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Beerkens APM, Boreel DF, Nathan JA, Neuzil J, Cheng G, Kalyanaraman B, Hardy M, Adema GJ, Heskamp S, Span PN, Bussink J. Characterizing OXPHOS inhibitor-mediated alleviation of hypoxia using high-throughput live cell-imaging. Cancer Metab 2024; 12:13. [PMID: 38702787 PMCID: PMC11067257 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-024-00342-6] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia is a common feature of many solid tumors and causes radiotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. Pharmacological inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) has emerged as a therapeutic strategy to reduce hypoxia. However, the OXPHOS inhibitors tested in clinical trials caused only moderate responses in hypoxia alleviation or trials were terminated due to dose-limiting toxicities. To improve the therapeutic benefit, FDA approved OXPHOS inhibitors (e.g. atovaquone) were conjugated to triphenylphosphonium (TPP+) to preferentially target cancer cell's mitochondria. In this study, we evaluated the hypoxia reducing effects of several mitochondria-targeted OXPHOS inhibitors and compared them to non-mitochondria-targeted OXPHOS inhibitors using newly developed spheroid models for diffusion-limited hypoxia. METHODS B16OVA murine melanoma cells and MC38 murine colon cancer cells expressing a HIF-Responsive Element (HRE)-induced Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) with an oxygen-dependent degradation domain (HRE-eGFP-ODD) were generated to assess diffusion-limited hypoxia dynamics in spheroids. Spheroids were treated with IACS-010759, atovaquone, metformin, tamoxifen or with mitochondria-targeted atovaquone (Mito-ATO), PEGylated mitochondria-targeted atovaquone (Mito-PEG-ATO) or mitochondria-targeted tamoxifen (MitoTam). Hypoxia dynamics were followed and quantified over time using the IncuCyte Zoom Live Cell-Imaging system. RESULTS Hypoxic cores developed in B16OVA.HRE and MC38.HRE spheroids within 24 h hours after seeding. Treatment with IACS-010759, metformin, atovaquone, Mito-PEG-ATO and MitoTam showed a dose-dependent reduction of hypoxia in both B16OVA.HRE and MC38.HRE spheroids. Mito-ATO only alleviated hypoxia in MC38.HRE spheroids while tamoxifen was not able to reduce hypoxia in any of the spheroid models. The mitochondria-targeted OXPHOS inhibitors demonstrated stronger anti-hypoxic effects compared to the non-mito-targeted OXPHOS inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS We successfully developed a high-throughput spheroid model in which hypoxia dynamics can be quantified over time. Using this model, we showed that the mitochondria-targeted OXPHOS inhibitors Mito-ATO, Mito-PEG-ATO and MitoTam reduce hypoxia in tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner, potentially sensitizing hypoxic tumor cells for radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne P M Beerkens
- Radiotherapy & OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525GA, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525GA, The Netherlands.
| | - Daan F Boreel
- Radiotherapy & OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525GA, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525GA, The Netherlands
| | - James A Nathan
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague-West, 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Gang Cheng
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, ICR, UMR 7273, Marseille, 13013, France
| | - Gosse J Adema
- Radiotherapy & OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525GA, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Heskamp
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525GA, The Netherlands
| | - Paul N Span
- Radiotherapy & OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525GA, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Bussink
- Radiotherapy & OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525GA, The Netherlands
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Xiong D, Yin Z, Huang M, Wang Y, Hardy M, Kalyanaraman B, Wong ST, You M. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone promotes anti-lung cancer immunity by reshaping tumor microenvironment and enhancing energy metabolism of anti-tumor immune cells. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:448-452. [PMID: 37930151 PMCID: PMC10958673 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Donghai Xiong
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Neal Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Zheng Yin
- Department of Systems Medicine and BioengineeringHouston Methodist Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Mofei Huang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Neal Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Yian Wang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Neal Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille UnivCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR)Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7273MarseilleFrance
| | | | - Stephen T Wong
- Department of Systems Medicine and BioengineeringHouston Methodist Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Neal Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
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Tomar MS, Kumar A, Shrivastava A. Mitochondrial metabolism as a dynamic regulatory hub to malignant transformation and anti-cancer drug resistance. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 694:149382. [PMID: 38128382 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149382] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Glycolysis is the fundamental cellular process that permits cancer cells to convert energy and grow anaerobically. Recent developments in molecular biology have made it evident that mitochondrial respiration is critical to tumor growth and treatment response. As the principal organelle of cellular energy conversion, mitochondria can rapidly alter cellular metabolic processes, thereby fueling malignancies and contributing to treatment resistance. This review emphasizes the significance of mitochondrial biogenesis, turnover, DNA copy number, and mutations in bioenergetic system regulation. Tumorigenesis requires an intricate cascade of metabolic pathways that includes rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, supply of intermediate metabolites of the TCA cycle through amino acids, and the interaction between mitochondria and lipid metabolism. Cancer recurrence or resistance to therapy often results from the cooperation of several cellular defense mechanisms, most of which are connected to mitochondria. Many clinical trials are underway to assess the effectiveness of inhibiting mitochondrial respiration as a potential cancer therapeutic. We aim to summarize innovative strategies and therapeutic targets by conducting a comprehensive review of recent studies on the relationship between mitochondrial metabolism, tumor development and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manendra Singh Tomar
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal, Saket Nagar, Bhopal, 462020, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh Shrivastava
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Cheng Q, Shi X, Li Q, Wang L, Wang Z. Current Advances on Nanomaterials Interfering with Lactate Metabolism for Tumor Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305662. [PMID: 37941489 PMCID: PMC10797484 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305662] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of studies have shown that tumor cells prefer fermentative glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation to provide a vast amount of energy for fast proliferation even under oxygen-sufficient conditions. This metabolic alteration not only favors tumor cell progression and metastasis but also increases lactate accumulation in solid tumors. In addition to serving as a byproduct of glycolytic tumor cells, lactate also plays a central role in the construction of acidic and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, resulting in therapeutic tolerance. Recently, targeted drug delivery and inherent therapeutic properties of nanomaterials have attracted great attention, and research on modulating lactate metabolism based on nanomaterials to enhance antitumor therapy has exploded. In this review, the advanced tumor therapy strategies based on nanomaterials that interfere with lactate metabolism are discussed, including inhibiting lactate anabolism, promoting lactate catabolism, and disrupting the "lactate shuttle". Furthermore, recent advances in combining lactate metabolism modulation with other therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, photothermal therapy, and reactive oxygen species-related therapies, etc., which have achieved cooperatively enhanced therapeutic outcomes, are summarized. Finally, foreseeable challenges and prospective developments are also reviewed for the future development of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Cheng
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineUnion HospitalHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhongUniversity of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Xiao‐Lei Shi
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineUnion HospitalHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhongUniversity of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Qi‐Lin Li
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineUnion HospitalHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhongUniversity of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineUnion HospitalHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhongUniversity of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi‐disciplinary Translational ResearchWuhan430022China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhongUniversity of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
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Chu YD, Chen CW, Lai MW, Lim SN, Lin WR. Bioenergetic alteration in gastrointestinal cancers: The good, the bad and the ugly. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4499-4527. [PMID: 37621758 PMCID: PMC10445009 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i29.4499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit metabolic reprogramming and bioenergetic alteration, utilizing glucose fermentation for energy production, known as the Warburg effect. However, there are a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing the metabolic reprogramming, bioenergetic alteration, and their oncogenetic links in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Furthermore, the efficacy and treatment potential of emerging anticancer drugs targeting these alterations in GI cancers require further evaluation. This review highlights the interplay between aerobic glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cancer cells, as well as hypotheses on the molecular mechanisms that trigger this alteration. The role of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, tumor suppressors, and the oncogenetic link between hypoxia-related enzymes, bioenergetic changes, and GI cancer are also discussed. This review emphasizes the potential of targeting bioenergetic regulators for anti-cancer therapy, particularly for GI cancers. Emphasizing the potential of targeting bioenergetic regulators for GI cancer therapy, the review categorizes these regulators into aerobic glycolysis/ lactate biosynthesis/transportation and TCA cycle/coupled OXPHOS. We also detail various anti-cancer drugs and strategies that have produced pre-clinical and/or clinical evidence in treating GI cancers, as well as the challenges posed by these drugs. Here we highlight that understanding dysregulated cancer cell bioenergetics is critical for effective treatments, although the diverse metabolic patterns present challenges for targeted therapies. Further research is needed to comprehend the specific mechanisms of inhibiting bioenergetic enzymes, address side effects, and leverage high-throughput multi-omics and spatial omics to gain insights into cancer cell heterogeneity for targeted bioenergetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-De Chu
- Liver Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Siew-Na Lim
- Department of Neurology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Villa-Ruano N, Anaya-Ruiz M, Villafaña-Diaz L, Barron-Villaverde D, Perez-Santos M. Drug repurposing of mito-atovaquone for cancer treatment. Pharm Pat Anal 2023; 12:143-149. [PMID: 37801038 DOI: 10.4155/ppa-2023-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Repurposing of approved drugs in a new strategy to combat cancer that leads to savings in time and investment. Atovaquone is a US FDA-approved drug for treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and malaria. Patent US2023017373 describe the use of mito-atovaquone for the treatment of several types of cancer. Mito-atovaquone demonstrated antiproliferative activity in cell lines of pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and brain cancer and inhibited tumor growth in syngeneic mouse models and in animals genetically prone to breast cancer. Mito-atovaquone has the potential to be used successfully in the treatment of various types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemesio Villa-Ruano
- Dirección de Innovación y Transferencia de Conocimiento, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla CP 72570, México
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Cátedras CONACYT, México
| | - Maricruz Anaya-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Metepec, Puebla CP 74360, México
| | - Luis Villafaña-Diaz
- Posgrado en Planeación Estratégica y Dirección Tecnológica, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Puebla CP 72410, México
| | - Diana Barron-Villaverde
- Posgrado en Planeación Estratégica y Dirección Tecnológica, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Puebla CP 72410, México
| | - Martin Perez-Santos
- Dirección de Innovación y Transferencia de Conocimiento, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla CP 72570, México
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Uno S, Harkiss AH, Chowdhury R, Caldwell ST, Prime TA, James AM, Gallagher B, Prudent J, Hartley RC, Murphy MP. Incorporating a Polyethyleneglycol Linker to Enhance the Hydrophilicity of Mitochondria-Targeted Triphenylphosphonium Constructs. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200774. [PMID: 36917207 PMCID: PMC10946768 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200774] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
The targeting of bioactive molecules and probes to mitochondria can be achieved by coupling to the lipophilic triphenyl phosphonium (TPP) cation, which accumulates several hundred-fold within mitochondria in response to the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm ). Typically, a simple alkane links the TPP to its "cargo", increasing overall hydrophobicity. As it would be beneficial to enhance the water solubility of mitochondria-targeted compounds we explored the effects of replacing the alkyl linker with a polyethylene glycol (PEG). We found that the use of PEG led to compounds that were readily taken up by isolated mitochondria and by mitochondria inside cells. Within mitochondria the PEG linker greatly decreased adsorption of the TPP constructs to the matrix-facing face of the mitochondrial inner membrane. These findings will allow the distribution of mitochondria-targeted TPP compounds within mitochondria to be fine-tuned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinpei Uno
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0XYUK
| | | | - Roy Chowdhury
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0XYUK
| | | | - Tracy A. Prime
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0XYUK
| | - Andrew M. James
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0XYUK
| | | | - Julien Prudent
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0XYUK
| | | | - Michael P. Murphy
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0XYUK
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
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Cheng G, Hardy M, Kalyanaraman B. Antiproliferative effects of mitochondria-targeted N-acetylcysteine and analogs in cancer cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7254. [PMID: 37142668 PMCID: PMC10160116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34266-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used as an antioxidant drug in tumor cells and preclinical mice tumor xenografts, and it improves adaptive immunotherapy in melanoma. NAC is not readily bioavailable and is used in high concentrations. The effects of NAC have been attributed to its antioxidant and redox signaling role in mitochondria. New thiol-containing molecules targeted to mitochondria are needed. Here, mitochondria-targeted NAC with a 10-carbon alkyl side chain attached to a triphenylphosphonium group (Mito10-NAC) that is functionally similar to NAC was synthesized and studied. Mito10-NAC has a free sulfhydryl group and is more hydrophobic than NAC. Mito10-NAC is nearly 2000-fold more effective than NAC in inhibiting several cancer cells, including pancreatic cancer cells. Methylation of NAC and Mito10-NAC also inhibited cancer cell proliferation. Mito10-NAC inhibits mitochondrial complex I-induced respiration and, in combination with monocarboxylate transporter 1 inhibitor, synergistically decreased pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Results suggest that the antiproliferative effects of NAC and Mito10-NAC are unlikely to be related to their antioxidant mechanism (i.e., scavenging of reactive oxygen species) or to the sulfhydryl group-dependent redox modulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Cheng
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Micael Hardy
- CNRS, ICR, UMR 7273, Aix Marseille Univ, 13013, Marseille, France
| | - Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
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Cheng G, Karoui H, Hardy M, Kalyanaraman B. Polyphenolic Boronates Inhibit Tumor Cell Proliferation: Potential Mitigators of Oxidants in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041089. [PMID: 36831432 PMCID: PMC9953882 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Boronate-based compounds have been used in brain cancer therapy, either as prodrugs or in combination with other modalities. Boronates containing pro-luminescent and fluorescent probes have been used in mouse models of cancer. In this study, we synthesized and developed polyphenolic boronates and mitochondria-targeted polyphenolic phytochemicals (e.g., magnolol [MGN] and honokiol [HNK]) and tested their antiproliferative effects in brain cancer cells. Results show that mitochondria-targeted (Mito) polyphenolic boronates (Mito-MGN-B and Mito-HNK-B) were slightly more potent than Mito-MGN and Mito-HNK in inhibiting proliferation of the U87MG cell line. Similar proliferation results also were observed in other cancer cell lines, such as MiaPaCa-2, A549 and UACC-62. Independent in vitro experiments indicated that reactive nitrogen species (e.g., peroxynitrite) and reactive oxygen species (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) stoichiometrically react with polyphenolic boronates and Mito-polphenolic boronates, forming polyphenols and Mito-polyphenols as major products. Previous reports suggest that both Mito-MGN and Mito-HNK activate cytotoxic T cells and inhibit immunosuppressive immune cells. We propose that Mito-polyphenolic boronate-based prodrugs may be used to inhibit tumor proliferation and mitigate oxidant formation in the tumor microenvironment, thereby generating Mito-polyphenols in situ, as well as showing activity in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Cheng
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Hakim Karoui
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Correspondence:
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