1
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Zou Z, Luo T, Wang X, Wang B, Li Q. Exploring the interplay between triple-negative breast cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment for effective therapeutic strategies. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38807378 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive and metastatic malignancy with poor treatment outcomes. The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) plays an important role in the development of TNBC. Owing to their ability of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation, BCSCs maintain tumor growth, drive metastatic colonization, and facilitate the development of drug resistance. TME is the main factor regulating the phenotype and metastasis of BCSCs. Immune cells, cancer-related fibroblasts (CAFs), cytokines, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix within the TME form a complex communication network, exert highly selective pressure on the tumor, and provide a conducive environment for the formation of BCSC niches. Tumor growth and metastasis can be controlled by targeting the TME to eliminate BCSC niches or targeting BCSCs to modify the TME. These approaches may improve the treatment outcomes and possess great application potential in clinical settings. In this review, we summarized the relationship between BCSCs and the progression and drug resistance of TNBC, especially focusing on the interaction between BCSCs and TME. In addition, we discussed therapeutic strategies that target the TME to inhibit or eliminate BCSCs, providing valuable insights into the clinical treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoling Zou
- Queen Mary College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tinglan Luo
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh People's Hospital of Chongqing (Affiliated Central Hospital of Chongqing University of Technology), Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Chongqing Medicine University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh People's Hospital of Chongqing (Affiliated Central Hospital of Chongqing University of Technology), Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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2
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Petrella PE, Chen JW, Ravelo GO, Cosgrove BD. Chemoresistance to additive PARP/PI3K dual inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines is associated with adaptive stem cell-like prevalence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.28.591568. [PMID: 38746322 PMCID: PMC11092486 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.28.591568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are posited to exhibit specialized oncogenic capacity to drive malignancies. CSCs are distinguished by enhanced hallmarks of cancer, including apoptosis avoidance, phenotypic plasticity and aberrant growth pathway signaling. Standard-of-care chemotherapies targeted to rapidly cycling cells routinely fail to eliminate this resistant subpopulation, leading to disease recurrence and metastasis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer, is enriched for tumor-propagating CD44+/CD24-/low CSCs, which are poorly ablated by chemotherapeutics and are associated with poor prognosis. CD44 governs sustained PI3K signaling in breast cancer, which is essential for CSC maintenance. PI3K inhibition can elicit DNA damage and down-regulate BRCA1 expression, which in turn enhance the synthetic lethality of PARP inhibitors. Here, we examined a dual chemotherapeutic approach targeting these pathways by combining a pan-PI3K inhibitor (Buparlisib) and a PARP1 inhibitor (Olaparib) on a panel of TNBC cell lines with distinct mutational profiles and proportions of CSCs. We observed differential sensitivity to this dual inhibition strategy and varying cellular stress and resistance responses across eight TNBC lines. The dual chemotherapeutic effect is associated with a reduction in S-phase cells, an increased in apoptotic cells and elevated expression of cleaved PARP, indicating a provoked replicative stress response. We observed that PARP/PI3K inhibition efficacy was potentiated by repeated administration in some TNBC lines and identified critical treatment schedules, which further potentiated the dual chemotherapeutic effect. Dual inhibition induced small but significant increases in CSC relative abundance as marked by CD44+/CD24-/low or ALDH1+ cells and increased stress and survival signaling in multiple TNBC cell lines, suggesting this sub-population contributes to TNBC chemoresistance. These results suggest the additive effects of PARP and PI3K inhibition against CSC phenotypes may be enhanced by temporally-staged administration in TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason W. Chen
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Gabrielle O. Ravelo
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Cosgrove
- Graduate Field of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cell Biology and
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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3
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Liao H, Wang Y, Zou L, Fan Y, Wang X, Tu X, Zhu Q, Wang J, Liu X, Dong C. Relationship of mTORC1 and ferroptosis in tumors. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:107. [PMID: 38583115 PMCID: PMC10999401 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00954-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed death, dependent on iron ions and oxidative stress, with a predominant intracellular form of lipid peroxidation. In recent years, ferroptosis has gained more and more interest of people in the treatment mechanism of targeted tumors. mTOR, always overexpressed in the tumor, and controlling cell growth and metabolic activities, has an important role in both autophagy and ferroptosis. Interestingly, the selective types of autophay plays an important role in promoting ferroptosis, which is related to mTOR and some metabolic pathways (especially in iron and amino acids). In this paper, we list the main mechanisms linking ferroptosis with mTOR signaling pathway and further summarize the current compounds targeting ferroptosis in these ways. There are growing experimental evidences that targeting mTOR and ferroptosis may have effective impact in many tumors, and understanding the mechanisms linking mTOR to ferroptosis could provide a potential therapeutic approach for tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Liao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
- The Institute of Infection and Inflammation, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
| | - Yueqing Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
- The Institute of Infection and Inflammation, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
| | - Lili Zou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
- The Institute of Infection and Inflammation, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
| | - Yanmei Fan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
| | - Xiancong Tu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
| | - Qiaobai Zhu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
- The Institute of Infection and Inflammation, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
| | - Jun Wang
- The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University and The First People's Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002.
- The Institute of Infection and Inflammation, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China, 443002.
| | - Chuanjiang Dong
- Department of Urology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China, 523000.
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4
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Park MN. Therapeutic Strategies for Pancreatic-Cancer-Related Type 2 Diabetes Centered around Natural Products. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15906. [PMID: 37958889 PMCID: PMC10648679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115906] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly malignant neoplasm, is classified as one of the most severe and devastating types of cancer. PDAC is a notable malignancy that exhibits a discouraging prognosis and a rising occurrence. The interplay between diabetes and pancreatic cancer exhibits a reciprocal causation. The identified metabolic disorder has been observed to possess noteworthy consequences on health outcomes, resulting in elevated rates of morbidity. The principal mechanisms involve the suppression of the immune system, the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and the onset of systemic metabolic disease caused by dysfunction of the islets. From this point forward, it is important to recognize that pancreatic-cancer-related diabetes (PCRD) has the ability to increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. This highlights the complex relationship that exists between these two physiological states. Therefore, we investigated into the complex domain of PSCs, elucidating their intricate signaling pathways and the profound influence of chemokines on their behavior and final outcome. In order to surmount the obstacle of drug resistance and eliminate PDAC, researchers have undertaken extensive efforts to explore and cultivate novel natural compounds of the next generation. Additional investigation is necessary in order to comprehensively comprehend the effect of PCRD-mediated apoptosis on the progression and onset of PDAC through the utilization of natural compounds. This study aims to examine the potential anticancer properties of natural compounds in individuals with diabetes who are undergoing chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. It is anticipated that these compounds will exhibit increased potency and possess enhanced pharmacological benefits. According to our research findings, it is indicated that naturally derived chemical compounds hold potential in the development of PDAC therapies that are both safe and efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Nyeo Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea
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5
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Nejatie A, Yee SS, Jeter A, Saragovi HU. The cancer glycocode as a family of diagnostic biomarkers, exemplified by tumor-associated gangliosides. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1261090. [PMID: 37954075 PMCID: PMC10637394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1261090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode).A class of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs) are presented here as potential diagnostics for detecting cancer, especially at early stages, as the biological function of TMGs makes them etiological. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention. Diagnosis is critical to reducing cancer mortality but many cancers lack efficient and effective diagnostic tests, especially for early stage disease. Ideal diagnostic biomarkers are etiological, samples are preferably obtained via non-invasive methods (e.g. liquid biopsy of blood or urine), and are quantitated using assays that yield high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for efficient diagnosis, prognosis, or predicting response to therapy. Validated biomarkers with these features are rare. While the advent of proteomics and genomics has led to the identification of a multitude of proteins and nucleic acid sequences as cancer biomarkers, relatively few have been approved for clinical use. The use of multiplex arrays and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms offer the option of combining data of known biomarkers; however, for most, the sensitivity and the specificity are below acceptable criteria, and clinical validation has proven difficult. One strategic solution to this problem is to expand the biomarker families beyond those currently exploited. One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode). Here, we focus on a family of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs). We discuss the diagnostic potential of TMGs for detecting cancer, especially at early stages. We include prior studies from the literature to summarize findings for ganglioside quantification, expression, detection, and biological function and its role in various cancers. We highlight the examples of TMGs exhibiting ideal properties of cancer diagnostic biomarkers, and the application of GD2 and GD3 for diagnosis of early stage cancers with high sensitivity and specificity. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nejatie
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samantha S. Yee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Horacio Uri Saragovi
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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6
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Cui B, He B, Huang Y, Wang C, Luo H, Lu J, Su K, Zhang X, Luo Y, Zhao Z, Yang Y, Zhang Y, An F, Wang H, Lam EWF, Kelley KW, Wang L, Liu Q, Peng F. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 reprograms proline metabolism to drive breast cancer stemness under psychological stress. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:682. [PMID: 37845207 PMCID: PMC10579265 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06200-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) contribute to cancer metastasis, drug resistance and tumor relapse, yet how amino acid metabolism promotes CSC maintenance remains exclusive. Here, we identify that proline synthetase PYCR1 is critical for breast cancer stemness and tumor growth. Mechanistically, PYCR1-synthesized proline activates cGMP-PKG signaling to enhance cancer stem-like traits. Importantly, cGMP-PKG signaling mediates psychological stress-induced cancer stem-like phenotypes and tumorigenesis. Ablation of PYCR1 markedly reverses psychological stress-induced proline synthesis, cGMP-PKG signaling activation and cancer progression. Clinically, PYCR1 and cGMP-PKG signaling components are highly expressed in breast tumor specimens, conferring poor survival in breast cancer patients. Targeting proline metabolism or cGMP-PKG signaling pathway provides a potential therapeutic strategy for breast patients undergoing psychological stress. Collectively, our findings unveil that PYCR1-enhanced proline synthesis displays a critical role in maintaining breast cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Cui
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Bin He
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanping Huang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Cenxin Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Huandong Luo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jinxin Lu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Keyu Su
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuanyuan Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Zhuoran Zhao
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuqing Yang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yunkun Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fan An
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Keith W Kelley
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Department of Animal Sciences, College of ACES, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Quentin Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Fei Peng
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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7
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Machy P, Mortier E, Birklé S. Biology of GD2 ganglioside: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1249929. [PMID: 37670947 PMCID: PMC10475612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1249929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Part of the broader glycosphingolipid family, gangliosides are composed of a ceramide bound to a sialic acid-containing glycan chain, and locate at the plasma membrane. Gangliosides are produced through sequential steps of glycosylation and sialylation. This diversity of composition is reflected in differences in expression patterns and functions of the various gangliosides. Ganglioside GD2 designates different subspecies following a basic structure containing three carbohydrate residues and two sialic acids. GD2 expression, usually restrained to limited tissues, is frequently altered in various neuroectoderm-derived cancers. While GD2 is of evident interest, its glycolipid nature has rendered research challenging. Physiological GD2 expression has been linked to developmental processes. Passing this stage, varying levels of GD2, physiologically expressed mainly in the central nervous system, affect composition and formation of membrane microdomains involved in surface receptor signaling. Overexpressed in cancer, GD2 has been shown to enhance cell survival and invasion. Furthermore, binding of antibodies leads to immune-independent cell death mechanisms. In addition, GD2 contributes to T-cell dysfunction, and functions as an immune checkpoint. Given the cancer-associated functions, GD2 has been a source of interest for immunotherapy. As a potential biomarker, methods are being developed to quantify GD2 from patients' samples. In addition, various therapeutic strategies are tested. Based on initial success with antibodies, derivates such as bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines have been developed, engaging patient immune system. Cytotoxic effectors or payloads may be redirected based on anti-GD2 antibodies. Finally, vaccines can be used to mount an immune response in patients. We review here the pertinent biological information on GD2 which may be of use for optimizing current immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stéphane Birklé
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
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8
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Kobayashi H, Yoshimoto C, Matsubara S, Shigetomi H, Imanaka S. A comprehensive overview of recent developments on the mechanisms and pathways of ferroptosis in cancer: the potential implications for therapeutic strategies in ovarian cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:547-566. [PMID: 37842240 PMCID: PMC10571061 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells adapt to environmental changes and alter their metabolic pathways to promote survival and proliferation. Metabolic reprogramming not only allows tumor cells to maintain a reduction-oxidation balance by rewiring resources for survival, but also causes nutrient addiction or metabolic vulnerability. Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides. Excess iron in ovarian cancer amplifies free oxidative radicals and drives the Fenton reaction, thereby inducing ferroptosis. However, ovarian cancer is characterized by ferroptosis resistance. Therefore, the induction of ferroptosis is an exciting new targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. In this review, potential metabolic pathways targeting ferroptosis were summarized to promote anticancer effects, and current knowledge and future perspectives on ferroptosis for ovarian cancer therapy were discussed. Two therapeutic strategies were highlighted in this review: directly inducing the ferroptosis pathway and targeting metabolic vulnerabilities that affect ferroptosis. The overexpression of SLC7A11, a cystine/glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 (also known as xCT), is involved in the suppression of ferroptosis. xCT inhibition by ferroptosis inducers (e.g., erastin) can promote cell death when carbon as an energy source of glucose, glutamine, or fatty acids is abundant. On the contrary, xCT regulation has been reported to be highly dependent on the metabolic vulnerability. Drugs that target intrinsic metabolic vulnerabilities (e.g., GLUT1 inhibitors, PDK4 inhibitors, or glutaminase inhibitors) predispose cancer cells to death, which is triggered by decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate generation or increased reactive oxygen species accumulation. Therefore, therapeutic approaches that either directly inhibit the xCT pathway or target metabolic vulnerabilities may be effective in overcoming ferroptosis resistance. Real-time monitoring of changes in metabolic pathways may aid in selecting personalized treatment modalities. Despite the rapid development of ferroptosis-inducing agents, therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic vulnerability remain in their infancy. Thus, further studies must be conducted to comprehensively understand the precise mechanism linking metabolic rewiring with ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Ms.Clinic MayOne, Kashihara 634-0813, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Chiharu Yoshimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara 630-8581, Japan
| | - Sho Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Kei Oushin Clinic, Nishinomiya 663-8184, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shigetomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Aska Ladies Clinic, Nara 634-0001, Japan
| | - Shogo Imanaka
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Ms.Clinic MayOne, Kashihara 634-0813, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
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9
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Wedam R, Greer YE, Wisniewski DJ, Weltz S, Kundu M, Voeller D, Lipkowitz S. Targeting Mitochondria with ClpP Agonists as a Novel Therapeutic Opportunity in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071936. [PMID: 37046596 PMCID: PMC10093243 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the leading cause of cancer mortality in women. Despite the recent development of new therapeutics including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, triple-negative breast cancer remains an aggressive form of breast cancer, and thus improved treatments are needed. In recent decades, it has become increasingly clear that breast cancers harbor metabolic plasticity that is controlled by mitochondria. A myriad of studies provide evidence that mitochondria are essential to breast cancer progression. Mitochondria in breast cancers are widely reprogrammed to enhance energy production and biosynthesis of macromolecules required for tumor growth. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of mitochondrial roles in breast cancers and elucidate why mitochondria are a rational therapeutic target. We will then outline the status of the use of mitochondria-targeting drugs in breast cancers, and highlight ClpP agonists as emerging mitochondria-targeting drugs with a unique mechanism of action. We also illustrate possible drug combination strategies and challenges in the future breast cancer clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Wedam
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yoshimi Endo Greer
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David J Wisniewski
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sarah Weltz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Manjari Kundu
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Donna Voeller
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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10
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Glutamine Metabolism in Cancer Stem Cells: A Complex Liaison in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032337. [PMID: 36768660 PMCID: PMC9916789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review we focus on the role of glutamine in control of cancer stem cell (CSC) fate. We first provide an overview of glutamine metabolism, and then summarize relevant studies investigating how glutamine metabolism modulates the CSC compartment, concentrating on solid tumors. We schematically describe how glutamine in CSC contributes to several metabolic pathways, such as redox metabolic pathways, ATP production, non-essential aminoacids and nucleotides biosynthesis, and ammonia production. Furthermore, we show that glutamine metabolism is a key regulator of epigenetic modifications in CSC. Finally, we briefly discuss how cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocytes, and senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment may indirectly influence CSC fate by modulating glutamine availability. We aim to highlight the complexity of glutamine's role in CSC, which supports our knowledge about metabolic heterogeneity within the CSC population.
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11
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Kao TW, Chuang YC, Lee HL, Kuo CC, Shen YA. Therapeutic Targeting of Glutaminolysis as a Novel Strategy to Combat Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315296. [PMID: 36499623 PMCID: PMC9737183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the ability to self-renew and are the primary driving force behind cancer metastatic dissemination and the preeminent hurdle to cancer treatment. As opposed to differentiated, non-malignant tumor offspring, CSCs have sophisticated metabolic patterns that, depending on the kind of cancer, rely mostly on the oxidation of major fuel substrates such as glucose, glutamine, and fatty acids for survival. Glutaminolysis is a series of metabolic reactions that convert glutamine to glutamate and, eventually, α-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle that provides biosynthetic building blocks. These building blocks are mostly utilized in the synthesis of macromolecules and antioxidants for redox homeostasis. A recent study revealed the cellular and molecular interconnections between glutamine and cancer stemness in the cell. Researchers have increasingly focused on glutamine catabolism in their attempt to discover an effective therapy for cancer stem cells. Targeting catalytic enzymes in glutaminolysis, such as glutaminase (GLS), is achievable with small molecule inhibitors, some of which are in early-phase clinical trials and have promising safety profiles. This review summarizes the current findings in glutaminolysis of CSCs and focuses on novel cancer therapies that target glutaminolysis in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Wan Kao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chen Chuang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Lun Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Kuo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yao-An Shen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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12
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Greer YE, Hernandez L, Fennell EMJ, Kundu M, Voeller D, Chari R, Gilbert SF, Gilbert TSK, Ratnayake S, Tang B, Hafner M, Chen Q, Meerzaman D, Iwanowicz E, Annunziata CM, Graves LM, Lipkowitz S. Mitochondrial Matrix Protease ClpP Agonists Inhibit Cancer Stem Cell Function in Breast Cancer Cells by Disrupting Mitochondrial Homeostasis. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1144-1161. [PMID: 36388465 PMCID: PMC9645232 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are multifaceted organelles which are important for bioenergetics, biosynthesis and signaling in metazoans. Mitochondrial functions are frequently altered in cancer to promote both the energy and the necessary metabolic intermediates for biosynthesis required for tumor growth. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to chemotherapy resistance, relapse, and metastasis. Recent studies have shown that while non-stem, bulk cancer cells utilize glycolysis, breast CSCs are more dependent on oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) and therefore targeting mitochondria may inhibit CSC function. We previously reported that small molecule ONC201, which is an agonist for the mitochondrial caseinolytic protease (ClpP), induces mitochondrial dysfunction in breast cancer cells. In this study, we report that ClpP agonists inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and CSC function in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that OxPhos inhibition downregulates multiple pathways required for CSC function, such as the mevalonate pathway, YAP, Myc, and the HIF pathway. ClpP agonists showed significantly greater inhibitory effect on CSC functions compared with other mitochondria-targeting drugs. Further studies showed that ClpP agonists deplete NAD(P)+ and NAD(P)H, induce redox imbalance, dysregulate one-carbon metabolism and proline biosynthesis. Downregulation of these pathways by ClpP agonists further contribute to the inhibition of CSC function. In conclusion, ClpP agonists inhibit breast CSC functions by disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis in breast cancer cells and inhibiting multiple pathways critical to CSC function. Significance ClpP agonists disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis by activating mitochondrial matrix protease ClpP. We report that ClpP agonists inhibit cell growth and cancer stem cell functions in breast cancer models by modulating multiple metabolic pathways essential to cancer stem cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emily M. J. Fennell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Raj Chari
- Genome Modification Core, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Frederick, MD
| | | | - Thomas S. K. Gilbert
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Shashikala Ratnayake
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Binwu Tang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, NCI, NIH
| | - Markus Hafner
- RNA Molecular Biology Group, Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation, NIAMS, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Qingrong Chen
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Daoud Meerzaman
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | | | | | - Lee M. Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
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