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Sun LL, He HY, Li W, Jin WL, Wei YJ. The solute carrier transporters (SLCs) family in nutrient metabolism and ferroptosis. Biomark Res 2024; 12:94. [PMID: 39218897 PMCID: PMC11367818 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00645-2] [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: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death caused by damage to lipid membranes due to the accumulation of lipid peroxides in response to various stimuli, such as high levels of iron, oxidative stress, metabolic disturbance, etc. Sugar, lipid, amino acid, and iron metabolism are crucial in regulating ferroptosis. The solute carrier transporters (SLCs) family, known as the "metabolic gating" of cells, is responsible for transporting intracellular nutrients and metabolites. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of SLCs family members in ferroptosis by controlling the transport of various nutrients. Here, we summarized the function and mechanism of SLCs in ferroptosis regulated by ion, metabolic control of nutrients, and multiple signaling pathways, with a focus on SLC-related transporters that primarily transport five significant components: glucose, amino acid, lipid, trace metal ion, and other ion. Furthermore, the potential clinical applications of targeting SLCs with ferroptosis inducers for various diseases, including tumors, are discussed. Overall, this paper delves into the novel roles of the SLCs family in ferroptosis, aiming to enhance our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis and identify new therapeutic targets for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Sun
- School of Life Science, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China
| | - Hai-Yan He
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
| | - Yi-Ju Wei
- School of Life Science, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China.
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China.
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Cheng L, Peng JZ, Li SW, Bie ZX, Li XG. Acute-phase plasma proteomics of rabbit lung VX2 tumors treated by image-guided microwave ablation. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1435256. [PMID: 39252952 PMCID: PMC11381224 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1435256] [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: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the plasma proteomic changes of rabbit lung VX2 tumors treated by microwave ablation, and to explore the molecular pathway mechanisms that may be involved. Methods New Zealand white rabbits were inoculated with VX2 tumor cell suspension in the right lower lung and treated with microwave ablation after 2-3 weeks of tumor formation. Blood was collected at 5 time points (TP1~TP5) before and after ablation by cardiac blood sampling and pre-treated before proteomic analysis. The plasma proteome was analyzed by Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA). Results Different molecular pathways were activated at different time points:(i) TP1vsTP2: more proteins were down-regulated and enrichment analysis showed that the proteasome pathway was activated. The abnormal protein folding process involved in this pathway is closely related to the process of tumor development. (ii) TP2vsTP3: more proteins were up-regulated although the number of differentially differentiated proteins was lower and enrichment analysis showed that the phagosome pathway was activated. After microwave ablation inactivates tumor cells, it activates the phagosomal pathway for immune clearance of necrotic tumor tissue. (iii) TP3vsTP4: more down-regulated proteins, enrichment analysis showed that cysteine and methionine metabolism pathway was activated. Decreased metabolism of these amino acids suggests that cancer progression may be blocked after microwave ablation therapy. (iv) TP4vsTP5: the number of differential proteins was less and more down-regulated proteins, enrichment analysis showed that glutathione metabolism and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 pathway were activated. The down-regulated proteins in this pathway may suggest that microwave ablation may have reduced resistance to certain chemotherapeutic agents following. Conclusions In the process of lung cancer treatment by microwave ablation, the changes of proteins on the possible molecular pathways at each time point are related to lung cancer, and not only involve some simple inflammatory reactions, and some of the proteins released by destroying the tumor cells can be used as possible drug binding sites and reduce drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cheng
- Department of Minimally Invasive Tumor Therapies Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Zhao Peng
- Department of Minimally Invasive Tumor Therapies Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng-Wei Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Tumor Therapies Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Bie
- Department of Minimally Invasive Tumor Therapies Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Tumor Therapies Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Qiu Y, Xie E, Xu H, Cheng H, Li G. One-carbon metabolism shapes T cell immunity in cancer. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00160-7. [PMID: 38925992 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism (1CM), comprising folate metabolism and methionine metabolism, serves as an important mechanism for cellular energy provision and the production of vital signaling molecules, including single-carbon moieties. Its regulation is instrumental in sustaining the proliferation of cancer cells and facilitating metastasis; in addition, recent research has shed light on its impact on the efficacy of T cell-mediated immunotherapy. In this review, we consolidate current insights into how 1CM affects T cell activation, differentiation, and functionality. Furthermore, we delve into the strategies for modulating 1CM in both T cells and tumor cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptively transferred T cells, overcome metabolic challenges in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and maximize the benefits of T cell-mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Qiu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ermei Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haipeng Xu
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian, 350011, China
| | - Hongcheng Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guideng Li
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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Hushmandi K, Einollahi B, Saadat SH, Lee EHC, Farani MR, Okina E, Huh YS, Nabavi N, Salimimoghadam S, Kumar AP. Amino acid transporters within the solute carrier superfamily: Underappreciated proteins and novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Mol Metab 2024; 84:101952. [PMID: 38705513 PMCID: PMC11112377 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101952] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solute carrier (SLC) transporters, a diverse family of membrane proteins, are instrumental in orchestrating the intake and efflux of nutrients including amino acids, vitamins, ions, nutrients, etc, across cell membranes. This dynamic process is critical for sustaining the metabolic demands of cancer cells, promoting their survival, proliferation, and adaptation to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Amino acids are fundamental building blocks of cells and play essential roles in protein synthesis, nutrient sensing, and oncogenic signaling pathways. As key transporters of amino acids, SLCs have emerged as crucial players in maintaining cellular amino acid homeostasis, and their dysregulation is implicated in various cancer types. Thus, understanding the intricate connections between amino acids, SLCs, and cancer is pivotal for unraveling novel therapeutic targets and strategies. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we delve into the significant impact of amino acid carriers of the SLCs family on the growth and progression of cancer and explore the current state of knowledge in this field, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms that underlie these relationships and highlighting potential avenues for future research and clinical interventions. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Amino acids transportation by SLCs plays a critical role in tumor progression. However, some studies revealed the tumor suppressor function of SLCs. Although several studies evaluated the function of SLC7A11 and SLC1A5, the role of some SLC proteins in cancer is not studied well. To exert their functions, SLCs mediate metabolic rewiring, regulate the maintenance of redox balance, affect main oncogenic pathways, regulate amino acids bioavailability within the TME, and alter the sensitivity of cancer cells to therapeutics. However, different therapeutic methods that prevent the function of SLCs were able to inhibit tumor progression. This comprehensive review provides insights into a rapidly evolving area of cancer biology by focusing on amino acids and their transporters within the SLC superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiavash Hushmandi
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behzad Einollahi
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hassan Saadat
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Elena Okina
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Shen Z, Zhao L, Yoo SA, Lin Z, Zhang Y, Yang W, Piao J. Emodin induces ferroptosis in colorectal cancer through NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and NF-κb pathway inactivation. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-01973-2. [PMID: 38704789 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01973-2] [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] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a new programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Targeting ferroptosis is considered a promising strategy for anti-cancer therapy. Recently, natural compound has gained increased attention for their advantage in cancer treatment, and the exploration of natural compounds as ferroptosis inducers offers a hopeful avenue for advancing cancer treatment modalities. Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative in many widely used Chinese medicinal herbs. In our previous study, we predicted that the anti-cancer effect of Emodin might related to ferroptosis by using RNA-seq in colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, in this study, we aim to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying Emodin-mediated ferroptosis in CRC. Cell-based assays including CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, and Annexin V/PI staining were employed to assess Emodin's impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, various techniques such as FerroOrange staining, C11-BODIPY 581/591 staining, iron, MDA, GSH detection assay and transmission electron microscopy were performed to examine the role of Emodin in ferroptosis. Additionally, specific NCOA4 knockdown cell lines were generated to elucidate the involvement of NCOA4 in Emodin-induced ferroptosis. Moreover, the effects of Emodin on ferroptosis were further confirmed through the application of inhibitors, including Ferrostatin-1, 3-MA, DFO, and PMA. As a results, Emodin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in CRC cells. Emodin could decrease GSH content, xCT and GPX4 expression, meanwhile increasing ROS generation, MDA, and lipid peroxidation, and these effects could reverse by ferroptosis inhibitor, Ferostatin-1, iron chelator DFO, autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and NCOA4 silencing. Moreover, Emodin could inactivate NF-κb pathway, and PMA, an activator of NF-κb pathway could alleviate Emodin-induced ferroptosis in CRC cells. Xenograft mouse model also showed that Emodin suppressed tumor growth and induced ferroptosis in vivo. In conclusion, these results suggested that Emodin induced ferroptosis through NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy by inactivating NF-κb pathway in CRC cells. These findings not only identified a novel role for Emodin in ferroptosis but also indicated that Emodin may be a valuable candidate for the development of an anti-cancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhennv Shen
- Central Laboratory, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Seung-Ah Yoo
- Department Medical life sciences, The Catholic university of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Zhenhua Lin
- Central Laboratory, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Wenqing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China
| | - Junjie Piao
- Central Laboratory, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanji, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Yanbian University, No. 977 Gongyuan Road, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, P.R. China.
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Bin P, Wang C, Zhang H, Yan Y, Ren W. Targeting methionine metabolism in cancer: opportunities and challenges. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:395-405. [PMID: 38580603 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Reprogramming of methionine metabolism is a conserved hallmark of tumorigenesis. Recent studies have revealed mechanisms regulating methionine metabolism within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that drive both cancer development and antitumor immunity evasion. In this review article we summarize advancements in our understanding of tumor regulation of methionine metabolism and therapies in development that target tumor methionine metabolism. We also delineate the challenges of methionine blockade therapies in cancer and discuss emerging strategies to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Bin
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Henry Fok School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Chuanlong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hangchao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuqi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wenkai Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Ji M, Xu Q, Li X. Dietary methionine restriction in cancer development and antitumor immunity. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:400-412. [PMID: 38383161 PMCID: PMC11096033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Methionine restriction (MR) has been shown to suppress tumor growth and improve the responses to various anticancer therapies. However, methionine itself is required for the proliferation, activation, and differentiation of T cells that are crucial for antitumor immunity. The dual impact of methionine, that influences both tumor and immune cells, has generated concerns regarding the potential consequences of MR on T cell immunity and its possible role in promoting cancer. In this review we systemically examine current literature on the interactions between dietary methionine, cancer cells, and immune cells. Based on recent findings on MR in immunocompetent animals, we further discuss how tumor stage-specific methionine dependence of immune cells and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment could ultimately dictate the response of tumors to MR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ji
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Qing Xu
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Xia R, Peng HF, Zhang X, Zhang HS. Comprehensive review of amino acid transporters as therapeutic targets. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129646. [PMID: 38272411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The solute carrier (SLC) family, with more than 400 membrane-bound proteins, facilitates the transport of a wide array of substrates such as nutrients, ions, metabolites, and drugs across biological membranes. Amino acid transporters (AATs) are membrane transport proteins that mediate transfer of amino acids into and out of cells or cellular organelles. AATs participate in many important physiological functions including nutrient supply, metabolic transformation, energy homeostasis, redox regulation, and neurological regulation. Several AATs have been found to significantly impact the progression of human malignancies, and dysregulation of AATs results in metabolic reprogramming affecting tumor growth and progression. However, current clinical therapies that directly target AATs have not been developed. The purpose of this review is to highlight the structural and functional diversity of AATs, the molecular mechanisms in human diseases such as tumors, kidney diseases, and emerging therapeutic strategies for targeting AATs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Xia
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Hai-Feng Peng
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China.
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Majumder A. Targeting Homocysteine and Hydrogen Sulfide Balance as Future Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1520. [PMID: 37627515 PMCID: PMC10451792 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081520] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A high level of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with oxidative/ER stress, apoptosis, and impairment of angiogenesis, whereas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been found to reverse this condition. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells need to produce a high level of endogenous H2S to maintain cell proliferation, growth, viability, and migration. However, any novel mechanism that targets this balance of Hcy and H2S production has yet to be discovered or exploited. Cells require homocysteine metabolism via the methionine cycle for nucleotide synthesis, methylation, and reductive metabolism, and this pathway supports the high proliferative rate of cancer cells. Although the methionine cycle favors cancer cells for their survival and growth, this metabolism produces a massive amount of toxic Hcy that somehow cancer cells handle very well. Recently, research showed specific pathways important for balancing the antioxidative defense through H2S production in cancer cells. This review discusses the relationship between Hcy metabolism and the antiapoptotic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects of H2S in different cancer types. It also summarizes the historical understanding of targeting antioxidative defense systems, angiogenesis, and other protective mechanisms of cancer cells and the role of H2S production in the genesis, progression, and metastasis of cancer. This review defines a nexus of diet and precision medicine in targeting the delicate antioxidative system of cancer and explores possible future therapeutics that could exploit the Hcy and H2S balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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