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Liu X, Ren B, Ren J, Gu M, You L, Zhao Y. The significant role of amino acid metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:380. [PMID: 39069612 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01760-1] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism plays a pivotal role in tumor microenvironment, influencing various aspects of cancer progression. The metabolic reprogramming of amino acids in tumor cells is intricately linked to protein synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, modulation of signaling pathways, regulation of tumor cell metabolism, maintenance of oxidative stress homeostasis, and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, the dysregulation of amino acid metabolism also impacts tumor microenvironment and tumor immunity. Amino acids can act as signaling molecules that modulate immune cell function and immune tolerance within the tumor microenvironment, reshaping the anti-tumor immune response and promoting immune evasion by cancer cells. Moreover, amino acid metabolism can influence the behavior of stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, regulate ECM remodeling and promote angiogenesis, thereby facilitating tumor growth and metastasis. Understanding the intricate interplay between amino acid metabolism and the tumor microenvironment is of crucial significance. Expanding our knowledge of the multifaceted roles of amino acid metabolism in tumor microenvironment holds significant promise for the development of more effective cancer therapies aimed at disrupting the metabolic dependencies of cancer cells and modulating the tumor microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and inhibit tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Minzhi Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
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Zhang Y, Yan H, Wei Y, Wei X. Decoding mitochondria's role in immunity and cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189107. [PMID: 38734035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189107] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The functions of mitochondria, including energy production and biomolecule synthesis, have been known for a long time. Given the rising incidence of cancer, the role of mitochondria in cancer has become increasingly popular. Activated by components released by mitochondria, various pathways interact with each other to induce immune responses to protect organisms from attack. However, mitochondria play dual roles in the progression of cancer. Abnormalities in proteins, which are the elementary structures of mitochondria, are closely linked with oncogenesis. Both the aberrant accumulation of intermediates and mutations in enzymes result in the generation and progression of cancer. Therefore, targeting mitochondria to treat cancer may be a new strategy. Several drugs aimed at inhibiting mutated enzymes and accumulated intermediates have been tested clinically. Here, we discuss the current understanding of mitochondria in cancer and the interactions between mitochondrial functions, immune responses, and oncogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss mitochondria as hopeful targets for cancer therapy, providing insights into the progression of future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong Yan
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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Simon‐Molas H, Del Prete R, Kabanova A. Glucose metabolism in B cell malignancies: a focus on glycolysis branching pathways. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1777-1794. [PMID: 38115544 PMCID: PMC11223612 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13570] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose catabolism, one of the essential pathways sustaining cellular bioenergetics, has been widely studied in the context of tumors. Nevertheless, the function of various branches of glucose metabolism that stem from 'classical' glycolysis have only been partially explored. This review focuses on discussing general mechanisms and pathological implications of glycolysis and its branching pathways in the biology of B cell malignancies. We summarize here what is known regarding pentose phosphate, hexosamine, serine biosynthesis, and glycogen synthesis pathways in this group of tumors. Despite most findings have been based on malignant B cells themselves, we also discuss the role of glucose metabolism in the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on T cells. Understanding the contribution of glycolysis branching pathways and how they are hijacked in B cell malignancies will help to dissect the role they have in sustaining the dissemination and proliferation of tumor B cells and regulating immune responses within these tumors. Ultimately, this should lead to deciphering associated vulnerabilities and improve current therapeutic schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Simon‐Molas
- Departments of Experimental Immunology and HematologyAmsterdam UMC location University of AmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Cancer ImmunologyCancer Center AmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Anna Kabanova
- Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences FoundationSienaItaly
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Liu X, Wang W, Zhang X, Liang J, Feng D, Li Y, Xue M, Ling B. Metabolism pathway-based subtyping in endometrial cancer: An integrated study by multi-omics analysis and machine learning algorithms. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102155. [PMID: 38495844 PMCID: PMC10943971 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC), the second most common malignancy in the female reproductive system, has garnered increasing attention for its genomic heterogeneity, but understanding of its metabolic characteristics is still poor. We explored metabolic dysfunctions in EC through a comprehensive multi-omics analysis (RNA-seq datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas [TCGA], Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia [CCLE], and GEO datasets; the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium [CPTAC] proteomics; CCLE metabolomics) to develop useful molecular targets for precision therapy. Unsupervised consensus clustering was performed to categorize EC patients into three metabolism-pathway-based subgroups (MPSs). These MPS subgroups had distinct clinical prognoses, transcriptomic and genomic alterations, immune microenvironment landscape, and unique patterns of chemotherapy sensitivity. Moreover, the MPS2 subgroup had a better response to immunotherapy. Finally, three machine learning algorithms (LASSO, random forest, and stepwise multivariate Cox regression) were used for developing a prognostic metagene signature based on metabolic molecules. Thus, a 13-hub gene-based classifier was constructed to predict patients' MPS subtypes, offering a more accessible and practical approach. This metabolism-based classification system can enhance prognostic predictions and guide clinical strategies for immunotherapy and metabolism-targeted therapy in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodie Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Dingqing Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yuebo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ming Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bin Ling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China
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5
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Lee WG, Asuelime GE, Asuelime-Smith MBT, Chen SY, Kim ES. Differential RNA Expression Between Metastatic and Primary Neuroblastoma Cells. J Surg Res 2024; 298:240-250. [PMID: 38631173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.03.032] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extra-cranial malignancy in children. Poor survival in high-risk NB is attributed to recurrent metastatic disease. To better study metastatic disease, we used a novel mouse model to investigate differential gene expression between primary tumor cells and metastatic cells. We hypothesized that metastatic NB cells have a different gene expression profile from primary tumor cells and cultured cells. METHODS Using three human NB cell lines (NGP, CHLA255, and SH-SY5Y), orthotopic xenografts were established in immunodeficient nod/scid gamma mice via subcapsular renal injection. Mice were sacrificed and NB cells were isolated from the primary tumor and from sites of metastasis (bone marrow, liver). RNA sequencing, gene set analysis, and pathway analysis were performed to identify differentially expressed genes and molecular pathways in the metastatic cells compared to primary tumor cells. RESULTS There were 266 differentially expressed genes in metastatic tumor cells (bone marrow and liver combined) compared to primary tumor cells. The top upregulated gene was KCNK1 and the top downregulated genes were PDE7B and NEBL. Top upregulated pathways in the metastatic cells were involved in ion transport, cell signaling, and cell proliferation. Top downregulated pathways were involved in DNA synthesis, transcription, and cellular metabolism. CONCLUSIONS In metastatic NB cells, our study identified the upregulation of biologic processes involved in cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Ongoing studies aim to validate downstream translation of these genomic alterations, as well as target these pathways to more effectively suppress and inhibit recurrent metastatic disease in NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Lee
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Grace E Asuelime
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Stephanie Y Chen
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eugene S Kim
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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6
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Chen J, Chen W, Zhang J, Zhao H, Cui J, Wu J, Shi A. Dual effects of endogenous formaldehyde on the organism and drugs for its removal. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:798-817. [PMID: 37766419 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4546] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous formaldehyde (FA) is produced in the human body via various mechanisms to preserve healthy energy metabolism and safeguard the organism. However, endogenous FA can have several negative effects on the body through epigenetic alterations, including cancer growth promotion; neuronal, hippocampal and endothelial damages; atherosclerosis acceleration; haemopoietic stem cell destruction and haemopoietic cell production reduction. Certain medications with antioxidant effects, such as glutathione, vitamin E, resveratrol, alpha lipoic acid and polyphenols, lessen the detrimental effects of endogenous FA by reducing oxidative stress, directly scavenging endogenous FA or promoting its degradation. This study offers fresh perspectives for managing illnesses associated with endogenous FA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Wenhui Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Jinjia Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Ji Cui
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Junzi Wu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Department of Basic Medical, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Anhua Shi
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Department of Basic Medical, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
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7
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Lee Y, Vousden KH, Hennequart M. Cycling back to folate metabolism in cancer. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:701-715. [PMID: 38698089 PMCID: PMC7616045 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic changes contribute to cancer initiation and progression through effects on cancer cells, the tumor microenvironment and whole-body metabolism. Alterations in serine metabolism and the control of one-carbon cycles have emerged as critical for the development of many tumor types. In this Review, we focus on the mitochondrial folate cycle. We discuss recent evidence that, in addition to supporting nucleotide synthesis, mitochondrial folate metabolism also contributes to metastasis through support of antioxidant defense, mitochondrial protein synthesis and the overflow of excess formate. These observations offer potential therapeutic opportunities, including the modulation of formate metabolism through dietary interventions and the use of circulating folate cycle metabolites as biomarkers for cancer detection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marc Hennequart
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Molecular Physiology Unit (URPHYM), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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8
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Lv Q, Zhang J, Cai J, Chen L, Liang J, Zhang T, Lin J, Chen R, Zhang Z, Guo P, Hong Y, Pan L, Ji H. Design, synthesis and mechanism study of coumarin-sulfonamide derivatives as carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors with anticancer activity. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 393:110947. [PMID: 38479716 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110947] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
In this study, twenty-nine coumarin-3-sulfonamide derivatives, twenty-seven of which are original were designed and synthesized. Cytotoxicity assay indicated that most of these derivatives exhibited moderated to good potency against A549 cells. Among them, compound 8q showed potent inhibition against the four tested cancer cell lines, especially A549 cells with IC50 value of 6.01 ± 0.81 μM, and much lower cytotoxicity on the normal cells was observed compared to the reference compounds. Bioinformatics analysis revealed human carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and associated with poor prognosis. The inhibitory activity of compound 8q against CAIX was assessed by using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, which revealed prominent interactions of both compound 8q and CAIX at the active site and their high affinity. The results of ELISA assays verified that compound 8q possessed strong inhibitory activity against CAIX and high subtype selectivity, and could also down-regulate the expression of CAIX in A549 cells. Furthermore, the significant inhibitory effects of compound 8q on the migration and invasion of A549 cells were also found. After treatment with compound 8q, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decreased. Mechanistic investigation using western blotting revealed compound 8q exerted the anti-migrative and anti-invasive effects probably through mitochondria-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway by targeting CAIX. In summary, coumarin-3-sulfonamide derivatives were developed as potential and effective CAIX inhibitors, which were worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Lv
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianghong Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Lexian Chen
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Liang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianwan Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Lin
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyao Chen
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiling Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiting Guo
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Hong
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingxue Pan
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Ji
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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9
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Li L, Qin Y, Chen Y. The enzymes of serine synthesis pathway in cancer metastasis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119697. [PMID: 38382845 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119697] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis, the major cause of cancer mortality, requires cancer cells to reprogram their metabolism to adapt to and thrive in different environments, thereby leaving metastatic cells metabolic characteristics different from their parental cells. Mounting research has revealed that the de novo serine synthesis pathway (SSP), a glycolytic branching pathway that consumes glucose carbons for serine makeup and α-ketoglutarate generation and thus supports the proliferation, survival, and motility of cancer cells, is one such reprogrammed metabolic pathway. During different metastatic cascades, the SSP enzyme proteins or their enzymatic activity are both dynamically altered; manipulating their expression or catalytic activity could effectively prevent the progression of cancer metastasis; and the SSP enzymatic proteins could even conduce to metastasis via their nonenzymatic functions. In this article we overview the SSP dynamics during cancer metastasis and put the focuses on the regulatory role of the SSP in metastasis and the underlying mechanisms that mainly involve cellular anabolism/catabolism, redox balance, and epigenetics, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for targeting metastatic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuting Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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10
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Benzarti M, Neises L, Oudin A, Krötz C, Viry E, Gargiulo E, Pulido C, Schmoetten M, Pozdeev V, Lorenz NI, Ronellenfitsch MW, Sumpton D, Warmoes M, Jaeger C, Lesur A, Becker B, Moussay E, Paggetti J, Niclou SP, Letellier E, Meiser J. PKM2 diverts glycolytic flux in dependence on mitochondrial one-carbon cycle. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113868. [PMID: 38421868 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113868] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Modeling tumor metabolism in vitro remains challenging. Here, we used galactose as an in vitro tool compound to mimic glycolytic limitation. In contrast to the established idea that high glycolytic flux reduces pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 (PKM2) activity to support anabolic processes, we have discovered that glycolytic limitation also affects PKM2 activity. Surprisingly, despite limited carbon availability and energetic stress, cells induce a near-complete block of PKM2 to divert carbons toward serine metabolism. Simultaneously, TCA cycle flux is sustained, and oxygen consumption is increased, supported by glutamine. Glutamine not only supports TCA cycle flux but also serine synthesis via distinct mechanisms that are directed through PKM2 inhibition. Finally, deleting mitochondrial one-carbon (1C) cycle reversed the PKM2 block, suggesting a potential formate-dependent crosstalk that coordinates mitochondrial 1C flux and cytosolic glycolysis to support cell survival and proliferation during nutrient-scarce conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaned Benzarti
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg; Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Laura Neises
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Anais Oudin
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Christina Krötz
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Elodie Viry
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Ernesto Gargiulo
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Coralie Pulido
- Animal Facility, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Maryse Schmoetten
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Vitaly Pozdeev
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Nadia I Lorenz
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael W Ronellenfitsch
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David Sumpton
- Cancer Research U.K. Scotland Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Marc Warmoes
- Metabolomics Platform, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Christian Jaeger
- Metabolomics Platform, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Antoine Lesur
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Björn Becker
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Etienne Moussay
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Jerome Paggetti
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Simone P Niclou
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg; NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Johannes Meiser
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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11
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Becker B, Wottawa F, Bakr M, Koncina E, Mayr L, Kugler J, Yang G, Windross SJ, Neises L, Mishra N, Harris D, Tran F, Welz L, Schwärzler J, Bánki Z, Stengel ST, Ito G, Krötz C, Coleman OI, Jaeger C, Haller D, Paludan SR, Blumberg R, Kaser A, Cicin-Sain L, Schreiber S, Adolph TE, Letellier E, Rosenstiel P, Meiser J, Aden K. Serine metabolism is crucial for cGAS-STING signaling and viral defense control in the gut. iScience 2024; 27:109173. [PMID: 38496294 PMCID: PMC10943449 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by the chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. While the molecular causality between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and intestinal inflammation is widely accepted, the metabolic consequences of chronic ER stress on the pathophysiology of IBD remain unclear. By using in vitro, in vivo models, and patient datasets, we identified a distinct polarization of the mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism and a fine-tuning of the amino acid uptake in intestinal epithelial cells tailored to support GSH and NADPH metabolism upon ER stress. This metabolic phenotype strongly correlates with IBD severity and therapy response. Mechanistically, we uncover that both chronic ER stress and serine limitation disrupt cGAS-STING signaling, impairing the epithelial response against viral and bacterial infection and fueling experimental enteritis. Consequently, the antioxidant treatment restores STING function and virus control. Collectively, our data highlight the importance of serine metabolism to allow proper cGAS-STING signaling and innate immune responses upon gut inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Becker
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Felix Wottawa
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Mohamed Bakr
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Eric Koncina
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Université du Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Lisa Mayr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Metabolism & Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julia Kugler
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Guang Yang
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Laura Neises
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Neha Mishra
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Danielle Harris
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Florian Tran
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Lina Welz
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Julian Schwärzler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Metabolism & Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoltán Bánki
- Institute of Virology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stephanie T. Stengel
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Go Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Christina Krötz
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Olivia I. Coleman
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Christian Jaeger
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Dirk Haller
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- ZIEL-Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | | | - Richard Blumberg
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arthur Kaser
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Luka Cicin-Sain
- Helmholtz Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Schreiber
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Timon E. Adolph
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Metabolism & Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Université du Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Philip Rosenstiel
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Johannes Meiser
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Konrad Aden
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Christian-Albrechts-University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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12
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Baghdassarian HM, Lewis NE. Resource allocation in mammalian systems. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 71:108305. [PMID: 38215956 PMCID: PMC11182366 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108305] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Cells execute biological functions to support phenotypes such as growth, migration, and secretion. Complementarily, each function of a cell has resource costs that constrain phenotype. Resource allocation by a cell allows it to manage these costs and optimize their phenotypes. In fact, the management of resource constraints (e.g., nutrient availability, bioenergetic capacity, and macromolecular machinery production) shape activity and ultimately impact phenotype. In mammalian systems, quantification of resource allocation provides important insights into higher-order multicellular functions; it shapes intercellular interactions and relays environmental cues for tissues to coordinate individual cells to overcome resource constraints and achieve population-level behavior. Furthermore, these constraints, objectives, and phenotypes are context-dependent, with cells adapting their behavior according to their microenvironment, resulting in distinct steady-states. This review will highlight the biological insights gained from probing resource allocation in mammalian cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hratch M Baghdassarian
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nathan E Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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13
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Ramos L, Henriksson M, Helleday T, Green AC. Targeting MTHFD2 to Exploit Cancer-Specific Metabolism and the DNA Damage Response. Cancer Res 2024; 84:9-16. [PMID: 37922465 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1290] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
The one-carbon folate enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase 2 (MTHFD2) is a promising therapeutic target in cancer. MTHFD2 is upregulated across numerous cancer types, promotes growth and metastasis of cancer, and correlates with poorer survival. Recent studies have developed small-molecule inhibitors to the isozymes MTHFD2 and MTHFD1 that show promise as anticancer agents through different mechanisms. This review discusses the current understanding of the function of MTHFD2 in cancer and the status of inhibitors for treating MTHFD2-overexpressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Ramos
- Weston Park Cancer Centre and Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Martin Henriksson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Thomas Helleday
- Weston Park Cancer Centre and Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Alanna C Green
- Weston Park Cancer Centre and Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, University of Sheffield Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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14
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Karno B, Edwards DN, Chen J. Metabolic control of cancer metastasis: role of amino acids at secondary organ sites. Oncogene 2023; 42:3447-3456. [PMID: 37848626 PMCID: PMC11323979 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02868-3] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Most cancer-related deaths are caused by the metastases, which commonly develop at multiple organ sites including the brain, bone, and lungs. Despite longstanding observations that the spread of cancer is not random, our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie metastatic spread to specific organs remains limited. However, metabolism has recently emerged as an important contributor to metastasis. Amino acids are a significant nutrient source to cancer cells and their metabolism which can serve to fuel biosynthetic pathways capable of facilitating cell survival and tumor expansion while also defending against oxidative stress. Compared to the primary tumor, each of the common metastatic sites exhibit vastly different nutrient compositions and environmental stressors, necessitating the need of cancer cells to metabolically thrive in their new environment during colonization and outgrowth. This review seeks to summarize the current literature on amino acid metabolism pathways that support metastasis to common secondary sites, including impacts on immune responses. Understanding the role of amino acids in secondary organ sites may offer opportunities for therapeutic inhibition of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breelyn Karno
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Deanna N Edwards
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jin Chen
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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15
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Delbrouck C, Kiweler N, Chen O, Pozdeev VI, Haase L, Neises L, Oudin A, Fouquier d'Hérouël A, Shen R, Schlicker L, Halder R, Lesur A, Schuster A, Lorenz NI, Jaeger C, Feucherolles M, Frache G, Szpakowska M, Chevigne A, Ronellenfitsch MW, Moussay E, Piraud M, Skupin A, Schulze A, Niclou SP, Letellier E, Meiser J. Formate promotes invasion and metastasis in reliance on lipid metabolism. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113034. [PMID: 37651228 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring is essential for cancer onset and progression. We previously showed that one-carbon metabolism-dependent formate production often exceeds the anabolic demand of cancer cells, resulting in formate overflow. Furthermore, we showed that increased extracellular formate concentrations promote the in vitro invasiveness of glioblastoma cells. Here, we substantiate these initial observations with ex vivo and in vivo experiments. We also show that exposure to exogeneous formate can prime cancer cells toward a pro-invasive phenotype leading to increased metastasis formation in vivo. Our results suggest that the increased local formate concentration within the tumor microenvironment can be one factor to promote metastases. Additionally, we describe a mechanistic interplay between formate-dependent increased invasiveness and adaptations of lipid metabolism and matrix metalloproteinase activity. Our findings consolidate the role of formate as pro-invasive metabolite and warrant further research to better understand the interplay between formate and lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Delbrouck
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 2 avenue de Université, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Nicole Kiweler
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Oleg Chen
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Vitaly I Pozdeev
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Lara Haase
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 2 avenue de Université, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Laura Neises
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Anaïs Oudin
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Aymeric Fouquier d'Hérouël
- Integrative Cell Signaling Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Ruolin Shen
- Helmholtz AI Central Unit, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Schlicker
- Division of Tumor Metabolism and Microenvironment, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rashi Halder
- RNAseq Platform, Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Antoine Lesur
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Anne Schuster
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Nadja I Lorenz
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Jaeger
- Metabolomics Platform, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Maureen Feucherolles
- Molecular and Thermal Analysis Group, Materials Research and Technology, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Gilles Frache
- Molecular and Thermal Analysis Group, Materials Research and Technology, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Martyna Szpakowska
- Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Andy Chevigne
- Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Michael W Ronellenfitsch
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Etienne Moussay
- Tumor-Stroma Interactions Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Marie Piraud
- Helmholtz AI Central Unit, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Skupin
- Integrative Cell Signaling Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92092, USA; Department of Physics and Material Science, University of Luxembourg, 1511 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Almut Schulze
- Division of Tumor Metabolism and Microenvironment, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone P Niclou
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 2 avenue de Université, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Johannes Meiser
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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16
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Pan Q, Yu F, Jin H, Zhang P, Huang X, Peng J, Xie X, Li X, Ma N, Wei Y, Wen W, Zhang J, Zhang B, Yu H, Xiao Y, Liu R, Liu Q, Meng X, Lee M. eIF3f Mediates SGOC Pathway Reprogramming by Enhancing Deubiquitinating Activity in Colorectal Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300759. [PMID: 37544925 PMCID: PMC10520677 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that individual proteins can moonlight. Eukaryotic Initiation translation factor 3, f subunit (eIF3f) is involved in critical biological functions; however, its role independent of protein translation in regulating colorectal cancer (CRC) is not characterized. Here, it is demonstrated that eIF3f is upregulated in CRC tumor tissues and that both Wnt and EGF signaling pathways are participating in eIF3f's oncogenic impact on targeting phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) during CRC development. Mechanistically, EGF blocks FBXW7β-mediated PHGDH ubiquitination through GSK3β deactivation, and eIF3f antagonizes FBXW7β-mediated PHGDH ubiquitination through its deubiquitinating activity. Additionally, Wnt signals transcriptionally activate the expression of eIF3f, which also exerts its deubiquitinating activity toward MYC, thereby increasing MYC-mediated PHGDH transcription. Thereby, both impacts allow eIF3f to elevate the expression of PHGDH, enhancing Serine-Glycine-One-Carbon (SGOC) signaling pathway to facilitate CRC development. In summary, the study uncovers the intrinsic role and underlying molecular mechanism of eIF3f in SGOC signaling, providing novel insight into the strategies to target eIF3f-PHGDH axis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihao Pan
- Department of General SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Biomedical Innovation CenterThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Fenghai Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Huilin Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Biomedical Innovation CenterThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Xiaoling Huang
- Department of General SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Biomedical Innovation CenterThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Jingxuan Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Xiaoshan Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Xiangli Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Ning Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Yue Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Weijie Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Jieping Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Boyu Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Biomedical Innovation CenterThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Hongyan Yu
- Department of Clinical Biological Resource BankGuangzhou Institute of PediatricsGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510623China
| | - Yuanxun Xiao
- Burn Plastic SurgeryYue bei People's HospitalWujiang512099China
| | - Ran‐yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Qingxin Liu
- Department of General SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Biomedical Innovation CenterThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Xiangqi Meng
- Department of General SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Biomedical Innovation CenterThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
| | - Mong‐Hong Lee
- Department of General SurgeryThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Guangdong Provincial Key laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DiseasesThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Biomedical Innovation CenterThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
- Department of OncologyThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510655China
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17
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Li W, Dong M, Li Y, Dong H. Macrophages-Cancer Membrane-Encapsulated Metal-Organic Frameworks with Copper-Depleting Moiety for Mitochondria-Targeted Therapeutics. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202986. [PMID: 36943933 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria-targeted therapeutics are an attractive approach against energy-dependent cancer. However, effective mitochondria organelle therapeutics agents are still highly desirable. Herein, a mitochondria-targeted therapeutics platform, termed CDM@MUiO-DP@MCHM, consisting of macrophages-cancer hybrid membrane (MCHM) encapsulated MUiO-66 metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is reported, which is loaded with microRNA (miRNA) biomarker detection probe (DP) for cancer diagnosis and copper-depleting moiety (CDM) for mitochondrial copper depletion to suppress cancer growth. Using nude mice bearing MCF-7 as model, after injecting intravenously via the caudal vein of mice, the encapsulation of MCHM can not only greatly enhance the cancer homing-targeting ability of the nanoparticles (NPs) but also endows the NPs the immune escape capacity to extend the circulation time. The miRNA-21 biomarker can be detected by the fluorescence signal for diagnosis, while the CDM induced energy deficiency and compromised mitochondria membrane potential, leading to apoptosis of the cancer cell. The good performance of CDM@MUiO-DP@MCHM suggest the great potential mitochondria organelle therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqun Li
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), 518055, Shenzhen, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Mingjie Dong
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Precision Medicine and Health Research Institute, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingchun Li
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), 518055, Shenzhen, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Haifeng Dong
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Precision Medicine and Health Research Institute, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
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18
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Hennequart M, Pilley SE, Labuschagne CF, Coomes J, Mervant L, Driscoll PC, Legrave NM, Lee Y, Kreuzaler P, Macintyre B, Panina Y, Blagih J, Stevenson D, Strathdee D, Schneider-Luftman D, Grönroos E, Cheung EC, Yuneva M, Swanton C, Vousden KH. ALDH1L2 regulation of formate, formyl-methionine, and ROS controls cancer cell migration and metastasis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112562. [PMID: 37245210 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial 10-formyltetrahydrofolate (10-formyl-THF) is utilized by three mitochondrial enzymes to produce formate for nucleotide synthesis, NADPH for antioxidant defense, and formyl-methionine (fMet) to initiate mitochondrial mRNA translation. One of these enzymes-aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member 2 (ALDH1L2)-produces NADPH by catabolizing 10-formyl-THF into CO2 and THF. Using breast cancer cell lines, we show that reduction of ALDH1L2 expression increases ROS levels and the production of both formate and fMet. Both depletion of ALDH1L2 and direct exposure to formate result in enhanced cancer cell migration that is dependent on the expression of the formyl-peptide receptor (FPR). In various tumor models, increased ALDH1L2 expression lowers formate and fMet accumulation and limits metastatic capacity, while human breast cancer samples show a consistent reduction of ALDH1L2 expression in metastases. Together, our data suggest that loss of ALDH1L2 can support metastatic progression by promoting formate and fMet production, resulting in enhanced FPR-dependent signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Hennequart
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Steven E Pilley
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Christiaan F Labuschagne
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), 11 Hoffman Street, Potchesfstoom 2531, South Africa
| | - Jack Coomes
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Loic Mervant
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Paul C Driscoll
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | | | - Younghwan Lee
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Peter Kreuzaler
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | | | - Yulia Panina
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Julianna Blagih
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, 5414 Assomption Blvd, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Eva Grönroos
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Eric C Cheung
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mariia Yuneva
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Charles Swanton
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Karen H Vousden
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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19
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Green AC, Marttila P, Kiweler N, Chalkiadaki C, Wiita E, Cookson V, Lesur A, Eiden K, Bernardin F, Vallin KSA, Borhade S, Long M, Ghahe EK, Jiménez-Alonso JJ, Jemth AS, Loseva O, Mortusewicz O, Meyers M, Viry E, Johansson AI, Hodek O, Homan E, Bonagas N, Ramos L, Sandberg L, Frödin M, Moussay E, Slipicevic A, Letellier E, Paggetti J, Sørensen CS, Helleday T, Henriksson M, Meiser J. Formate overflow drives toxic folate trapping in MTHFD1 inhibited cancer cells. Nat Metab 2023; 5:642-659. [PMID: 37012496 PMCID: PMC10132981 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells fuel their increased need for nucleotide supply by upregulating one-carbon (1C) metabolism, including the enzymes methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase-cyclohydrolase 1 and 2 (MTHFD1 and MTHFD2). TH9619 is a potent inhibitor of dehydrogenase and cyclohydrolase activities in both MTHFD1 and MTHFD2, and selectively kills cancer cells. Here, we reveal that, in cells, TH9619 targets nuclear MTHFD2 but does not inhibit mitochondrial MTHFD2. Hence, overflow of formate from mitochondria continues in the presence of TH9619. TH9619 inhibits the activity of MTHFD1 occurring downstream of mitochondrial formate release, leading to the accumulation of 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate, which we term a 'folate trap'. This results in thymidylate depletion and death of MTHFD2-expressing cancer cells. This previously uncharacterized folate trapping mechanism is exacerbated by physiological hypoxanthine levels that block the de novo purine synthesis pathway, and additionally prevent 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate consumption for purine synthesis. The folate trapping mechanism described here for TH9619 differs from other MTHFD1/2 inhibitors and antifolates. Thus, our findings uncover an approach to attack cancer and reveal a regulatory mechanism in 1C metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanna C Green
- Weston Park Cancer Centre and Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Petra Marttila
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Nicole Kiweler
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Christina Chalkiadaki
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Elisée Wiita
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Victoria Cookson
- Weston Park Cancer Centre and Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Antoine Lesur
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Kim Eiden
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - François Bernardin
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Karl S A Vallin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Sanjay Borhade
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- RedGlead Discover, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maeve Long
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Elahe Kamali Ghahe
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julio J Jiménez-Alonso
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Ann-Sofie Jemth
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Olga Loseva
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Oliver Mortusewicz
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Marianne Meyers
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Elodie Viry
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Annika I Johansson
- Swedish Metabolomics Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ondřej Hodek
- Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Evert Homan
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Nadilly Bonagas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Louise Ramos
- Weston Park Cancer Centre and Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lars Sandberg
- Drug Discovery and Development Platform, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Organic Chemistry, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Morten Frödin
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Etienne Moussay
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Ana Slipicevic
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- One-carbon Therapeutics AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jérôme Paggetti
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | - Thomas Helleday
- Weston Park Cancer Centre and Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Martin Henriksson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Johannes Meiser
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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20
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Brown JI, Wang P, Wong AYL, Petrova B, Persaud R, Soukhtehzari S, Lopez McDonald M, Hanke D, Christensen J, Iliev P, Wang W, Everton DK, Williams KC, Frank DA, Kanarek N, Page BDG. Cycloguanil and Analogues Potently Target DHFR in Cancer Cells to Elicit Anti-Cancer Activity. Metabolites 2023; 13:151. [PMID: 36837770 PMCID: PMC9961069 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is an established anti-cancer drug target whose inhibition disrupts folate metabolism and STAT3-dependent gene expression. Cycloguanil was proposed as a DHFR inhibitor in the 1950s and is the active metabolite of clinically approved plasmodium DHFR inhibitor Proguanil. The Cycloguanil scaffold was explored to generate potential cancer therapies in the 1970s. Herein, current computational and chemical biology techniques were employed to re-investigate the anti-cancer activity of Cycloguanil and related compounds. In silico modeling was employed to identify promising Cycloguanil analogues from NCI databases, which were cross-referenced with NCI-60 Human Tumor Cell Line Screening data. Using target engagement assays, it was found that these compounds engage DHFR in cells at sub-nanomolar concentrations; however, growth impairments were not observed until higher concentrations. Folinic acid treatment rescues the viability impairments induced by some, but not all, Cycloguanil analogues, suggesting these compounds may have additional targets. Cycloguanil and its most promising analogue, NSC127159, induced similar metabolite profiles compared to established DHFR inhibitors Methotrexate and Pyrimethamine while also blocking downstream signaling, including STAT3 transcriptional activity. These data confirm that Cycloguanil and its analogues are potent inhibitors of human DHFR, and their anti-cancer activity may be worth further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer I. Brown
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alan Y. L. Wong
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Boryana Petrova
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rosanne Persaud
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sepideh Soukhtehzari
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | - Danielle Hanke
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Josephine Christensen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Petar Iliev
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Weiyuan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Daniel K. Everton
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Karla C. Williams
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - David A. Frank
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Naama Kanarek
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Brent D. G. Page
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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21
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Purine nucleotide depletion prompts cell migration by stimulating the serine synthesis pathway. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2698. [PMID: 35577785 PMCID: PMC9110385 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purine nucleotides are necessary for various biological processes related to cell proliferation. Despite their importance in DNA and RNA synthesis, cellular signaling, and energy-dependent reactions, the impact of changes in cellular purine levels on cell physiology remains poorly understood. Here, we find that purine depletion stimulates cell migration, despite effective reduction in cell proliferation. Blocking purine synthesis triggers a shunt of glycolytic carbon into the serine synthesis pathway, which is required for the induction of cell migration upon purine depletion. The stimulation of cell migration upon a reduction in intracellular purines required one-carbon metabolism downstream of de novo serine synthesis. Decreased purine abundance and the subsequent increase in serine synthesis triggers an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and, in cancer models, promotes metastatic colonization. Thus, reducing the available pool of intracellular purines re-routes metabolic flux from glycolysis into de novo serine synthesis, a metabolic change that stimulates a program of cell migration. Nucleotides are essential for different biological processes and have been also associated to cancer development. Depleting cellular nucleotides is a strategy commonly employed to target cancers. Here, the authors show that purine depletion induces serine synthesis to promote cancer cell migration and metastasis.
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