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Di Virgilio F, Vultaggio-Poma V, Tarantini M, Giuliani AL. Overview of the role of purinergic signaling and insights into its role in cancer therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 262:108700. [PMID: 39111410 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024]
Abstract
Innovation of cancer therapy has received a dramatic acceleration over the last fifteen years thanks to the introduction of the novel immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). On the other hand, the conspicuous scientific knowledge accumulated in purinergic signaling since the early seventies is finally being transferred to the clinic. Several Phase I/II clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the effect of drugs interfering with purinergic signaling as stand-alone or combination therapy in cancer. This is supporting the novel concept of "purinergic immune checkpoint" (PIC) in cancer therapy. In the present review we will address a) the basic pharmacology and cell biology of the purinergic system; b) principles of its pathophysiology in human diseases; c) implications for cell death, cell proliferation and cancer; d) novel molecular tools to investigate nucleotide homeostasis in the extracellular environment; e) recent developments in the pharmacology of P1, P2 receptors and related ecto-enzymes; f) P1 and P2 ligands as novel diagnostic tools; g) current issues in PIC-based anti-cancer therapy. This review will provide an appraisal of the current status of purinergic signaling in cancer and will help identify future avenues of development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mario Tarantini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
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Togre NS, Melaka N, Bhoj PS, Mogadala N, Winfield M, Trivedi J, Grove D, Kotnala S, Rom SS, Sriram U, Persidsky Y. Neuroinflammatory Responses and Blood-Brain Barrier Injury in Chronic Alcohol Exposure: Role of Purinergic P2X7 Receptor Signaling. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4350949. [PMID: 38766082 PMCID: PMC11100971 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4350949/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption leads to neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, resulting in neurological impairment. We previously demonstrated that ethanol-induced disruption of barrier function in human brain endothelial cells was associated with mitochondrial injury, increased ATP and extracellular vesicle (EV) release, and purinergic receptor P2X7R activation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of P2X7r blockade on peripheral and neuro-inflammation in EtOH-exposed mice. In a chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE)-exposed mouse model, P2X7R was inhibited by two different methods: Brilliant Blue G (BBG) or gene knockout. We assessed blood ethanol concentration (BEC), plasma P2X7R and P-gp, number of extra-cellular vesicles (EV), serum ATP and EV-ATP levels. Brain microvessel gene expression and EV mtDNA copy numbers were measured by RT2 PCR array and digital PCR, respectively. A RT2 PCR array of brain microvessels revealed significant upregulation of proinflammatory genes involved in apoptosis, vasodilation, and platelet activation in CIE-exposed animals, which were decreased 15-50-fold in BBG-treated CIE-exposed animals. Plasma P-gp levels and serum P2X7R shedding were significantly increased in CIE-exposed animals. Pharmacological or genetic suppression of P2X7R decreased P2X7R shedding to levels equivalent to those in control group. The increase in EV number and EV-ATP content in the CIE-exposed mice was significantly reduced by P2X7R inhibition. CIE mice showed augmented EV-mtDNA copy numbers which were reduced in EVs after P2X7R inhibition or receptor knockout. These observations suggested that P2X7R signaling plays a critical role in ethanol-induced brain injury. Increased eATP, EV-ATP, EV numbers, and EV-mtDNA copy numbers highlight a new mechanism of brain injury during alcohol exposure via P2X7R and biomarkers of such damage. In this study, for the first time, we report the in vivo involvement of P2X7R signaling in CIE-induced brain injury.
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Ji R, Chang L, An C, Zhang J. Proton-sensing ion channels, GPCRs and calcium signaling regulated by them: implications for cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1326231. [PMID: 38505262 PMCID: PMC10949864 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1326231] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular acidification of tumors is common. Through proton-sensing ion channels or proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), tumor cells sense extracellular acidification to stimulate a variety of intracellular signaling pathways including the calcium signaling, which consequently exerts global impacts on tumor cells. Proton-sensing ion channels, and proton-sensing GPCRs have natural advantages as drug targets of anticancer therapy. However, they and the calcium signaling regulated by them attracted limited attention as potential targets of anticancer drugs. In the present review, we discuss the progress in studies on proton-sensing ion channels, and proton-sensing GPCRs, especially emphasizing the effects of calcium signaling activated by them on the characteristics of tumors, including proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, angiogenesis. In addition, we review the drugs targeting proton-sensing channels or GPCRs that are currently in clinical trials, as well as the relevant potential drugs for cancer treatments, and discuss their future prospects. The present review aims to elucidate the important role of proton-sensing ion channels, GPCRs and calcium signaling regulated by them in cancer initiation and development. This review will promote the development of drugs targeting proton-sensing channels or GPCRs for cancer treatments, effectively taking their unique advantage as anti-cancer drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renhui Ji
- Foundational and Translational Medical Research Center, Department of Allergy and General Surgery, Hohhot First Hospital, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Li Chang
- Foundational and Translational Medical Research Center, Department of Allergy and General Surgery, Hohhot First Hospital, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Caiyan An
- Foundational and Translational Medical Research Center, Department of Allergy and General Surgery, Hohhot First Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Junjing Zhang
- Foundational and Translational Medical Research Center, Department of Allergy and General Surgery, Hohhot First Hospital, Hohhot, China
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Winzer R, Nguyen DH, Schoppmeier F, Cortesi F, Gagliani N, Tolosa E. Purinergic enzymes on extracellular vesicles: immune modulation on the go. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362996. [PMID: 38426088 PMCID: PMC10902224 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
An increase in the extracellular concentration of ATP as a consequence of cellular stress or cell death results in the activation of immune cells. To prevent inflammation, extracellular ATP is rapidly metabolized to adenosine, which deploys an anti-inflammatory signaling cascade upon binding to P1 receptors on immune cells. The ectonucleotidases necessary for the degradation of ATP and generation of adenosine are present on the cell membrane of many immune cells, and their expression is tightly regulated under conditions of inflammation. The discovery that extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry purinergic enzyme activity has brought forward the concept of EVs as a new player in immune regulation. Adenosine-generating EVs derived from cancer cells suppress the anti-tumor response, while EVs derived from immune or mesenchymal stem cells contribute to the restoration of homeostasis after infection. Here we will review the existing knowledge on EVs containing purinergic enzymes and molecules, and discuss the relevance of these EVs in immune modulation and their potential for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riekje Winzer
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Du Hanh Nguyen
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felix Schoppmeier
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Filippo Cortesi
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Gagliani
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Tolosa
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Abyadeh M, Alikhani M, Mirzaei M, Gupta V, Shekari F, Salekdeh GH. Proteomics provides insights into the theranostic potential of extracellular vesicles. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 138:101-133. [PMID: 38220422 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompass a diverse range of membranous structures derived from cells, including exosomes and microvesicles. These vesicles are present in biological fluids and play vital roles in various physiological and pathological processes. They facilitate intercellular communication by enabling the exchange of proteins, lipids, and genetic material between cells. Understanding the cellular processes that govern EV biology is essential for unraveling their physiological and pathological functions and their potential clinical applications. Despite significant advancements in EV research in recent years, there is still much to learn about these vesicles. The advent of improved mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques has allowed for a deeper characterization of EV protein composition, providing valuable insights into their roles in different physiological and pathological conditions. In this chapter, we provide an overview of proteomics studies conducted to identify the protein contents of EVs, which contribute to their therapeutic and pathological features. We also provided evidence on the potential of EV proteome contents as biomarkers for early disease diagnosis, progression, and treatment response, as well as factors that influence their composition. Additionally, we discuss the available databases containing information on EV proteome contents, and finally, we highlight the need for further research to pave the way toward their utilization in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Abyadeh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Alikhani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Faezeh Shekari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Adinolfi E, De Marchi E, Grignolo M, Szymczak B, Pegoraro A. The P2X7 Receptor in Oncogenesis and Metastatic Dissemination: New Insights on Vesicular Release and Adenosinergic Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13906. [PMID: 37762206 PMCID: PMC10531279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813906] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor niche is an environment rich in extracellular ATP (eATP) where purinergic receptors have essential roles in different cell subtypes, including cancer, immune, and stromal cells. Here, we give an overview of recent discoveries regarding the role of probably the best-characterized purinergic receptor in the tumor microenvironment: P2X7. We cover the activities of the P2X7 receptor and its human splice variants in solid and liquid cancer proliferation, dissemination, and crosstalk with immune and endothelial cells. Particular attention is paid to the P2X7-dependent release of microvesicles and exosomes, their content, including ATP and miRNAs, and, in general, P2X7-activated mechanisms favoring metastatic spread and niche conditioning. Moreover, the emerging role of P2X7 in influencing the adenosinergic axis, formed by the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 and the adenosine receptor A2A in cancer, is analyzed. Finally, we cover how antitumor therapy responses can be influenced by or can change P2X7 expression and function. This converging evidence suggests that P2X7 is an attractive therapeutic target for oncological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Adinolfi
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.D.M.); (M.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Elena De Marchi
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.D.M.); (M.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Marianna Grignolo
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.D.M.); (M.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Bartosz Szymczak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Anna Pegoraro
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.D.M.); (M.G.); (A.P.)
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