforms C (GAC) and kidney-type (KGA), which are associated with poor patient prognosis. Knocking down ELAVL1 reduces KGA and increases GAC levels, enhances glutamine anaplerosis into the TCA cycle, and drives cells towards glutamine dependence. Furthermore, we show that combining chemical inhibition of GLS with ELAVL1 silencing synergistically decreases breast cancer cell growth and invasion. These findings suggest that dual inhibition of GLS and HuR offers a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Adamoski
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa M Dos Reis
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Paschoalini Mafra
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, S. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Felipe Corrêa-da-Silva
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Manoel Mendes de Moraes-Vieira
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu-Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for RNA Inference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sandra Martha Gomes Dias
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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4
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Zhang J, Chen M, Yang Y, Liu Z, Guo W, Xiang P, Zeng Z, Wang D, Xiong W. Amino acid metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment and its implication for cancer therapy. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38946173 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31349] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Amino acids are essential building blocks for proteins, crucial energy sources for cell survival, and key signaling molecules supporting the resistant growth of tumor cells. In tumor cells, amino acid metabolic reprogramming is characterized by the enhanced uptake of amino acids as well as their aberrant synthesis, breakdown, and transport, leading to immune evasion and malignant progression of tumor cells. This article reviews the altered amino acid metabolism in tumor cells and its impact on tumor microenvironment, and also provides an overview of the current clinical applications of amino acid metabolism. Innovative drugs targeting amino acid metabolism hold great promise for precision and personalized cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingjian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wanni Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pingjuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
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5
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De los Santos-Jiménez J, Campos-Sandoval JA, Alonso FJ, Márquez J, Matés JM. GLS and GLS2 Glutaminase Isoenzymes in the Antioxidant System of Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:745. [PMID: 38929183 PMCID: PMC11200642 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060745] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A pathway frequently altered in cancer is glutaminolysis, whereby glutaminase (GA) catalyzes the main step as follows: the deamidation of glutamine to form glutamate and ammonium. There are two types of GA isozymes, named GLS and GLS2, which differ considerably in their expression patterns and can even perform opposing roles in cancer. GLS correlates with tumor growth and proliferation, while GLS2 can function as a context-dependent tumor suppressor. However, both isoenzymes have been described as essential molecules handling oxidant stress because of their involvement in glutathione production. We reviewed the literature to highlight the critical roles of GLS and GLS2 in restraining ROS and regulating both cellular signaling and metabolic stress due to their function as indirect antioxidant enzymes, as well as by modulating both reductive carboxylation and ferroptosis. Blocking GA activity appears to be a potential strategy in the dual activation of ferroptosis and inhibition of cancer cell growth in a ROS-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan De los Santos-Jiménez
- Canceromics Lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (J.D.l.S.-J.); (J.A.C.-S.); (F.J.A.); (J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29590 Málaga, Spain
| | - José A. Campos-Sandoval
- Canceromics Lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (J.D.l.S.-J.); (J.A.C.-S.); (F.J.A.); (J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29590 Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Alonso
- Canceromics Lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (J.D.l.S.-J.); (J.A.C.-S.); (F.J.A.); (J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29590 Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Canceromics Lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (J.D.l.S.-J.); (J.A.C.-S.); (F.J.A.); (J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29590 Málaga, Spain
| | - José M. Matés
- Canceromics Lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (J.D.l.S.-J.); (J.A.C.-S.); (F.J.A.); (J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29590 Málaga, Spain
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6
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Zhou H, Zhou X, Zhu R, Zhao Z, Yang K, Shen Z, Sun H. A ferroptosis-related signature predicts the clinical diagnosis and prognosis, and associates with the immune microenvironment of lung cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:163. [PMID: 38743344 PMCID: PMC11093956 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01032-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting ferroptosis-related pathway is a potential strategy for treatment of lung cancer (LC). Consequently, exploration of ferroptosis-related markers is important for treating LC. We collected LC clinical data and mRNA expression profiles from TCGA and GEO database. Ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) were obtained through FerrDB database. Expression analysis was performed to obtain differentially expressed FRGs. Diagnostic and prognostic models were constructed based on FRGs by LASSO regression, univariate, and multivariate Cox regression analysis, respectively. External verification cohorts GSE72094 and GSE157011 were used for validation. The interrelationship between prognostic risk scores based on FRGs and the tumor immune microenvironment was analyzed. Immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR detected the FRGs level. Eighteen FRGs were used for diagnostic models, 8 FRGs were used for prognostic models. The diagnostic model distinguished well between LC and normal samples in training and validation cohorts of TCGA. The prognostic models for TCGA, GSE72094, and GSE157011 cohorts significantly confirmed lower overall survival (OS) in high-risk group, which demonstrated excellent predictive properties of the survival model. Multivariate Cox regression analysis further confirmed risk score was an independent risk factor related with OS. Immunoassays revealed that in high-risk group, a significantly higher proportion of Macrophages_M0, Neutrophils, resting Natural killer cells and activated Mast cells and the level of B7H3, CD112, CD155, B7H5, and ICOSL were increased. In conclusion, diagnostic and prognostic models provided superior diagnostic and predictive power for LC and revealed a potential link between ferroptosis and TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhou
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoting Zhou
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650031, Yunnan, China
| | - Runying Zhu
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhongquan Zhao
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Kang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No.295 Xichang Rd, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhenghai Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, 650118, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No.295 Xichang Rd, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, China.
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7
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Feng S, Aplin C, Nguyen TTT, Milano SK, Cerione RA. Filament formation drives catalysis by glutaminase enzymes important in cancer progression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1971. [PMID: 38438397 PMCID: PMC10912226 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The glutaminase enzymes GAC and GLS2 catalyze the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate, satisfying the 'glutamine addiction' of cancer cells. They are the targets of anti-cancer drugs; however, their mechanisms of activation and catalytic activity have been unclear. Here we demonstrate that the ability of GAC and GLS2 to form filaments is directly coupled to their catalytic activity and present their cryo-EM structures which provide a view of the conformational states essential for catalysis. Filament formation guides an 'activation loop' to assume a specific conformation that works together with a 'lid' to close over the active site and position glutamine for nucleophilic attack by an essential serine. Our findings highlight how ankyrin repeats on GLS2 regulate enzymatic activity, while allosteric activators stabilize, and clinically relevant inhibitors block, filament formation that enables glutaminases to catalyze glutaminolysis and support cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Feng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Cody Aplin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Thuy-Tien T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Shawn K Milano
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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8
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Li X, Zhang HS. Amino acid metabolism, redox balance and epigenetic regulation in cancer. FEBS J 2024; 291:412-429. [PMID: 37129434 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16803] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids act as versatile nutrients driving cell growth and survival, especially in cancer cells. Amino acid metabolism comprises numerous metabolic networks and is closely linked with intracellular redox balance and epigenetic regulation. Reprogrammed amino acid metabolism has been recognized as a ubiquitous feature in tumour cells. This review outlines the metabolism of several primary amino acids in cancer cells and highlights the pivotal role of amino acid metabolism in sustaining redox homeostasis and regulating epigenetic modification in response to oxidative and genetic stress in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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9
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Guo H, Liu R, Wu J, Li S, Yao W, Xu J, Zheng C, Lu Y, Zhang H. SRPX2 promotes cancer cell proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid cancer. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4825-4834. [PMID: 37306872 PMCID: PMC10725347 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01113-1] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the endocrine tumor with the highest incidence at present. It originates from the thyroid follicular epithelium or follicular paraepithelial cells. There is an increasing incidence of thyroid cancer all over the world. We found that SRPX2 expression level was higher in papillary thyroid tumors than in normal thyroid tissues, and SRPX2 expression was closely related to tumor grade and clinical prognosis. Previous reports showed that SRPX2 could function by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that SRPX2 promoted the proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In conclusion, SRPX2 could promote the malignant development of PTC. This may be a potential treatment target for PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwei Guo
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruiqi Liu
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiping Yao
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajie Xu
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chuanming Zheng
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanwei Lu
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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10
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Farahzadi R, Valipour B, Fathi E, Pirmoradi S, Molavi O, Montazersaheb S, Sanaat Z. Oxidative stress regulation and related metabolic pathways in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:342. [PMID: 38017510 PMCID: PMC10685711 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03571-6] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell remodeling process in which epithelial cells undergo a reversible phenotype switch via the loss of adhesion capacity and acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics. In other words, EMT activation can increase invasiveness and metastatic properties, and prevent the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics, as mesenchymal cells have a higher resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is orchestrated by a complex and multifactorial network, often linked to episodic, transient, or partial events. A variety of factors have been implicated in EMT development. Based on this concept, multiple metabolic pathways and master transcription factors, such as Snail, Twist, and ZEB, can drive the EMT. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a significant role in EMT induction. One emerging theory is that reducing mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species production may contribute to EMT development. This review describes how metabolic pathways and transcription factors are linked to EMT induction and addresses the involvement of signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Farahzadi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behnaz Valipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Ezzatollah Fathi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Pirmoradi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ommoleila Molavi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soheila Montazersaheb
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Sanaat
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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11
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Greene KS, Choi A, Chen M, Yang N, Li R, Qiu Y, Lukey MJ, Rojas KS, Shen J, Wilson KF, Katt WP, Whittaker GR, Cerione RA. Inhibiting Glutamine Metabolism Blocks Coronavirus Replication in Mammalian Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559756. [PMID: 37808692 PMCID: PMC10557708 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Developing therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 has gained widespread interest given the likelihood that new viral variants will continue to emerge. Here we describe one potential therapeutic strategy which involves targeting members of the glutaminase family of mitochondrial metabolic enzymes (GLS and GLS2), which catalyze the first step in glutamine metabolism, the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate. We show three examples where GLS expression increases during coronavirus infection of host cells, and another in which GLS2 is upregulated. The viruses hijack the metabolic machinery responsible for glutamine metabolism to generate the building blocks for biosynthetic processes and satisfy the bioenergetic requirements demanded by the 'glutamine addiction' of virus-infected host cells. We demonstrate how genetic silencing of glutaminase enzymes reduces coronavirus infection and that newer members of two classes of small molecule allosteric inhibitors targeting these enzymes, designated as SU1, a pan-GLS/GLS2 inhibitor, and UP4, which is specific for GLS, block viral replication in mammalian epithelial cells. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of glutamine metabolism for coronavirus replication in human cells and show that glutaminase inhibitors can block coronavirus infection and thereby may represent a novel class of anti-viral drug candidates. Teaser Inhibitors targeting glutaminase enzymes block coronavirus replication and may represent a new class of anti-viral drugs.
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12
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Tamarindo GH, Novais AA, Chuffa LGA, Zuccari DAPC. Metabolic Alterations in Canine Mammary Tumors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2757. [PMID: 37685021 PMCID: PMC10487042 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172757] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are among the most common diseases in female dogs and share similarities with human breast cancer, which makes these animals a model for comparative oncology studies. In these tumors, metabolic reprogramming is known as a hallmark of carcinogenesis whereby cells undergo adjustments to meet the high bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands of rapidly proliferating cells. However, such alterations are also vulnerabilities that may serve as a therapeutic strategy, which has mostly been tested in human clinical trials but is poorly explored in CMTs. In this dedicated review, we compiled the metabolic changes described for CMTs, emphasizing the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and mitochondrial functions. We observed key factors associated with the presence and aggressiveness of CMTs, such as an increase in glucose uptake followed by enhanced anaerobic glycolysis via the upregulation of glycolytic enzymes, changes in glutamine catabolism due to the overexpression of glutaminases, increased fatty acid oxidation, and distinct effects depending on lipid saturation, in addition to mitochondrial DNA, which is a hotspot for mutations. Therefore, more attention should be paid to this topic given that targeting metabolic fragilities could improve the outcome of CMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Henrique Tamarindo
- Department of Molecular Biology, São José do Rio Preto Faculty of Medicine, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, SP, Brazil
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Alonso Novais
- Health Sciences Institute (ICS), Mato Grosso Federal University (UFMT), Sinop 78550-728, MT, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo Almeida Chuffa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
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13
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Barreca F, Aventaggiato M, Vitiello L, Sansone L, Russo MA, Mai A, Valente S, Tafani M. SIRT5 Activation and Inorganic Phosphate Binding Reduce Cancer Cell Vitality by Modulating Autophagy/Mitophagy and ROS. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1635. [PMID: 37627630 PMCID: PMC10451763 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081635] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells show increased glutamine consumption. The glutaminase (GLS) enzyme controls a limiting step in glutamine catabolism. Breast tumors, especially the triple-negative subtype, have a high expression of GLS. Our recent study demonstrated that GLS activity and ammonia production are inhibited by sirtuin 5 (SIRT5). We developed MC3138, a selective SIRT5 activator. Treatment with MC3138 mimicked the deacetylation effect mediated by SIRT5 overexpression. Moreover, GLS activity was regulated by inorganic phosphate (Pi). Considering the interconnected roles of GLS, SIRT5 and Pi in cancer growth, our hypothesis is that activation of SIRT5 and reduction in Pi could represent a valid antitumoral strategy. Treating cells with MC3138 and lanthanum acetate, a Pi chelator, decreased cell viability and clonogenicity. We also observed a modulation of MAP1LC3B and ULK1 with MC3138 and lanthanum acetate. Interestingly, inhibition of the mitophagy marker BNIP3 was observed only in the presence of MC3138. Autophagy and mitophagy modulation were accompanied by an increase in cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). In conclusion, our results show how SIRT5 activation and/or Pi binding can represent a valid strategy to inhibit cell proliferation by reducing glutamine metabolism and mitophagy, leading to a deleterious accumulation of ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Michele Aventaggiato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Laura Vitiello
- Laboratory of Flow Cytometry, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luigi Sansone
- MEBIC Consortium, San Raffaele University, 00166 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.A.R.)
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Antonio Russo
- MEBIC Consortium, San Raffaele University, 00166 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.A.R.)
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Marco Tafani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.A.)
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14
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Jin J, Byun JK, Choi YK, Park KG. Targeting glutamine metabolism as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:706-715. [PMID: 37009798 PMCID: PMC10167356 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00971-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferating cancer cells rely largely on glutamine for survival and proliferation. Glutamine serves as a carbon source for the synthesis of lipids and metabolites via the TCA cycle, as well as a source of nitrogen for amino acid and nucleotide synthesis. To date, many studies have explored the role of glutamine metabolism in cancer, thereby providing a scientific rationale for targeting glutamine metabolism for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the mechanism(s) involved at each step of glutamine metabolism, from glutamine transporters to redox homeostasis, and highlight areas that can be exploited for clinical cancer treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms underlying cancer cell resistance to agents that target glutamine metabolism, as well as strategies for overcoming these mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the effects of glutamine blockade on the tumor microenvironment and explore strategies to maximize the utility of glutamine blockers as a cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghwa Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, South Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Byun
- BK21 FOUR Community-based Intelligent Novel Drug Discovery Education Unit, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Korea
| | - Yeon-Kyung Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, 41404, Korea.
| | - Keun-Gyu Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, South Korea.
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15
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Li S, Zeng H, Fan J, Wang F, Xu C, Li Y, Tu J, Nephew KP, Long X. Glutamine metabolism in breast cancer and possible therapeutic targets. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115464. [PMID: 36849062 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by metabolic reprogramming, which is a hot topic in tumor treatment research. Cancer cells alter metabolic pathways to promote their growth, and the common purpose of these altered metabolic pathways is to adapt the metabolic state to the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Most cancer cells in a state of nonhypoxia will increase the uptake of glucose and produce lactate, called the Warburg effect. Increased glucose consumption is used as a carbon source to support cell proliferation, including nucleotide, lipid and protein synthesis. In the Warburg effect, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity decreases, thereby disrupting the TCA cycle. In addition to glucose, glutamine is also an important nutrient for the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, an important carbon bank and nitrogen bank for the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, providing ribose, nonessential amino acids, citrate, and glycerin necessary for cancer cell growth and proliferation and compensating for the reduction in oxidative phosphorylation pathways in cancer cells caused by the Warburg effect. In human plasma, glutamine is the most abundant amino acid. Normal cells produce glutamine via glutamine synthase (GLS), but the glutamine synthesized by tumor cells is insufficient to meet their high growth needs, resulting in a "glutamine-dependent phenomenon." Most cancers have an increased glutamine demand, including breast cancer. Metabolic reprogramming not only enables tumor cells to maintain the reduction-oxidation (redox) balance and commit resources to biosynthesis but also establishes heterogeneous metabolic phenotypes of tumor cells that are distinct from those of nontumor cells. Thus, targeting the metabolic differences between tumor and nontumor cells may be a promising and novel anticancer strategy. Glutamine metabolic compartments have emerged as promising candidates, especially in TNBC and drug-resistant breast cancer. In this review, the latest discoveries of breast cancer and glutamine metabolism are discussed, novel treatment methods based on amino acid transporters and glutaminase are discussed, and the relationship between glutamine metabolism and breast cancer metastasis, drug resistance, tumor immunity and ferroptosis are explained, which provides new ideas for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junli Fan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fubing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yirong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Xinghua Long
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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16
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The ferroptosis signature predicts the prognosis and immune microenvironment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1861. [PMID: 36732567 PMCID: PMC9895067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a cancer with a high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. Growing studies suggest that ferroptosis take part in the development of tumours. At the same time, the connection between ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and the prognosis of NPC remains unclear. In this study, we explored the dysregulated FRGs between normal control and tumour samples of NPC. Firstly, 14 of 36 differentially expressed FRGs were identified in NPC tissues compared to normal tissues, among which ABCC1, GLS2, CS and HMGCR were associated with poor prognosis for patients. The four ferroptosis genes were used for consensus cluster analysis and two risk-related FRGs (ABCC1 and GLS2) were used in a risk model. The ROC curve revealed the good predictive performance of this risk signature. Multivariate analysis revealed that risk score and intratumoral TILs were independent risk factors linked to prognosis. Additionally, our results suggested that the risk signature was attached to the immune microenvironment. Moreover, the NPC patients with high risk were sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs including axitinib, docetaxel, embelin, epothilone.B, parthenolide, thapsigargin, tipifarnib, vinorelbine. Finally, the expression of ABCC1 and GLS2 was validated in NPC tissues using immunohistochemistry. Together, these results revealed ferroptosis may be a potential biomarker in NPC and representing a promising future direction in prognosis and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NPC.
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17
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Costa RK, Brancaglion GA, Pinheiro MP, Meira DA, da Silva BN, de V. Negrao CZ, de A. Gonçalves K, Rodrigues CT, Ambrósio AL, Guido RV, Pastre JC, Dias SM. Discovery of aminothiazole derivatives as a chemical scaffold for glutaminase inhibition. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2023.100842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
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18
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HPV16 E6 and E7 Oncoproteins Stimulate the Glutamine Pathway Maintaining Cell Proliferation in a SNAT1-Dependent Fashion. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020324. [PMID: 36851539 PMCID: PMC9964736 DOI: 10.3390/v15020324] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer establishment, where the viral oncogenes E6 and E7 promote a cancerous phenotype. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer involves alterations in glutamine metabolism, also named glutaminolysis, to provide energy for supporting cancer processes including migration, proliferation, and production of reactive oxygen species, among others. The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins on the regulation of glutaminolysis and its contribution to cell proliferation. We found that the E6 and E7 oncoproteins exacerbate cell proliferation in a glutamine-dependent manner. Both oncoproteins increased the levels of transporter SNAT1, as well as GLS2 and GS enzymes; E6 also increased LAT1 transporter protein levels, while E7 increased ASCT2 and xCT. Some of these alterations are also regulated at a transcriptional level. Consistently, the amount of SNAT1 protein decreased in Ca Ski cells when E6 and E7 expression was knocked down. In addition, we demonstrated that cell proliferation was partially dependent on SNAT1 in the presence of glutamine. Interestingly, SNAT1 expression was higher in cervical cancer compared with normal cervical cells. The high expression of SNAT1 was associated with poor overall survival of cervical cancer patients. Our results indicate that HPV oncoproteins exacerbate glutaminolysis supporting the malignant phenotype.
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19
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El-Helbawy NF, El Zowalaty AE. Identification of Age-Associated Transcriptomic Changes Linked to Immunotherapy Response in Primary Melanoma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:4118-4131. [PMID: 36135194 PMCID: PMC9497511 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44090282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a lethal form of skin cancer. Immunotherapeutic agents such as anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab and nivolumab) and anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) have revolutionized melanoma treatment; however, drug resistance is rapidly acquired. Several studies have reported an increase in melanoma rates in older patients. Thus, the impact of ageing on transcriptional profiles of melanoma and response to immunotherapy is essential to understand. In this study, the bioinformatic analysis of RNA seq data of old and young melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy identifies the significant upregulation of extra-cellular matrix and cellular adhesion genes in young cohorts, while genes involved in cell proliferation, inflammation, non-canonical Wnt signaling and tyrosine kinase receptor ROR2 are significantly upregulated in the old cohort. Several Treg signature genes as well as transcription factors that are associated with dysfunctional T cell tumor infiltration are differentially expressed. The differential expression of several genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and glutamine metabolism is also observed. Taken together, this study provides novel findings on the impact of ageing on transcriptional changes in melanoma, and novel therapeutic targets for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal Farid El-Helbawy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31111, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ezat El Zowalaty
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
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20
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Xu F, Shi J, Qin X, Zheng Z, Chen M, Lin Z, Ye J, Li M. Hormone-Glutamine Metabolism: A Critical Regulatory Axis in Endocrine-Related Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710086. [PMID: 36077501 PMCID: PMC9456462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine-related cancers and hormones are undoubtedly highly interconnected. How hormones support or repress tumor induction and progression has been extensively profiled. Furthermore, advances in understanding the role of glutamine metabolism in mediating tumorigenesis and development, coupled with these in-depth studies on hormone (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, androgen, prostaglandin, thyroid hormone, and insulin) regulation of glutamine metabolism, have led us to think about the relationship between these three factors, which remains to be elucidated. Accordingly, in this review, we present an updated overview of glutamine metabolism traits and its influence on endocrine oncology, as well as its upstream hormonal regulation. More importantly, this hormone/glutamine metabolism axis may help in the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for endocrine-related cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyuan Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jialu Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Xueyun Qin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zimeng Zheng
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Min Chen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zhi Lin
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Jiangfeng Ye
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138632, Singapore
| | - Mingqing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
- Correspondence:
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21
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Pal AK, Sharma P, Zia A, Siwan D, Nandave D, Nandave M, Gautam RK. Metabolomics and EMT Markers of Breast Cancer: A Crosstalk and Future Perspective. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2022; 29:200-222. [PMID: 35736645 PMCID: PMC9230911 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo transient EMT and MET phenomena or vice versa, along with the parallel interplay of various markers, often correlated as the determining factor in decoding metabolic profiling of breast cancers. Moreover, various cancer signaling pathways and metabolic changes occurring in breast cancer cells modulate the expression of such markers to varying extents. The existing research completed so far considers the expression of such markers as determinants regulating the invasiveness and survival of breast cancer cells. Therefore, this manuscript is crosstalk among the expression levels of such markers and their correlation in regulating the aggressiveness and invasiveness of breast cancer. We also attempted to cover the possible EMT-based metabolic targets to retard migration and invasion of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Pal
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Prateek Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Alishan Zia
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Deepali Siwan
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Dipali Nandave
- Department of Dravyaguna, Karmavir V. T. Randhir Ayurved College, Boradi 425428, India;
| | - Mukesh Nandave
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.N.); (R.K.G.)
| | - Rupesh K. Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, MM School of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala 134007, India
- Correspondence: (M.N.); (R.K.G.)
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22
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Wang S, Yan Y, Xu WJ, Gong SG, Zhong XJ, An QY, Zhao YL, Liu JM, Wang L, Yuan P, Jiang R. The Role of Glutamine and Glutaminase in Pulmonary Hypertension. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:838657. [PMID: 35310969 PMCID: PMC8924297 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.838657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) refers to a clinical and pathophysiological syndrome in which pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure are increased due to structural or functional changes in pulmonary vasculature caused by a variety of etiologies and different pathogenic mechanisms. It is followed by the development of right heart failure and even death. In recent years, most studies have found that PH and cancer shared a complex common pathological metabolic disturbance, such as the shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. During the shifting process, there is an upregulation of glutamine decomposition driven by glutaminase. However, the relationship between PH and glutamine hydrolysis, especially by glutaminase is yet unclear. This review aims to explore the special linking among glutamine hydrolysis, glutaminase and PH, so as to provide theoretical basis for clinical precision treatment in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Wang
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Yan
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Wei-Jie Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Su-Gang Gong
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu-Jun Zhong
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin-Yan An
- Department of Respiratory, Sijing Hospital of Songjiang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Lin Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Jin-Ming Liu
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ping Yuan,
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Jiang,
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23
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Tasic L, Avramović N, Quintero M, Stanisic D, Martins LG, da Costa TBBC, Jadranin M, de Souza Accioly MT, Faria P, de Camargo B, de Sá Pereira BM, Maschietto M. A Metabonomic View on Wilms Tumor by High-Resolution Magic-Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010157. [PMID: 35054324 PMCID: PMC8775120 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancer NMR-metabonomics might be a powerful tool to discover modified biochemical pathways in tumor development, improve cancer diagnosis, and, consequently, treatment. Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common kidney tumor in young children whose genetic and epigenetic abnormalities lead to cell metabolism alterations, but, so far, investigation of metabolic pathways in WT is scarce. We aimed to explore the high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS NMR) metabonomics of WT and normal kidney (NK) samples. For this study, 14 WT and 7 NK tissue samples were obtained from the same patients and analyzed. One-dimensional and two-dimensional HR-MAS NMR spectra were processed, and the one-dimensional NMR data were analyzed using chemometrics. Chemometrics enabled us to elucidate the most significant differences between the tumor and normal tissues and to discover intrinsic metabolite alterations in WT. The metabolic differences in WT tissues were revealed by a validated PLS-DA applied on HR-MAS T2-edited 1H-NMR and were assigned to 16 metabolites, such as lipids, glucose, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), among others. The WT compared to NK samples showed 13 metabolites with increased concentrations and 3 metabolites with decreased concentrations. The relative BCAA concentrations were decreased in the WT while lipids, lactate, and glutamine/glutamate showed increased levels. Sixteen tissue metabolites distinguish the analyzed WT samples and point to altered glycolysis, glutaminolysis, TCA cycle, and lipid and BCAA metabolism in WT. Significant variation in the concentrations of metabolites, such as glutamine/glutamate, lipids, lactate, and BCAAs, was observed in WT and opened up a perspective for their further study and clinical validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljubica Tasic
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-970, Brazil; (M.Q.); (D.S.); (L.G.M.); (T.B.B.C.d.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nataša Avramović
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Višegradska 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Melissa Quintero
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-970, Brazil; (M.Q.); (D.S.); (L.G.M.); (T.B.B.C.d.C.)
| | - Danijela Stanisic
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-970, Brazil; (M.Q.); (D.S.); (L.G.M.); (T.B.B.C.d.C.)
| | - Lucas G. Martins
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-970, Brazil; (M.Q.); (D.S.); (L.G.M.); (T.B.B.C.d.C.)
| | - Tassia Brena Barroso Carneiro da Costa
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-970, Brazil; (M.Q.); (D.S.); (L.G.M.); (T.B.B.C.d.C.)
| | - Milka Jadranin
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | | | - Paulo Faria
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil;
| | - Beatriz de Camargo
- Clinical Research Department, National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro 20231-091, Brazil; (B.d.C.); (B.M.d.S.P.)
| | - Bruna M. de Sá Pereira
- Clinical Research Department, National Cancer Institute (INCA), Rio de Janeiro 20231-091, Brazil; (B.d.C.); (B.M.d.S.P.)
| | - Mariana Maschietto
- National Laboratory of Biosciences (LNBio), National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-100, Brazil;
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24
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Basheer HA, Elsalem L, Salem A, Tailor A, Hunter K, Afarinkia K. The Expression of Glutaminases and their Association with Clinicopathological Parameters in the Head and Neck Cancers. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 22:169-179. [PMID: 34951574 DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666211224111425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increased glutamine metabolism is a characteristic feature of cancer cells. The interconversion between glutamine and glutamate is catalyzed by two glutaminase isoforms, GLS1 and GLS2, which appear to have different roles in different types of cancer. We investigated for the first time the protein expression of GLS1 and GLS2, and their correlation with advanced clinicopathological parameters in head and neck cancers. METHOD Consecutive slides from a tissue microarray comprised of 80 samples ranging from normal to metastatic, were stained immunohistochemically for GLS1, GLS2, HIF-1α or CD147. Following analysis by two expert pathologists we carried out statistical analysis of the scores. RESULTS GLS1 and GLS2 are upregulated at protein level in head and neck tumours compared to normal tissues and this increased expression correlated positively (GLS1) and negatively (GLS2) with tumor grade, indicating a shift of expression between GLS enzyme isoforms based on tumor differentiation. Increased expression of GLS1 was associated with high CD147 expression; and elevated GLS2 expression was associated with both high CD147 and high HIF-1α expressions. The correlation of the GLS1 and GLS2 with HIF-1α or CD147 was strongly associated with more advanced clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSION The increased expression of GLS1 and GLS2 may be explored as a new treatment for head and neck cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneen A Basheer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, PO Box 132222, Zarqa 13132, Jordan
| | - Lina Elsalem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Anwar Salem
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom. 4School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Artysha Tailor
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Hunter
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Kamyar Afarinkia
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
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25
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E Costa RK, Rodrigues CT, H Campos JC, Paradela LS, Dias MM, Novaes da Silva B, de Valega Negrao CVZ, Gonçalves KDA, Ascenção CFR, Adamoski D, Mercaldi GF, Bastos ACS, Batista FAH, Figueira AC, Cordeiro AT, Ambrosio ALB, Guido RVC, Dias SMG. High-Throughput Screening Reveals New Glutaminase Inhibitor Molecules. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1849-1866. [PMID: 34927015 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The glutaminase (GLS) enzyme hydrolyzes glutamine into glutamate, an important anaplerotic source for the tricarboxylic acid cycle in rapidly growing cancer cells under the Warburg effect. Glutamine-derived α-ketoglutarate is also an important cofactor of chromatin-modifying enzymes, and through epigenetic changes, it keeps cancer cells in an undifferentiated state. Moreover, glutamate is an important neurotransmitter, and deregulated glutaminase activity in the nervous system underlies several neurological disorders. Given the proven importance of glutaminase for critical diseases, we describe the development of a new coupled enzyme-based fluorescent glutaminase activity assay formatted for 384-well plates for high-throughput screening (HTS) of glutaminase inhibitors. We applied the new methodology to screen a ∼30,000-compound library to search for GLS inhibitors. The HTS assay identified 11 glutaminase inhibitors as hits that were characterized by in silico, biochemical, and glutaminase-based cellular assays. A structure-activity relationship study on the most promising hit (C9) allowed the discovery of a derivative, C9.22, with enhanced in vitro and cellular glutaminase-inhibiting activity. In summary, we discovered a new glutaminase inhibitor with an innovative structural scaffold and described the molecular determinants of its activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renna K E Costa
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, 13083-970 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Camila T Rodrigues
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC), University of Sao Paulo (USP), 13563-120 Sao Carlos-SP, Brazil
| | - Jean C H Campos
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana S Paradela
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, 13083-970 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Marilia M Dias
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Bianca Novaes da Silva
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Cyro von Zuben de Valega Negrao
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, 13083-970 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Kaliandra de Almeida Gonçalves
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Carolline F R Ascenção
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, 13083-970 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Douglas Adamoski
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, 13083-970 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Fernando Mercaldi
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Alliny C S Bastos
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A H Batista
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Figueira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Artur T Cordeiro
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Andre L B Ambrosio
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael V C Guido
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC), University of Sao Paulo (USP), 13563-120 Sao Carlos-SP, Brazil
| | - Sandra M G Dias
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-100 Campinas-SP, Brazil
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26
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Stine ZE, Schug ZT, Salvino JM, Dang CV. Targeting cancer metabolism in the era of precision oncology. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 21:141-162. [PMID: 34862480 PMCID: PMC8641543 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00339-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 404] [Impact Index Per Article: 134.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
One hundred years have passed since Warburg discovered alterations in cancer metabolism, more than 70 years since Sidney Farber introduced anti-folates that transformed the treatment of childhood leukaemia, and 20 years since metabolism was linked to oncogenes. However, progress in targeting cancer metabolism therapeutically in the past decade has been limited. Only a few metabolism-based drugs for cancer have been successfully developed, some of which are in - or en route to - clinical trials. Strategies for targeting the intrinsic metabolism of cancer cells often did not account for the metabolism of non-cancer stromal and immune cells, which have pivotal roles in tumour progression and maintenance. By considering immune cell metabolism and the clinical manifestations of inborn errors of metabolism, it may be possible to isolate undesirable off-tumour, on-target effects of metabolic drugs during their development. Hence, the conceptual framework for drug design must consider the metabolic vulnerabilities of non-cancer cells in the tumour immune microenvironment, as well as those of cancer cells. In this Review, we cover the recent developments, notable milestones and setbacks in targeting cancer metabolism, and discuss the way forward for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chi V Dang
- The Wistar Institute Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research New York, New York, NY, USA.
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27
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Hussein S, Khanna P, Yunus N, Gatza ML. Nuclear Receptor-Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming and the Impact on HR+ Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194808. [PMID: 34638293 PMCID: PMC8508306 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States, with hormone receptor positive (HR+) tumors representing more than two-thirds of new cases. Recent evidence has indicated that dysregulation of multiple metabolic programs, which can be driven through nuclear receptor activity, is essential for tumor genesis, progression, therapeutic resistance and metastasis. This study will review the current advances in our understanding of the impact and implication of altered metabolic processes driven by nuclear receptors, including hormone-dependent signaling, on HR+ breast cancer. Abstract Metabolic reprogramming enables cancer cells to adapt to the changing microenvironment in order to maintain metabolic energy and to provide the necessary biological macromolecules required for cell growth and tumor progression. While changes in tumor metabolism have been long recognized as a hallmark of cancer, recent advances have begun to delineate the mechanisms that modulate metabolic pathways and the consequence of altered signaling on tumorigenesis. This is particularly evident in hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancers which account for approximately 70% of breast cancer cases. Emerging evidence indicates that HR+ breast tumors are dependent on multiple metabolic processes for tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance and that changes in metabolic programs are driven, in part, by a number of key nuclear receptors including hormone-dependent signaling. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and impact of hormone receptor mediated metabolic reprogramming on HR+ breast cancer genesis and progression as well as the therapeutic implications of these metabolic processes in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa Hussein
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; (S.H.); (P.K.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Pooja Khanna
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; (S.H.); (P.K.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA;
| | - Neha Yunus
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA;
| | - Michael L. Gatza
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; (S.H.); (P.K.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-732-235-8751
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28
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Identification of the Ferroptosis-Associated Gene Signature to Predict the Prognostic Status of Endometrial Carcinoma Patients. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9954370. [PMID: 34531924 PMCID: PMC8440105 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9954370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common gynecological carcinomas. As previously described, ferroptosis was reported to exhibit a significant association with the development of malignant neoplasms. Nevertheless, there are few studies towards the association between the implication of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and the prognostic status of patients with EC. Our study demonstrated that ferroptosis-related genes were evidently differently expressed in EC. Further analysis showed that SLC7A11, SAT1, CDKN1A, and TP5MC3 expression was linked to the low stage, grade of pTNM, and longer survival time. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that these ferroptosis-related regulators played a crucial role in EC by modulating multiple biological processes, such as cell cycle, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), metabolism-related pathways, ERK activation, p53 signaling pathway, cellular senescence, TAp63 pathway, and Notch signaling pathway. Of note, our results showed that ATP5MC3, CDKN1A, and SLC7A11 expression was dramatically positively related with the tumor mutational burden (TMB) score in EC. However, we did not observe a significant correlation between SAT1 and the TMB score in EC. These findings for the first time demonstrated that ferroptosis was displayed crucially in EC progression. We speculated that our findings offered novel targets and strategies for personalized treatment.
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29
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Ferreira IM, Quesñay JEN, Bastos AC, Rodrigues CT, Vollmar M, Krojer T, Strain-Damerell C, Burgess-Brown NA, von Delft F, Yue WW, Dias SM, Ambrosio AL. Structure and activation mechanism of the human liver-type glutaminase GLS2. Biochimie 2021; 185:96-104. [PMID: 33746066 PMCID: PMC8130709 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit an altered metabolic phenotype, consuming higher levels of the amino acid glutamine. This metabolic reprogramming depends on increased mitochondrial glutaminase activity to convert glutamine to glutamate, an essential precursor for bioenergetic and biosynthetic processes in cells. Mammals encode the kidney-type (GLS) and liver-type (GLS2) glutaminase isozymes. GLS is overexpressed in cancer and associated with enhanced malignancy. On the other hand, GLS2 is either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, depending on the tumor type. The GLS structure and activation mechanism are well known, while the structural determinants for GLS2 activation remain elusive. Here, we describe the structure of the human glutaminase domain of GLS2, followed by the functional characterization of the residues critical for its activity. Increasing concentrations of GLS2 lead to tetramer stabilization, a process enhanced by phosphate. In GLS2, the so-called “lid loop” is in a rigid open conformation, which may be related to its higher affinity for phosphate and lower affinity for glutamine; hence, it has lower glutaminase activity than GLS. The lower affinity of GLS2 for glutamine is also related to its less electropositive catalytic site than GLS, as indicated by a Thr225Lys substitution within the catalytic site decreasing the GLS2 glutamine concentration corresponding to half-maximal velocity (K0.5). Finally, we show that the Lys253Ala substitution (corresponding to the Lys320Ala in the GLS “activation” loop, formerly known as the “gating” loop) renders a highly active protein in stable tetrameric form. We conclude that the “activation” loop, a known target for GLS inhibition, may also be a drug target for GLS2. A positive cooperative mechanism of activation is demonstrated for the liver-type glutaminase. The novel crystal structure for the glutaminase domain of human GLS2 is presented. Site-directed mutagenesis suggest the activation loop as a hotspot for inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor M Ferreira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Zip Code, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - José Edwin N Quesñay
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Zip Code, 13083-970, Brazil; Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, SP, Zip Code, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Alliny Cs Bastos
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Zip Code, 13083-970, Brazil; Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila T Rodrigues
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, SP, Zip Code, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Melanie Vollmar
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Tobias Krojer
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Claire Strain-Damerell
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK; Diamond Light Source Ltd., The Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Nicola A Burgess-Brown
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Frank von Delft
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK; Diamond Light Source Ltd., The Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0FA, UK; Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Wyatt W Yue
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK.
| | - Sandra Mg Dias
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Zip Code, 13083-970, Brazil.
| | - Andre Lb Ambrosio
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Zip Code, 13083-970, Brazil; Sao Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, SP, Zip Code, 13563-120, Brazil.
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30
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Chen X, Huang L, Yang T, Xu J, Zhang C, Deng Z, Yang X, Liu N, Chen S, Lin S. METTL3 Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastasis Through Enhancing GLS2 Expression. Front Oncol 2021; 11:667451. [PMID: 34094960 PMCID: PMC8170325 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.667451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have identified pleiotropic roles of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in tumor progression. However, the roles of METTL3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still unclear. Here, we investigated the function and mechanism of METTL3 in ESCC tumorigenesis. We reported that higher METTL3 expression was found in ESCC tissues and was markedly associated with depth of invasion and poor prognosis. Loss- and gain-of function studies showed that METTL3 promoted the migration and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro. Integrated methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis first demonstrated that glutaminase 2 (GLS2) was regulated by METTL3 via m6A modification. Our findings identified METTL3/GLS2 signaling as a potential therapeutic target in antimetastatic strategies against ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Chen
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lanlan Huang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiexuan Xu
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyong Zhang
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhendong Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Naihua Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Size Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Esophageal Cancer Precise Therapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoqiang Lin, ; Size Chen,
| | - Shaoqiang Lin
- Clinical Department of Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Esophageal Cancer Precise Therapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoqiang Lin, ; Size Chen,
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31
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Wei F, Wang D, Wei J, Tang N, Tang L, Xiong F, Guo C, Zhou M, Li X, Li G, Xiong W, Zhang S, Zeng Z. Metabolic crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment regulates antitumor immunosuppression and immunotherapy resisitance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:173-193. [PMID: 32654036 PMCID: PMC11072448 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03581-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The successful treatment of human cancers by immunotherapy has been made possible by breakthroughs in the discovery of immune checkpoint regulators, including CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1. However, the immunosuppressive effect of the tumor microenvironment still represents an important bottleneck that limits the success of immunotherapeutic approaches. The tumor microenvironment influences the metabolic crosstalk between tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, creating competition for the utilization of nutrients and promoting immunosuppression. In addition, tumor-derived metabolites regulate the activation and effector function of immune cells through a variety of mechanisms; in turn, the metabolites and other factors secreted by immune cells can also become accomplices to cancer development. Immune-metabolic checkpoint regulation is an emerging concept that is being studied with the aim of restoring the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the metabolic reprogramming of various cell types present in the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on the interaction between the metabolic pathways of these cells and antitumor immunosuppression. We also discuss the main metabolic checkpoints that could provide new means of enhancing antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wei
- Center for Aging Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Department of Stomatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Junyuan Wei
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, 650031, China
| | - Niwen Tang
- Center for Aging Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Le Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Fang Xiong
- Department of Stomatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Can Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Stomatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- Department of Stomatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
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32
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Wang Z, Liu F, Fan N, Zhou C, Li D, Macvicar T, Dong Q, Bruns CJ, Zhao Y. Targeting Glutaminolysis: New Perspectives to Understand Cancer Development and Novel Strategies for Potential Target Therapies. Front Oncol 2020; 10:589508. [PMID: 33194749 PMCID: PMC7649373 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.589508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism rewiring is an important hallmark of cancers. Being one of the most abundant free amino acids in the human blood, glutamine supports bioenergetics and biosynthesis, tumor growth, and the production of antioxidants through glutaminolysis in cancers. In glutamine dependent cancer cells, more than half of the tricarboxylic/critic acid (TCA) metabolites are derived from glutamine. Glutaminolysis controls the process of converting glutamine into TCA cycle metabolites through the regulation of multiple enzymes, among which the glutaminase shows the importance as the very first step in this process. Targeting glutaminolysis via glutaminase inhibition emerges as a promising strategy to disrupt cancer metabolism and tumor progression. Here, we review the regulation of glutaminase and the role of glutaminase in cancer metabolism and metastasis. Furthermore, we highlight the glutaminase inhibitor based metabolic therapy strategy and their potential applications in clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhefang Wang
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fanyu Liu
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ningbo Fan
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Chenghui Zhou
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Macvicar
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Qiongzhu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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33
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Sun X, Wang M, Wang M, Yao L, Li X, Dong H, Li M, Li X, Liu X, Xu Y. Exploring the Metabolic Vulnerabilities of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:655. [PMID: 32793598 PMCID: PMC7393287 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis and drug resistance are the leading causes of death for breast cancer patients. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a transition from polarized epithelial cells to motile mesenchymal cells mediated by a series of activation signals, confers breast tumor cells with enhanced stem cell, invasive, and metastatic properties. Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of cancer cells, which have a complex mutual effect with EMT process. Under hypoxic and nutrient-deprived conditions, metabolic rewiring can rapidly provide ATP and sufficient metabolic intermediates for fueling breast cancer metastasis and progression. In this review, we primarily focus on how these altered metabolic phenotypes of breast tumor cells activate the EMT transcription factors and induce the EMT process to further promote metastasis and resistance to therapy. This review is divided to glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism to explore for potential metabolic vulnerabilities, which may provide new insights for blocking the EMT process in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yingying Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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34
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Matés JM, Campos-Sandoval JA, de Los Santos-Jiménez J, Márquez J. Glutaminases regulate glutathione and oxidative stress in cancer. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2603-2623. [PMID: 32681190 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapies against cancer have improved both survival and quality of life of patients. However, metabolic rewiring evokes cellular mechanisms that reduce therapeutic mightiness. Resistant cells generate more glutathione, elicit nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, and overexpress many anti-oxidative genes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxin reductase, providing stronger antioxidant capacity to survive in a more oxidative environment due to the sharp rise in oxidative metabolism and reactive oxygen species generation. These changes dramatically alter tumour microenvironment and cellular metabolism itself. A rational design of therapeutic combination strategies is needed to flatten cellular homeostasis and accomplish a drop in cancer development. Context-dependent glutaminase isoenzymes show oncogenic and tumour suppressor properties, being mainly associated to MYC and p53, respectively. Glutaminases catalyze glutaminolysis in mitochondria, regulating oxidative phosphorylation, redox status and cell metabolism for tumour growth. In addition, the substrate and product of glutaminase reaction, glutamine and glutamate, respectively, can work as signalling molecules moderating redox and bioenergetic pathways in cancer. Novel synergistic approaches combining glutaminase inhibition and redox-dependent modulation are described in this review. Pharmacological or genetic glutaminase regulation along with oxidative chemotherapy can help to improve the design of combination strategies that escalate the rate of therapeutic success in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
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