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Pissas KP, Gründer S, Tian Y. Functional expression of the proton sensors ASIC1a, TMEM206, and OGR1 together with BK Ca channels is associated with cell volume changes and cell death under strongly acidic conditions in DAOY medulloblastoma cells. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:923-937. [PMID: 38627262 PMCID: PMC11139714 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02964-7] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Fast growing solid tumors are frequently surrounded by an acidic microenvironment. Tumor cells employ a variety of mechanisms to survive and proliferate under these harsh conditions. In that regard, acid-sensitive membrane receptors constitute a particularly interesting target, since they can affect cellular functions through ion flow and second messenger cascades. Our knowledge of these processes remains sparse, however, especially regarding medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric CNS malignancy. In this study, using RT-qPCR, whole-cell patch clamp, and Ca2+-imaging, we uncovered several ion channels and a G protein-coupled receptor, which were regulated directly or indirectly by low extracellular pH in DAOY and UW228 medulloblastoma cells. Acidification directly activated acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a), the proton-activated Cl- channel (PAC, ASOR, or TMEM206), and the proton-activated G protein-coupled receptor OGR1. The resulting Ca2+ signal secondarily activated the large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa). Our analyses uncover a complex relationship of these transmembrane proteins in DAOY cells that resulted in cell volume changes and induced cell death under strongly acidic conditions. Collectively, our results suggest that these ion channels in concert with OGR1 may shape the growth and evolution of medulloblastoma cells in their acidic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Yuemin Tian
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Gründer S, Vanek J, Pissas KP. Acid-sensing ion channels and downstream signalling in cancer cells: is there a mechanistic link? Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:659-672. [PMID: 38175291 PMCID: PMC11006730 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02902-z] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
It is increasingly appreciated that the acidic microenvironment of a tumour contributes to its evolution and clinical outcomes. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which tumour cells detect acidosis and the signalling cascades that it induces is still limited. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are sensitive receptors for protons; therefore, they are also candidates for proton sensors in tumour cells. Although in non-transformed tissue, their expression is mainly restricted to neurons, an increasing number of studies have reported ectopic expression of ASICs not only in brain cancer but also in different carcinomas, such as breast and pancreatic cancer. However, because ASICs are best known as desensitizing ionotropic receptors that mediate rapid but transient signalling, how they trigger intracellular signalling cascades is not well understood. In this review, we introduce the acidic microenvironment of tumours and the functional properties of ASICs, point out some conceptual problems, summarize reported roles of ASICs in different cancers, and highlight open questions on the mechanisms of their action in cancer cells. Finally, we propose guidelines to keep ASIC research in cancer on solid ground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Jakob Vanek
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Zhang Y, Liu K, Wang J. Identification of TNFRSF1A as a potential biomarker for osteosarcoma. Cancer Biomark 2024; 39:299-312. [PMID: 38250759 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OS) is a relatively rare malignant bone tumor in teenagers; however, its molecular mechanisms are not yet understood comprehensively. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to use necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) and their relationships with immune-related genes to construct a prognostic signature for OS. METHODS TARGET-OS was used as the training dataset, and GSE 16091 and GSE 21257 were used as the validation datasets. Univariate regression, survival analysis, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to screen for hub genes. The immune-related targets were screened using immune infiltration assays and immune checkpoints. The results were validated using nomogram and decision curve analyses (DCA). RESULTS Using univariate Cox regression analysis, TNFRSF1A was screened from 14 NRGs as an OS prognostic signature. Functional enrichment was analyzed based on the median expression of TNFRSF1A. The prognosis of the TNFRSF1A low-expression group in the Kaplan-Meier curve was notably worse. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the number of activated T cells and tumor purity increased considerably. Furthermore, the immune checkpoint lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is a possible target for intervention. The nomogram accurately predicted 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. DCA validated the model (C = 0.669). Conclusion TNFRSF1A can be used to elucidate the potential relationship between the immune microenvironment and NRGs in OS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuke Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jianzhong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
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Zhang Z, Chen M, Zhan W, Chen Y, Wang T, Chen Z, Fu Y, Zhao G, Mao D, Ruan J, Yuan FL. Acid-sensing ion channel 1a modulation of apoptosis in acidosis-related diseases: implications for therapeutic intervention. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:330. [PMID: 37666823 PMCID: PMC10477349 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01624-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a), a prominent member of the acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) superfamily activated by extracellular protons, is ubiquitously expressed throughout the human body, including the nervous system and peripheral tissues. Excessive accumulation of Ca2+ ions via ASIC1a activation may occur in the acidified microenvironment of blood or local tissues. ASIC1a-mediated Ca2+‑induced apoptosis has been implicated in numerous pathologies, including neurological disorders, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. This review summarizes the role of ASIC1a in the modulation of apoptosis via various signaling pathways across different disease states to provide insights for future studies on the underlying mechanisms and development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214041, China
| | - Minnan Chen
- Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Wenjing Zhan
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuechun Chen
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214041, China
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214041, China
| | - Zhonghua Chen
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214041, China
| | - Yifei Fu
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214041, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Orthopaedic Institute, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, 214062, China
| | - Dong Mao
- Orthopaedic Institute, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, 214062, China.
| | - Jingjing Ruan
- Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong, 226001, China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng-Lai Yuan
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214041, China.
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Pissas KP, Schilling M, Tian Y, Gründer S. Functional characterization of acid-sensing ion channels in the cerebellum-originating medulloblastoma cell line DAOY and in cerebellar granule neurons. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1073-1087. [PMID: 37474775 PMCID: PMC10409673 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02839-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are Na+ channels that are almost ubiquitously expressed in neurons of the brain. Functional ASIC1a is also expressed in glioblastoma stem cells, where it might sense the acidic tumor microenvironment. Prolonged acidosis induces cell death in neurons and reduces tumor sphere formation in glioblastoma via activation of ASIC1a. It is currently unknown whether ASICs are expressed and involved in acid-induced cell death in other types of brain tumors. In this study, we investigated ASICs in medulloblastoma, using two established cell lines, DAOY and UW228, as in vitro models. In addition, we characterized ASICs in the most numerous neuron of the brain, the cerebellar granule cell, which shares the progenitor cell with some forms of medulloblastoma. We report compelling evidence using RT-qPCR, western blot and whole-cell patch clamp that DAOY and cerebellar granule cells, but not UW228 cells, functionally express homomeric ASIC1a. Additionally, Ca2+-imaging revealed that extracellular acidification elevated intracellular Ca2+-levels in DAOY cells independently of ASICs. Finally, we show that overexpression of RIPK3, a key component of the necroptosis pathway, renders DAOY cells susceptible to acid-induced cell death via activation of ASIC1a. Our data support the idea that ASIC1a is an important acid sensor in brain tumors and that its activation has potential to induce cell death in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Schilling
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yuemin Tian
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Cortés Franco KD, Brakmann IC, Feoktistova M, Panayotova-Dimitrova D, Gründer S, Tian Y. Aggressive migration in acidic pH of a glioblastoma cancer stem cell line in vitro is independent of ASIC and K Ca3.1 ion channels, but involves phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:405-416. [PMID: 36522586 PMCID: PMC9908655 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02781-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The microenvironment of proliferative and aggressive tumours, such as the brain tumour glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is often acidic, hypoxic, and nutrient deficient. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-sensitive Na+ channels that have been proposed to play a role in pH sensing and in modulation of cancer cell migration. We previously reported that primary glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), which grow as multicellular tumour spheroids, express functional ASIC1a and ASIC3, whereas ASIC2a is downregulated in GSCs. Using a 2.5D migration assay, here we report that acidic pH dramatically increased migration of GSCs of the pro-neural subtype. Pharmacological blockade as well as CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knock-out of ASIC1a or stable overexpression of ASIC2a, however, revealed that neither ASIC1a nor ASIC3, nor downregulation of ASIC2a, mediated the aggressive migration at acidic pH. Therefore, we tested the role of two other proteins previously implicated in cancer cell migration: the Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa3.1 (KCNN4) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). While pharmacological blockade of KCa3.1 did also not affect migration, blockade of PI3K decreased migration at acidic pH to control levels. In summary, our study reveals a strongly enhanced migration of GSCs at acidic pH in vitro and identifies PI3K as an important mediator of this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilka C Brakmann
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maria Feoktistova
- Department of Dermatology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Yuemin Tian
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
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