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Banka VK, Sainas S, Martino E, Wang J, Lolli ML, Ding YS. Radiosynthesis of [ 18F]brequinar for in vivo PET imaging of hDHODH for potential studies of acute myeloid leukemia and cancers. RSC Med Chem 2024:d4md00433g. [PMID: 39149561 PMCID: PMC11320022 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00433g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), an enzyme that plays a critical role in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, has been recognized as a promising target for the treatment of diseases that involve cellular proliferation, such as autoimmune diseases and cancers. Pharmacological inhibition of human DHODH (hDHODH) that offers a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment in adult subjects with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has recently been supported by phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory AML. To facilitate the development of optimized hDHODH inhibitors, the presence of an in vivo imaging probe that is able to demonstrate in vivo target engagement is critical and desirable. Brequinar is one of the most potent hDHODH inhibitors so far discovered. In this work, we use a copper-mediated radiofluorination (CMRF) strategy and compare the chemical design and radiosynthesis starting from either pinacole boronate p-nitrobenzyl ester (4) or tributylstannate (tin) p-nitrobenzyl ester (5), chosen for their suitability as a precursor to [18F]brequinar. We report here the design, synthesis, radiolabeling and characterization of [18F]brequinar, and a preliminary PET imaging study of DHODH in vivo. This study provides the strategies to create [18F]brequinar, the first hDHODH inhibitor PET radiotracer, which will facilitate its use as a tool (theranostics) for hDHODH drug development and for diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic efficacy in AML and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar Banka
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Imaging 660 First Ave., 4th Floor New York NY 10016 USA +1 (212)263 7541 +1 (212)263 6605
| | - Stefano Sainas
- Department of Drug Science and Technology (DSTF), University of Torino Turin Italy
| | - Elena Martino
- Department of Drug Science and Technology (DSTF), University of Torino Turin Italy
| | - Jiacheng Wang
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Imaging 660 First Ave., 4th Floor New York NY 10016 USA +1 (212)263 7541 +1 (212)263 6605
| | - Marco Lucio Lolli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology (DSTF), University of Torino Turin Italy
| | - Yu-Shin Ding
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Imaging 660 First Ave., 4th Floor New York NY 10016 USA +1 (212)263 7541 +1 (212)263 6605
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine New York NY USA
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Ishikawa C, Mori N. Pivotal role of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase as a therapeutic target in adult T-cell leukemia. Eur J Haematol 2024; 113:99-109. [PMID: 38558052 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the role of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) in pathogenesis of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and the effects of its inhibition on the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. METHODS Cell proliferation, viability, cycle, and apoptosis were analyzed using WST-8 assays, flow cytometry, and Hoechst 33342 staining. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-ATL effects of DHODH knockdown and inhibition, RT-PCR and immunoblotting were conducted. RESULTS HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines aberrantly expressed DHODH. Viral infection and the oncoprotein, Tax, enhanced DHODH expression, while knockdown of DHODH decreased HTLV-1-infected T-cell growth. In addition, BAY2402234, a DHODH inhibitor, exerted an anti-proliferative effect, which was reversed by uridine supplementation. BAY2402234 induced DNA damage and S phase arrest by downregulating c-Myc, CDK2, and cyclin A and upregulating p53 and cyclin E. It also induced caspase-mediated apoptosis by the upregulation of pro-apoptotic and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Furthermore, BAY2402234 induced caspase-independent ferroptosis and necroptosis. It decreased phosphorylation of IKK, IκBα, PTEN, Akt, and its downstream targets, suggesting that inhibition of NF-κB and Akt signaling is involved in its anti-ATL action. CONCLUSION These findings highlight DHODH as a potential therapeutic target for treating ATL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chie Ishikawa
- Department of Microbiology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
- Division of Health Sciences, Transdisciplinary Research Organization for Subtropics and Island Studies, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Naoki Mori
- Department of Microbiology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
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Wang S, Li Y, Lin Y, Li J, Guo L, Wang H, Lin X, Liu Z, Zhang B, Liao Z, Zhang Z. Bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification of the cancer-promoting effect of DHODH in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11985. [PMID: 38796629 PMCID: PMC11127953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a malignant tumor of the urinary system. To explore the potential mechanisms of DHODH in ccRCC, we analyzed its molecular characteristics using public databases. TCGA pan-cancer dataset was used to analyze DHODH expression in different cancer types and TCGA ccRCC dataset was used to assess differential expression, prognosis correlation, immune infiltration, single-gene, and functional enrichment due to DHODH. The GSCALite and CellMiner databases were employed to explore drugs and perform molecular docking analysis with DHODH. Protein-protein interaction networks and ceRNA regulatory networks of DHODH were constructed using multiple databases. The effect of DHODH on ccRCC was confirmed in vitro. DHODH was highly expressed in ccRCC. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that DHODH may be involved in regulating the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells such as Tregs. Notably, DHODH influenced ccRCC progression by forming regulatory networks with molecules, such as hsa-miR-26b-5p and UMPS and significantly enhanced the malignant characteristics of ccRCC cells. Several drugs, such as lapatinib, silmitasertib, itraconazole, and dasatinib, were sensitive to DHODH expression and exhibited strong molecular binding with it. Thus, DHODH may promote ccRCC progression and is a candidate effective therapeutic target for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songsong Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Urology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hubei Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Wuhan, 430061, China
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yilong Lin
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Junting Li
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Lang Guo
- Department of Urology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hubei Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Wuhan, 430061, China
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Department of Urology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hubei Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Wuhan, 430061, China
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xinyuan Lin
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Ziming Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China.
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China.
| | - Bingqi Zhang
- Department of Urology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hubei Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Wuhan, 430061, China.
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Zhengming Liao
- Department of Urology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hubei Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Wuhan, 430061, China.
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Zhongmin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application Research of Liver and Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hubei Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Wuhan, 430061, China.
- The First Clinical Medical Institute, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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Li WT, Jin X, Song SJ, Wang C, Fu C, Jiang W, Bai J, Shi ZZ. Blocking SLC7A11 attenuates the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2024; 28:237-250. [PMID: 38741950 PMCID: PMC11089935 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2024.2346981] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of ferroptosis-associated gene SLC7A11 in esophageal cancer progression is largely unknown, therefore, the effects of blocking SLC7A11 on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells are evaluated. Results showed that SLC7A11 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues both in mRNA and protein levels. Blocking SLC7A11 using Erastin suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of ESCC cells, decreased cellular ATP levels, and improved ROS production. Sixty-three SLC7A11-binding proteins were identified using the IP-MS method, and these proteins were enriched in four signaling pathways, including spliceosome, ribosome, huntington disease, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. The deubiquitinase inhibitors PR-619, GRL0617, and P 22077 could reduce at least 40% protein expression level of SLC7A11 in ESCC cells, and PR-619 and GRL0617 exhibited suppressive effects on the cell viability and colony formation ability of KYSE30 cells, respectively. Erastin downregulated GPX4 and DHODH and also reduced the levels of β-catenin, p-STAT3, and IL-6 in ESCC cells. In conclusion, SLC7A11 was overexpressed in ESCC, and blocking SLC7A11 using Erastin mitigated malignant phenotypes of ESCC cells and downregulated key ferroptosis-associated molecules GPX4 and DHODH. The therapeutic potential of targeting SLC7A11 should be further evaluated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ting Li
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Jin
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Jie Song
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chong Wang
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuang Fu
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province & The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Bai
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Zhou Shi
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
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Guo S, Miao M, Wu Y, Pan D, Wu Q, Kang Z, Zeng J, Zhong G, Liu C, Wang J. DHODH inhibition represents a therapeutic strategy and improves abiraterone treatment in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Oncogene 2024; 43:1399-1410. [PMID: 38480915 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis, and there is an urgent need for more effective therapeutic targets to address this challenge. Here, we showed that dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), an enzyme crucial in the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway, is a promising therapeutic target for CRPC. The transcript levels of DHODH were significantly elevated in prostate tumors and were negatively correlated with the prognosis of patients with prostate cancer. DHODH inhibition effectively suppressed CRPC progression by blocking cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis. Notably, treatment with DHODH inhibitor BAY2402234 activated androgen biosynthesis signaling in CRPC cells. However, the combination treatment with BAY2402234 and abiraterone decreased intratumoral testosterone levels and induced apoptosis, which inhibited the growth of CWR22Rv1 xenograft tumors and patient-derived xenograft organoids. Taken together, these results establish DHODH as a key player in CRPC and as a potential therapeutic target for advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqiang Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Miaomiao Miao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yufeng Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongyue Pan
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinyan Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhanfang Kang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Continence and Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianwen Zeng
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Continence and Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoping Zhong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chengfei Liu
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Junjian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Mailloux RJ. Proline and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase promote a hyper-proliferative state and dampen ferroptosis in cancer cells by rewiring mitochondrial redox metabolism. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119639. [PMID: 37996061 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119639] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Redox realignment is integral to the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. This requires considerable metabolic rewiring to induce aberrant shifts in redox homeostasis that favor high hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation for the induction of a hyper-proliferative state. The ability of tumor cells to thrive under the oxidative burden imposed by this high H2O2 is achieved by increasing antioxidant defenses. This shift in the redox stress signaling threshold (RST) also dampens ferroptosis, an iron (Fe)-dependent form of cell death activated by oxidative distress and lipid peroxidation reactions. Mitochondria are central to the malignant transformation of normal cells to cancerous ones since these organelles supply building blocks for anabolism, govern ferroptosis, and serve as the major source of cell H2O2. This review summarizes advances in understanding the rewiring of redox reactions in mitochondria to promote carcinogenesis, focusing on how cancer cells hijack the electron transport chain (ETC) to promote proliferation and evasion of ferroptosis. I then apply emerging concepts in redox homeodynamics to discuss how the rewiring of the Krebs cycle and ETC promotes shifts in the RST to favor high rates of H2O2 generation for cell signaling. This discussion then focuses on proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), two enzymes over expressed in cancers, and how their link to one another through the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) pool generates a redox connection that forms a H2O2 signaling platform and pyrimidine synthesome that favors a hyper-proliferative state and disables ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Mailloux
- School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.
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Guo JB, Du M, Wang B, Zhong L, Fu ZX, Wei JL. Paired-related homeobox 1 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in oesophageal squamous cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:2185-2196. [PMID: 38173429 PMCID: PMC10758647 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i12.2185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear that paired-related homeobox 1 (PRRX1) induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oesophageal cancer and the specific function of PRRX1 in oesophageal cancer metastasis. AIM To assess the significance of PRRX1 expression and investigate the mechanism of EMT in oesophageal cancer metastasis. METHODS Detect the expression of PRRX1 by immunohistochemistry in oesophageal tumour tissues and adjacent normal oesophageal tissues; the PRRX1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or blank vector lentiviral gene delivery system was transfected into cells; cell proliferation assay, soft agar colony formation assays, cell invasion and migration assays and animal studies were used to observe cells biological characteristics In vitro and in vivo; XAV939 and LiCl were used to alter the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis were used to detect protein expression of EMT markers and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. RESULTS PRRX1 is expressed at high levels in oesophageal cancer specimens and is closely related to tumour metastasis in patients with oesophageal cancer. Regulation of PRRX1 expression might exert obvious effects on cell proliferation, especially the migration and invasion of oesophageal cancer cells. Moreover, silencing PRRX1 expression using a shRNA produced the opposite effects. In addition, when PRRX1 was overexpressed, inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway with XAV939 negated the effect of PRRX1 on EMT, whereas when PRRX1 was downregulated, activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway with LiCl impaired the effect on EMT. CONCLUSION PRRX1 is upregulated in oesophageal cancer is closely correlated with cancer metastasis. Additionally, PRRX1 induces EMT in oesophageal cancer metastasis through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Bao Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ming Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Li Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhong-Xue Fu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jin-Lai Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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8
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Xu H, Li Y, Li Q, Ma Z, Yin S, He H, Xiong Y, Xiong X, Lan D, Li J, Fu W. Cloning and Characterization of Yak DHODH Gene and Its Functional Studies in a Bisphenol S-Induced Ferroptosis Model of Fetal Fibroblasts. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3832. [PMID: 38136869 PMCID: PMC10740537 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a rate-limiting enzyme of de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidine. Although the involvement of DHODH in resisting ferroptosis has been successively reported in recent years, which greatly advanced the understanding of the mechanism of programmed cell death (PCD), the genetic sequence of the yak DHODH gene and its roles in ferroptosis are still unknown. For this purpose, we firstly cloned the coding region sequence of DHODH (1188 bp) from yak liver and conducted a characterization analysis of its predictive protein that consists of 395 amino acids. We found that the coding region of the yak DHODH gene presented high conservation among species. Second, the expression profile of the DHODH gene in various yak tissues was investigated using RT-qPCR. The results demonstrated that DHODH was widely expressed in different yak tissues, with particularly high levels in the spleen, heart, and liver. Third, to investigate the involvement of DHODH in regulating ferroptosis in cells, yak skin fibroblasts (YSFs) were isolated from fetuses. And then, bisphenol S (BPS) was used to induce the in vitro ferroptosis model of YSFs. We observed that BPS decreased the cell viability (CCK8) and membrane potential (JC-1) of YSFs in a dose-dependent manner and induced oxidative stress by elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Simultaneously, it was evident that BPS effectively augmented the indicators associated with ferroptosis (MDA and BODIPY staining) and reduced GSH levels. Importantly, the co-administration of Ferrostatin-1 (Fer), a potent inhibitor of ferroptosis, significantly alleviated the aforementioned markers, thereby confirming the successful induction of ferroptosis in YSFs by BPS. Finally, overexpression plasmids and siRNAs of the yak DHODH gene were designed and transfected respectively into BPS-cultured YSFs to modulate DHODH expression. The findings revealed that DHODH overexpression alleviated the occurrence of BPS-induced ferroptosis, while interference of DHODH intensified the ferroptosis process in YSFs. In summary, we successfully cloned the coding region of the yak DHODH gene, demonstrating its remarkable conservation across species. Moreover, using BPS-induced ferroptosis in YSFs as the model, the study confirmed the role of the DHODH gene in resisting ferroptosis in yaks. These results offer valuable theoretical foundations for future investigations into the functionality of the yak DHODH gene and the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
| | - Yueyue Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
| | - Qiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
| | - Zifeng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
| | - Shi Yin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Honghong He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Daoliang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (H.X.); (Y.L.); (Q.L.); (Z.M.); (S.Y.); (H.H.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
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9
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Shi ZZ, Jin X, Li WT, Tao H, Song SJ, Fan ZW, Jiang W, Liang JW, Bai J. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase promotes cell proliferation and suppresses cell death in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2294-2307. [PMID: 37859742 PMCID: PMC10583008 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-136] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Ferroptosis is defined as an iron-dependent non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a newly discovered anti-ferroptosis molecule independent from the well-known GPX4 and AIFM2. However, the expression pattern and especially the functional roles of DHODH during cancer cell death are generally unknown. Methods The databases of Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), and methods of colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection, RNA-seq, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blotting were used to analyze the expression level, prognostic role, and oncogenic roles of DHODH in cancers. Results DHODH overexpression was identified in many types of cancers including esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), rectum adenocarcinoma (READ), and so on. Silence and inactivation of DHODH decreased the abilities of cell proliferation, colony formation, and cellular ATP levels both in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Z-VAD-FMK (an apoptosis inhibitor) partially rescued blockade of DHODH-induced death of ESCC cells, and ferroptosis inhibitors (ferrostatin-1 and liproxstatin-1) together with the necroptosis inhibitor (necrostatin-1) partially rescued inhibition of DHODH-induced death of CRC cells, respectively. Pathways including rheumatoid arthritis, salmonella infection, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, pertussis, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were enriched in DHODH-silenced ESCC cells. Conclusions Overexpression of DHODH augments cell proliferation and suppresses cell death in ESCC and CRC, and DHODH might be developed as a potential anticancer target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Zhou Shi
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Wen-Ting Li
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Hao Tao
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Sheng-Jie Song
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Ze-Wen Fan
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Jian-Wei Liang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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10
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Meng X, Wu TG, Lou QY, Niu KY, Jiang L, Xiao QZ, Xu T, Zhang L. Optimization of CRISPR-Cas system for clinical cancer therapy. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10474. [PMID: 36925702 PMCID: PMC10013785 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a genetic disease caused by alterations in genome and epigenome and is one of the leading causes for death worldwide. The exploration of disease development and therapeutic strategies at the genetic level have become the key to the treatment of cancer and other genetic diseases. The functional analysis of genes and mutations has been slow and laborious. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative approaches to improve the current status of cancer research. Gene editing technologies provide technical support for efficient gene disruption and modification in vivo and in vitro, in particular the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas systems. Currently, the applications of CRISPR-Cas systems in cancer rely on different Cas effector proteins and the design of guide RNAs. Furthermore, effective vector delivery must be met for the CRISPR-Cas systems to enter human clinical trials. In this review article, we describe the mechanism of the CRISPR-Cas systems and highlight the applications of class II Cas effector proteins. We also propose a synthetic biology approach to modify the CRISPR-Cas systems, and summarize various delivery approaches facilitating the clinical application of the CRISPR-Cas systems. By modifying the CRISPR-Cas system and optimizing its in vivo delivery, promising and effective treatments for cancers using the CRISPR-Cas system are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Meng
- College & Hospital of Stomatology Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province Hefei People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Gang Wu
- College & Hospital of Stomatology Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province Hefei People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yue Lou
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention Hefei People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Yuan Niu
- Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI), Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) Heart Centre (G23) London UK.,Department of Otolaryngology The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei China
| | - Lei Jiang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province Hefei People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Zhong Xiao
- Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI), Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) Heart Centre (G23) London UK
| | - Tao Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products Anhui Medical University Hefei China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province Hefei China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College & Hospital of Stomatology Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province Hefei People's Republic of China.,Department of Periodontology Anhui Stomatology Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University Hefei China
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11
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Gu Y, Li Y, Wang J, Zhang L, Zhang J, Wang Y. Targeting ferroptosis: Paving new roads for drug design and discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115015. [PMID: 36543035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, first proposed in 2012, is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by excessive polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation. In the past decade, researchers have revealed the formation and mechanisms of ferroptosis. Cancer drug resistance can be reversed by ferroptosis induction, and inhibiting ferroptosis has been shown to block certain disease processes. As a result, several ferroptosis-targeting drugs have been developed. However, the first-generation ferroptosis-targeting agents remain hampered from clinical use, mainly due to poor selectivity and pharmacokinetics. The discoveries of FSP1, GCH1, and other potential ferroptosis-regulating pathways independent of Xc--GSH-GPX4 provide novel targets for drug design. Recently, protein-targeted degradation and antibody-drug conjugate strategy show promise in future drug design. With novel targets, further optimizations, and new technologies, the next-generation ferroptosis-targeting agents show a promising future with improved selectivity and efficacy. In this review, we summarize mechanisms, target types, drug design, and novel technologies of ferroptosis, aiming to pave the way for future drug design and discovery in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Gu
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yizhe Li
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Lele Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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12
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Li J, Wang H, Cao F, Cheng Y. A bioinformatics analysis for diagnostic roles of the E2F family in esophageal cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:2115-2131. [PMID: 36388667 PMCID: PMC9660042 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth most commonly occurring cancer worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The therapeutic effect of EC patients is not ideal, and new biomarkers are needed to guide diagnosis and prognosis of EC patients. E2F family transcription factors are among the most important links in the cell cycle regulatory network. E2Fs dysregulation not only promotes the early stages of tumor development but also the progression of benign tumors to malignant tumors. E2F is expected to be a new biomarker. The prognostic significance of the E2F family in EC requires further research. METHODS We analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and GeneMANIA databases to obtain RNA-sequencing data and clinical data. The clinical data included age, gender, race, stage, type, status, etc. The prognosis outcome included overall survival (OS) and progression-free interval (PFI). Subsequently, we conducted further research on gene expressions, enrichment analysis, interaction network, and prognostic values by R software, containing ggplot2, ComplexHeatmap, DESeq2, pROC R package, based on t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Spearman rank correlation analysis, log-rank test and COX model. RESULTS We found that mRNA transcription levels of E2F1, E2F3-8 were more highly expressed in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) tissues than in normal tissues. E2F8 expression was correlated with tumor stage [Pr(>F)=0.00856]. E2F-related genes played a role in development and differentiation, and were prevalent in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen, Golgi lumen, and lipoprotein particle, catalyzing translation activities and lipid metabolism. Each gene was found to be related to each other to some degree. The GeneMANIA network analysis revealed links between E2Fs and other genes. We compared the correlations between 24 kinds of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and E2Fs. E2F1 (AUC =0.945, CI: 0.890-1.000) and E2F7 (AUC =0.958, CI: 0.920-0.996) exhibited higher predictive power accuracy. However, only E2F7 was closely related to OS [HR =1.91 (1.16-3.16), P=0.011]. CONCLUSIONS We discover that E2F7 is a prognostic biomarker. E2F family may take part in the development of EC through lipid metabolism pathways, which is helpful to predict the prognosis of EC patients and guide accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fangli Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yufeng Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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13
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Bennett AN, Huang RX, He Q, Lee NP, Sung WK, Chan KHK. Drug repositioning for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:991842. [PMID: 36246638 PMCID: PMC9554346 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.991842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) remains a significant challenge globally, having the 8th highest incidence and 6th highest mortality worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common form of EC in Asia. Crucially, more than 90% of EC cases in China are ESCC. The high mortality rate of EC is likely due to the limited number of effective therapeutic options. To increase patient survival, novel therapeutic strategies for EC patients must be devised. Unfortunately, the development of novel drugs also presents its own significant challenges as most novel drugs do not make it to market due to lack of efficacy or safety concerns. A more time and cost-effective strategy is to identify existing drugs, that have already been approved for treatment of other diseases, which can be repurposed to treat EC patients, with drug repositioning. This can be achieved by comparing the gene expression profiles of disease-states with the effect on gene-expression by a given drug. In our analysis, we used previously published microarray data and identified 167 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using weighted key driver analysis, 39 key driver genes were then identified. These driver genes were then used in Overlap Analysis and Network Analysis in Pharmomics. By extracting drugs common to both analyses, 24 drugs are predicted to demonstrate therapeutic effect in EC patients. Several of which have already been shown to demonstrate a therapeutic effect in EC, most notably Doxorubicin, which is commonly used to treat EC patients, and Ixazomib, which was recently shown to induce apoptosis and supress growth of EC cell lines. Additionally, our analysis predicts multiple psychiatric drugs, including Venlafaxine, as repositioned drugs. This is in line with recent research which suggests that psychiatric drugs should be investigated for use in gastrointestinal cancers such as EC. Our study shows that a drug repositioning approach is a feasible strategy for identifying novel ESCC therapies and can also improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam N. Bennett
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rui Xuan Huang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nikki P. Lee
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing-Kin Sung
- Department of Computer Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kei Hang Katie Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Centre for Global Cardiometabolic Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- *Correspondence: Kei Hang Katie Chan,
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14
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Luo C, Zhao X, Wang Y, Li Y, Wang T, Li S. A novel circ_0000654/miR-375/E2F3 ceRNA network in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Thorac Cancer 2022; 13:2223-2234. [PMID: 35790503 PMCID: PMC9346169 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14550] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we identified the ceRNA mechanism of circ_0000654 regulation in ESCC. Methods The levels of circ_0000654, E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3), and microRNA (miR)‐375 were gauged by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. Cell proliferation was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Cell colony formation was tested by colony formation assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter, RNA pull‐down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to confirm the direct relationship between miR‐375 and circ_0000654 or E2F3. Xenograft model assays were used to evaluate the effect of circ_0000654 in vivo. Results Circ_0000654 and E2F3 were upregulated in ESCC. Circ_0000654 depletion enhanced cell apoptosis and hindered cell proliferation and glycolysis in vitro, as well as weakened tumor growth in vivo. Increased expression of E2F3 counteracted the effects of circ_0000654 depletion. Mechanistically, E2F3 was a target of miR‐375, and circ_0000654 modulated E2F3 expression through sequestering miR‐375. Furthermore, miR‐375 upregulation phenocopied circ_0000654 knockdown in inhibiting ESCC progression. Conclusion Our findings identify a new circ_0000654/miR‐375/E2F3 ceRNA crosstalk for the oncogenic role of circ_0000654 in ESCC and establish a notion that targeting circ_0000654 and its pathways may have the potential to improve ESCC outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Yanqiu Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Tuo Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Shumin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
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15
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Zhang L, Zhang J, Wang J, Ren C, Tang P, Ouyang L, Wang Y. Recent advances of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors for cancer therapy: Current development and future perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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Nawrocka PM, Galka-Marciniak P, Urbanek-Trzeciak MO, M-Thirusenthilarasan I, Szostak N, Philips A, Susok L, Sand M, Kozlowski P. Profile of Basal Cell Carcinoma Mutations and Copy Number Alterations - Focus on Gene-Associated Noncoding Variants. Front Oncol 2021; 11:752579. [PMID: 34900699 PMCID: PMC8656283 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.752579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is the most common cancer in humans, characterized by the highest mutation rate among cancers, and is mostly driven by mutations in genes involved in the hedgehog pathway. To date, almost all BCC genetic studies have focused exclusively on protein-coding sequences; therefore, the impact of noncoding variants on the BCC genome is unrecognized. In this study, with the use of whole-exome sequencing of 27 tumor/normal pairs of BCC samples, we performed an analysis of somatic mutations in both protein-coding sequences and gene-associated noncoding regions, including 5'UTRs, 3'UTRs, and exon-adjacent intron sequences. Separately, in each region, we performed hotspot identification, mutation enrichment analysis, and cancer driver identification with OncodriveFML. Additionally, we performed a whole-genome copy number alteration analysis with GISTIC2. Of the >80,000 identified mutations, ~50% were localized in noncoding regions. The results of the analysis generally corroborated the previous findings regarding genes mutated in coding sequences, including PTCH1, TP53, and MYCN, but more importantly showed that mutations were also clustered in specific noncoding regions, including hotspots. Some of the genes specifically mutated in noncoding regions were identified as highly potent cancer drivers, of which BAD had a mutation hotspot in the 3'UTR, DHODH had a mutation hotspot in the Kozak sequence in the 5'UTR, and CHCHD2 frequently showed mutations in the 5'UTR. All of these genes are functionally implicated in cancer-related processes (e.g., apoptosis, mitochondrial metabolism, and de novo pyrimidine synthesis) or the pathogenesis of UV radiation-induced cancers. We also found that the identified BAD and CHCHD2 mutations frequently occur in melanoma but not in other cancers via The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis. Finally, we identified a frequent deletion of chr9q, encompassing PTCH1, and unreported frequent copy number gain of chr9p, encompassing the genes encoding the immune checkpoint ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. In conclusion, this study is the first systematic analysis of coding and noncoding mutations in BCC and provides a strong basis for further analyses of the variants in BCC and cancer in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Maria Nawrocka
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paulina Galka-Marciniak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | | | - Natalia Szostak
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Philips
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Laura Susok
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael Sand
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Department of Plastic Surgery, St. Josef Hospital, Catholic Clinics of the Ruhr Peninsula, Essen, Germany Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, St. Josef Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Piotr Kozlowski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Zhang C, Wang J, Guo L, Peng M. Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 regulates cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis by modulating the Wnt signaling pathway in squamous cell carcinoma. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:9233-9240. [PMID: 34540039 PMCID: PMC8430056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanisms by which long non-coding RNA, (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) regulates cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis through signaling axes in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) cells. METHODS A total of 60 CSCC samples and 15 normal skin tissue samples were collected. qRT-PCR was used to determine MALAT1 expression. After knockdown of MALAT1 expression in A431 cells, Transwell assay was performed to detect cell migration and invasion, CCK8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation, and Western blotting was used to detect EMT-related protein expression. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the MALAT1 positive expression rate was significantly higher in the low, moderate, and high differentiation groups (P < 0.05). The expression of MALATl in A431 cells in the siMALATl-1 and siMALATl-2 groups was lower than that in siNC group (P < 0.05). A431 cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h in the siMALATl-1 and siMALATl-2 groups were all lower and the apoptosis rate of A431 cells were all higher than that of the siNC group (P < 0.05). E-cadherin expression was higher while the expression of β-catenin, vimentin, and Bcl-2 was lower in the siMALATl-1 and siMALATl-2 groups than those of the siNC group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Down-regulation of lncRNA MALAT1 expression may promote apoptosis of CSCC cells and inhibit cell migration, invasion and proliferation by regulating the Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Baoshan Hospital of Integerated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Jianchao Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Baoshan Hospital of Integerated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Lian Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Baoshan Hospital of Integerated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Mingxia Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Baoshan Hospital of Integerated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Shanghai 201999, China
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18
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Wang W, Cui J, Ma H, Lu W, Huang J. Targeting Pyrimidine Metabolism in the Era of Precision Cancer Medicine. Front Oncol 2021; 11:684961. [PMID: 34123854 PMCID: PMC8194085 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.684961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring is considered as a primary feature of cancer. Malignant cells reprogram metabolism pathway in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic drawback to fuel cell survival and growth. Among the complex metabolic pathways, pyrimidine biosynthesis is conserved in all living organism and is necessary to maintain cellular fundamental function (i.e. DNA and RNA biosynthesis). A wealth of evidence has demonstrated that dysfunction of pyrimidine metabolism is closely related to cancer progression and numerous drugs targeting pyrimidine metabolism have been approved for multiple types of cancer. However, the non-negligible side effects and limited efficacy warrants a better strategy for negating pyrimidine metabolism in cancer. In recent years, increased studies have evidenced the interplay of oncogenic signaling and pyrimidine synthesis in tumorigenesis. Here, we review the recent conceptual advances on pyrimidine metabolism, especially dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), in the framework of precision oncology medicine and prospect how this would guide the development of new drug precisely targeting the pyrimidine metabolism in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqiang Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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19
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Narusaka T, Ohara T, Noma K, Nishiwaki N, Katsura Y, Kato T, Sato H, Tomono Y, Kikuchi S, Tazawa H, Shirakawa Y, Matsukawa A, Fujiwara T. Nanog is a promising chemoresistant stemness marker and therapeutic target by iron chelators for esophageal cancer. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:347-357. [PMID: 33662150 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a disease showing poor prognosis. Although combination chemotherapy using cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil is standard for unresectable esophageal cancer, the response rate is 35%. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and inflammation are reportedly responsible for the poor prognosis of esophageal cancer. However, comprehensive analyses have not been conducted and proposals for progress remain lacking. Iron is known to be a key factor in the stemness of CSCs. Our study focused on the therapeutic potential of iron control using iron chelators for CSCs in esophageal cancer. Among 134 immunohistochemically analyzed cases, Nanog expression was high in 98 cases and low in 36 cases. High Nanog expression correlated with low overall and disease-free survivals. The iron chelators deferasirox (DFX) and SP10 suppressed the proliferation and expression of stemness markers in TE8 and OE33 cells. DFX and SP10 did not induce compensatory interleukin (IL)-6 secretion, although CDDP did result in high induction. Moreover, BBI608 and SSZ, as other CSC-targeting drugs, could not suppress the expression of stemness markers. Overall, Nanog expression appears related to poor prognosis in esophageal cancer patients, and inhibition of stemness and compensatory IL-6 secretion by iron chelators may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Narusaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ohara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Noma
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nishiwaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuki Katsura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tomono
- Division of Molecular Cell biology, Shigei Medical Research Institute, Okayama, Japan
| | - Satoru Kikuchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tazawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.,Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Shirakawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.,Department of Surgery, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akihiro Matsukawa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshiyoshi Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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