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Qiu Y, Xie E, Xu H, Cheng H, Li G. One-carbon metabolism shapes T cell immunity in cancer. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00160-7. [PMID: 38925992 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism (1CM), comprising folate metabolism and methionine metabolism, serves as an important mechanism for cellular energy provision and the production of vital signaling molecules, including single-carbon moieties. Its regulation is instrumental in sustaining the proliferation of cancer cells and facilitating metastasis; in addition, recent research has shed light on its impact on the efficacy of T cell-mediated immunotherapy. In this review, we consolidate current insights into how 1CM affects T cell activation, differentiation, and functionality. Furthermore, we delve into the strategies for modulating 1CM in both T cells and tumor cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptively transferred T cells, overcome metabolic challenges in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and maximize the benefits of T cell-mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Qiu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ermei Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haipeng Xu
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian, 350011, China
| | - Hongcheng Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guideng Li
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Elements, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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2
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Ji M, Xu Q, Li X. Dietary methionine restriction in cancer development and antitumor immunity. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:400-412. [PMID: 38383161 PMCID: PMC11096033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Methionine restriction (MR) has been shown to suppress tumor growth and improve the responses to various anticancer therapies. However, methionine itself is required for the proliferation, activation, and differentiation of T cells that are crucial for antitumor immunity. The dual impact of methionine, that influences both tumor and immune cells, has generated concerns regarding the potential consequences of MR on T cell immunity and its possible role in promoting cancer. In this review we systemically examine current literature on the interactions between dietary methionine, cancer cells, and immune cells. Based on recent findings on MR in immunocompetent animals, we further discuss how tumor stage-specific methionine dependence of immune cells and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment could ultimately dictate the response of tumors to MR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ji
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Qing Xu
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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3
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Bi G, Liang J, Bian Y, Shan G, Huang Y, Lu T, Zhang H, Jin X, Chen Z, Zhao M, Fan H, Wang Q, Gan B, Zhan C. Polyamine-mediated ferroptosis amplification acts as a targetable vulnerability in cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2461. [PMID: 38504107 PMCID: PMC10951362 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46776-w] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death triggered by the lethal overload of lipid peroxides, in cancer therapy is impeded by our limited understanding of the intersection of tumour's metabolic feature and ferroptosis vulnerability. In the present study, arginine is identified as a ferroptotic promoter using a metabolites library. This effect is mainly achieved through arginine's conversion to polyamines, which exerts their potent ferroptosis-promoting property in an H2O2-dependent manner. Notably, the expression of ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1), the critical enzyme catalysing polyamine synthesis, is significantly activated by the ferroptosis signal--iron overload--through WNT/MYC signalling, as well as the subsequent elevated polyamine synthesis, thus forming a ferroptosis-iron overload-WNT/MYC-ODC1-polyamine-H2O2 positive feedback loop that amplifies ferroptosis. Meanwhile, we notice that ferroptotic cells release enhanced polyamine-containing extracellular vesicles into the microenvironment, thereby further sensitizing neighbouring cells to ferroptosis and accelerating the "spread" of ferroptosis in the tumour region. Besides, polyamine supplementation also sensitizes cancer cells or xenograft tumours to radiotherapy or chemotherapy through inducing ferroptosis. Considering that cancer cells are often characterized by elevated intracellular polyamine pools, our results indicate that polyamine metabolism exposes a targetable vulnerability to ferroptosis and represents an exciting opportunity for therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoshu Bi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunyi Bian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangyao Shan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Jin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhencong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengnan Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Boyi Gan
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Cheng Zhan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Jiang Y, Yu Y, Pan Z, Glandorff C, Sun M. Ferroptosis: a new hunter of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:136. [PMID: 38480712 PMCID: PMC10937674 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01863-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron ion-dependent, regulatory cell death modality driven by intracellular lipid peroxidation that plays a key role in the development of HCC. Studies have shown that various clinical agents (e.g., sorafenib) have ferroptosis inducer-like effects and can exert therapeutic effects by modulating different key factors in the ferroptosis pathway. This implies that targeting tumor cell ferroptosis may be a very promising strategy for tumor therapy. In this paper, we summarize the prerequisites and defense systems for the occurrence of ferroptosis and the regulatory targets of drug-mediated ferroptosis action in HCC, the differences and connections between ferroptosis and other programmed cell deaths. We aim to summarize the theoretical basis, classical inducers of ferroptosis and research progress of ferroptosis in HCC cells, clued to the treatment of HCC by regulating ferroptosis network. Further investigation of the specific mechanisms of ferroptosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and interventions at different stages of hepatocellular carcinoma will help us to deepen our understanding of hepatocellular carcinoma, with a view to providing new and more precise preventive as well as therapeutic measures for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulang Jiang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yongxin Yu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ziyang Pan
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Christian Glandorff
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University Clinic of Hamburg at the HanseMerkur Center of TCM, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mingyu Sun
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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5
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Zhi Y, Wang Q, Zi M, Zhang S, Ge J, Liu K, Lu L, Fan C, Yan Q, Shi L, Chen P, Fan S, Liao Q, Guo C, Wang F, Gong Z, Xiong W, Zeng Z. Spatial Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Landscapes of Oral Submucous Fibrosis-Derived Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306515. [PMID: 38229179 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In South and Southeast Asia, the habit of chewing betel nuts is prevalent, which leads to oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). OSF is a well-established precancerous lesion, and a portion of OSF cases eventually progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the malignant transformation of OSCC from OSF are poorly understood. In this study, the leading-edge techniques of Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) and Spatial Metabolomics (SM) are integrated to obtain spatial location information of cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, as well as the transcriptomic and metabolomic landscapes in OSF-derived OSCC tissues. This work reveals for the first time that some OSF-derived OSCC cells undergo partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) within the in situ carcinoma (ISC) region, eventually acquiring fibroblast-like phenotypes and participating in collagen deposition. Complex interactions among epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are demonstrated. Most importantly, significant metabolic reprogramming in OSF-derived OSCC, including abnormal polyamine metabolism, potentially playing a pivotal role in promoting tumorigenesis and immune evasion is discovered. The ST and SM data in this study shed new light on deciphering the mechanisms of OSF-derived OSCC. The work also offers invaluable clues for the prevention and treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Qian Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Moxin Zi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Keyue Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Linsong Lu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chunmei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Pan Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Can Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Zhaojian Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
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Fang D, Zhang Z, Zhai J, Guo B, Li P, Liu X, Song J, Xie S, Wu R, Zhao Y, Wang C. Enzymatic-related network of catalysis, polyamine, and tumors for acetylpolyamine oxidase: from calculation to experiment. Chem Sci 2024; 15:2867-2882. [PMID: 38404376 PMCID: PMC10882482 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06037c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The regulation of enzymes and development of polyamine analogs capable of controlling the dynamics of endogenous polyamines to achieve anti-tumor effects is one of the biggest challenges in polyamine research. However, the root of the problem remains unsolved. This study represents a significant milestone as it unveils, for the first time, the comprehensive catalytic map of acetylpolyamine oxidase that includes chemical transformation and product release kinetics, by utilizing multiscale simulations with over six million dynamical snapshots. The transportation of acetylspermine is strongly exothermic, and high binding affinity of enzyme and reactant is observed. The transfer of hydride from polyamine to FAD is the rate-limiting step, via an H-shift coupled electron transfer mechanism. The two products are released in a detour stepwise mechanism, which also impacts the enzymatic efficiency. Inspired by these mechanistic insights into enzymatic catalysis, we propose a novel strategy that regulates the polyamine level and catalytic progress through the action of His64. Directly suppressing APAO by mutating His64 further inhibited growth and migration of tumor cells and tumor tissue in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the network connecting microcosmic and macroscopic scales opens up new avenues for designing polyamine compounds and conducting anti-tumor research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Fang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University Kaifeng 475000 P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University Kaifeng 475000 P. R. China
| | - Zhiyang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University Kaifeng 475000 P. R. China
| | - Jihang Zhai
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University Kaifeng 475000 P. R. China
| | - Baolin Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University Kaifeng 475000 P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Loyola University Chicago Chicago Illinois 60660 USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University Kaifeng 475000 P. R. China
| | - Jinshuai Song
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou 450001 P. R. China
| | - Songqiang Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University Kaifeng 475000 P. R. China
| | - Ruibo Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou 510006 P. R. China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University Kaifeng 475000 P. R. China
| | - Chaojie Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University Kaifeng 475000 P. R. China
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7
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Cunningham A, Oudejans LL, Geugien M, Pereira-Martins DA, Wierenga ATJ, Erdem A, Sternadt D, Huls G, Schuringa JJ. The nonessential amino acid cysteine is required to prevent ferroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2024; 8:56-69. [PMID: 37906522 PMCID: PMC10784682 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cysteine is a nonessential amino acid required for protein synthesis, the generation of the antioxidant glutathione, and for synthesizing the nonproteinogenic amino acid taurine. Here, we highlight the broad sensitivity of leukemic stem and progenitor cells to cysteine depletion. By CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9-mediated knockout of cystathionine-γ-lyase, the cystathionine-to-cysteine converting enzyme, and by metabolite supplementation studies upstream of cysteine, we functionally prove that cysteine is not synthesized from methionine in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Therefore, although perhaps nutritionally nonessential, cysteine must be imported for survival of these specific cell types. Depletion of cyst(e)ine increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and cell death was induced predominantly as a consequence of glutathione deprivation. nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen oxidase inhibition strongly rescued viability after cysteine depletion, highlighting this as an important source of ROS in AML. ROS-induced cell death was mediated via ferroptosis, and inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which functions in reducing lipid peroxides, was also highly toxic. We therefore propose that GPX4 is likely key in mediating the antioxidant activity of glutathione. In line, inhibition of the ROS scavenger thioredoxin reductase with auranofin also impaired cell viability, whereby we find that oxidative phosphorylation-driven AML subtypes, in particular, are highly dependent on thioredoxin-mediated protection against ferroptosis. Although inhibition of the cystine-glutamine antiporter by sulfasalazine was ineffective as a monotherapy, its combination with L-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO) further improved AML ferroptosis induction. We propose the combination of either sulfasalazine or antioxidant machinery inhibitors along with ROS inducers such as BSO or chemotherapy for further preclinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Cunningham
- Department of Experimental Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lieve L. Oudejans
- Department of Experimental Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan Geugien
- Department of Experimental Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diego Antonio Pereira-Martins
- Department of Experimental Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Albertus T. J. Wierenga
- Department of Experimental Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ayşegül Erdem
- Department of Experimental Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique Sternadt
- Department of Experimental Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerwin Huls
- Department of Experimental Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Jacob Schuringa
- Department of Experimental Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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8
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Swanda RV, Ji Q, Wu X, Yan J, Dong L, Mao Y, Uematsu S, Dong Y, Qian SB. Lysosomal cystine governs ferroptosis sensitivity in cancer via cysteine stress response. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3347-3359.e9. [PMID: 37647899 PMCID: PMC10529971 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The amino acid cysteine and its oxidized dimeric form cystine are commonly believed to be synonymous in metabolic functions. Cyst(e)ine depletion not only induces amino acid response but also triggers ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic cell death. Here, we report that unlike general amino acid starvation, cyst(e)ine deprivation triggers ATF4 induction at the transcriptional level. Unexpectedly, it is the shortage of lysosomal cystine, but not the cytosolic cysteine, that elicits the adaptative ATF4 response. The lysosome-nucleus signaling pathway involves the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) that senses lysosomal cystine via the kynurenine pathway. A blockade of lysosomal cystine efflux attenuates ATF4 induction and sensitizes ferroptosis. To potentiate ferroptosis in cancer, we develop a synthetic mRNA reagent, CysRx, that converts cytosolic cysteine to lysosomal cystine. CysRx maximizes cancer cell ferroptosis and effectively suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Thus, intracellular nutrient reprogramming has the potential to induce selective ferroptosis in cancer without systematic starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert V Swanda
- Graduate field of Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Quanquan Ji
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Xincheng Wu
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Jingyue Yan
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Leiming Dong
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yuanhui Mao
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Saori Uematsu
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shu-Bing Qian
- Graduate field of Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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9
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Bray C, Balcells C, McNeish IA, Keun HC. The potential and challenges of targeting MTAP-negative cancers beyond synthetic lethality. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1264785. [PMID: 37795443 PMCID: PMC10546069 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1264785] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15% of cancers exhibit loss of the chromosomal locus 9p21.3 - the genomic location of the tumour suppressor gene CDKN2A and the methionine salvage gene methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP). A loss of MTAP increases the pool of its substrate methylthioadenosine (MTA), which binds to and inhibits activity of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5). PRMT5 utilises the universal methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to methylate arginine residues of protein substrates and regulate their activity, notably histones to regulate transcription. Recently, targeting PRMT5, or MAT2A that impacts PRMT5 activity by producing SAM, has shown promise as a therapeutic strategy in oncology, generating synthetic lethality in MTAP-negative cancers. However, clinical development of PRMT5 and MAT2A inhibitors has been challenging and highlights the need for further understanding of the downstream mediators of drug effects. Here, we discuss the rationale and methods for targeting the MAT2A/PRMT5 axis for cancer therapy. We evaluate the current limitations in our understanding of the mechanism of MAT2A/PRMT5 inhibitors and identify the challenges that must be addressed to maximise the potential of these drugs. In addition, we review the current literature defining downstream effectors of PRMT5 activity that could determine sensitivity to MAT2A/PRMT5 inhibition and therefore present a rationale for novel combination therapies that may not rely on synthetic lethality with MTAP loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandler Bray
- Cancer Metabolism & Systems Toxicology Group, Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Balcells
- Cancer Metabolism & Systems Toxicology Group, Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iain A. McNeish
- Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hector C. Keun
- Cancer Metabolism & Systems Toxicology Group, Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Xue Y, Lu F, Chang Z, Li J, Gao Y, Zhou J, Luo Y, Lai Y, Cao S, Li X, Zhou Y, Li Y, Tan Z, Cheng X, Li X, Chen J, Wang W. Intermittent dietary methionine deprivation facilitates tumoral ferroptosis and synergizes with checkpoint blockade. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4758. [PMID: 37553341 PMCID: PMC10409767 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40518-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary methionine interventions are beneficial to apoptosis-inducing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer, while their effects on ferroptosis-targeting therapy and immunotherapy are unknown. Here we show the length of time methionine deprivation affects tumoral ferroptosis differently. Prolonged methionine deprivation prevents glutathione (GSH) depletion from exceeding the death threshold by blocking cation transport regulator homolog 1 (CHAC1) protein synthesis. Whereas, short-term methionine starvation accelerates ferroptosis by stimulating CHAC1 transcription. In vivo, dietary methionine with intermittent but not sustained deprivation augments tumoral ferroptosis. Intermittent methionine deprivation also sensitizes tumor cells against CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and synergize checkpoint blockade therapy by CHAC1 upregulation. Clinically, tumor CHAC1 correlates with clinical benefits and improved survival in cancer patients treated with checkpoint blockades. Lastly, the triple combination of methionine intermittent deprivation, system xc- inhibitor and PD-1 blockade shows superior antitumor efficacy. Thus, intermittent methionine deprivation is a promising regimen to target ferroptosis and augment cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xue
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fujia Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenzhen Chang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongfeng Lai
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Siyuan Cao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhan Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Tan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiong Li
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weimin Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Cell Architecture Research Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
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11
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Jiménez-Alonso JJ, López-Lázaro M. Dietary Manipulation of Amino Acids for Cancer Therapy. Nutrients 2023; 15:2879. [PMID: 37447206 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells cannot proliferate and survive unless they obtain sufficient levels of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids (AAs). Unlike normal cells, cancer cells have genetic and metabolic alterations that may limit their capacity to obtain adequate levels of the 20 AAs in challenging metabolic environments. However, since normal diets provide all AAs at relatively constant levels and ratios, these potentially lethal genetic and metabolic defects are eventually harmless to cancer cells. If we temporarily replace the normal diet of cancer patients with artificial diets in which the levels of specific AAs are manipulated, cancer cells may be unable to proliferate and survive. This article reviews in vivo studies that have evaluated the antitumor activity of diets restricted in or supplemented with the 20 proteinogenic AAs, individually and in combination. It also reviews our recent studies that show that manipulating the levels of several AAs simultaneously can lead to marked survival improvements in mice with metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel López-Lázaro
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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12
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Zhang E, Ding C, Li S, Aikemu B, Zhou X, Fan X, Sun J, Yang X, Zheng M. Polyamine metabolism patterns characterized tumor microenvironment, prognosis, and response to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:96. [PMID: 37202800 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02892-z] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in Polyamine metabolism (PAM) have been shown to establish a suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and substantially influence the progression of cancer in the recent studies. However, newly emerging data have still been unable to fully illuminate the specific effects of PAM in human cancers. Here, we analyzed the expression profiles and clinical relevance of PAM genes in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS Based on unsupervised consensus clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm, we designed a scoring model to evaluate the prognosis of CRC patients and characterize the TME immune profiles, with related independent immunohistochemical validation cohort. Through comparative profiling of cell communities defined by single cell sequencing data, we identified the distinct characteristics of polyamine metabolism in the TME of CRC. RESULTS Three PAM patterns with distinct prognosis and TME features were recognized from 1224 CRC samples. Moreover, CRC patients could be divided into high- and low-PAMscore subgroups by PCA-based scoring system. High PAMscore subgroup were associated to more advanced stage, higher infiltration level of immunosuppressive cells, and unfavorable prognosis. These results were also validated in CRC samples from other public CRC datasets and our own cohort, which suggested PAM genes were ideal biomarkers for predicting CRC prognosis. Notably, PAMscore also corelated with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) status, higher tumor mutational burden (TMB), and increased immune checkpoint gene expression, implying a potential role of PAM genes in regulating response to immunotherapy. To further confirm above results, we demonstrated a high-resolution landscape of TME and cell-cell communication network in different PAM patterns using single cell sequencing data and found that polyamine metabolism affected the communication between cancer cells and several immune cells such as T cells, B cells and myeloid cells. CONCLUSION In total, our findings highlighted the significance of polyamine metabolism in shaping the TME and predicting the prognosis of CRC patients, providing novel strategies for immunotherapy and the targeting polyamine metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chengsheng Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shuchun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Batuer Aikemu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xueliang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaodong Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Department of General Surgery & Carson International Cancer Research Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Minhua Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Department of General Surgery & Carson International Cancer Research Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Yoon SJ, Combs JA, Falzone A, Prieto-Farigua N, Caldwell S, Ackerman HD, Flores ER, DeNicola GM. Comprehensive Metabolic Tracing Reveals the Origin and Catabolism of Cysteine in Mammalian Tissues and Tumors. Cancer Res 2023; 83:1426-1442. [PMID: 36862034 PMCID: PMC10152234 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-3000] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine plays critical roles in cellular biosynthesis, enzyme catalysis, and redox metabolism. The intracellular cysteine pool can be sustained by cystine uptake or de novo synthesis from serine and homocysteine. Demand for cysteine is increased during tumorigenesis for generating glutathione to deal with oxidative stress. While cultured cells have been shown to be highly dependent on exogenous cystine for proliferation and survival, how diverse tissues obtain and use cysteine in vivo has not been characterized. We comprehensively interrogated cysteine metabolism in normal murine tissues and cancers that arise from them using stable isotope 13C1-serine and 13C6-cystine tracing. De novo cysteine synthesis was highest in normal liver and pancreas and absent in lung tissue, while cysteine synthesis was either inactive or downregulated during tumorigenesis. In contrast, cystine uptake and metabolism to downstream metabolites was a universal feature of normal tissues and tumors. However, differences in glutathione labeling from cysteine were evident across tumor types. Thus, cystine is a major contributor to the cysteine pool in tumors, and glutathione metabolism is differentially active across tumor types. SIGNIFICANCE Stable isotope 13C1-serine and 13C6-cystine tracing characterizes cysteine metabolism in normal murine tissues and its rewiring in tumors using genetically engineered mouse models of liver, pancreas, and lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Jun Yoon
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Joseph A. Combs
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Aimee Falzone
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Nicolas Prieto-Farigua
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Samantha Caldwell
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hayley D. Ackerman
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Elsa R. Flores
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Gina M. DeNicola
- Department of Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
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14
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Wang J, Xiang Y, Fan M, Fang S, Hua Q. The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Tumor Metabolism. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082385. [PMID: 37190313 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming, which is considered a hallmark of cancer, can maintain the homeostasis of the tumor environment and promote the proliferation, survival, and metastasis of cancer cells. For instance, increased glucose uptake and high glucose consumption, known as the "Warburg effect," play an essential part in tumor metabolic reprogramming. In addition, fatty acids are harnessed to satisfy the increased requirement for the phospholipid components of biological membranes and energy. Moreover, the anabolism/catabolism of amino acids, such as glutamine, cystine, and serine, provides nitrogen donors for biosynthesis processes, development of the tumor inflammatory environment, and signal transduction. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has been widely reported to be involved in various cellular biological activities. A potential role of UPS in the metabolic regulation of tumor cells has also been reported, but the specific regulatory mechanism has not been elucidated. Here, we review the role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination modification on major metabolic enzymes and important signaling pathways in tumor metabolism to inspire new strategies for the clinical treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yuandi Xiang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Mengqi Fan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shizhen Fang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qingquan Hua
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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15
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Jiménez-Alonso JJ, Guillén-Mancina E, Calderón-Montaño JM, Jiménez-González V, Díaz-Ortega P, Burgos-Morón E, López-Lázaro M. Artificial Diets with Altered Levels of Sulfur Amino Acids Induce Anticancer Activity in Mice with Metastatic Colon Cancer, Ovarian Cancer and Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054587. [PMID: 36902018 PMCID: PMC10003419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054587] [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: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfur-containing amino acids methionine (Met), cysteine (Cys) and taurine (Tau) are common dietary constituents with important cellular roles. Met restriction is already known to exert in vivo anticancer activity. However, since Met is a precursor of Cys and Cys produces Tau, the role of Cys and Tau in the anticancer activity of Met-restricted diets is poorly understood. In this work, we screened the in vivo anticancer activity of several Met-deficient artificial diets supplemented with Cys, Tau or both. Diet B1 (6% casein, 2.5% leucine, 0.2% Cys and 1% lipids) and diet B2B (6% casein, 5% glutamine, 2.5% leucine, 0.2% Tau and 1% lipids) showed the highest activity and were selected for further studies. Both diets induced marked anticancer activity in two animal models of metastatic colon cancer, which were established by injecting CT26.WT murine colon cancer cells in the tail vein or peritoneum of immunocompetent BALB/cAnNRj mice. Diets B1 and B2B also increased survival of mice with disseminated ovarian cancer (intraperitoneal ID8 Tp53-/- cells in C57BL/6JRj mice) and renal cell carcinoma (intraperitoneal Renca cells in BALB/cAnNRj mice). The high activity of diet B1 in mice with metastatic colon cancer may be useful in colon cancer therapy.
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16
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Manipulation of Amino Acid Levels with Artificial Diets Induces a Marked Anticancer Activity in Mice with Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416132. [PMID: 36555771 PMCID: PMC9783696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416132] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies with antiangiogenic drugs (e.g., sunitinib) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD-1 antibodies) are the standard of care for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Although these treatments improve patient survival, they are rarely curative. We previously hypothesized that advanced cancers might be treated without drugs by using artificial diets in which the levels of specific amino acids (AAs) are manipulated. In this work, after showing that AA manipulation induces selective anticancer activity in renal cell carcinoma cells in vitro, we screened 18 artificial diets for anticancer activity in a challenging animal model of renal cell carcinoma. The model was established by injecting murine renal cell carcinoma (Renca) cells into the peritoneum of immunocompetent BALB/cAnNRj mice. Mice survival was markedly improved when their normal diet was replaced with our artificial diets. Mice fed a diet lacking six AAs (diet T2) lived longer than mice treated with sunitinib or anti-PD-1 immunotherapy; several animals lived very long or were cured. Controlling the levels of several AAs (e.g., cysteine, methionine, and leucine) and lipids was important for the anticancer activity of the diets. Additional studies are needed to further evaluate the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of this simple and inexpensive anticancer strategy.
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17
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Falcone M, Uribe AH, Papalazarou V, Newman AC, Athineos D, Stevenson K, Sauvé CEG, Gao Y, Kim JK, Del Latto M, Kierstead M, Wu C, Smith JJ, Romesser PB, Chalmers AJ, Blyth K, Maddocks ODK. Sensitisation of cancer cells to radiotherapy by serine and glycine starvation. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1773-1786. [PMID: 36115879 PMCID: PMC9643498 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01965-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular metabolism is an integral component of cellular adaptation to stress, playing a pivotal role in the resistance of cancer cells to various treatment modalities, including radiotherapy. In response to radiotherapy, cancer cells engage antioxidant and DNA repair mechanisms which mitigate and remove DNA damage, facilitating cancer cell survival. Given the reliance of these resistance mechanisms on amino acid metabolism, we hypothesised that controlling the exogenous availability of the non-essential amino acids serine and glycine would radiosensitise cancer cells. METHODS We exposed colorectal, breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines/organoids to radiation in vitro and in vivo in the presence and absence of exogenous serine and glycine. We performed phenotypic assays for DNA damage, cell cycle, ROS levels and cell death, combined with a high-resolution untargeted LCMS metabolomics and RNA-Seq. RESULTS Serine and glycine restriction sensitised a range of cancer cell lines, patient-derived organoids and syngeneic mouse tumour models to radiotherapy. Comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of central carbon metabolism revealed that amino acid restriction impacted not only antioxidant response and nucleotide synthesis but had a marked inhibitory effect on the TCA cycle. CONCLUSION Dietary restriction of serine and glycine is a viable radio-sensitisation strategy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Falcone
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Huerta Uribe
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vasileios Papalazarou
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alice C Newman
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Katrina Stevenson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Yajing Gao
- Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jin K Kim
- Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Del Latto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Maria Kierstead
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Chao Wu
- Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - J Joshua Smith
- Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Paul B Romesser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Early Drug Development Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Anthony J Chalmers
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Oliver D K Maddocks
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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18
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Zhang HF, Klein Geltink RI, Parker SJ, Sorensen PH. Transsulfuration, minor player or crucial for cysteine homeostasis in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32. [PMID: 35365367 PMCID: PMC9378356 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.02.009&set/a 845351627+823089559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine, a thiol-containing amino acid, is crucial for the synthesis of sulfur-containing biomolecules that control multiple essential cellular activities. Altered cysteine metabolism has been linked to numerous driver oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, as well as to malignant traits in cancer. Cysteine can be acquired from extracellular sources or synthesized de novo via the transsulfuration (TSS) pathway. Limited availability of cystine in tumor interstitial fluids raises the possible dependency on de novo cysteine synthesis via TSS. However, the contribution of TSS to cancer metabolism remains highly contentious. Based on recent findings, we provide new perspectives on this crucial but understudied metabolic pathway in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Feng Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ramon I Klein Geltink
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Seth J Parker
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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19
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Zhang HF, Klein Geltink RI, Parker SJ, Sorensen PH. Transsulfuration, minor player or crucial for cysteine homeostasis in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:800-814. [PMID: 35365367 PMCID: PMC9378356 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine, a thiol-containing amino acid, is crucial for the synthesis of sulfur-containing biomolecules that control multiple essential cellular activities. Altered cysteine metabolism has been linked to numerous driver oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, as well as to malignant traits in cancer. Cysteine can be acquired from extracellular sources or synthesized de novo via the transsulfuration (TSS) pathway. Limited availability of cystine in tumor interstitial fluids raises the possible dependency on de novo cysteine synthesis via TSS. However, the contribution of TSS to cancer metabolism remains highly contentious. Based on recent findings, we provide new perspectives on this crucial but understudied metabolic pathway in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Feng Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ramon I Klein Geltink
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Seth J Parker
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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20
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Zhang HF, Klein Geltink RI, Parker SJ, Sorensen PH. Transsulfuration, minor player or crucial for cysteine homeostasis in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.02.009
expr 919953342 + 844571884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
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Jiménez-Alonso JJ, Guillén-Mancina E, Calderón-Montaño JM, Jiménez-González V, Díaz-Ortega P, Burgos-Morón E, López-Lázaro M. Artificial Diets Based on Selective Amino Acid Restriction versus Capecitabine in Mice with Metastatic Colon Cancer. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163378. [PMID: 36014884 PMCID: PMC9412877 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapies are needed to improve the low survival rates of patients with metastatic colon cancer. Evidence suggests that amino acid (AA) restriction can be used to target the altered metabolism of cancer cells. In this work, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of selective AA restriction in colon cancer. After observing anticancer activity in vitro, we prepared several artificial diets and evaluated their anticancer activity in two challenging animal models of metastatic colon cancer. These models were established by injecting CT26.WT murine colon cancer cells in the peritoneum (peritoneal dissemination) or in the tail vein (pulmonary metastases) of immunocompetent BALB/cAnNRj mice. Capecitabine, which is a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colon cancer, was also evaluated in these models. Mice fed diet TC1 (a diet lacking 10 AAs) and diet TC5 (a diet with 6% casein, 5% glutamine, and 2.5% leucine) lived longer than untreated mice in both models; several mice survived the treatment. Diet TC5 was better than several cycles of capecitabine in both cancer models. Cysteine supplementation blocked the activity of diets TC1 and TC5, but cysteine restriction was not sufficient for activity. Our results indicated that artificial diets based on selective AA restriction have therapeutic potential for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emilio Guillén-Mancina
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Jiménez-González
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Patricia Díaz-Ortega
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Estefanía Burgos-Morón
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Miguel López-Lázaro
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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22
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Xu Q, Liu Y, Sun W, Song T, Jiang X, Zeng K, Zeng S, Chen L, Yu L. Blockade LAT1 Mediates Methionine Metabolism to Overcome Oxaliplatin Resistance under Hypoxia in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102551. [PMID: 35626154 PMCID: PMC9139506 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The transformation and mechanism of methionine metabolism of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) under a hypoxic microenvironment is not well understood as yet. This study illustrated that the reprogramming of methionine metabolism and the subsequent glutathione (GSH) synthesis were mediated by amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1). Correspondingly, we proposed a combination strategy of LAT1 inhibitor JPH203 and oxaliplatin, which presented an enhanced therapeutic efficacy for RCC both in vivo and in vitro. Abstract Hypoxic microenvironment and metabolic dysregulation of tumor impairs the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs, resulting in drug resistance and tumor metastasis, which has always been a challenge for the treatment of solid tumors, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Herein, starting from the evaluation of methionine metabolism in RCC cells, we demonstrated that the increased methionine accumulation in RCC cells was mediated by L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) under hypoxia. Glutathione (GSH), as a methionine metabolite, would attenuate the therapeutic efficacy of oxaliplatin through chemical chelation. Reducing methionine uptake by LAT1 inhibitor JPH203 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of RCC cells to oxaliplatin by reducing GSH production in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we proposed an effective and stable therapeutic strategy based on the combination of oxaliplatin and LAT1 inhibitor, which is expected to solve the resistance of RCC to platinum-based drugs under hypoxia to a certain extent, providing a meaningful insight into the development of new therapeutic strategies and RCC treatment
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Xu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Q.X.); (Y.L.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (X.J.); (K.Z.); (S.Z.)
| | - Yuxi Liu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Q.X.); (Y.L.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (X.J.); (K.Z.); (S.Z.)
| | - Wen Sun
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Q.X.); (Y.L.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (X.J.); (K.Z.); (S.Z.)
| | - Tiantian Song
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Q.X.); (Y.L.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (X.J.); (K.Z.); (S.Z.)
| | - Xintong Jiang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Q.X.); (Y.L.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (X.J.); (K.Z.); (S.Z.)
| | - Kui Zeng
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Q.X.); (Y.L.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (X.J.); (K.Z.); (S.Z.)
| | - Su Zeng
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Q.X.); (Y.L.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (X.J.); (K.Z.); (S.Z.)
| | - Lu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Affiliated Hangzhou First Peoples Hospital, Cancer Center, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (L.Y.); Tel.: +86-571 88208407 (L.Y.)
| | - Lushan Yu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Q.X.); (Y.L.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (X.J.); (K.Z.); (S.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (L.Y.); Tel.: +86-571 88208407 (L.Y.)
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23
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Abstract
Cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid required for the synthesis of proteins and many important intracellular metabolites. Cysteine depletion can trigger iron-dependent nonapoptotic cell death-ferroptosis. Despite this, cysteine itself is normally maintained at relatively low levels within the cell, and many mechanisms that could act to buffer cysteine depletion do not appear to be especially effective or active, at least in cancer cells. How do we reconcile these seemingly paradoxical features? Here, we describe the regulation of cysteine and its contribution to ferroptosis and speculate about how the levels of this amino acid are controlled to govern nonapoptotic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott J. Dixon
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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24
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Ruiz-Rodado V, Dowdy T, Lita A, Kramp T, Zhang M, Jung J, Dios-Esponera A, Zhang L, Herold-Mende CC, Camphausen K, Gilbert MR, Larion M. Cysteine is a limiting factor for glioma proliferation and survival. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1777-1794. [PMID: 34856072 PMCID: PMC9067152 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutritional intervention is becoming more prevalent as adjuvant therapy for many cancers in view of the tumor dependence on external sources for some nutrients. However, little is known about the mechanisms that make cancer cells require certain nutrients from the microenvironment. Herein, we report the dependence of glioma cells on exogenous cysteine/cystine, despite this amino acid being nonessential. Using several 13C‐tracers and analysis of cystathionine synthase and cystathioninase levels, we revealed that glioma cells were not able to support glutathione synthesis through the transsulfuration pathway, which allows methionine to be converted to cysteine in cysteine/cystine‐deprived conditions. Therefore, we explored the nutritional deprivation in a mouse model of glioma. Animals subjected to a cysteine/cystine‐free diet survived longer, although this increase did not attain statistical significance, with concomitant reductions in plasma glutathione and cysteine levels. At the end point, however, tumors displayed the ability to synthesize glutathione, even though higher levels of oxidative stress were detected. We observed a compensation from the nutritional intervention revealed as the recovery of cysteine‐related metabolite levels in plasma. Our study highlights a time window where cysteine deprivation can be exploited for additional therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ruiz-Rodado
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Tyrone Dowdy
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Adrian Lita
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Tamalee Kramp
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Meili Zhang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Jinkyu Jung
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | | | - Lumin Zhang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Christel C Herold-Mende
- Division of Neurosurgical Research, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kevin Camphausen
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
| | - Mioara Larion
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
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25
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Pellegrini S, Elefanti L, Dall’Olmo L, Menin C. The Interplay between Nevi and Melanoma Predisposition Unravels Nevi-Related and Nevi-Resistant Familial Melanoma. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1077. [PMID: 34356093 PMCID: PMC8303673 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic susceptibility to nevi may affect the risk of developing melanoma, since common and atypical nevi are the main host risk factors implicated in the development of cutaneous melanoma. Recent genome-wide studies defined a melanoma polygenic risk score based on variants in genes involved in different pathways, including nevogenesis. Moreover, a predisposition to nevi is a hereditary trait that may account for melanoma clustering in some families characterized by cases with a high nevi density. On the other hand, familial melanoma aggregation may be due to a Mendelian inheritance of high/moderate-penetrance pathogenic variants affecting melanoma risk, regardless of the nevus count. Based on current knowledge, this review analyzes the complex interplay between nevi and melanoma predisposition in a familial context. We review familial melanoma, starting from Whiteman's divergent pathway model to overall melanoma development, distinguishing between nevi-related (cases with a high nevus count and a high polygenic risk score) and nevi-resistant (high/moderate-penetrance variant-carrier cases) familial melanoma. This distinction could better direct future research on genetic factors useful to identify high-risk subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Pellegrini
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.P.); (L.D.)
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Lisa Elefanti
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Luigi Dall’Olmo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.P.); (L.D.)
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Menin
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy;
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26
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Nakanishi S, Cleveland JL. Polyamine Homeostasis in Development and Disease. MEDICAL SCIENCES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 9:medsci9020028. [PMID: 34068137 PMCID: PMC8162569 DOI: 10.3390/medsci9020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Polycationic polyamines are present in nearly all living organisms and are essential for mammalian cell growth and survival, and for development. These positively charged molecules are involved in a variety of essential biological processes, yet their underlying mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Several studies have shown both beneficial and detrimental effects of polyamines on human health. In cancer, polyamine metabolism is frequently dysregulated, and elevated polyamines have been shown to promote tumor growth and progression, suggesting that targeting polyamines is an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention. In contrast, polyamines have also been shown to play critical roles in lifespan, cardiac health and in the development and function of the brain. Accordingly, a detailed understanding of mechanisms that control polyamine homeostasis in human health and disease is needed to develop safe and effective strategies for polyamine-targeted therapy.
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27
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Joly JH, Chew BTL, Graham NA. The landscape of metabolic pathway dependencies in cancer cell lines. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008942. [PMID: 33872312 PMCID: PMC8084347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells creates metabolic vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted. However, our understanding of metabolic dependencies and the pathway crosstalk that creates these vulnerabilities in cancer cells remains incomplete. Here, by integrating gene expression data with genetic loss-of-function and pharmacological screening data from hundreds of cancer cell lines, we identified metabolic vulnerabilities at the level of pathways rather than individual genes. This approach revealed that metabolic pathway dependencies are highly context-specific such that cancer cells are vulnerable to inhibition of one metabolic pathway only when activity of another metabolic pathway is altered. Notably, we also found that the no single metabolic pathway was universally essential, suggesting that cancer cells are not invariably dependent on any metabolic pathway. In addition, we confirmed that cell culture medium is a major confounding factor for the analysis of metabolic pathway vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, we found robust associations between metabolic pathway activity and sensitivity to clinically approved drugs that were independent of cell culture medium. Lastly, we used parallel integration of pharmacological and genetic dependency data to confidently identify metabolic pathway vulnerabilities. Taken together, this study serves as a comprehensive characterization of the landscape of metabolic pathway vulnerabilities in cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Joly
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Brandon T L Chew
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Nicholas A Graham
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.,Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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28
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Li Z, Jin Y, Zou Q, Shi X, Wu Q, Lin Z, He Q, Huang G, Qi S. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis suggests KRT18 mutation and MTAP are key genetic alterations related to the prognosis between astrocytoma and glioblastoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:713. [PMID: 33987411 PMCID: PMC8106028 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-1317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Astrocytoma and glioblastoma (GBM) are the two main subtypes of glioma, with the 2016 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS WHO) classifying them into different grades. GBM is the most malignant among all CNS tumors with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Although the prognosis of patients with astrocytoma is better than that of GBM in general, patients with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild type have a similar prognosis as GBM and entail a high risk of progression. Exploring the molecular driving force behind the malignant phenotype of astrocytoma and GBM will help explain the diversity of glioma and discover new drug targets. Methods We enrolled 12 patients with astrocytoma and 12 patients with GBM and performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing analysis on tumor samples from the patients. Results We found that the somatic mutation of KRT18, which is associated with cell apoptosis and adhesion by interacting with receptor 1-associated protein (TRADD) and pinin, was significantly enriched in astrocytoma, but rare in GBM. Copy number loss of MTAP, which is closely related to a poor prognosis of glioma, was found to be significantly enriched in GBM. In addition, different somatic copy number alteration (SCNA), gene expression, and immune cell infiltration patterns between astrocytoma and GBM were found. Conclusions This study revealed the distinct characteristics of astrocytoma and GBM at the DNA and RNA level. Somatic mutation of KRT18 and copy number loss of MTAP, two key genetic alterative genes in astrocytoma and GBM, have the potential to become therapeutic targets in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Jin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingping Zou
- GenomiCare Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qianchao Wu
- GenomiCare Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiying Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun He
- GenomiCare Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Guanglong Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songtao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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29
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Culp-Hill R, D'Alessandro A, Pietras EM. Extinguishing the Embers: Targeting AML Metabolism. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:332-344. [PMID: 33121874 PMCID: PMC8005405 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer derived from the myeloid lineage of blood cells, characterized by overproduction of leukemic blasts. Although therapeutic improvements have made a significant impact on the outcomes of patients with AML, survival rates remain low due to a high incidence of relapse. Similar to how wildfires can reignite from hidden embers not extinguished from an initial round of firefighting, leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are the embers remaining after completion of traditional chemotherapeutic treatments. LSCs exhibit a unique metabolic profile and contain metabolically distinct subpopulations. In this review, we detail the metabolic features of LSCs and how thetse characteristics promote resistance to traditional chemotherapy. We also discuss new therapeutic approaches that target metabolic vulnerabilities of LSC to selectively eradicate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Culp-Hill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Eric M Pietras
- Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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30
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Kang YP, Mockabee-Macias A, Jiang C, Falzone A, Prieto-Farigua N, Stone E, Harris IS, DeNicola GM. Non-canonical Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase Activity Protects against Ferroptosis. Cell Metab 2021; 33:174-189.e7. [PMID: 33357455 PMCID: PMC7839835 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine is required for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis in both normal and transformed cells. Deprivation of cysteine induces the iron-dependent form of cell death known as ferroptosis; however, the metabolic consequences of cysteine starvation beyond impairment of glutathione synthesis are poorly characterized. Here, we find that cystine starvation of non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines induces an unexpected accumulation of γ-glutamyl-peptides, which are produced due to a non-canonical activity of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). This activity is enriched in cell lines with high levels of NRF2, a key transcriptional regulator of GCLC, but is also inducible in healthy murine tissues following cysteine limitation. γ-glutamyl-peptide synthesis limits the accumulation of glutamate, thereby protecting against ferroptosis. These results indicate that GCLC has a glutathione-independent, non-canonical role in the protection against ferroptosis by maintaining glutamate homeostasis under cystine starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Pyo Kang
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Chang Jiang
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Aimee Falzone
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Everett Stone
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Isaac S Harris
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gina M DeNicola
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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31
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Combs JA, DeNicola GM. The smell of death and deCYStiny: polyamines play the hero. Nat Metab 2020; 2:995-996. [PMID: 32747795 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-020-0260-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Combs
- Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gina M DeNicola
- Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
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