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Qiu D, Zhao B, Wang W, Zheng G, Wang Z, Wang X, Li Y, Liao Z, Zhao Y, Zhang Y. The predictive value of PFKFB3 in bladder cancer prognosis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31347. [PMID: 38803949 PMCID: PMC11128530 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase-3 (PFKFB3) influences cancer progression via participating in tumor aerobic glycolysis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of PFKFB3 in bladder cancer (BLCA) patients by analyzing a combination of publicly available databases, clinical patient data, and bladder tumor samples from our hospital. Single-cell and bulk RNA-seq data of bladder cancer, obtained from ENA, GEO, and TCGA databases, were utilized for our analysis. The results indicated that PFKFB3 mRNA expression was markedly elevated in bladder cancer compared to paired normal tissue. Furthermore, BLCA patients with high PFKFB3 expression exhibited a significantly worse prognosis (P < 0.05). To validate these findings, clinical data and immunohistochemistry staining were performed on specimens obtained from 89 BLCA patients who underwent radical cystectomy at either Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital or Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The findings from this verification process confirmed that high expression of PFKFB3 serves as a biomarker for predicting worse prognosis in BLCA patients (OR: 2.462, 95 % CI: 1.202-5.042, P = 0.012). To facilitate clinical application, we developed a nomogram based on four variables, including PFKFB3 expression, to predict the survival of BLCA patients. Importantly, this nomogram demonstrated a low mean prediction error of 0.03. Taken together, our findings suggest that PFKFB3 has the potential to serve as both a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for BLCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Qiu
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Wenda Wang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Guoyang Zheng
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Yanan Li
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Zhangcheng Liao
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
- Clinical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, PR China
| | - Yushi Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, PR China
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Fontana F, Giannitti G, Marchesi S, Limonta P. The PI3K/Akt Pathway and Glucose Metabolism: A Dangerous Liaison in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:3113-3125. [PMID: 38904014 PMCID: PMC11186371 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.89942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway commonly occurs in cancers and correlates with multiple aspects of malignant progression. In particular, recent evidence suggests that the PI3K/Akt signaling plays a fundamental role in promoting the so-called aerobic glycolysis or Warburg effect, by phosphorylating different nutrient transporters and metabolic enzymes, such as GLUT1, HK2, PFKB3/4 and PKM2, and by regulating various molecular networks and proteins, including mTORC1, GSK3, FOXO transcription factors, MYC and HIF-1α. This leads to a profound reprogramming of cancer metabolism, also impacting on pentose phosphate pathway, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, de novo lipid synthesis and redox homeostasis and thereby allowing the fulfillment of both the catabolic and anabolic demands of tumor cells. The present review discusses the interactions between the PI3K/Akt cascade and its metabolic targets, focusing on their possible therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fontana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Dong XM, Chen L, Wu P, Cheng LH, Wang Y, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Tang WY, Xie T, Zhou JL. Targeted metabolomics reveals PFKFB3 as a key target for elemene-mediated inhibition of glycolysis in prostate cancer cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155185. [PMID: 38134863 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elemene, an active anticancer extract derived from Curcuma wenyujin, has well-documented anticarcinogenic properties. Nevertheless, the role of elemene in prostate cancer (PCa) and its underlying molecular mechanism remain elusive. PURPOSE This study focuses on investigating the anti-PCa effects of elemene and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Cell-based assays, including CCK-8, scratch, colony formation, cell cycle, and apoptosis experiments, to comprehensively assess the impact of elemene on PCa cells (LNCaP and PC3) in vitro. Additionally, we used a xenograft model with PC3 cells in nude mice to evaluate elemene in vivo efficacy. Targeted metabolomics analysis via HILIC-MS/MS was performed to investigate elemene potential target pathways, validated through molecular biology experiments, including western blotting and gene manipulation studies. RESULTS In this study, we discovered that elemene has remarkable anti-PCa activity in both in vitro and in vivo settings, comparable to clinical chemotherapeutic drugs but with fewer side effects. Using our established targeted metabolomics approach, we demonstrated that β-elemene, elemene's primary component, effectively inhibits glycolysis in PCa cells by downregulating 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) expression. Furthermore, we found that β-elemene accomplishes this downregulation by upregulating p53 and FZR1. Knockdown and overexpression experiments conclusively confirmed the pivotal role of PFKFB3 in mediating β-elemene's anti-PCa activity. CONCLUSION This finding presents compelling evidence that elemene exerts its anti-PCa effect by suppressing glycolysis through the downregulation of PFKFB3. This study not only improves our understanding of elemene in PCa treatment but also provides valuable insights for developing more effective and safer therapies for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Man Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Lin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Pu Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University. Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Long-Hui Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Dalian HolleyKingkong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Dalian 116199, China
| | - Youjian Yang
- Dalian HolleyKingkong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Dalian 116199, China
| | - Yongwei Zhang
- Dalian HolleyKingkong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Dalian 116199, China
| | - Wei-Yang Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
| | - Jian-Liang Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
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Ling X, Liu L, Jiang A, Shi X, Liu L, Wang X, Lu C, Ren C, Yu Z. PFKFB3 promotes endometriosis cell proliferation via enhancing the protein stability of β-catenin. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 579:112083. [PMID: 37820851 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease in women of reproductive age and is highly associated with infertility. However, the molecular mechanism of endometriosis remains unclear. 6-Phosphofructose-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) is a key enzyme in glycolysis and plays an important regulatory role in the development of cancer. Here we found that PFKFB3 is highly expressed in endometriotic tissues. PFKFB3 promotes the proliferation and growth of endometriosis cells. Meanwhile, PFKFB3 promotes glycolysis in endometriosis cells. Furthermore, PFKFB3 promotes migration and invasion of endometriosis cells. On this basis, we found that PFKFB3 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in endometriosis cells. PFKFB3 interacts with the essential factor of EMT, β-catenin, and promotes the protein stability of β-catenin. In addition, the PFKFB3 inhibitor PFK-015 inhibites the growth of endometriosis cells and the development of endometrial tissue. In conclusion, our study shows that PFKFB3 plays an important role in the development of endometriosis and provides new ideas for the clinical diagnosis or treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China; School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China; School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Aifang Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xiaodan Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China; School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China; School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Chune Ren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China.
| | - Zhenhai Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, PR China.
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Li Q, Chen Y, Liu H, Tian Y, Yin G, Xie Q. Targeting glycolytic pathway in fibroblast-like synoviocytes for rheumatoid arthritis therapy: challenges and opportunities. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:2155-2167. [PMID: 37940690 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01807-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperplastic synovium, pannus formation, immune cell infiltration, and potential articular cartilage damage. Notably, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), especially rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLS), exhibit specific overexpression of glycolytic enzymes, resulting in heightened glycolysis. This elevated glycolysis serves to generate ATP and plays a pivotal role in immune regulation, angiogenesis, and adaptation to hypoxia. Key glycolytic enzymes, such as hexokinase 2 (HK2), phosphofructose-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), significantly contribute to the pathogenic behavior of RAFLS. This increased glycolysis activity is regulated by various signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted to retrieve relevant studies published from January 1, 2010, to the present, focusing on RAFLS glycolysis, RA pathogenesis, glycolytic regulation pathways, and small-molecule drugs targeting glycolysis. CONCLUSION This review provides a thorough exploration of the pathological and physiological characteristics of three crucial glycolytic enzymes in RA. It delves into their putative regulatory mechanisms, shedding light on their significance in RAFLS. Furthermore, the review offers an up-to-date overview of emerging small-molecule candidate drugs designed to target these glycolytic enzymes and the upstream signaling pathways that regulate them. By enhancing our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and highlighting the pivotal role of glycolytic enzymes, this study contributes to the development of innovative anti-rheumatic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuehong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunru Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Geng Yin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of General Practice, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qibing Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Wang YH, Wang QT, Wu XT, Dong Y, Cui Q, Zhou YN, Yang XW, Lu WF, Li WY, Wang H, Zhao XD, Zhang M. Yiqi Yangjing recipe stimulates apoptosis while suppressing the energy metabolism via under-expression of PFKFB3 in A549 cells. J Thorac Dis 2023; 15:4885-4895. [PMID: 37868897 PMCID: PMC10586959 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Lung cancer is a malignant tumor associated with high morbidity and mortality. Yiqi Yangjing recipe (YYR) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is commonly used for the treatment of lung cancer with good clinical efficacy. The specific anti-cancer mechanism of YYR is still unknown. We need to embark on a more in-depth pharmacological study of YYR to determine the complex compound ingredients, which could be promoted in clinical practice to achieve efficacy in prolonging recurrent metastasis of lung cancer. Methods The cytotoxic effects of YYR on A549 cells were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The PFKFB3-under-expressed and overexpressed A549 cell lines were constructed via PFK15 treatment and transfection, respectively. The effects of YYR on PFKFB3 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. The pro-apoptotic and anti-glycolytic abilities of YYR were measured using flow cytometry assay and hippocampal XF96 extracellular flux analyzer. An in vivo tumorigenicity assay was performed on nude mice to confirm the anti-cancer effects of YYR. Results YYR has a noticeable cytotoxic activity on A549 cells, with the treatment with both YYR and PFK15 significantly inducing apoptosis. YYR and PFK15 treatment reduced the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in A549 cells. Similar to PFK15, YYR can down-regulate PFKFB3 expression, and PFKFB3 overexpression suppressed the apoptosis, which was reversed by YYR. Animal experiments confirmed that YYR was able to inhibit tumor growth, induce tumor cell apoptosis, and down-regulate PFKFB3 in tumor tissues. Conclusions This study demonstrated that YYR promoted lung cancer cell apoptosis and inhibited energy metabolism by targeting PFKFB3. Furthermore, we believe that YYR may be a suitable supplement or alternative drug for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Han Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing-Ting Wang
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Wu
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Dong
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Cui
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Ning Zhou
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Wen Yang
- Shanghai Literature Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Feng Lu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wan-Yu Li
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhao
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicines, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Chu YD, Chen CW, Lai MW, Lim SN, Lin WR. Bioenergetic alteration in gastrointestinal cancers: The good, the bad and the ugly. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4499-4527. [PMID: 37621758 PMCID: PMC10445009 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i29.4499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit metabolic reprogramming and bioenergetic alteration, utilizing glucose fermentation for energy production, known as the Warburg effect. However, there are a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing the metabolic reprogramming, bioenergetic alteration, and their oncogenetic links in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Furthermore, the efficacy and treatment potential of emerging anticancer drugs targeting these alterations in GI cancers require further evaluation. This review highlights the interplay between aerobic glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cancer cells, as well as hypotheses on the molecular mechanisms that trigger this alteration. The role of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, tumor suppressors, and the oncogenetic link between hypoxia-related enzymes, bioenergetic changes, and GI cancer are also discussed. This review emphasizes the potential of targeting bioenergetic regulators for anti-cancer therapy, particularly for GI cancers. Emphasizing the potential of targeting bioenergetic regulators for GI cancer therapy, the review categorizes these regulators into aerobic glycolysis/ lactate biosynthesis/transportation and TCA cycle/coupled OXPHOS. We also detail various anti-cancer drugs and strategies that have produced pre-clinical and/or clinical evidence in treating GI cancers, as well as the challenges posed by these drugs. Here we highlight that understanding dysregulated cancer cell bioenergetics is critical for effective treatments, although the diverse metabolic patterns present challenges for targeted therapies. Further research is needed to comprehend the specific mechanisms of inhibiting bioenergetic enzymes, address side effects, and leverage high-throughput multi-omics and spatial omics to gain insights into cancer cell heterogeneity for targeted bioenergetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-De Chu
- Liver Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Siew-Na Lim
- Department of Neurology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Chen J, Zhuang W, Xia Y, Yin X, Tu M, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Huang H, Zhang S, You L, Huang Y. Construction and validation of a novel IGFBP3-related signature to predict prognosis and therapeutic decision making for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15554. [PMID: 37397026 PMCID: PMC10312159 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background IGFBP3 plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis by being anomalously expressed in some malignancies. However, the clinical value of IGFBP3 and the role of IGFBP3-related signature in HCC remain unclear. Methods Multiple bioinformatics methods were used to determine the expression and diagnostic values of IGFBP3. The expression level of IGFBP3 was validated by RT-qPCR and IHC. A IGFBP3-related risk score (IGRS) was built via correlation analysis and LASSO Cox regression analysis. Further analyses, including functional enrichment, immune status of risk groups were analyzed, and the role of IGRS in guiding clinical treatment was also evaluated. Results IGFBP3 expression was significantly downregulated in HCC. IGFBP3 expression correlated with multiple clinicopathological characteristics and demonstrated a powerful diagnostic capability for HCC. In addition, a novel IGRS signature was developed in TCGA, which exhibited good performance for prognosis prediction and its role was further validated in GSE14520. In TCGA and GSE14520, Cox analysis also confirmed that the IGRS could serve as an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Moreover, a nomogram with good accuracy for predicting the survival of HCC was further formulated. Additionally, enrichment analysis showed that the high-IGRS group was enriched in cancer-related pathways and immune-related pathways. Additionally, patients with high IGRS exhibited an immunosuppressive phenotype. Therefore, patients with low IGRS scores may benefit from immunotherapy. Conclusions IGFBP3 can act as a new diagnostic factor for HCC. IGRS signature represents a valuable predictive tool in the prognosis prediction and therapeutic decision making for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Chen
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Center for Experimental Research in Clinical Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wanzhen Zhuang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mingshu Tu
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
| | - Yi Zhang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
| | - Liangming Zhang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
| | - Hengbin Huang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
| | - Songgao Zhang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
| | - Lisheng You
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, china
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Center for Experimental Research in Clinical Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Zhuang P, Wang D, Zhang K, Wang J, Shen J. Sorafenib promotes hepatocellular carcinoma invasion via interleukin-6/HIF-1α/PFKFB3. J Cancer 2023; 14:1859-1874. [PMID: 37476196 PMCID: PMC10355201 DOI: 10.7150/jca.84451] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although sorafenib is adopted as the first-line treatment for unresectable liver cancer, the antitumor efficacy is severely limited by the pro-invasive side effect. Methods: To explore the underlying mechanisms, various-dosage sorafenib was applied to survey its effect on cell invasion in HCCLM3 and PLC cell models. Results: Our results revealed that high-dosage sorafenib inhibited liver cancer cell invasion. By contrast, sorafenib with low and median dosages promoted the invasion. In vivo studies showed that sorafenib with a median dosage increased the intrahepatic metastasis (IHM) and lung metastasis (LM) of liver cancer cells, while sorafenib with a high dosage inhibited IHM and LM. Then, bioinformatics analysis indicated that HIF-1α, IL-6, and PFKFB3 were associated with the sorafenib resistance. In vitro models showed that the pro-invasive effect was mediated by IL-6/HIF-1α/PFKFB3 regulation in dosage- and time-dependent manners. PFKFB3 knockdown confirmed that PFKFB3 promoted HCCLM3 cell migration via modulating EMT-related markers. Furthermore, we found that sorafenib upregulated PFKFB3 by IL-6/HIF-1α in a time-dependent manner, without direct effect on PFKFB3 expression. Conclusions: In summary, these results demonstrated that sorafenib could dose-dependently promote cell invasion, intrahepatic and lung metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma through IL-6/HIF-1α mediated PFKFB3 activation, providing novel insights to improve the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Zhuang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kewei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai, 200092, China
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10
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Cheng X, Jia X, Wang C, Zhou S, Chen J, Chen L, Chen J. Hyperglycemia induces PFKFB3 overexpression and promotes malignant phenotype of breast cancer through RAS/MAPK activation. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:112. [PMID: 36973739 PMCID: PMC10044395 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02990-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common tumor in women worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is a global chronic metabolic disease with increasing incidence. Diabetes mellitus has been reported to positively regulate the development of many tumors. However, the specific mechanism of hyperglycemic environment regulating breast cancer remains unclear. PFKFB3 (6-phosphofructose-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase 3) is a key regulatory factor of the glycolysis process in diabetes mellitus, as well as a promoter of breast cancer. So, we want to explore the potential link between PFKFB3 and the poor prognosis of breast cancer patients with hyperglycemia in this study. METHODS Cell culture was utilized to construct different-glucose breast cancer cell lines. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to analyze the protein level of PFKFB3 in benign breast tissues, invasive ductal carcinoma with diabetes and invasive ductal carcinoma without diabetes. The Kaplan-Meier plotter database and GEO database (GSE61304) was adopted to analyze the survival of breast cancer patients with different PFKFB3 expression. Western blot was adopted to analyze the protein level of PFKFB3, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) in breast cancer cells. Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA) was utilized to investigate the potential downstream signaling pathways of PFKFB3. TargetScan and OncomiR were utilized to explore the potential mechanism of PFKFB3 overexpression by hyperglycemia. Transfections (including siRNAs and miRNA transfection premiers) was utilized to restrain or mimic the expression of the corresponding RNA. Cell functional assays (including cell counting, MTT, colony formation, wound-healing, and cell migration assays) were utilized to explore the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of PFKFB3 in breast cancer complicated with hyperglycemia was higher than that in breast cancer with euglycemia through cell experiment in vitro and histological experiment. PFKFB3 overexpression decreased the survival period of breast cancer patients and was correlated with a number of clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer complicated with diabetes. PFKFB3 promoted the proliferation and migration of breast cancer in a hyperglycemic environment and might be regulated by miR-26. In addition, PFKFB3 stimulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer in a hyperglycemic environment. In terms of downstream mechanism exploration, we predicted and verified the cancer-promoting effect of PFKFB3 in breast cancer complicated with hyperglycemia through RAS/MAPK pathway. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, PFKFB3 could be overexpressed by hyperglycemia and might be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer complicated with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Cheng
- Department of Histopathology, Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiupeng Jia
- Department of Histopathology, Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunnian Wang
- Department of Histopathology, Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shangyan Zhou
- Department of Histopathology, Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Cytopathology, Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinping Chen
- Department of Histopathology, Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang, China.
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11
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Wen L, Wei Q, Livingston MJ, Dong G, Li S, Hu X, Li Y, Huo Y, Dong Z. PFKFB3 mediates tubular cell death in cisplatin nephrotoxicity by activating CDK4. Transl Res 2023; 253:31-40. [PMID: 36243313 PMCID: PMC10416729 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nephrotoxicity is a major side effect of cisplatin, a widely used cancer therapy drug. However, the mechanism of cisplatin nephrotoxicity remains unclear and no effective kidney protective strategies are available. Here, we report the induction of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in both in vitro cell culture and in vivo mouse models of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Notably, PFKFB3 was mainly induced in the nucleus of kidney tubular cells, suggesting a novel function other than its canonical role in glycolysis. Both pharmacological inhibition and genetic silencing of PFKFB3 led to the suppression of cisplatin-induced apoptosis in cultured renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs). Moreover, cisplatin-induced kidney injury or nephrotoxicity was ameliorated in renal proximal tubule-specific PFKFB3 knockout mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated the interaction of PFKFB3 with cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) during cisplatin treatment, resulting in CDK4 activation and consequent phosphorylation and inactivation of retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (Rb). Inhibition of CDK4 reduced cisplatin-induced apoptosis in RPTCs and kidney injury in mice. Collectively, this study unveils a novel pathological role of PFKFB3 in cisplatin nephrotoxicity through the activation of the CDK4/Rb pathway, suggesting a new kidney protective strategy for cancer patients by blocking PFKFB3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Qingqing Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Man J Livingston
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Guie Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Siyao Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiaoru Hu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Yuqing Huo
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA.
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12
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Zhou Z, Plug LG, Patente TA, de Jonge-Muller ESM, Elmagd AA, van der Meulen-de Jong AE, Everts B, Barnhoorn MC, Hawinkels LJAC. Increased stromal PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis in inflammatory bowel disease contributes to intestinal inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:966067. [PMID: 36405760 PMCID: PMC9670190 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.966067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammation of the intestinal tract with currently not well-understood pathogenesis. In addition to the involvement of immune cells, increasing studies show an important role for fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of IBD. Previous work showed that glycolysis is the preferred energy source for fibroblasts in fibrotic diseases. 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) is a key kinase supporting glycolysis. Increased expression of PFKFB3 in several cancers and inflammatory diseases has been previously reported, but the metabolic status of fibroblasts and the role of PFKFB3 in patients with IBD are currently unknown. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the role of glycolysis and PFKFB3 expression in IBD. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed that glycolysis was significantly higher in IBD intestinal samples, compared to healthy controls, which was confirmed in the validation cohorts of IBD patients. Single-cell sequencing data indicated that PFKFB3 expression was higher in IBD-derived stromal cells. In vitro, PFKFB3 expression in IBD-derived fibroblasts was increased after the stimulation with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Using seahorse real-time cell metabolic analysis, inflamed fibroblasts were shown to have a higher extracellular acidification rate and a lower oxygen consumption rate, which could be reversed by inhibition of JAK/STAT pathway. Furthermore, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in fibroblasts could be reverted by PFK15, a specific inhibitor of PFKFB3. In vivo experiments showed that PFK15 reduced the severity of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)- and Tcell transfer induced colitis, which was accompanied by a reduction in immune cell infiltration in the intestines. These findings suggest that increased stromal PFKFB3 expression contributes to inflammation and the pathological function of fibroblasts in IBD. Inhibition of PFKFB3 suppressed their inflammatory characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Leonie G. Plug
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thiago A. Patente
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Amir Abou Elmagd
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Bart Everts
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marieke C. Barnhoorn
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lukas J. A. C. Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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13
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Chen X, Hu G, Xiong L, Xu Q. Relationships of Cuproptosis-Related Genes With Clinical Outcomes and the Tumour Immune Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610558. [PMID: 36213162 PMCID: PMC9532508 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610558] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Cuproptosis is a recently identified form of regulated cell death that plays a critical role in the onset and progression of various cancers. However, the effects of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the cuproptosis subtypes and established a novel prognostic signature of HCC. Methods: We collected gene expression data and clinical outcomes from the TCGA, ICGC, and GEO datasets, analysed and identified 16 CRGs and the different subtypes of cuproptosis related to overall survival (OS), and further examined the differences in prognosis and immune infiltration among the subtypes. Subtypes-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were employed to build a prognostic signature. The relationship of the signature with the immune landscape as well as the sensitivity to different therapies was explored. Moreover, a nomogram was constructed to predict the outcome based on different clinicopathological characteristics. Results: Three cuproptosis subtypes were identified on the basis of 16 CRGs, and subtype B had an advanced clinical stage and worse OS. The immune response and function in subtype B were significantly suppressed, which may be an important reason for its poor prognosis. Based on the DEGs among the three subtypes, a prognostic model of five CRGs was constructed in the training set, and its predictive ability was validated in two external validation sets. HCC patients were classified into high and low-risk subgroups according to the risk score, and found that patients in the low-risk group showed significantly higher survival possibilities than those in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). The independent predictive performance of the risk score was assessed and verified by multivariate Cox regression analysis (p < 0.001). We further created an accurate nomogram to improve the clinical applicability of the risk score, showing good predictive ability and calibration. Low- and high-risk patients exhibit distinct immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint changes. By further analyzing the risk score, patients in the high-risk group were found to be resistant to immunotherapy and a variety of chemotherapy drugs. Conclusion: Our study identified three cuproptosis subtypes and established a novel prognostic model that provides new insights into HCC subtype prognostic assessment and guides more effective treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Thyroid Surgery, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, China
| | - Li Xiong
- Department of Radiology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, China
| | - Qingqing Xu
- Department of Pathology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, China,*Correspondence: Qingqing Xu,
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14
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Al Hrout A, Cervantes-Gracia K, Chahwan R, Amin A. Modelling liver cancer microenvironment using a novel 3D culture system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8003. [PMID: 35568708 PMCID: PMC9107483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11641-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment and its contribution to tumorigenesis has been a focal highlight in recent years. A two-way communication between the tumor and the surrounding microenvironment sustains and contributes to the growth and metastasis of tumors. Progression and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been reported to be exceedingly influenced by diverse microenvironmental cues. In this study, we present a 3D-culture model of liver cancer to better mimic in vivo tumor settings. By creating novel 3D co-culture model that combines free-floating and scaffold-based 3D-culture techniques of liver cancer cells and fibroblasts, we aimed to establish a simple albeit reproducible ex vivo cancer microenvironment model that captures tumor-stroma interactions. The model presented herein exhibited unique gene expression and protein expression profiles when compared to 2D and 3D mono-cultures of liver cancer cells. Our results showed that in vivo like conditions cannot be mimicked by simply growing cancer cells as spheroids, but by co-culturing them with 3D fibroblast with which they were able to crosstalk. This was evident by the upregulation of several pathways involved in HCC, and the increase in secreted factors by co-cultured cancer cells, many of which are also involved in tumor-stroma interactions. Compared to the conventional 2D culture, the proposed model exhibits an increase in the expression of genes associated with development, progression, and poor prognosis of HCC. Our results correlated with an aggressive outcome that better mirrors in vivo HCC, and therefore, a more reliable platform for molecular understanding of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala'a Al Hrout
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Biology Department, College of Science, UAE University, P.O. Box 15551, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karla Cervantes-Gracia
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Richard Chahwan
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Amr Amin
- Biology Department, College of Science, UAE University, P.O. Box 15551, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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15
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Jones BC, Pohlmann PR, Clarke R, Sengupta S. Treatment against glucose-dependent cancers through metabolic PFKFB3 targeting of glycolytic flux. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:447-458. [PMID: 35419769 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Reprogrammed metabolism and high energy demand are well-established properties of cancer cells that enable tumor growth. Glycolysis is a primary metabolic pathway that supplies this increased energy demand, leading to a high rate of glycolytic flux and a greater dependence on glucose in tumor cells. Finding safe and effective means to control glycolytic flux and curb cancer cell proliferation has gained increasing interest in recent years. A critical step in glycolysis is controlled by the enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), which converts fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) to fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP). F2,6BP allosterically activates the rate-limiting step of glycolysis catalyzed by PFK1 enzyme. PFKFB3 is often overexpressed in many human cancers including pancreatic, colon, prostate, and breast cancer. Hence, PFKFB3 has gained increased interest as a compelling therapeutic target. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge of PFKFB3 functions, its role in cellular pathways and cancer development, its transcriptional and post-translational activity regulation, and the multiple pharmacologic inhibitors that have been used to block PFKFB3 activity in cancer cells. While much remains to be learned, PFKFB3 continues to hold great promise as an important therapeutic target either as a single agent or in combination with current interventions for breast and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Jones
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3970 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Paula R Pohlmann
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1354, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Robert Clarke
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN, 55912, USA
| | - Surojeet Sengupta
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN, 55912, USA.
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16
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Shi WK, Shang QL, Zhao YF. SPC25 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis via activating the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through ITGB4. Oncol Rep 2022; 47:91. [PMID: 35293598 PMCID: PMC8968763 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with a high metastatic rate. Recent studies have shown that the mitosis-associated spindle-assembly checkpoint regulatory protein spindle pole body component 25 homolog (SPC25) promotes HCC progression, although the underlying mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism through which SPC25 may promote HCC progression in greater detail. First, the expression of SPC25 was analyzed in publicly available databases to explore the association between SPC25 and HCC metastasis. Western blotting was subsequently performed to examine the level of SPC25 expression in different HCC cell lines. SPC25 was then silenced in HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells, and the effects of SPC25 silencing were investigated using cell proliferation, wound-healing, Transwell migration assays and an in vivo mouse model. Finally, the mechanism of SPC25 action with respect to the promotion of HCC metastasis was explored using microarray analysis and rescue experiments. The results obtained demonstrated that SPC25 is highly expressed in HCC, and this high level of expression is associated with poor prognosis and metastasis. Moreover, SPC25 silencing led to a marked inhibition of the invasion and migration of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. The gene-expression profiling and mechanistic experiments suggest that SPC25 preferentially influences the expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix (ECM)-integrin interactions, including integrin subunit β4 (ITGB4), an upstream element of the integrin pathway. ITGB4 upregulation partly reversed the decline in cell invasion and migration capacities that resulted from SPC25 silencing. Furthermore, deleting both SPC25 and ITGB4 caused a decrease in the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT, which are downstream elements of the integrin pathway. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated the important role of SPC25 as a prognostic indicator and as a promoter of metastasis in HCC, and the underlying mechanism of its action has been partially elucidated, suggesting that SPC25 could be used as a biomarker and as a target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Kai Shi
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Qiao-Li Shang
- The Seventh Plastic Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Fu Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
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17
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Is Autophagy Always a Barrier to Cisplatin Therapy? Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030463. [PMID: 35327655 PMCID: PMC8946631 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin has long been a first-line chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer, largely for solid tumors. During the course of the past two decades, autophagy has been identified in response to cancer treatments and almost uniformly detected in studies involving cisplatin. There has been increasing recognition of autophagy as a critical factor affecting tumor cell death and tumor chemoresistance. In this review and commentary, we introduce four mechanisms of resistance to cisplatin followed by a discussion of the factors that affect the role of autophagy in cisplatin-sensitive and resistant cells and explore the two-sided outcomes that occur when autophagy inhibitors are combined with cisplatin. Our goal is to analyze the potential for the combinatorial use of cisplatin and autophagy inhibitors in the clinic.
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18
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Jiang YX, Siu MKY, Wang JJ, Leung THY, Chan DW, Cheung ANY, Ngan HYS, Chan KKL. PFKFB3 Regulates Chemoresistance, Metastasis and Stemness via IAP Proteins and the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:748403. [PMID: 35155224 PMCID: PMC8837381 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.748403] [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: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycolysis has been reported to be critical for cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are associated with tumor chemoresistance, metastasis and recurrence. Thus, selectively targeting glycolytic enzymes may be a potential therapy for ovarian cancer. 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose‐2,6‐biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), the main source of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, controls the first committed step in glycolysis. We investigate the clinical significance and roles of PFKFB3 in ovarian cancer using in vitro and in vivo experiments. We demonstrate that PFKFB3 is widely overexpressed in ovarian cancer and correlates with advanced stage/grade and poor outcomes. Significant up-regulation of PFKFB3 was found in ascites and metastatic foci, as well as CSC-enriched tumorspheres and ALDH+CD44+ cells. 3PO, a PFKFB3 inhibitor, reduced lactate level and sensitized A2780CP cells to cisplatin treatment, along with the modulation of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (c-IAP1, c-IAP2 and survivin) and an immune modulator CD70. Blockade of PFKFB3 by siRNA approach in the CSC-enriched subset led to decreases in glycolysis and CSC properties, and activation of the NF-κB cascade. PFK158, another potent inhibitor of PFKFB3, impaired the stemness of ALDH+CD44+ cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas ectopic expression of PFKFB3 had the opposite results. Overall, PFKFB3 was found to mediate metabolic reprogramming, chemoresistance, metastasis and stemness in ovarian cancer, possibly via the modulation of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins and the NF-κB signaling pathway; thus, suggesting that PFKFB3 may be a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-xin Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Michelle K. Y. Siu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jing-jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Thomas H. Y. Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David W. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Annie N. Y. Cheung
- Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hextan Y. S. Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen K. L. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Karen K. L. Chan,
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Galindo CM, Oliveira Ganzella FAD, Klassen G, Souza Ramos EAD, Acco A. Nuances of PFKFB3 signaling in breast cancer. Clin Breast Cancer 2022; 22:e604-e614. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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20
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AICAR enhances the cytotoxicity of PFKFB3 inhibitor in an AMPK signaling-independent manner in colorectal cancer cells. Med Oncol 2021; 39:10. [PMID: 34761330 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01601-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase isoform 3 (PFKFB3), a pivotal enzyme in modulating glycolysis, plays vital roles in various physiological processes. PFKFB3 activity could be regulated by several factors, such as hypoxia and AMPK signaling; however, it could also function as upstream of AMPK signaling. Here, we showed that PFKFB3 inhibitor PFK-15 induced cell viability loss and apoptosis. Deprivation of PFKFB3 inhibited autophagy, while enhanced the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway. Furthermore, PFK-15 reduced both the AMPK and AKT-mTORC1 signaling pathways, as the attenuated phosphorylation level of kinases themselves and their substrates. The addition of AICAR rescued the AMPK activity and autophagy, but enhanced PFK-15-induced cell viability loss. In fact, AICAR promoted the cytotoxicity of PFK-15 even in the AMPKα1/2-silenced cells, indicating AICAR might function in an AMPK-independent manner. Nevertheless, AICAR further reduced the AKT-mTORC1 activity down-regulated by PFK-15. Moreover, it failed to enhance PFK-15's cytotoxicity in the AKT1/2-silenced cells, indicating AKT-mTORC1 participated during these processes. Collectively, the presented data demonstrated that PFK-15 inhibited cell viability, AMPK, and AKT-mTORC1 signaling, and AICAR probably enhanced the cell viability loss aroused by PFK-15 in an AKT-dependent and AMPK-independent manner, thereby revealing a more intimate relationship among PFKFB3, AMPK, and AKT-mTORC1 signaling pathways.
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Alvarez R, Mandal D, Chittiboina P. Canonical and Non-Canonical Roles of PFKFB3 in Brain Tumors. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112913. [PMID: 34831136 PMCID: PMC8616071 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PFKFB3 is a bifunctional enzyme that modulates and maintains the intracellular concentrations of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6-P2), essentially controlling the rate of glycolysis. PFKFB3 is a known activator of glycolytic rewiring in neoplastic cells, including central nervous system (CNS) neoplastic cells. The pathologic regulation of PFKFB3 is invoked via various microenvironmental stimuli and oncogenic signals. Hypoxia is a primary inducer of PFKFB3 transcription via HIF-1alpha. In addition, translational modifications of PFKFB3 are driven by various intracellular signaling pathways that allow PFKFB3 to respond to varying stimuli. PFKFB3 synthesizes F2,6P2 through the phosphorylation of F6P with a donated PO4 group from ATP and has the highest kinase activity of all PFKFB isoenzymes. The intracellular concentration of F2,6P2 in cancers is maintained primarily by PFKFB3 allowing cancer cells to evade glycolytic suppression. PFKFB3 is a primary enzyme responsible for glycolytic tumor metabolic reprogramming. PFKFB3 protein levels are significantly higher in high-grade glioma than in non-pathologic brain tissue or lower grade gliomas, but without relative upregulation of transcript levels. High PFKFB3 expression is linked to poor survival in brain tumors. Solitary or concomitant PFKFB3 inhibition has additionally shown great potential in restoring chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity in treatment-resistant brain tumors. An improved understanding of canonical and non-canonical functions of PFKFB3 could allow for the development of effective combinatorial targeted therapies for brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinier Alvarez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Neurosurgery Unit for Pituitary and Inheritable Disorders, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20824, USA;
| | - Debjani Mandal
- Neurosurgery Unit for Pituitary and Inheritable Disorders, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20824, USA;
| | - Prashant Chittiboina
- Neurosurgery Unit for Pituitary and Inheritable Disorders, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20824, USA;
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20824, USA
- Correspondence:
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22
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Yan S, Li Q, Zhang D, Wang X, Xu Y, Zhang C, Guo D, Bao Y. Necroptosis pathway blockage attenuates PFKFB3 inhibitor-induced cell viability loss and genome instability in colorectal cancer cells. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:2062-2080. [PMID: 34094669 PMCID: PMC8167677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells prone to utilize aerobic glycolysis other than oxidative phosphorylation to sustain its continuous cell activity in the stress microenvironment. Meanwhile, cancer cells generally suffer from genome instability, and both radiotherapy and chemotherapy may arouse DNA strand break, a common phenotype of genome instability. Glycolytic enzyme PFKFB3 (6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase isoform 3), plays essential roles in variety physiology and pathology processes, and generally maintain high level in cancer cells. Although this protein has been reported to involve in genome instability, its role remains unclear and controversial. Here, we showed that PFK-15, a PFKFB3 inhibitor, obviously induced apoptosis, cell viability loss, and inhibited cell proliferation/migration. Besides, PFK-15 was also found to induce necroptosis, as it not only up-regulated the phosphorylated RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL, but also enhanced the interaction between RIP3 and RIP1/MLKL, all of which are characterization of necroptosis induction. Both genetically and pharmacologically deprivation of necroptosis attenuated the cytotoxic effect of PFK-15. Besides, PFK-15 increased the γ-H2AX level and micronuclei formation, markers for genome instability, and inhibition of necroptosis attenuated these phenotypes. Collectively, the presented data demonstrated that PFK-15 induced genome instability and necroptosis, and deprivation of necroptosis attenuated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of PFK-15 in colorectal cancer cells, thereby revealing a more intimate relationship among PFKFB3, necroptosis and genome instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology of Shandong Higher Education, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical UniversityJining 272067, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology of Shandong Higher Education, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical UniversityJining 272067, China
| | - Deru Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology of Shandong Higher Education, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical UniversityJining 272067, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology of Shandong Higher Education, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical UniversityJining 272067, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology of Shandong Higher Education, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical UniversityJining 272067, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology of Shandong Higher Education, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical UniversityJining 272067, China
| | - Dongli Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical UniversityJining 272000, China
| | - Yonghua Bao
- Key Laboratory of Precision Oncology of Shandong Higher Education, Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical UniversityJining 272067, China
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23
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PCSK9 promotes tumor growth by inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2021; 10:25. [PMID: 33789749 PMCID: PMC8011384 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-021-00218-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key enzymes in the process of lipid transport, is involved in the disease progression of various types of tumors. This article is to study the role of PCSK9 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of PCSK9 in tumor specimens from 105 HCC patients who underwent curative resection. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to test the protein and mRNA expression levels in HCC cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of different kinds of cells in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate. A xenograft model was established to study the effect of PCSK9 on HCC growth in vivo. TUNEL and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect cell apoptosis. Results High expression of PCSK9 in tumor tissues was related to microvascular invasion (p = 0.036) and large tumor size (p = 0.001) in HCC patients. Overall survival and disease-free survival after surgery were poor in patients with high expression of PCSK9 (p = 0.035 and p = 0.007, respectively). In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that PCSK9 promoted the growth of HCC by inhibiting cell apoptosis. A mechanistic study revealed that PCSK9 increases FASN expression, thereby inhibiting apoptosis of HCC cells via the Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase9/Caspase3 pathway. Conclusions PCSK9 expression level in HCC is an indicator of poor prognosis for patients with HCC. FASN-mediated anti-apoptosis plays an important role in PCSK9-induced HCC progression.
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24
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Kotowski K, Rosik J, Machaj F, Supplitt S, Wiczew D, Jabłońska K, Wiechec E, Ghavami S, Dzięgiel P. Role of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 in Cancer: Genetic Basis, Impact on Disease Development/Progression, and Potential as Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:909. [PMID: 33671514 PMCID: PMC7926708 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycolysis is a crucial metabolic process in rapidly proliferating cells such as cancer cells. Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) is a key rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis. Its efficiency is allosterically regulated by numerous substances occurring in the cytoplasm. However, the most potent regulator of PFK-1 is fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F-2,6-BP), the level of which is strongly associated with 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase activity (PFK-2/FBPase-2, PFKFB). PFK-2/FBPase-2 is a bifunctional enzyme responsible for F-2,6-BP synthesis and degradation. Four isozymes of PFKFB (PFKFB1, PFKFB2, PFKFB3, and PFKFB4) have been identified. Alterations in the levels of all PFK-2/FBPase-2 isozymes have been reported in different diseases. However, most recent studies have focused on an increased expression of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 in cancer tissues and their role in carcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on all PFKFB genes and protein structures, and emphasize important differences between the isoenzymes, which likely affect their kinase/phosphatase activities. The main focus is on the latest reports in this field of cancer research, and in particular the impact of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 on tumor progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, and autophagy. We also present the most recent achievements in the development of new drugs targeting these isozymes. Finally, we discuss potential combination therapies using PFKFB3 inhibitors, which may represent important future cancer treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kotowski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.K.); (K.J.)
| | - Jakub Rosik
- Department of Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (J.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Filip Machaj
- Department of Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (J.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Stanisław Supplitt
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Daniel Wiczew
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Laboratoire de physique et chimie théoriques, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Karolina Jabłońska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.K.); (K.J.)
| | - Emilia Wiechec
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Division of Cell Biology, Linköping University, Region Östergötland, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Linköping, Anesthetics, Operations and Specialty Surgery Center, Region Östergötland, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.K.); (K.J.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
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25
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Li J, Tang X. Increased expression of PFKFB3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its association with lymphangiogenesis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2021; 132:57-65. [PMID: 34020913 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the expression of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) and its association with lymphangiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). STUDY DESIGN The expression of PFKFB3 in OSCC and adjacent normal tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 78 patients with OSCC. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to quantify lymphatic vessel density (LVD), which was labeled using podoplanin (PDPN) proteins of lymphatic endothelial cells, and PDPN mRNA was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Compared with adjacent normal tissues, the expression of PFKFB3 and PDPN protein was significantly higher in OSCC tissues (P < .0001). Moreover, PFKFB3 protein was associated with LVD and lymph node metastasis (P < .05). Compared with the normal tissues, increased mRNA expression of PFKFB3 and PDPN in the OSCC group (P < .05). In addition, the mRNA expression of PDPN was positively correlated with that of PFKFB3 (P < .0001) in the OSCC group. CONCLUSIONS PFKFB3 and PDPN expression was increased in OSCC. Further, PFKFB3 expression was associated with PDPN expression and LVD, suggesting that PFKFB3 may be considered to mediate lymphangiogenesis and predict lymph node metastasis in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xiufa Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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26
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Feng LH, Sun HC, Zhu XD, Zhang SZ, Li XL, Li KS, Liu XF, Lei M, Li Y, Tang ZY. Irbesartan inhibits metastasis by interrupting the adherence of tumor cell to endothelial cell induced by angiotensin II in hepatocellular carcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:207. [PMID: 33708834 PMCID: PMC7940954 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The use of angiotensin II inhibitors is associated with a low risk of recurrence and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a key factor in tumor metastasis. Methods The effects of angiotensin II and irbesartan (an angiotensin II inhibitor) on HCC were explored with a xenograft model, microarray analysis and cell adhesion experiments. The relationship between the expression of VCAM-1 in HCC tissues and prognosis was analyzed with public and our institutional clinical databases. The effects of angiotensin II, irbesartan and VCAM-1 on adhesion and metastasis in HCC were explored with a xenograft model and cell adhesion experiments. The regulatory mechanisms were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Results Angiotensin II type 1 receptor and VCAM-1 were expressed in HCC tissues. Irbesartan inhibited HCC growth and metastasis in vivo and weakened the adhesion of HCC cells to endothelial cells, an effect that was enhanced by angiotensin II. VCAM-1 was found to be an independent risk factor for recurrence and survival in HCC patients with microvascular invasion. Angiotensin II upregulated VCAM-1 expression, and this upregulation was inhibited by irbesartan. Angiotensin II enhanced adhesion mainly by promoting the expression of VCAM-1 in HCC cells. Irbesartan inhibited the expression of VCAM-1 by reducing p38/MAPK phosphorylation activated by angiotensin II in HCC cells. Conclusions Irbesartan attenuates metastasis by inhibiting angiotensin II-activated VCAM-1 via the p38/MAPK pathway in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Hai Feng
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Chuan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Zhe Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Long Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang-Shuai Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Feng Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-You Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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27
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Xiao Y, Jin L, Deng C, Guan Y, Kalogera E, Ray U, Thirusangu P, Staub J, Sarkar Bhattacharya S, Xu H, Fang X, Shridhar V. Inhibition of PFKFB3 induces cell death and synergistically enhances chemosensitivity in endometrial cancer. Oncogene 2021; 40:1409-1424. [PMID: 33420377 PMCID: PMC7906909 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01621-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (EC) has a poor prognosis because of chemoresistance. 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), a glycolytic enzyme, is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers and plays important roles in promoting tumor cell growth. Here, we showed that high expression of PFKFB3 in EC cell lines is associated with chemoresistance. Pharmacological inhibition of PFKFB3 with PFK158 and or genetic downregulation of PFKFB3 dramatically suppressed cell proliferation and enhanced the sensitivity of EC cells to carboplatin (CBPt) and cisplatin (Cis). Moreover, PFKFB3 inhibition resulted in reduced glucose uptake, ATP production, and lactate release. Notably, we found that PFK158 with CBPt or Cis exerted strong synergistic antitumor activity in chemoresistant EC cell lines, HEC-1B and ARK-2 cells. We also found that the combination of PFK158 and CBPt/Cis induced apoptosis- and autophagy-mediated cell death through inhibition of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we found that PFK158 downregulated the CBPt/Cis-induced upregulation of RAD51 expression and enhanced CBPt/Cis-induced DNA damage as demonstrated by an increase in γ-H2AX levels in HEC-1B and ARK-2 cells, potentially revealing a means to enhance PFK158-induced chemosensitivity. More importantly, PFK158 treatment, either as monotherapy or in combination with CBPt, led to a marked reduction in tumor growth in two chemoresistant EC mouse xenograft models. These data suggest that PFKFB3 inhibition alone or in combination with standard chemotherapy may be used as a novel therapeutic strategy for improved therapeutic efficacy and outcomes of advanced and recurrent EC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Xiao
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA ,grid.452708.c0000 0004 1803 0208Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan P.R. China
| | - Ling Jin
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Chaolin Deng
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Ye Guan
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Eleftheria Kalogera
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gynecologic Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Upasana Ray
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Prabhu Thirusangu
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Julie Staub
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | | | - Haotian Xu
- grid.254444.70000 0001 1456 7807Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Xiaoling Fang
- grid.452708.c0000 0004 1803 0208Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan P.R. China
| | - Viji Shridhar
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
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28
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Gillman R, Lopes Floro K, Wankell M, Hebbard L. The role of DNA damage and repair in liver cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1875:188493. [PMID: 33316376 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is rapidly becoming a major cause of global mortality due to the ever-increasing prevalence of obesity. DNA damage is known to play an important role in cancer initiation, however DNA repair systems are also vital for the survival of cancer cells. Given the function of the liver and its exposure to the gut, it is likely that DNA damage and repair would be of particular importance in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, many contemporary reports have neglected the role of individual pathways of DNA damage and repair in their hypotheses. This review, therefore, aims to provide a concise overview for researchers in the field of liver cancer to understand the pathways of DNA damage and repair and their individual roles in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Gillman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical, and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kylie Lopes Floro
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical, and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Department of Radiation Oncology, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Miriam Wankell
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical, and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lionel Hebbard
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical, and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
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29
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Matsumoto K, Noda T, Kobayashi S, Sakano Y, Yokota Y, Iwagami Y, Yamada D, Tomimaru Y, Akita H, Gotoh K, Takeda Y, Tanemura M, Umeshita K, Doki Y, Eguchi H. Inhibition of glycolytic activator PFKFB3 suppresses tumor growth and induces tumor vessel normalization in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2020; 500:29-40. [PMID: 33307155 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glycolysis emerges as a new therapeutic target for malignancies. The inhibition of glycolytic activator, PFKFB3, repairs tumor endothelial cell function, and normalizing the tumor microenvironment. We aimed to investigate the significance of PFKFB3 in HCC, and the effects of the PFKFB3 inhibitor, PFK15, in HCC tumor cells and tumor endothelial cells. Double immunofluorescent staining of PFKFB3 and CD31 in HCC tissues revealed that high PFKFB3 expression in both tumor cells and tumor endothelial cells was significantly correlated with poor prognosis. Multivariate analysis identified PFKFB3 expression as an independent prognostic factor. PFK15 suppressed proliferation of HCC cell line and tumor endothelial cells in vitro. In a subcutaneous tumor model of the HCC cell line with tumor endothelial cells, PFK15 suppressed tumor growth and induced apoptosis. Moreover, PFK15 treatment induced tumor vessel normalization, decreasing vessel diameter with pericyte attachment and improving vessel perfusion. High PFKFB3 expression in both tumor cells and tumor endothelial cells was identified as a novel prognostic marker in HCC. Targeting PFKFB3 via PFK15 might be a promising strategy for suppressing tumor growth and inducing tumor vessel normalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Matsumoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takehiro Noda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Sakano
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuki Yokota
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Iwagami
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisaku Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshito Tomimaru
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Akita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kunihito Gotoh
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takeda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Department of Surgery, Kansai Rosai Hospital, Hyogo, 660-8511, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tanemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Department of Surgery, Rinku General Medical Center, Osaka, 598-8577, Japan
| | - Koji Umeshita
- Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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30
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Atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer: Deciphering the role of gut microbiome. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:171-255. [PMID: 33579424 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Much recent research has delved into understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of HCC pathogenesis, which has revealed to be heterogenous and complex. Two major hallmarks of HCC include: (i) a hijacked immunometabolism and (ii) a reprogramming in metabolic processes. We posit that the gut microbiota is a third component in an entanglement triangle contributing to HCC progression. Besides metagenomic studies highlighting the diagnostic potential in the gut microbiota profile, recent research is pinpointing the gut microbiota as an instigator, not just a mere bystander, in HCC. In this chapter, we discuss mechanistic insights on atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in HCC, including the examination of tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (e.g., T-cell exhaustion, regulatory T-cells, natural killer T-cells), the Warburg effect, rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and glutamine addiction. We further discuss the potential involvement of the gut microbiota in these characteristics of hepatocarcinogenesis. An immediate highlight is that microbiota metabolites (e.g., short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids) can impair anti-tumor responses, which aggravates HCC. Lastly, we describe the rising 'new era' of immunotherapies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell transfer) and discuss for the potential incorporation of gut microbiota targeted therapeutics (e.g., probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation) to alleviate HCC. Altogether, this chapter invigorates for continuous research to decipher the role of gut microbiome in HCC from its influence on immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming.
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Miranda-Galvis M, Teng Y. Targeting Hypoxia-Driven Metabolic Reprogramming to Constrain Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155487. [PMID: 32751958 PMCID: PMC7432774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia in locally advanced solid tumors develops due to uncontrollable cell proliferation, altered metabolism, and the severe structural and functional abnormality of the tumor vasculature, leading to an imbalance between oxygen supply and consumption in the fast-growing tumors and negative impact on the therapeutic outcome. Several hypoxia-responsive molecular determinants, such as hypoxia-inducible factors, guide the cellular adaptation to hypoxia by gene activation, which is critical for promoting malignant progression in the hostile tumor microenvironment. Over time, a large body of evidence exists to suggest that tumor hypoxia also influences the tumor metabolic reprogramming, resulting in neoangiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. In this respect, our review aims to understand the biological processes, key events, and consequences regarding the hypoxia-driven metabolic adaptation of tumor cells. We also assess the potential therapeutic impact of hypoxia and highlight our review by discussing possible therapeutic strategies targeting hypoxia, which would advance the current understanding of hypoxia-associated tumor propagation and malignant progression and improve the management of tumor hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Miranda-Galvis
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, College of Allied Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-70-6446-5611; Fax: +1-70-6721-9415
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PFKFB3 inhibitors as potential anticancer agents: Mechanisms of action, current developments, and structure-activity relationships. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112612. [PMID: 32679452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells adopt aerobic glycolysis as the major source of energy and biomass production for fast cell proliferation. The bifunctional enzyme, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), plays a crucial role in the regulation of glycolysis by controlling the steady-state cytoplasmic levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP), which is the most potent allosteric activator of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK-1), a key rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis. Therefore, selective inhibition of PFKFB3 has gained substantial interest as an attractive strategy for cancer therapy. In recent years, numerous class PFKFB3 inhibitors have been disclosed, and emerging trends such as the availability of PFKFB3 crystal structures, structure-based screening strategies and diverse functional assays are improving optimization and development of original leads. Herein, we review the structure and function of PFKFB3 as well as the representative small-molecule inhibitors, in particular emphasis on their chemical structures, pharmacological properties, selectivity, binding modes and structure-activity relationships (SARs).
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Zhao Q, Li J, Wu B, Shang Y, Huang X, Dong H, Liu H, Chen W, Gui R, Nie X. Smart Biomimetic Nanocomposites Mediate Mitochondrial Outcome through Aerobic Glycolysis Reprogramming: A Promising Treatment for Lymphoma. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:22687-22701. [PMID: 32330381 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c05763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Toxicity and drug resistance caused by chemotherapeutic drugs have become bottlenecks in treating tumors. The delivery of anticancer drugs based on nanocarriers is regarded as an ideal way to solve the aforementioned problems. In this study, a new antilymphoma nanodrug CD20 aptamer-RBCm@Ag-MOFs/PFK15 (A-RAMP) is designed and constructed, and it consists of two parts: (1) metal-organic frameworks Ag-MOFs (AM) loaded with tumor aerobic glycolysis inhibitor PFK15 (P), forming a core part (AMP); (2) targeted molecule CD20 aptamer (A) is inserted into the red blood cell membrane (RBCm) to form the shell part (A-R). A-RAMP under the guidance of CD20 aptamer actively targets B-cell lymphoma both in vitro and in vivo. As a result, A-RAMP not only significantly inhibits the effect on tumor growth but also shows no obvious side effects on the treated nude mice, indicating that A-RAMP can accurately target tumor cells, reprogram aerobic glycolysis, and exert synergistic antitumor effect by Ag+ and PFK 15. Furthermore, the antitumor mechanism of A-RAMP in vivo by apoptotic pathway and targeting metabonomics are explored. These results suggest that A-RAMP has a promising application prospect as an smart, safe, effective, and synergistic antilymphoma agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Zhao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P. R. China
- Department of Hematology, The Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining 810007, P. R. China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P. R. China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
| | - Yinghui Shang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P. R. China
| | - Xueyuan Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P. R. China
| | - Hang Dong
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P. R. China
| | - Haiting Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P. R. China
| | - Wansong Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Rong Gui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P. R. China
| | - Xinmin Nie
- Clinical Laboratory of the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, P. R. China
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Li KS, Zhu XD, Liu HD, Zhang SZ, Li XL, Xiao N, Liu XF, Xu B, Lei M, Zhang YY, Shi WK, Cao MQ, Xu YF, Tang ZY, Sun HC. NT5DC2 promotes tumor cell proliferation by stabilizing EGFR in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:335. [PMID: 32382041 PMCID: PMC7206140 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Most hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage; however, the effect of systemic therapy on advanced HCC remains undetermined. Therefore, new treatment targets must be identified. We analyzed Gene Expression Omnibus datasets from two HCC patient cohorts and found that NT5DC2 was associated with vascular invasion and poor survival. In two hepatoma cell lines, NT5DC2 overexpression promoted HCC cell proliferation and clone formation in vitro and promoted tumor growth in vivo. Coimmunoprecipitation assays and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that NT5DC2 bound directly to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). NT5DC2 upregulated EGFR expression by downregulating EGFR ubiquitination and preventing its degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway but did not upregulate its transcription. EGFR upregulation activated downstream signal transduction, which played a critical role in the protumor effects of NT5DC2. Erlotinib, a small-molecule inhibitor of EGFR, blocked the effect of NT5DC2 in promoting HCC cell proliferation. In a cohort of 79 patients who underwent curative resection for HCC, NT5DC2 expression in the tumors was associated with larger tumors and microvascular invasion. NT5DC2 expression was also independently associated with recurrence-free survival. The present study demonstrated for the first time that NT5DC2 promotes tumor cell proliferation in HCC and may serve as a potential molecular target for treating HCC. EGFR blockage could be used to treat selected patients with NT5DC2 upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Shuai Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Da Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Shi-Zhe Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Long Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Feng Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Kai Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Man-Qing Cao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Fei Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhua Xi Road, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Zhao-You Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Chuan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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Lopes-Coelho F, Martins F, Serpa J. Endothelial Cells (ECs) Metabolism: A Valuable Piece to Disentangle Cancer Biology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1219:143-159. [PMID: 32130698 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34025-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Effective therapies to fight cancer should not be focused specifically on cancer cells, but it should consider the various components of the TME. Non-cancerous cells cooperate with cancer cells by sharing signaling and organic molecules, accounting for cancer progression. Most of the anti-angiogenic therapy clinically approved for the treatment of human diseases relies on targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. Unexpectedly and unfortunately, the results of anti-angiogenic therapies in the treatment of human diseases are not so effective, showing an insufficient efficacy and resistance.This chapter will give some insights on showing that targeting endothelial cell metabolism is a missing piece to revolutionize cancer therapy. Only recently endothelial cell (EC) metabolism has been granted as an important inducer of angiogenesis. Metabolic studies in EC demonstrated that targeting EC metabolism can be an alternative to overcome the failure of anti-angiogenic therapies. Hence, it is urgent to increase the knowledge on how ECs alter their metabolism during human diseases, in order to open new therapeutic perspectives in the treatment of pathophysiological angiogenesis, as in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Lopes-Coelho
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipa Martins
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal.
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Trojan SE, Markiewicz MJ, Leśkiewicz K, Kocemba-Pilarczyk KA. The influence of PFK-II overexpression on neuroblastoma patients' survival may be dependent on the particular isoenzyme expressed, PFKFB3 or PFKFB4. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:292. [PMID: 31754349 PMCID: PMC6854802 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-1005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim During cancer progression metabolic reprogramming is observed in parallel to the alternation in transcriptional profiles of malignant cells. Recent studies suggest that metabolic isoenzymes of phosphofructokinase II (PFK-II) – PFKFB3 and PFKFB4, often induced in hypoxic environment, significantly contribute to enhancement of glucose metabolism and in consequence cancer progression. Materials and methods Using the publicly available data deposited in the R2 data base we performed a Kaplan–Meyer analysis for cancer patients divided into groups with high and low expression levels of PFKFB3/4, determined based on the median. Results Our data showed that high PFKFB3/4 expression significantly correlates with shorter overall survival in several cancers. Moreover, we found that neuroblastoma patients with poor overall survival and evidence free survival are characterized by high PFKFB3 and at the same time low PFKFB4 expression, whereas patients with high PFKFB4 expressions are characterized by significantly better overall survival/evidence free survival rates. Conclusion Our analysis clearly indicates that expression of PFKFB3/4 isoenzymes may have a key prognostic value for several cancers. What’s more, it seems that in neuroblastoma the prognostic value of PFK-II may be dependent on the relation between PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 isoenzyme expression, indicating that further studies analyzing the role of both cancer specific PFK-II isoenzymes are highly desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia E Trojan
- 1Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University-Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał J Markiewicz
- 1Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University-Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Kinga A Kocemba-Pilarczyk
- 1Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University-Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Hu L, Zeng Z, Xia Q, Liu Z, Feng X, Chen J, Huang M, Chen L, Fang Z, Liu Q, Zeng H, Zhou X, Liu J. Metformin attenuates hepatoma cell proliferation by decreasing glycolytic flux through the HIF-1α/PFKFB3/PFK1 pathway. Life Sci 2019; 239:116966. [PMID: 31626790 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Enhanced aerobic glycolysis is an essential hallmark of malignant cancer. Blocking the glycolytic pathway has been suggested as a therapeutic strategy to impair the proliferation of tumor cells. Metformin, a widely used anti-diabetes drug, exhibits anti-tumor properties. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of its action linking glucose metabolism with the suppression of proliferation has not been fully clarified. MAIN METHODS Stable isotope tracing technology and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method were utilized to analyze the effect of metformin on glycolytic flux in HCC cells. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were utilized to analyze the expression of phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1) and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in HCC cells or xenograft tumor tissues. Lactate measurement and glucose uptake assay were used to analyze the level of lactate and glucose in the presence of frucose-2,6-diphosphate (F2,6BP) in HCC cells treated with metformin. KEY FINDINGS We found that metformin significantly impaired hepatoma cell proliferation by inhibiting the glycolytic flux via PFK1 blockade. Interestingly, activation of PFK1 by F2,6BP reverses the inhibitory effect of metformin on hepatoma cell proliferation and glycolysis. Mechanistically, PFKFB3,a potent allosteric activator of PFK1, was markedly suppressed through inhibiting hypoxia-induced factor 1 (HIF-1α) accumulation mediated by metformin. SIGNIFICANCE Taken together these data indicate that HIF-1α/PFKFB3/PFK1 regulatory axis is a vital determinant of glucose metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma, which gives new insights into the action of metformin in combatting liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Hu
- Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Zicheng Zeng
- Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Department of Oncology, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhaoyu Liu
- Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xiao Feng
- Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Jitao Chen
- Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Mengqiu Huang
- Cancer Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Liangcai Chen
- Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Zhiyuan Fang
- Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Qiuzhen Liu
- Cancer Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hongbo Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Xinke Zhou
- Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China.
| | - Jifang Liu
- Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China.
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Son B, Lee S, Kim H, Kang H, Jeon J, Jo S, Seong KM, Lee SJ, Youn H, Youn B. Decreased FBP1 expression rewires metabolic processes affecting aggressiveness of glioblastoma. Oncogene 2019; 39:36-49. [PMID: 31444412 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a standard treatment option for patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Although it has high therapeutic efficacy, some proportion of the tumor cells that survive after radiotherapy may cause side effects. In this study, we found that fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1), a rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis, was downregulated upon treatment with ionizing radiation (IR). Ets1, which was found to be overexpressed in IR-induced infiltrating GBM, was suggested to be a transcriptional repressor of FBP1. Furthermore, glucose uptake and extracellular acidification rates were increased upon FBP1 downregulation, which indicated an elevated glycolysis level. We found that emodin, an inhibitor of phosphoglycerate mutase 1 derived from natural substances, significantly suppressed the glycolysis rate and IR-induced GBM migration in in vivo orthotopic xenograft mouse models. We propose that the reduced FBP1 level reprogrammed the metabolic state of GBM cells, and thus, FBP1 is a potential therapeutic target regulating GBM metabolism following radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beomseok Son
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungmin Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunwoo Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunkoo Kang
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewan Jeon
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University School of Medicine, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunmi Jo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University School of Medicine, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Moon Seong
- Laboratory of Low Dose Risk Assessment, National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jae Lee
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - HyeSook Youn
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - BuHyun Youn
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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Trevino V. Integrative genomic analysis identifies associations of molecular alterations to APOBEC and BRCA1/2 mutational signatures in breast cancer. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e810. [PMID: 31294536 PMCID: PMC6687632 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The observed mutations in cancer are the result of ~30 mutational processes, which stamp particular mutational signatures (MS). Nevertheless, it is still not clear which genomic alterations correlate to several MS. Here, a method to analyze associations of genomic data with MS is presented and applied to The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer data revealing promising associations. METHODS The MS were discretized into clusters whose extremes were statistically associated with mutations, copy number, and gene expression data. RESULTS Known associations for apolipoprotein B editing complex (APOBEC) and for BRCA1 and BRCA2 support the proposal. For BRCA1/2, mutations in ARAP3, three focal deletions, and one amplification were detected. Around 50 mutated genes for the two APOBEC signatures were identified including three kinesins (KIF13A, KIF1B, KIF4A), three ubiquitins (USP45, UBR4, UBR1), and two demethylases (KDM5B, KDM5C) among other genes also connected to DNA damage pathways. The results suggest novel roles for other genes currently not involved in DNA repair. The altered expression program was very high for the BRCA1/2 signature, high for APOBEC signature 13 clearly associated to immune response, and low for APOBEC signature 2. The remaining signatures show scarce associations. CONCLUSION Specific genetic alterations can be associated with particular MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Trevino
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, México
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40
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Lin J, Xia L, Liang J, Han Y, Wang H, Oyang L, Tan S, Tian Y, Rao S, Chen X, Tang Y, Su M, Luo X, Wang Y, Wang H, Zhou Y, Liao Q. The roles of glucose metabolic reprogramming in chemo- and radio-resistance. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:218. [PMID: 31122265 PMCID: PMC6533757 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1214-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reprogramming of cancer metabolism is a newly recognized hallmark of malignancy. The aberrant glucose metabolism is associated with dramatically increased bioenergetics, biosynthetic, and redox demands, which is vital to maintain rapid cell proliferation, tumor progression, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. When the glucose metabolism of cancer is rewiring, the characters of cancer will also occur corresponding changes to regulate the chemo- and radio-resistance of cancer. The procedure is involved in the alteration of many activities, such as the aberrant DNA repairing, enhanced autophagy, oxygen-deficient environment, and increasing exosomes secretions, etc. Targeting altered metabolic pathways related with the glucose metabolism has become a promising anti-cancer strategy. This review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of glucose metabolism in chemo- and radio-resistance malignancy, and highlights potential molecular targets and their inhibitors for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinguan Lin
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Longzheng Xia
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jiaxin Liang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqian Han
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Heran Wang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Linda Oyang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Shiming Tan
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yutong Tian
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Rao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyan Tang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Min Su
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xia Luo
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Qianjin Liao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University and Hunan Cancer Hospital, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Province, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Yi M, Ban Y, Tan Y, Xiong W, Li G, Xiang B. 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 and 4: A pair of valves for fine-tuning of glucose metabolism in human cancer. Mol Metab 2018; 20:1-13. [PMID: 30553771 PMCID: PMC6358545 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cells favor the use of less efficient glycolysis rather than mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to metabolize glucose, even in oxygen-rich conditions, a distinct metabolic alteration named the Warburg effect or aerobic glycolysis. In adult cells, bifunctional 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB) family members are responsible for controlling the steady-state cytoplasmic levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, which allosterically activates 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase, the key enzyme catalyzing the rate-limiting reaction of glycolysis. PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 are the two main isoenzymes overexpressed in various human cancers. Scope of review In this review, we summarize recent findings on the glycolytic and extraglycolytic roles of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 in cancer progression and discuss potential therapies for targeting of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4. Major conclusions PFKFB3 has the highest kinase activity to shunt glucose toward glycolysis, whereas PFKFB4 has more FBPase-2 activity, redirecting glucose toward the pentose phosphate pathway, providing reducing power for lipid biosynthesis and scavenging reactive oxygen species. Co-expression of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 provides sufficient glucose metabolism to satisfy the bioenergetics demand and redox homeostasis requirements of cancer cells. Various reversible post-translational modifications of PFKFB3 enable cancer cells to flexibly adapt glucose metabolism in response to diverse stress conditions. In addition to playing important roles in tumor cell glucose metabolism, PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 are widely involved in multiple biological processes, such as cell cycle regulation, autophagy, and transcriptional regulation in a non-glycolysis-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yi
- Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital and Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical School, The Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, The Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ban
- Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital and Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical School, The Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yixin Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, The Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital and Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical School, The Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital and Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical School, The Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xiang
- Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital and Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical School, The Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Bartrons R, Simon-Molas H, Rodríguez-García A, Castaño E, Navarro-Sabaté À, Manzano A, Martinez-Outschoorn UE. Fructose 2,6-Bisphosphate in Cancer Cell Metabolism. Front Oncol 2018; 8:331. [PMID: 30234009 PMCID: PMC6131595 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
For a long time, pioneers in the field of cancer cell metabolism, such as Otto Warburg, have focused on the idea that tumor cells maintain high glycolytic rates even with adequate oxygen supply, in what is known as aerobic glycolysis or the Warburg effect. Recent studies have reported a more complex situation, where the tumor ecosystem plays a more critical role in cancer progression. Cancer cells display extraordinary plasticity in adapting to changes in their tumor microenvironment, developing strategies to survive and proliferate. The proliferation of cancer cells needs a high rate of energy and metabolic substrates for biosynthesis of biomolecules. These requirements are met by the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and others present in the tumor microenvironment, which is essential for tumor survival and spread. Metabolic reprogramming involves a complex interplay between oncogenes, tumor suppressors, growth factors and local factors in the tumor microenvironment. These factors can induce overexpression and increased activity of glycolytic isoenzymes and proteins in stromal and cancer cells which are different from those expressed in normal cells. The fructose-6-phosphate/fructose-1,6-bisphosphate cycle, catalyzed by 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase/fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (PFK1/FBPase1) isoenzymes, plays a key role in controlling glycolytic rates. PFK1/FBpase1 activities are allosterically regulated by fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, the product of the enzymatic activity of the dual kinase/phosphatase family of enzymes: 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB1-4) and TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR), which show increased expression in a significant number of tumor types. In this review, the function of these isoenzymes in the regulation of metabolism, as well as the regulatory factors modulating their expression and activity in the tumor ecosystem are discussed. Targeting these isoenzymes, either directly or by inhibiting their activating factors, could be a promising approach for treating cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Bartrons
- Unitat de Bioquímica, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Catalunya, Spain
| | - Helga Simon-Molas
- Unitat de Bioquímica, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Catalunya, Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez-García
- Unitat de Bioquímica, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Catalunya, Spain
| | - Esther Castaño
- Centres Científics i Tecnològics, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Àurea Navarro-Sabaté
- Unitat de Bioquímica, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Catalunya, Spain
| | - Anna Manzano
- Unitat de Bioquímica, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Catalunya, Spain
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