1
|
Luo Y, Yu J, Lin Z, Wang X, Zhao J, Liu X, Qin W, Xu G. Metabolic characterization of sphere-derived prostate cancer stem cells reveals aberrant urea cycle in stemness maintenance. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:742-755. [PMID: 38647131 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34967] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Alteration of cell metabolism is one of the essential characteristics of tumor growth. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the initiating cells of tumorigenesis, proliferation, recurrence, and other processes, and play an important role in therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Thus, identification of the metabolic profiles in prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) is critical to understanding prostate cancer progression. Using untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics methods, we show distinct metabolic differences between prostate cancer cells and PCSCs. Urea cycle is the most significantly altered metabolic pathway in PCSCs, the key metabolites arginine and proline are evidently elevated. Proline promotes cancer stem-like characteristics via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the enzyme pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), which catalyzes the conversion of pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid to proline, is highly expressed in PCSCs, and the inhibition of PYCR1 suppresses the stem-like characteristics of prostate cancer cells and tumor growth. In addition, carnitine and free fatty acid levels are significantly increased, indicating reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism in PCSCs. Reduced sphingolipid levels and increased triglyceride levels are also observed. Collectively, our data illustrate the comprehensive landscape of the metabolic reprogramming of PCSCs and provide potential therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiachuan Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhikun Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
| | - Jinhui Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
| | - Wangshu Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
| | - Guowang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meeks KR, Bogner AN, Tanner JJ. Screening a knowledge-based library of low molecular weight compounds against the proline biosynthetic enzyme 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate 1 (PYCR1). Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5072. [PMID: 39133178 PMCID: PMC11193152 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase isoform 1 (PYCR1) is the last enzyme of proline biosynthesis and catalyzes the NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate to L-proline. High PYCR1 gene expression is observed in many cancers and linked to poor patient outcomes and tumor aggressiveness. The knockdown of the PYCR1 gene or the inhibition of PYCR1 enzyme has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis in cancer cells and animal models of cancer, motivating inhibitor discovery. We screened a library of 71 low molecular weight compounds (average MW of 131 Da) against PYCR1 using an enzyme activity assay. Hit compounds were validated with X-ray crystallography and kinetic assays to determine affinity parameters. The library was counter-screened against human Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase isoform 3 and proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) to assess specificity/promiscuity. Twelve PYCR1 and one PRODH inhibitor crystal structures were determined. Three compounds inhibit PYCR1 with competitive inhibition parameter of 100 μM or lower. Among these, (S)-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxylic acid (70 μM) has higher affinity than the current best tool compound N-formyl-l-proline, is 30 times more specific for PYCR1 over human Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase isoform 3, and negligibly inhibits PRODH. Structure-affinity relationships suggest that hydrogen bonding of the heteroatom of this compound is important for binding to PYCR1. The structures of PYCR1 and PRODH complexed with 1-hydroxyethane-1-sulfonate demonstrate that the sulfonate group is a suitable replacement for the carboxylate anchor. This result suggests that the exploration of carboxylic acid isosteres may be a promising strategy for discovering new classes of PYCR1 and PRODH inhibitors. The structure of PYCR1 complexed with l-pipecolate and NADH supports the hypothesis that PYCR1 has an alternative function in lysine metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaylen R. Meeks
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Alexandra N. Bogner
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
- Present address:
Lilly Biotechnology CenterEli Lilly and CompanySan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - John J. Tanner
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhuang F, Huang S, Liu L. PYCR3 modulates mtDNA copy number to drive proliferation and doxorubicin resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 171:106581. [PMID: 38642827 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106581] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses significant challenges in treatment due to its aggressive nature and limited therapeutic targets. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms driving TNBC progression and chemotherapy resistance is imperative for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Thus, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 3 (PYCR3) in TNBC pathogenesis and therapeutic response. We observed that PYCR3 is significantly upregulated in TNBC specimens compared to normal breast tissues, correlating with a poorer prognosis in TNBC patients. Knockdown of PYCR3 not only suppresses TNBC cell proliferation but also reverses acquired resistance of TNBC cells to doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. Mechanistically, we identified the mitochondrial localization of PYCR3 in TNBC cells and demonstrated its impact on TNBC cell proliferation and sensitivity to doxorubicin through the regulation of mtDNA copy number and mitochondrial respiration. Importantly, Selective reduction of mtDNA copy number using the mtDNA replication inhibitor 2', 3'-dideoxycytidine effectively recapitulates the phenotypic effects observed in PYCR3 knockout, resulting in decreased TNBC cell proliferation and the reversal of doxorubicin resistance through apoptosis induction. Thus, our study underscores the clinical relevance of PYCR3 and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target in TNBC management. By elucidating the functional significance of PYCR3 in TNBC, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of TNBC biology and provide a foundation for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Zhuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Shaoyan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dyachenko EI, Bel’skaya LV. The Role of Amino Acids in Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Mechanisms in Cancer: A Review. Metabolites 2023; 14:28. [PMID: 38248831 PMCID: PMC10818545 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010028] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, the antioxidant properties of amino acids and their role in the physicochemical processes accompanying oxidative stress in cancer remain unclear. Cancer cells are known to extensively uptake amino acids, which are used as an energy source, antioxidant precursors that reduce oxidative stress in cancer, and as regulators of inhibiting or inducing tumor cell-associated gene expression. This review examines nine amino acids (Cys, His, Phe, Met, Trp, Tyr, Pro, Arg, Lys), which play a key role in the non-enzymatic oxidative process in various cancers. Conventionally, these amino acids can be divided into two groups, in one of which the activity increases (Cys, Phe, Met, Pro, Arg, Lys) in cancer, and in the other, it decreases (His, Trp, Tyr). The review examines changes in the metabolism of nine amino acids in eleven types of oncology. We have identified the main nonspecific mechanisms of changes in the metabolic activity of amino acids, and described direct and indirect effects on the redox homeostasis of cells. In the future, this will help to understand better the nature of life of a cancer cell and identify therapeutic targets more effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lyudmila V. Bel’skaya
- Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Omsk State Pedagogical University, Omsk 644099, Russia;
| |
Collapse
|