1
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Luo Y, Yu J, Lin Z, Wang X, Zhao J, Liu X, Qin W, Xu G. Metabolic characterization of sphere-derived prostate cancer stem cells reveals aberrant urea cycle in stemness maintenance. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:742-755. [PMID: 38647131 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Alteration of cell metabolism is one of the essential characteristics of tumor growth. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the initiating cells of tumorigenesis, proliferation, recurrence, and other processes, and play an important role in therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Thus, identification of the metabolic profiles in prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) is critical to understanding prostate cancer progression. Using untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics methods, we show distinct metabolic differences between prostate cancer cells and PCSCs. Urea cycle is the most significantly altered metabolic pathway in PCSCs, the key metabolites arginine and proline are evidently elevated. Proline promotes cancer stem-like characteristics via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the enzyme pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), which catalyzes the conversion of pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid to proline, is highly expressed in PCSCs, and the inhibition of PYCR1 suppresses the stem-like characteristics of prostate cancer cells and tumor growth. In addition, carnitine and free fatty acid levels are significantly increased, indicating reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism in PCSCs. Reduced sphingolipid levels and increased triglyceride levels are also observed. Collectively, our data illustrate the comprehensive landscape of the metabolic reprogramming of PCSCs and provide potential therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiachuan Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhikun Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
| | - Jinhui Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
| | - Wangshu Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
| | - Guowang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian, China
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2
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Mullen NJ, Shukla SK, Thakur R, Kollala SS, Wang D, Chaika N, Santana JF, Miklavcic WR, LaBreck DA, Mallareddy JR, Price DH, Natarajan A, Mehla K, Sykes DB, Hollingsworth MA, Singh PK. DHODH inhibition enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade by increasing cancer cell antigen presentation. eLife 2024; 12:RP87292. [PMID: 38973593 PMCID: PMC11230627 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis is a druggable metabolic dependency of cancer cells, and chemotherapy agents targeting pyrimidine metabolism are the backbone of treatment for many cancers. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is an essential enzyme in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway that can be targeted by clinically approved inhibitors. However, despite robust preclinical anticancer efficacy, DHODH inhibitors have shown limited single-agent activity in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Therefore, novel combination therapy strategies are necessary to realize the potential of these drugs. To search for therapeutic vulnerabilities induced by DHODH inhibition, we examined gene expression changes in cancer cells treated with the potent and selective DHODH inhibitor brequinar (BQ). This revealed that BQ treatment causes upregulation of antigen presentation pathway genes and cell surface MHC class I expression. Mechanistic studies showed that this effect is (1) strictly dependent on pyrimidine nucleotide depletion, (2) independent of canonical antigen presentation pathway transcriptional regulators, and (3) mediated by RNA polymerase II elongation control by positive transcription elongation factor B (P-TEFb). Furthermore, BQ showed impressive single-agent efficacy in the immunocompetent B16F10 melanoma model, and combination treatment with BQ and dual immune checkpoint blockade (anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1) significantly prolonged mouse survival compared to either therapy alone. Our results have important implications for the clinical development of DHODH inhibitors and provide a rationale for combination therapy with BQ and immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Mullen
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Surendra K Shukla
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityUnited States
| | - Ravi Thakur
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityUnited States
| | - Sai Sundeep Kollala
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Dezhen Wang
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Nina Chaika
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Juan F Santana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
| | - William R Miklavcic
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Drew A LaBreck
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityUnited States
| | - Jayapal Reddy Mallareddy
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - David H Price
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
| | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Kamiya Mehla
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityUnited States
| | - David B Sykes
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Harvard Stem Cell InstituteCambridgeUnited States
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityUnited States
- OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterOklahoma CityUnited States
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3
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Lim LQJ, Adler L, Hajaj E, Soria LR, Perry RBT, Darzi N, Brody R, Furth N, Lichtenstein M, Bab-Dinitz E, Porat Z, Melman T, Brandis A, Malitsky S, Itkin M, Aylon Y, Ben-Dor S, Orr I, Pri-Or A, Seger R, Shaul Y, Ruppin E, Oren M, Perez M, Meier J, Brunetti-Pierri N, Shema E, Ulitsky I, Erez A. ASS1 metabolically contributes to the nuclear and cytosolic p53-mediated DNA damage response. Nat Metab 2024:10.1038/s42255-024-01060-5. [PMID: 38858597 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-01060-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Downregulation of the urea cycle enzyme argininosuccinate synthase (ASS1) in multiple tumors is associated with a poor prognosis partly because of the metabolic diversion of cytosolic aspartate for pyrimidine synthesis, supporting proliferation and mutagenesis owing to nucleotide imbalance. Here, we find that prolonged loss of ASS1 promotes DNA damage in colon cancer cells and fibroblasts from subjects with citrullinemia type I. Following acute induction of DNA damage with doxorubicin, ASS1 expression is elevated in the cytosol and the nucleus with at least a partial dependency on p53; ASS1 metabolically restrains cell cycle progression in the cytosol by restricting nucleotide synthesis. In the nucleus, ASS1 and ASL generate fumarate for the succination of SMARCC1, destabilizing the chromatin-remodeling complex SMARCC1-SNF5 to decrease gene transcription, specifically in a subset of the p53-regulated cell cycle genes. Thus, following DNA damage, ASS1 is part of the p53 network that pauses cell cycle progression, enabling genome maintenance and survival. Loss of ASS1 contributes to DNA damage and promotes cell cycle progression, likely contributing to cancer mutagenesis and, hence, adaptability potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Qiu Jin Lim
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lital Adler
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Emma Hajaj
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Medicine D, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Leandro R Soria
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Rotem Ben-Tov Perry
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Naama Darzi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ruchama Brody
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noa Furth
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Lichtenstein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elizabeta Bab-Dinitz
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ziv Porat
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tevie Melman
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alexander Brandis
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sergey Malitsky
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maxim Itkin
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yael Aylon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shifra Ben-Dor
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Irit Orr
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Amir Pri-Or
- The De Botton Protein Profiling Institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoav Shaul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Moshe Oren
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Minervo Perez
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jordan Meier
- Cancer Data Science Lab, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical Genetics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Efrat Shema
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Igor Ulitsky
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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4
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Ghosh N, Mahalanobish S, Sil PC. Reprogramming of urea cycle in cancer: Mechanism, regulation and prospective therapeutic scopes. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116326. [PMID: 38815626 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic urea cycle, previously known as ornithine cycle, is the chief biochemical pathway that deals with the disposal of excessive nitrogen in form of urea, resulted from protein breakdown and concomitant condensation of ammonia. Enzymes involved in urea cycle are expressed differentially outside hepatic tissue and are mostly involved in production of arginine from citrulline in arginine-depleted condition. Inline, cancer cells frequently adapt metabolic rewiring to support sufficient biomass production in order to sustain tumor cell survival, multiplication and subsequent growth. For the accomplishment of this aim, metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells is set in way so that cellular nitrogen and carbon repertoire can be utilized and channelized maximally towards anabolic reactions. A strategy to meet such outcome is to cut down unnecessary catabolic reactions and nitrogen elimination. Thus, transfigured urea cycle is a hallmark of neoplasia. During oncogenesis, altered expression and regulation of enzymes involved in urea cycle is a revolutionary approach meet to maximum incorporation of nitrogen for sustaining tumor specific biogenesis. Currently, we have reviewed neoplasm-specific deregulations of urea cycle-enzymes in different types and stages of cancers suggesting its context-oriented dynamic nature. Considering such insight to be valuable in terms of prospective cancer diagnosis and therapeutics adaptive evolution of deregulated urea cycle has been enlightened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noyel Ghosh
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Sushweta Mahalanobish
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India.
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5
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Tangudu NK, Buj R, Wang H, Wang J, Cole AR, Uboveja A, Fang R, Amalric A, Yang B, Chatoff A, Crispim CV, Sajjakulnukit P, Lyons MA, Cooper K, Hempel N, Lyssiotis CA, Chandran UR, Snyder NW, Aird KM. De Novo Purine Metabolism is a Metabolic Vulnerability of Cancers with Low p16 Expression. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1174-1188. [PMID: 38626341 PMCID: PMC11064835 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
p16 is a tumor suppressor encoded by the CDKN2A gene whose expression is lost in approximately 50% of all human cancers. In its canonical role, p16 inhibits the G1-S-phase cell cycle progression through suppression of cyclin-dependent kinases. Interestingly, p16 also has roles in metabolic reprogramming, and we previously published that loss of p16 promotes nucleotide synthesis via the pentose phosphate pathway. However, the broader impact of p16/CDKN2A loss on other nucleotide metabolic pathways and potential therapeutic targets remains unexplored. Using CRISPR knockout libraries in isogenic human and mouse melanoma cell lines, we determined several nucleotide metabolism genes essential for the survival of cells with loss of p16/CDKN2A. Consistently, many of these genes are upregulated in melanoma cells with p16 knockdown or endogenously low CDKN2A expression. We determined that cells with low p16/CDKN2A expression are sensitive to multiple inhibitors of de novo purine synthesis, including antifolates. Finally, tumors with p16 knockdown were more sensitive to the antifolate methotrexate in vivo than control tumors. Together, our data provide evidence to reevaluate the utility of these drugs in patients with p16/CDKN2Alow tumors as loss of p16/CDKN2A may provide a therapeutic window for these agents. SIGNIFICANCE Antimetabolites were the first chemotherapies, yet many have failed in the clinic due to toxicity and poor patient selection. Our data suggest that p16 loss provides a therapeutic window to kill cancer cells with widely-used antifolates with relatively little toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kumar Tangudu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Raquel Buj
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiefei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Aidan R. Cole
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Apoorva Uboveja
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard Fang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amandine Amalric
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Baixue Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Adam Chatoff
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Claudia V. Crispim
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Peter Sajjakulnukit
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maureen A. Lyons
- Genomics Facility, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristine Cooper
- Biostatistics Facility, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nadine Hempel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Costas A. Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Uma R. Chandran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nathaniel W. Snyder
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Katherine M. Aird
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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6
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Zhang P, Pei S, Zhou G, Zhang M, Zhang L, Zhang Z. Purine metabolism in lung adenocarcinoma: A single-cell analysis revealing prognostic and immunotherapeutic insights. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18284. [PMID: 38597415 PMCID: PMC11005461 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18284] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a prevalent subtype of lung cancer, yet the contribution of purine metabolism (PM) to its pathogenesis remains poorly elucidated. PM, a critical component of intracellular nucleotide synthesis and energy metabolism, is hypothesized to exert a significant influence on LUAD development. Herein, we employed single-cell analysis to investigate the role of PM within the tumour microenvironment (TME) of LUAD. PM scoring (PMS) across distinct cell types was determined using AUCell, UCell, singscore and AddModuleScore algorithms. Subsequently, we explored communication networks among cells within high- and low-PMS groups, establishing a robust PM-associated signature (PAS) utilizing a comprehensive dataset comprising LUAD samples from TCGA and five GEO datasets. Our findings revealed that the high-PMS group exhibited intensified cell interactions, while the PAS, constructed using PM-related genes, demonstrated precise prognostic predictive capability. Notably, analysis across the TCGA dataset and five GEO datasets indicated that low-PAS patients exhibited a superior prognosis. Furthermore, the low-PAS group displayed increased immune cell infiltration and elevated CD8A expression, coupled with reduced PD-L1 expression. Moreover, data from eight publicly available immunotherapy cohorts suggested enhanced immunotherapy outcomes in the low-PAS group. These results underscore a close association between PAS and tumour immunity, offering predictive insights into genomic alterations, chemotherapy drug sensitivity and immunotherapy responses in LUAD. The newly established PAS holds promise as a valuable tool for selecting LUAD populations likely to benefit from future clinical stratification efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengpeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Department of Lung Cancer, Tianjin Lung Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalTianjinChina
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shengbin Pei
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Guangyao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Department of Lung Cancer, Tianjin Lung Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Mengzhe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Department of Lung Cancer, Tianjin Lung Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Lianmin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Department of Lung Cancer, Tianjin Lung Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Zhenfa Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Department of Lung Cancer, Tianjin Lung Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalTianjinChina
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7
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Hajaj E, Pozzi S, Erez A. From the Inside Out: Exposing the Roles of Urea Cycle Enzymes in Tumors and Their Micro and Macro Environments. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041538. [PMID: 37696657 PMCID: PMC10982720 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Catabolic pathways change in anabolic diseases such as cancer to maintain metabolic homeostasis. The liver urea cycle (UC) is the main catabolic pathway for disposing excess nitrogen. Outside the liver, the UC enzymes are differentially expressed based on each tissue's needs for UC intermediates. In tumors, there are changes in the expression of UC enzymes selected for promoting tumorigenesis by increasing the availability of essential UC substrates and products. Consequently, there are compensatory changes in the expression of UC enzymes in the cells that compose the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, extrahepatic tumors induce changes in the expression of the liver UC, which contribute to the systemic manifestations of cancer, such as weight loss. Here, we review the multilayer changes in the expression of UC enzymes throughout carcinogenesis. Understanding the changes in UC expression in the tumor and its micro and macro environment can help identify biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis and vulnerabilities that can be targeted for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hajaj
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sabina Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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8
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Benzarti M, Neises L, Oudin A, Krötz C, Viry E, Gargiulo E, Pulido C, Schmoetten M, Pozdeev V, Lorenz NI, Ronellenfitsch MW, Sumpton D, Warmoes M, Jaeger C, Lesur A, Becker B, Moussay E, Paggetti J, Niclou SP, Letellier E, Meiser J. PKM2 diverts glycolytic flux in dependence on mitochondrial one-carbon cycle. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113868. [PMID: 38421868 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Modeling tumor metabolism in vitro remains challenging. Here, we used galactose as an in vitro tool compound to mimic glycolytic limitation. In contrast to the established idea that high glycolytic flux reduces pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 (PKM2) activity to support anabolic processes, we have discovered that glycolytic limitation also affects PKM2 activity. Surprisingly, despite limited carbon availability and energetic stress, cells induce a near-complete block of PKM2 to divert carbons toward serine metabolism. Simultaneously, TCA cycle flux is sustained, and oxygen consumption is increased, supported by glutamine. Glutamine not only supports TCA cycle flux but also serine synthesis via distinct mechanisms that are directed through PKM2 inhibition. Finally, deleting mitochondrial one-carbon (1C) cycle reversed the PKM2 block, suggesting a potential formate-dependent crosstalk that coordinates mitochondrial 1C flux and cytosolic glycolysis to support cell survival and proliferation during nutrient-scarce conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaned Benzarti
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg; Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Laura Neises
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Anais Oudin
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Christina Krötz
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Elodie Viry
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Ernesto Gargiulo
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Coralie Pulido
- Animal Facility, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Maryse Schmoetten
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Vitaly Pozdeev
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Nadia I Lorenz
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael W Ronellenfitsch
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David Sumpton
- Cancer Research U.K. Scotland Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Marc Warmoes
- Metabolomics Platform, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Christian Jaeger
- Metabolomics Platform, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Antoine Lesur
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Björn Becker
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Etienne Moussay
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Jerome Paggetti
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Simone P Niclou
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg; NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Johannes Meiser
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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9
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Haitzmann T, Schindlmaier K, Frech T, Mondal A, Bubalo V, Konrad B, Bluemel G, Stiegler P, Lackner S, Hrzenjak A, Eichmann T, Köfeler HC, Leithner K. Serine synthesis and catabolism in starved lung cancer and primary bronchial epithelial cells. Cancer Metab 2024; 12:9. [PMID: 38515202 PMCID: PMC10956291 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-024-00337-3] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Serine and glycine give rise to important building blocks in proliferating cells. Both amino acids are either synthesized de novo or taken up from the extracellular space. In lung cancer, serine synthesis gene expression is variable, yet, expression of the initial enzyme, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), was found to be associated with poor prognosis. While the contribution of de novo synthesis to serine pools has been shown to be enhanced by serine starvation, the impact of glucose deprivation, a commonly found condition in solid cancers is poorly understood. Here, we utilized a stable isotopic tracing approach to assess serine and glycine de novo synthesis and uptake in different lung cancer cell lines and normal bronchial epithelial cells in variable serine, glycine, and glucose conditions. Under low glucose supplementation (0.2 mM, 3-5% of normal plasma levels), serine de novo synthesis was maintained or even activated. As previously reported, also gluconeogenesis supplied carbons from glutamine to serine and glycine under these conditions. Unexpectedly, low glucose treatment consistently enhanced serine to glycine conversion, along with an up-regulation of the mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism enzymes, serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT2) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD2). The relative contribution of de novo synthesis greatly increased in low serine/glycine conditions. In bronchial epithelial cells, adaptations occurred in a similar fashion as in cancer cells, but serine synthesis and serine to glycine conversion, as assessed by label enrichments and gene expression levels, were generally lower than in (PHGDH positive) cancer cells. In summary, we found a variable contribution of glucose or non-glucose carbon sources to serine and glycine and a high adaptability of the downstream one-carbon metabolism pathway to variable glucose supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Haitzmann
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Schindlmaier
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Tobias Frech
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Ayusi Mondal
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Visnja Bubalo
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Barbara Konrad
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Gabriele Bluemel
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Philipp Stiegler
- Division of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefanie Lackner
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry and Lipidomics, ZMF, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Andelko Hrzenjak
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Eichmann
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry and Lipidomics, ZMF, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Harald C Köfeler
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry and Lipidomics, ZMF, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Leithner
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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10
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Wang H, Liu J, Zhang Z, Peng J, Wang Z, Yang L, Wang X, Hu S, Hong L. β-Sitosterol targets ASS1 for Nrf2 ubiquitin-dependent degradation, inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in ovarian cancer. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 214:137-157. [PMID: 38364944 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The exploration of drugs derived from natural sources holds significant promise in addressing current limitations in ovarian cancer (OC) treatments. While previous studies have highlighted the remarkable anti-cancer properties of the natural compound β-sitosterol (SIT) across various tumors, its specific role in OC treatment remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the anti-tumor activity of SIT in OC using in vitro and in vivo models, delineate potential mechanisms, and establish a preclinical theoretical foundation for future clinical trials, thus fostering further research. Utilizing network pharmacology, we pinpoint SIT as a promising candidate for OC treatment and predict its potential targets and pathways. Through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, we unveil a novel mechanism through which SIT mitigates the malignant biological behaviors of OC cells by modulating redox status. Specifically, SIT selectively targets argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1), a protein markedly overexpressed in OC tissues and cells. Inhibiting ASS1, SIT enhances the interaction between Nrf2 and Keap1, instigating the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of Nrf2, subsequently diminishing the transcriptional activation of downstream antioxidant genes HO-1 and NQO1. The interruption of the antioxidant program by SIT results in the substantial accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in OC cells. This, in turn, upregulates PTEN, exerting negative regulation on the phosphorylation activation of AKT. The suppression of AKT signaling disrupted downstream pathways associated with cell cycle, cell survival, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, ultimately culminating in the death of OC cells. Our research uncovers new targets and mechanisms of SIT against OC, contributing to the existing knowledge on the anti-tumor effects of natural products in the context of OC. Additionally, this research unveils a novel role of ASS1 in regulating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant program and governing redox homeostasis in OC, providing a deeper understanding of this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road NO.238, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Jingchun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road NO.238, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Zihui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road NO.238, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Jiaxin Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road NO.238, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road NO.238, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Lian Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road NO.238, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Xinqi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road NO.238, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Siyuan Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road NO.238, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Li Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road NO.238, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
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11
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Yin Y, Yu H, Wang X, Hu Q, Liu Z, Luo D, Yang X. Cytoophidia: a conserved yet promising mode of enzyme regulation in nucleotide metabolism. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:245. [PMID: 38300325 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09208-y] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Nucleotide biosynthesis encompasses both de novo and salvage synthesis pathways, each characterized by significant material and procedural distinctions. Despite these differences, cells with elevated nucleotide demands exhibit a preference for the more intricate de novo synthesis pathway, intricately linked to modes of enzyme regulation. In this study, we primarily scrutinize the biological importance of a conserved yet promising mode of enzyme regulation in nucleotide metabolism-cytoophidia. Cytoophidia, comprising cytidine triphosphate synthase or inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, is explored across diverse biological models, including yeasts, Drosophila, mice, and human cancer cell lines. Additionally, we delineate potential biomedical applications of cytoophidia. As our understanding of cytoophidia deepens, the roles of enzyme compartmentalization and polymerization in various biochemical processes will unveil, promising profound impacts on both research and the treatment of metabolism-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- School of Queen Mary, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huanhuan Yu
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Thyroid Surgery Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiaohao Hu
- The 1st Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhuoqi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Daya Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China.
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12
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Mullen NJ, Shukla SK, Thakur R, Kollala SS, Wang D, Chaika N, Santana JF, Miklavcic WR, LaBreck DA, Mallareddy JR, Price DH, Natarajan A, Mehla K, Sykes DB, Hollingsworth MA, Singh PK. DHODH inhibition enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade by increasing cancer cell antigen presentation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.03.535399. [PMID: 37066260 PMCID: PMC10103971 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis is a druggable metabolic dependency of cancer cells, and chemotherapy agents targeting pyrimidine metabolism are the backbone of treatment for many cancers. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is an essential enzyme in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway that can be targeted by clinically approved inhibitors. However, despite robust preclinical anticancer efficacy, DHODH inhibitors have shown limited single-agent activity in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Therefore, novel combination therapy strategies are necessary to realize the potential of these drugs. To search for therapeutic vulnerabilities induced by DHODH inhibition, we examined gene expression changes in cancer cells treated with the potent and selective DHODH inhibitor brequinar (BQ). This revealed that BQ treatment causes upregulation of antigen presentation pathway genes and cell surface MHC class I expression. Mechanistic studies showed that this effect is 1) strictly dependent on pyrimidine nucleotide depletion, 2) independent of canonical antigen presentation pathway transcriptional regulators, and 3) mediated by RNA polymerase II elongation control by positive transcription elongation factor B (P-TEFb). Furthermore, BQ showed impressive single-agent efficacy in the immunocompetent B16F10 melanoma model, and combination treatment with BQ and dual immune checkpoint blockade (anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1) significantly prolonged mouse survival compared to either therapy alone. Our results have important implications for the clinical development of DHODH inhibitors and provide a rationale for combination therapy with BQ and immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Mullen
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA
| | - Surendra K. Shukla
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73014, USA
| | - Ravi Thakur
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73014, USA
| | - Sai Sundeep Kollala
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA
| | - Dezhen Wang
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA
| | - Nina Chaika
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA
| | - Juan F. Santana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - William R. Miklavcic
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA
| | - Drew A. LaBreck
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73014, USA
| | - Jayapal Reddy Mallareddy
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA
| | - David H. Price
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA
| | - Kamiya Mehla
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73014, USA
| | - David B. Sykes
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael A. Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA
| | - Pankaj K. Singh
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73014, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
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13
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Liu Y, Du Z, Li T, Zhang J, Cheng Y, Huang J, Yang J, Wen L, Tian M, Yang M, Chen C. Lycorine eliminates B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells by targeting PSAT1 through the serine/glycine metabolic pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 961:176162. [PMID: 37951487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) has been confirmed as the most common malignant hematologic neoplasm among children. A novel antitumor mechanism of lycorine was elucidated in this study. As revealed by the result of this study, lycorine significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of REH and NALM-6 and induced their apoptosis. The result of the RNA-seq analysis suggested that lycorine targeted PSAT1 of serine/glycine metabolism in B-ALL cells. As indicated by the result of the GSEA analysis, the genes enriched in the amino acid metabolic pathways were down-regulated by lycorine. As revealed by the results of ectopic expression, shRNA knockdown assays, and further liquid-phase tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, lycorine reduced serine/glycine metabolites by down-regulating PSAT1, further disrupting carbon metabolism and eliminating B-ALL cells. Furthermore, lycorine showed a synergistic effect with cytarabine in ALL treatments. Lastly, lycorine significantly down-regulated leukemia progression in the cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model. In brief, this study has suggested for the first time that lycorine is a promising anti-ALL drug, and a novel amino acid metabolism-associated property of lycorine was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China; Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zefan Du
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tianwen Li
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yucai Cheng
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junbing Huang
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Luping Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengyao Tian
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mo Yang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Chun Chen
- Pediatric Hematology Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 518107, Shenzhen, China.
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14
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Zhang X, Song W, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Hao S, Ni T. The Role of Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming in Tumor Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17422. [PMID: 38139250 PMCID: PMC10743965 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and development of tumors require the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, namely the alteration of flux in an autonomous manner via various metabolic pathways to meet increased bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands. Tumor cells consume large quantities of nutrients and produce related metabolites via their metabolism; this leads to the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to better support tumor growth. During TME remodeling, the immune cell metabolism and antitumor immune activity are affected. This further leads to the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance and therefore to abnormal proliferation. This review summarizes the regulatory functions associated with the abnormal biosynthesis and activity of metabolic signaling molecules during the process of tumor metabolic reprogramming. In addition, we provide a comprehensive description of the competition between immune cells and tumor cells for nutrients in the TME, as well as the metabolites required for tumor metabolism, the metabolic signaling pathways involved, and the functionality of the immune cells. Finally, we summarize current research targeted at the development of tumor immunotherapy. We aim to provide new concepts for future investigations of the mechanisms underlying the metabolic reprogramming of tumors and explore the association of these mechanisms with tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Shuailin Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China; (X.Z.); (W.S.); (Y.G.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ting Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China; (X.Z.); (W.S.); (Y.G.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.)
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15
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Ding Q, Li R, Wang Q, Yu L, Zi F. A pan-cancer analysis of the role of argininosuccinate synthase 1 in human tumors. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1049147. [PMID: 38053661 PMCID: PMC10694447 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1049147] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim There is accumulating evidence indicating that ASS1 is closely related to tumors. No pan-cancer analysis of ASS1 was available. Methods Here we explored the gene expression and survival analysis of ASS1 across thirty-three tumors based on the datasets of the TCGA (Cancer Genome Atlas), the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus), and the GEPIA2 (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, version 2). Results ASS1 is highly expressed in most normal tissues and is related to the progression of some tumors. We also report ASS1 genetic alteration and their association with tumor prognosis and report differences in ASS1 phosphorylation sites between tumors and control normal tissues. ASS1 expression was associated with the infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) for the TCGA tumors of BRCA (Breast invasive carcinoma), CESC (Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma), COAD (Colon adenocarcinoma), ESCA (Esophageal carcinoma), SKCM (Skin cutaneous melanoma), SKCM-Metastasis, TGCT (Testicular germ cell tumors), and endothelial cell for the tumors of BRCA, BRCA-Basal, CESC, ESCA, KIRC (Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma), LUAD (Lung adenocarcinoma), LUSC (Lung squamous cell carcinoma), SKCM, SKCM-Metastasis, SKCM-Primary, STAD (Stomach adenocarcinoma), and TGCT. The KEGG and GO analysis were used to analyze ASS1-related signaling pathways. Finally, we used Huh7 cell line to verify the function of ASS1 in vitro. After ASS1 knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA), the proliferation and invasion of Huh7 were enhanced, cyclin D1 was up-regulated, and anti-apoptotic protein bax was down-regulated, suggesting that ASS1 is a tumor suppressor gene in hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion Our first pan-cancer study offers a relatively comprehensive understanding of the roles of ASS1 in different tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ding
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Hematology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ruiqi Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Hematology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qingming Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Hematology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Hematology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fuming Zi
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Hematology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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16
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Ali ES, Ben-Sahra I. Regulation of nucleotide metabolism in cancers and immune disorders. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:950-966. [PMID: 36967301 PMCID: PMC10518033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Nucleotides are the foundational elements of life. Proliferative cells acquire nutrients for energy production and the synthesis of macromolecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Nucleotides are continuously replenished through the activation of the nucleotide synthesis pathways. Despite the importance of nucleotides in cell physiology, there is still much to learn about how the purine and pyrimidine synthesis pathways are regulated in response to intracellular and exogenous signals. Over the past decade, evidence has emerged that several signaling pathways [Akt, mechanistic target of rapamycin complex I (mTORC1), RAS, TP53, and Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling] alter nucleotide synthesis activity and influence cell function. Here, we examine the mechanisms by which these signaling networks affect de novo nucleotide synthesis in mammalian cells. We also discuss how these molecular links can be targeted in diseases such as cancers and immune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunus S Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Issam Ben-Sahra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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17
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Wei T, Liu J, Ma S, Wang M, Yuan Q, Huang A, Wu Z, Shang D, Yin P. A Nucleotide Metabolism-Related Gene Signature for Risk Stratification and Prognosis Prediction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on an Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Approach. Metabolites 2023; 13:1116. [PMID: 37999212 PMCID: PMC10673507 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13111116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The in-depth study of genes and metabolites related to nucleotide metabolism will provide new ideas for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients. This study integrated the transcriptome data of different cancer types to explore the characteristics and significance of nucleotide metabolism-related genes (NMGRs) in different cancer types. Then, we constructed a new HCC classifier and prognosis model based on HCC samples from TCGA and GEO, and detected the gene expression level in the model through molecular biology experiments. Finally, nucleotide metabolism-related products in serum of HCC patients were examined using untargeted metabolomics. A total of 97 NMRGs were obtained based on bioinformatics techniques. In addition, a clinical model that could accurately predict the prognostic outcome of HCC was constructed, which contained 11 NMRGs. The results of PCR experiments showed that the expression levels of these genes were basically consistent with the predicted trends. Meanwhile, the results of untargeted metabolomics also proved that there was a significant nucleotide metabolism disorder in the development of HCC. Our results provide a promising insight into nucleotide metabolism in HCC, as well as a tailored prognostic and chemotherapy sensitivity prediction tool for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfu Wei
- Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China; (T.W.)
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Jifeng Liu
- Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China; (T.W.)
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Shurong Ma
- Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China; (T.W.)
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Mimi Wang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Qihang Yuan
- Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China; (T.W.)
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Anliang Huang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Zeming Wu
- iPhenome Biotechnology (Yun Pu Kang) Inc., Dalian 116000, China
| | - Dong Shang
- Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China; (T.W.)
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Peiyuan Yin
- Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China; (T.W.)
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
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18
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Tombari C, Zannini A, Bertolio R, Pedretti S, Audano M, Triboli L, Cancila V, Vacca D, Caputo M, Donzelli S, Segatto I, Vodret S, Piazza S, Rustighi A, Mantovani F, Belletti B, Baldassarre G, Blandino G, Tripodo C, Bicciato S, Mitro N, Del Sal G. Mutant p53 sustains serine-glycine synthesis and essential amino acids intake promoting breast cancer growth. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6777. [PMID: 37880212 PMCID: PMC10600207 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42458-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of amino acid metabolism, sustained by oncogenic signaling, is crucial for cancer cell survival under nutrient limitation. Here we discovered that missense mutant p53 oncoproteins stimulate de novo serine/glycine synthesis and essential amino acids intake, promoting breast cancer growth. Mechanistically, mutant p53, unlike the wild-type counterpart, induces the expression of serine-synthesis-pathway enzymes and L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)/CD98 heavy chain heterodimer. This effect is exacerbated by amino acid shortage, representing a mutant p53-dependent metabolic adaptive response. When cells suffer amino acids scarcity, mutant p53 protein is stabilized and induces metabolic alterations and an amino acid transcriptional program that sustain cancer cell proliferation. In patient-derived tumor organoids, pharmacological targeting of either serine-synthesis-pathway and LAT1-mediated transport synergizes with amino acid shortage in blunting mutant p53-dependent growth. These findings reveal vulnerabilities potentially exploitable for tackling breast tumors bearing missense TP53 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Tombari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Rebecca Bertolio
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Pedretti
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Triboli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Valeria Cancila
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Science, Human Pathology Section, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Vacca
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Science, Human Pathology Section, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Manuel Caputo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Donzelli
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Segatto
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Simone Vodret
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvano Piazza
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rustighi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fiamma Mantovani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Unit of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Science, Human Pathology Section, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90133, Palermo, Italy
- IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Bicciato
- Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Nico Mitro
- DiSFeB, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giannino Del Sal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park-Padriciano, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
- IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.
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19
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Tangudu NK, Buj R, Wang H, Wang J, Cole AR, Uboveja A, Fang R, Amalric A, Sajjakulnukit P, Lyons MA, Cooper K, Hempel N, Snyder NW, Lyssiotis CA, Chandran UR, Aird KM. De novo purine metabolism is a metabolic vulnerability of cancers with low p16 expression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.15.549149. [PMID: 37503050 PMCID: PMC10369956 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.15.549149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
p16 is a tumor suppressor encoded by the CDKN2A gene whose expression is lost in ~50% of all human cancers. In its canonical role, p16 inhibits the G1-S phase cell cycle progression through suppression of cyclin dependent kinases. Interestingly, p16 also has roles in metabolic reprogramming, and we previously published that loss of p16 promotes nucleotide synthesis via the pentose phosphate pathway. Whether other nucleotide metabolic genes and pathways are affected by p16/CDKN2A loss and if these can be specifically targeted in p16/CDKN2A-low tumors has not been previously explored. Using CRISPR KO libraries in multiple isogenic human and mouse melanoma cell lines, we determined that many nucleotide metabolism genes are negatively enriched in p16/CDKN2A knockdown cells compared to controls. Indeed, many of the genes that are required for survival in the context of low p16/CDKN2A expression based on our CRISPR screens are upregulated in p16 knockdown melanoma cells and those with endogenously low CDKN2A expression. We determined that cells with low p16/Cdkn2a expression are sensitive to multiple inhibitors of de novo purine synthesis, including anti-folates. Tumors with p16 knockdown were more sensitive to the anti-folate methotrexate in vivo than control tumors. Together, our data provide evidence to reevaluate the utility of these drugs in patients with p16/CDKN2A-low tumors as loss of p16/CDKN2A may provide a therapeutic window for these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kumar Tangudu
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Raquel Buj
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jiefei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Aidan R. Cole
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Apoorva Uboveja
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Richard Fang
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Amandine Amalric
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Peter Sajjakulnukit
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Maureen A. Lyons
- Genomics Facility UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kristine Cooper
- Biostatistics Facility UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nadine Hempel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nathaniel W. Snyder
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Costas A. Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Uma R. Chandran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Katherine M. Aird
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
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20
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Marrocco I, Giri S, Simoni-Nieves A, Gupta N, Rudnitsky A, Haga Y, Romaniello D, Sekar A, Zerbib M, Oren R, Lindzen M, Fard D, Tsutsumi Y, Lauriola M, Tamagnone L, Yarden Y. L858R emerges as a potential biomarker predicting response of lung cancer models to anti-EGFR antibodies: Comparison of osimertinib vs. cetuximab. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101142. [PMID: 37557179 PMCID: PMC10439256 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
EGFR-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), especially osimertinib, have changed lung cancer therapy, but secondary mutations confer drug resistance. Because other EGFR mutations promote dimerization-independent active conformations but L858R strictly depends on receptor dimerization, we herein evaluate the therapeutic potential of dimerization-inhibitory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including cetuximab. This mAb reduces viability of cells expressing L858R-EGFR and blocks the FOXM1-aurora survival pathway, but other mutants show no responses. Unlike TKI-treated patient-derived xenografts, which relapse post osimertinib treatment, cetuximab completely prevents relapses of L858R+ tumors. We report that osimertinib's inferiority associates with induction of mutagenic reactive oxygen species, whereas cetuximab's superiority is due to downregulation of adaptive survival pathways (e.g., HER2) and avoidance of mutation-prone mechanisms that engage AXL, RAD18, and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen. These results identify L858R as a predictive biomarker, which may pave the way for relapse-free mAb monotherapy relevant to a large fraction of patients with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Marrocco
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel; Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Suvendu Giri
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Arturo Simoni-Nieves
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Nitin Gupta
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Anna Rudnitsky
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yuya Haga
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Donatella Romaniello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arunachalam Sekar
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Mirie Zerbib
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Roni Oren
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Moshit Lindzen
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Damon Fard
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Yasuo Tsutsumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mattia Lauriola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli - IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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21
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Mahé M, Rios-Fuller TJ, Karolin A, Schneider RJ. Genetics of enzymatic dysfunctions in metabolic disorders and cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1230934. [PMID: 37601653 PMCID: PMC10433910 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1230934] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited metabolic disorders arise from mutations in genes involved in the biogenesis, assembly, or activity of metabolic enzymes, leading to enzymatic deficiency and severe metabolic impairments. Metabolic enzymes are essential for the normal functioning of cells and are involved in the production of amino acids, fatty acids and nucleotides, which are essential for cell growth, division and survival. When the activity of metabolic enzymes is disrupted due to mutations or changes in expression levels, it can result in various metabolic disorders that have also been linked to cancer development. However, there remains much to learn regarding the relationship between the dysregulation of metabolic enzymes and metabolic adaptations in cancer cells. In this review, we explore how dysregulated metabolism due to the alteration or change of metabolic enzymes in cancer cells plays a crucial role in tumor development, progression, metastasis and drug resistance. In addition, these changes in metabolism provide cancer cells with a number of advantages, including increased proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and the ability to evade the immune system. The tumor microenvironment, genetic context, and different signaling pathways further influence this interplay between cancer and metabolism. This review aims to explore how the dysregulation of metabolic enzymes in specific pathways, including the urea cycle, glycogen storage, lysosome storage, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration, contributes to the development of metabolic disorders and cancer. Additionally, the review seeks to shed light on why these enzymes represent crucial potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers in various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert J. Schneider
- Department of Microbiology, Grossman NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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22
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Barnett SE, Kenyani J, Tripari M, Butt Z, Grosman R, Querques F, Shaw L, Silva LC, Goate Z, Marciniak SJ, Rassl DM, Jackson R, Lian LY, Szlosarek PW, Sacco JJ, Coulson JM. BAP1 Loss Is Associated with Higher ASS1 Expression in Epithelioid Mesothelioma: Implications for Therapeutic Stratification. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:411-427. [PMID: 36669126 PMCID: PMC10150242 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0635] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear deubiquitylase BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is frequently inactivated in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and germline BAP1 mutation predisposes to cancers including MPM. To explore the influence on cell physiology and drug sensitivity, we sequentially edited a predisposition mutation (w-) and a promoter trap (KO) into human mesothelial cells. BAP1w-/KO MeT5A cells express less BAP1 protein and phenocopy key aspects of BAP1 loss in MPM. Stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture-mass spectrometry revealed evidence of metabolic adaptation, with concomitant alteration of cellular metabolites. In MeT5A, BAP1 deficiency reduces glycolytic enzyme levels but increases enzymes involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and anaplerotic pathways. Notably both argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), essential for cellular synthesis of arginine, and its substrate aspartate, are elevated in BAP1w-/KO MeT5A cells. Likewise, ASS1 expression is higher in BAP1-altered MPM cell lines, and inversely correlates with BAP1 in The Cancer Genome Atlas MESO dataset. Elevated ASS1 is also evident by IHC staining in epithelioid MPM lacking nuclear BAP1 expression, with improved survival among patients with BAP1-negative/ASS1-expressing tumors. Alterations in arginine metabolism may sensitize cells to metabolic drugs and we find that BAP1-negative/ASS1-expressing MPM cell lines are more sensitive to ASS1 inhibition, although not to inhibition of purine synthesis by mizoribine. Importantly, BAP1w-/KO MeT5A become desensitized to arginine deprivation by pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20), phenocopying BAP1-negative/ASS1-expressing MPM cell lines. IMPLICATIONS Our data reveal an interrelationship between BAP1 and arginine metabolism, providing a potential means of identifying patients with epithelioid MPM likely to benefit from ADI-PEG20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Barnett
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna Kenyani
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Martina Tripari
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Zohra Butt
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rudi Grosman
- Biochemistry and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Querques
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Shaw
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Luisa C. Silva
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Goate
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan J. Marciniak
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Doris M. Rassl
- Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Jackson
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lu-Yun Lian
- Biochemistry and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Peter W. Szlosarek
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph J. Sacco
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Wirral, United Kingdom
| | - Judy M. Coulson
- Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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23
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Liu J, Zhong L, Deng D, Zhang Y, Yuan Q, Shang D. The combined signatures of the tumour microenvironment and nucleotide metabolism-related genes provide a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker for gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6622. [PMID: 37095256 PMCID: PMC10126105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) is vital to tumour development and influences the immunotherapy response. Abnormal nucleotide metabolism (NM) not only promotes tumour cell proliferation but also inhibits immune responses in the TME. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the combined signatures of NM and the TME could better predict the prognosis and treatment response in gastric cancer (GC). 97 NM-related genes and 22 TME cells were evaluated in TCGA-STAD samples, and predictive NM and TME characteristics were determined. Subsequent correlation analysis and single-cell data analysis illustrated a link between NM scores and TME cells. Thereafter, NM and TME characteristics were combined to construct an NM-TME classifier. Patients in the NMlow/TMEhigh group exhibited better clinical outcomes and treatment responses, which could be attributed to the differences in immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, tumour somatic mutations, immunophenoscore, immunotherapy response rate and proteomap. Additionally, the NMhigh/TMElow group benefited more from Imatinib, Midostaurin and Linsitinib, while patients in the NMlow/TMEhigh group benefited more from Paclitaxel, Methotrexate and Camptothecin. Finally, a highly reliable nomogram was developed. In conclusion, the NM-TME classifier demonstrated a pretreatment predictive value for prognosis and therapeutic responses, which may offer novel strategies for strategizing patients with optimal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Lei Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Dawei Deng
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yunshu Zhang
- Department of Traditional Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Qihang Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Dong Shang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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24
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Liu Y, Wu M, Xu S, Niu X, Liu W, Miao C, Lin A, Xu Y, Yu L. PSMD2 contributes to the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by repressing autophagy. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:67. [PMID: 36998052 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01016-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosomal systems collaborate in regulating the levels of intracellular proteins. Dysregulation of protein homeostasis is a central feature of malignancy. The gene encoding 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 (PSMD2) of the ubiquitin-proteasome system is an oncogene in various types of cancer. However, the detailed role of PSMD2 in autophagy and its relationship to tumorigenesis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. In the present study, we have investigated the tumor-promoting roles of PSMD2 in the context of autophagy in ESCC. METHODS Molecular approaches including DAPgreen staining, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), colony formation, transwell assays, and cell transfection, xenograft model, immunoblotting and Immunohistochemical analysis were used to investigate the roles of PSMD2 in ESCC cells. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) quantification proteomics analysis and rescue experiments were used to study the roles of PSMD2 in ESCC cells. RESULTS We demonstrate that the overexpression of PSMD2 promotes ESCC cell growth by inhibiting autophagy and is correlated with tumor progression and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. DIA quantification proteomics analysis shows a significant positive correlation between argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) and PSMD2 levels in ESCC tumors. Further studies indicate that PSMD2 activates the mTOR pathway by upregulating ASS1 to inhibit autophagy. CONCLUSIONS PSMD2 plays an important role in repressing autophagy in ESCC, and represents a promising biomarker to predict prognosis and a therapeutic target of ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachen Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Shuxiang Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Xiangjie Niu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiling Liu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanwang Miao
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai Lin
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Lili Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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25
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Abstract
Metabolic alterations are a key hallmark of cancer cells, and the augmented synthesis and use of nucleotide triphosphates is a critical and universal metabolic dependency of cancer cells across different cancer types and genetic backgrounds. Many of the aggressive behaviours of cancer cells, including uncontrolled proliferation, chemotherapy resistance, immune evasion and metastasis, rely heavily on augmented nucleotide metabolism. Furthermore, most of the known oncogenic drivers upregulate nucleotide biosynthetic capacity, suggesting that this phenotype is a prerequisite for cancer initiation and progression. Despite the wealth of data demonstrating the efficacy of nucleotide synthesis inhibitors in preclinical cancer models and the well-established clinical use of these drugs in certain cancer settings, the full potential of these agents remains unrealized. In this Review, we discuss recent studies that have generated mechanistic insights into the diverse biological roles of hyperactive cancer cell nucleotide metabolism. We explore opportunities for combination therapies that are highlighted by these recent advances and detail key questions that remain to be answered, with the goal of informing urgently warranted future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Mullen
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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26
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Missiaen R, Lesner NP, Simon MC. HIF: a master regulator of nutrient availability and metabolic cross-talk in the tumor microenvironment. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112067. [PMID: 36808622 PMCID: PMC10015374 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A role for hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in hypoxia-dependent regulation of tumor cell metabolism has been thoroughly investigated and covered in reviews. However, there is limited information available regarding HIF-dependent regulation of nutrient fates in tumor and stromal cells. Tumor and stromal cells may generate nutrients necessary for function (metabolic symbiosis) or deplete nutrients resulting in possible competition between tumor cells and immune cells, a result of altered nutrient fates. HIF and nutrients in the tumor microenvironment (TME) affect stromal and immune cell metabolism in addition to intrinsic tumor cell metabolism. HIF-dependent metabolic regulation will inevitably result in the accumulation or depletion of essential metabolites in the TME. In response, various cell types in the TME will respond to these hypoxia-dependent alterations by activating HIF-dependent transcription to alter nutrient import, export, and utilization. In recent years, the concept of metabolic competition has been proposed for critical substrates, including glucose, lactate, glutamine, arginine, and tryptophan. In this review, we discuss how HIF-mediated mechanisms control nutrient sensing and availability in the TME, the competition for nutrients, and the metabolic cross-talk between tumor and stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rindert Missiaen
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicholas P Lesner
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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27
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Chen S, Zhang S, Wang Z, Li J, Yuan Y, Li T, Zuo M, Feng W, Li W, Chen M, Liu Y. Purine metabolism-related gene expression signature predicts survival outcome and indicates immune microenvironment profile of gliomas. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1038272. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1038272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system. The impact of metabolism on cancer development and the immune microenvironment landscape has recently gained broad attention. Purines are involved in multiple metabolic pathways. It has been proved that purine metabolism could regulate malignant biological behaviors and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple cancers. However, the relationship of purine metabolism with clinicopathological features and the immune landscape of glioma remains unclear. In this study, we explored the relationships between the expression of purine metabolism-related genes (PuMGs) and tumor features, including prognosis and microenvironment of glioma, based on analyses of 1,523 tumors from 4 public databases and our cohort. Consensus clustering based on 136 PuMGs classified the glioma patients into two clusters with significantly distinguished prognosis and immune microenvironment landscapes. Increased immune infiltration was associated with more aggressive gliomas. The prognostic Purine Metabolism-Related Genes Risk Signature (PuMRS), based on 11 critical PuMGs, stratified the patients into PuMRS low- and high-risk groups in the training set and was validated by validation sets from multiple cohorts. The high-risk group presented with significantly shorter overall survival, and further survival analysis demonstrated that the PuMRS was an independent prognostic factor in glioma. The nomogram combining PuMRS and other clinicopathological factors showed satisfactory accuracy in predicting glioma patients’ prognosis. Furthermore, analyses of the tumor immune microenvironment suggested that higher PuMRS was correlated with increased immune cell infiltration and gene expression signatures of “hotˮ tumors. Gliomas in the PuMRS high-risk group presented a higher expression level of multiple immune checkpoints, including PD-1 and PD-L1, and a better-predicted therapy response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In conclusion, our study elucidated the relationship between the expression level of PuMGs and the aggressiveness of gliomas. Our study also endorsed the application of PuMRS to construct a new robust model for the prognosis evaluation of glioma patients. The correlations between the profiles of PuMGs expression and tumor immune microenvironment potentially provided guidance for immunotherapy in glioma.
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28
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Noronha A, Belugali Nataraj N, Lee JS, Zhitomirsky B, Oren Y, Oster S, Lindzen M, Mukherjee S, Will R, Ghosh S, Simoni-Nieves A, Verma A, Chatterjee R, Borgoni S, Robinson W, Sinha S, Brandis A, Kerr DL, Wu W, Sekar A, Giri S, Chung Y, Drago-Garcia D, Danysh BP, Lauriola M, Fiorentino M, Ardizzoni A, Oren M, Blakely CM, Ezike J, Wiemann S, Parida L, Bivona TG, Aqeilan RI, Brugge JS, Regev A, Getz G, Ruppin E, Yarden Y. AXL and Error-Prone DNA Replication Confer Drug Resistance and Offer Strategies to Treat EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:2666-2683. [PMID: 35895872 PMCID: PMC9627128 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer therapies have been limited by the emergence of mutations and other adaptations. In bacteria, antibiotics activate the SOS response, which mobilizes error-prone factors that allow for continuous replication at the cost of mutagenesis. We investigated whether the treatment of lung cancer with EGFR inhibitors (EGFRi) similarly engages hypermutators. In cycling drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells and in EGFRi-treated patients presenting residual disease, we observed upregulation of GAS6, whereas ablation of GAS6's receptor, AXL, eradicated resistance. Reciprocally, AXL overexpression enhanced DTP survival and accelerated the emergence of T790M, an EGFR mutation typical to resistant cells. Mechanistically, AXL induces low-fidelity DNA polymerases and activates their organizer, RAD18, by promoting neddylation. Metabolomics uncovered another hypermutator, AXL-driven activation of MYC, and increased purine synthesis that is unbalanced by pyrimidines. Aligning anti-AXL combination treatments with the transition from DTPs to resistant cells cured patient-derived xenografts. Hence, similar to bacteria, tumors tolerate therapy by engaging pharmacologically targetable endogenous mutators. SIGNIFICANCE EGFR-mutant lung cancers treated with kinase inhibitors often evolve resistance due to secondary mutations. We report that in similarity to the bacterial SOS response stimulated by antibiotics, endogenous mutators are activated in drug-treated cells, and this heralds tolerance. Blocking the process prevented resistance in xenograft models, which offers new treatment strategies. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2483.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Noronha
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Joo Sang Lee
- Cancer Data Science Lab, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Next-Gen Medicine Lab, School of Medicine and Department of Artificial Intelligence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Yaara Oren
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara Oster
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moshit Lindzen
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Saptaparna Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rainer Will
- Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Soma Ghosh
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arturo Simoni-Nieves
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aakanksha Verma
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rishita Chatterjee
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Simone Borgoni
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Sanju Sinha
- Cancer Data Science Lab, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alexander Brandis
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - D. Lucas Kerr
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Arunachalam Sekar
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Suvendu Giri
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Youngmin Chung
- Next-Gen Medicine Lab, School of Medicine and Department of Artificial Intelligence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Diana Drago-Garcia
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Brian P. Danysh
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mattia Lauriola
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Fiorentino
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Medical Oncology IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Moshe Oren
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Collin M. Blakely
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jideofor Ezike
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Computational and Systems Biology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Stefan Wiemann
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laxmi Parida
- Thomas J. Watson Research Center, IBM Research, Yorktown Heights, New York
| | - Trever G. Bivona
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Rami I. Aqeilan
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joan S. Brugge
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aviv Regev
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Gad Getz
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Lab, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Corresponding Author: Yosef Yarden, Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel. Phone: 972-8-934-3974; Fax: 972-8-934-2488; E-mail:
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29
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Helleday T, Rudd SG. Targeting the DNA damage response and repair in cancer through nucleotide metabolism. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3792-3810. [PMID: 35583750 PMCID: PMC9627788 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The exploitation of the DNA damage response and DNA repair proficiency of cancer cells is an important anticancer strategy. The replication and repair of DNA are dependent upon the supply of deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) building blocks, which are produced and maintained by nucleotide metabolic pathways. Enzymes within these pathways can be promising targets to selectively induce toxic DNA lesions in cancer cells. These same pathways also activate antimetabolites, an important group of chemotherapies that disrupt both nucleotide and DNA metabolism to induce DNA damage in cancer cells. Thus, dNTP metabolic enzymes can also be targeted to refine the use of these chemotherapeutics, many of which remain standard of care in common cancers. In this review article, we will discuss both these approaches exemplified by the enzymes MTH1, MTHFD2 and SAMHD1. © 2022 The Authors. Molecular Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Helleday
- Science for Life LaboratoryDepartment of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden,Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer CentreUniversity of SheffieldUK
| | - Sean G. Rudd
- Science for Life LaboratoryDepartment of Oncology‐PathologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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30
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Matherly LH, Schneider M, Gangjee A, Hou Z. Biology and therapeutic applications of the proton-coupled folate transporter. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:695-706. [PMID: 36239195 PMCID: PMC9637735 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2136071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1) was discovered in 2006 as the principal mechanism by which folates are absorbed in the intestine and the causal basis for hereditary folate malabsorption (HFM). In 2011, it was found that PCFT is highly expressed in many tumors. This stimulated interest in using PCFT for cytotoxic drug targeting, taking advantage of the substantial levels of PCFT transport and acidic pH conditions commonly associated with tumors. AREAS COVERED We summarize the literature from 2006 to 2022 that explores the role of PCFT in the intestinal absorption of dietary folates and its role in HFM and as a transporter of folates and antifolates such as pemetrexed (Alimta) in relation to cancer. We provide the rationale for the discovery of a new generation of targeted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates with selective PCFT transport and inhibitory activity toward de novo purine biosynthesis in solid tumors. We summarize the benefits of this approach to cancer therapy and exciting new developments in the structural biology of PCFT and its potential to foster refinement of active structures of PCFT-targeted anti-cancer drugs. EXPERT OPINION We summarize the promising future and potential challenges of implementing PCFT-targeted therapeutics for HFM and a variety of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry H. Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Mathew Schneider
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
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31
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Wu X, Ao H, Gao H, Zhu Z. Metabolite biomarker discovery for human gastric cancer using dried blood spot mass spectrometry metabolomic approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14632. [PMID: 36030300 PMCID: PMC9420103 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19061-3] [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: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the most common malignancies, gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in China. GC is asymptomatic in early stages, and the majority of GC mortality is due to delayed symptoms. It is an urgent task to find reliable biomarkers for the identification of GC in order to improve outcomes. A combination of dried blood spot sampling and direct infusion mass spectrometry (MS) technology was used to measure blood metabolic profiles for 166 patients with GC and 183 healthy individuals, and 93 metabolites including amino acids, carnitine/acylcarnitines and their derivatives, and related ratios were quantified. Multiple algorithms were used to characterize the changes of metabolic profiles in patients with GC compared to healthy individuals. A biomarker panel was identified in training set, and assessed by tenfold cross-validation and external test data set. After systematic selection of 93 metabolites, a biomarker panel consisting of Ala, Arg, Gly, Orn, Tyr/Cit, Val/Phe, C4-OH, C5/C3, C10:2 shows the potential to distinguish patients with GC from healthy individuals in tenfold cross-validation model (sensitivity: 0.8750, specificity: 0.9006) and test set (sensitivity: 0.9545, specificity: 0.8636). This metabolomic analysis makes contribution to the identification of disease-associated biomarkers and to the development of new diagnostic tools for patients with GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wu
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550003, Guizhou, China.,Research Centre for Southern Deer at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China.,Research Centre for Medical Data at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Huaixuan Ao
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550003, Guizhou, China.,Research Centre for Medical Data at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China. .,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550003, Guizhou, China. .,Research Centre for Medical Data at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China.
| | - Zhitu Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, Liaoning, China.
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32
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Missiaen R, Anderson NM, Kim LC, Nance B, Burrows M, Skuli N, Carens M, Riscal R, Steensels A, Li F, Simon MC. GCN2 inhibition sensitizes arginine-deprived hepatocellular carcinoma cells to senolytic treatment. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1151-1167.e7. [PMID: 35839757 PMCID: PMC9357184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typically fatal malignancy exhibiting genetic heterogeneity and limited therapy responses. We demonstrate here that HCCs consistently repress urea cycle gene expression and thereby become auxotrophic for exogenous arginine. Surprisingly, arginine import is uniquely dependent on the cationic amino acid transporter SLC7A1, whose inhibition slows HCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, arginine deprivation engages an integrated stress response that promotes HCC cell-cycle arrest and quiescence, dependent on the general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) kinase. Inhibiting GCN2 in arginine-deprived HCC cells promotes a senescent phenotype instead, rendering these cells vulnerable to senolytic compounds. Preclinical models confirm that combined dietary arginine deprivation, GCN2 inhibition, and senotherapy promote HCC cell apoptosis and tumor regression. These data suggest novel strategies to treat human liver cancers through targeting SLC7A1 and/or a combination of arginine restriction, inhibition of GCN2, and senolytic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rindert Missiaen
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole M Anderson
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura C Kim
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bailey Nance
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Burrows
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicolas Skuli
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Madeleine Carens
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Romain Riscal
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - An Steensels
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Bone Marrow Failure Center, Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Fuming Li
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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33
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Sun N, Zhao X. Argininosuccinate synthase 1, arginine deprivation therapy and cancer management. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:935553. [PMID: 35910381 PMCID: PMC9335876 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.935553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of tumor cells. In order to survive in the nutrient-deprived environment, tumor cells rewire their metabolic phenotype to provide sufficient energy and build biomass to sustain their transformed state and promote malignant behaviors. Amino acids are the main compositions of protein, which provide key intermediate substrates for the activation of signaling pathways. Considering that cells can synthesize arginine via argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), arginine is regarded as a non-essential amino acid, making arginine depletion as a promising therapeutic strategy for ASS1-silencing tumors. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of expression pattern of ASS1 and related signaling pathways in cancer and its potential role as a novel therapeutic target in cancer. Besides, we outline how ASS1 affects metabolic regulation and tumor progression and further discuss the role of ASS1 in arginine deprivation therapy. Finally, we review approaches to target ASS1 for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naihui Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xing Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xing Zhao,
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34
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Wallace-Povirk A, Rubinsak L, Malysa A, Dzinic SH, Ravindra M, Schneider M, Glassbrook J, O'Connor C, Hou Z, Kim S, Back J, Polin L, Morris RT, Gangjee A, Gibson H, Matherly LH. Targeted therapy of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates in a syngeneic mouse model of high grade serous ovarian cancer and the impact on the tumor microenvironment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11346. [PMID: 35790779 PMCID: PMC9256750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel therapies are urgently needed for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. In addition, therapies that target unique vulnerabilities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of EOC have largely been unrealized. One strategy to achieve selective drug delivery for EOC therapy involves use of targeted antifolates via their uptake by folate receptor (FR) proteins, resulting in inhibition of essential one-carbon (C1) metabolic pathways. FRα is highly expressed in EOCs, along with the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT); FRβ is expressed on activated macrophages, a major infiltrating immune population in EOC. Thus, there is great potential for targeting both the tumor and the TME with agents delivered via selective transport by FRs and PCFT. In this report, we investigated the therapeutic potential of a novel cytosolic C1 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine inhibitor AGF94, with selectivity for uptake by FRs and PCFT and inhibition of de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis, against a syngeneic model of ovarian cancer (BR-Luc) which recapitulates high-grade serous ovarian cancer in patients. In vitro activity of AGF94 was extended in vivo against orthotopic BR-Luc tumors. With late-stage subcutaneous BR-Luc xenografts, AGF94 treatment resulted in substantial anti-tumor efficacy, accompanied by significantly decreased M2-like FRβ-expressing macrophages and increased CD3+ T cells, whereas CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were unaffected. Our studies demonstrate potent anti-tumor efficacy of AGF94 in the therapy of EOC in the context of an intact immune system, and provide a framework for targeting the immunosuppressive TME as an essential component of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Rubinsak
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Agnes Malysa
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sijana H Dzinic
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Manasa Ravindra
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Mathew Schneider
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - James Glassbrook
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Seongho Kim
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Jessica Back
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Lisa Polin
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Robert T Morris
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
| | - Heather Gibson
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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Targeting nucleotide metabolism: a promising approach to enhance cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:45. [PMID: 35477416 PMCID: PMC9044757 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01263-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting nucleotide metabolism can not only inhibit tumor initiation and progression but also exert serious side effects. With in-depth studies of nucleotide metabolism, our understanding of nucleotide metabolism in tumors has revealed their non-proliferative effects on immune escape, indicating the potential effectiveness of nucleotide antimetabolites for enhancing immunotherapy. A growing body of evidence now supports the concept that targeting nucleotide metabolism can increase the antitumor immune response by (1) activating host immune systems via maintaining the concentrations of several important metabolites, such as adenosine and ATP, (2) promoting immunogenicity caused by increased mutability and genomic instability by disrupting the purine and pyrimidine pool, and (3) releasing nucleoside analogs via microbes to regulate immunity. Therapeutic approaches targeting nucleotide metabolism combined with immunotherapy have achieved exciting success in preclinical animal models. Here, we review how dysregulated nucleotide metabolism can promote tumor growth and interact with the host immune system, and we provide future insights into targeting nucleotide metabolism for immunotherapeutic treatment of various malignancies.
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Li S, Yu J, Huber A, Kryczek I, Wang Z, Jiang L, Li X, Du W, Li G, Wei S, Vatan L, Szeliga W, Chinnaiyan AM, Green MD, Cieslik M, Zou W. Metabolism drives macrophage heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110609. [PMID: 35385733 PMCID: PMC9052943 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major cellular component in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the relationship between the phenotype and metabolic pattern of TAMs remains poorly understood. We performed single-cell transcriptome profiling on hepatic TAMs from mice bearing liver metastatic tumors. We find that TAMs manifest high heterogeneity at the levels of transcription, development, metabolism, and function. Integrative analyses and validation experiments indicate that increased purine metabolism is a feature of TAMs with pro-tumor and terminal differentiation phenotypes. Like mouse TAMs, human TAMs are highly heterogeneous. Human TAMs with increased purine metabolism exhibit a pro-tumor phenotype and correlate with poor therapeutic efficacy to immune checkpoint blockade. Altogether, our work demonstrates that TAMs are developmentally, metabolically, and functionally heterogeneous and purine metabolism may be a key metabolic feature of a pro-tumor macrophage population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jiali Yu
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amanda Huber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ilona Kryczek
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zhuwen Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Long Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiong Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wan Du
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gaopeng Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuang Wei
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Linda Vatan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wojciech Szeliga
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael D Green
- Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marcin Cieslik
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Weiping Zou
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center of Excellence for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Zhang Y, Zeng L, Lin D, Chang G, Zeng Y, Xia Y. Identification and characterization of nucleotide metabolism and neuroendocrine regulation-associated modification patterns in stomach adenocarcinoma with auxiliary prognostic assessment and immunotherapy response prediction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1076521. [PMID: 36726460 PMCID: PMC9885129 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1076521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The significance of nucleotide metabolism and neuroendocrine in cellular immune response and cancer is becoming more well-established. However, the mechanisms underlying nucleotide metabolism and neuroendocrine involvement in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) remain unclear. METHODS First, a pan-cancer overview of nucleotide metabolism and neuroendocrine-related genes (NMNGs) was explored through the integration of expression profiles, prognostic values, mutation information, methylation levels, and pathway-regulation relationships. We next extensively assessed variations in prognosis and tumor microenvironment (TME) features across the various modification patterns, based on an extensive analysis of the NMNG modification patterns of 808 STAD samples based on 46 NMNGs. Utilizing principal component analysis methodologies, the NMNGscore was developed to measure NMNG alteration patterns of individual tumors. RESULTS Pan-cancer analysis shows that NMNGs mostly act as risk genes in multiple cancer types, especially in STAD. Based on the NMNGs we detected two different NMNG modification patterns in STAD. Both patterns showed distinct immune cell infiltration features and biological behavior, with NMNGcluster A exhibiting a worse prognosis and a larger amount of immune infiltration. Differentially expressed genes with prognostic relevance were used to classify the STAD samples into three genomic subgroups. Analysis of survival rates revealed that cluster B genes were associated with longer life expectancy than clusters A and C. Individual STAD patients' NMNG alteration patterns were analyzed by analyzing their NMNGscore signatures. NMNGscore and immune cells showed a statistically significant adverse correlation with each other. Increased longevity, a higher incidence of mutations, and a better response to immunotherapy were associated with patients' NMNG scores. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide a personalized prediction tool for prognosis and immunotherapy sensitivity in patients, as well as a promising knowledge of nucleotide metabolism and neuroendocrine in STAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Ningde Municipal Hospital of Ningde Normal University, Ningde, China
| | - Lingfeng Zeng
- Carol & Richard Yu Peritoneal Dialysis Research Centre, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences (LiHS), Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dexin Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Ningde Municipal Hospital of Ningde Normal University, Ningde, China
| | - Guijian Chang
- Department of General Surgery, Ningde Municipal Hospital of Ningde Normal University, Ningde, China
| | - Yueyue Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, Ningde Municipal Hospital of Ningde Normal University, Ningde, China
| | - Yueming Xia
- Department of General Surgery, Ningde Municipal Hospital of Ningde Normal University, Ningde, China
- *Correspondence: Yueming Xia,
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38
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Khare S, Kim LC, Lobel G, Doulias PT, Ischiropoulos H, Nissim I, Keith B, Simon MC. ASS1 and ASL suppress growth in clear cell renal cell carcinoma via altered nitrogen metabolism. Cancer Metab 2021; 9:40. [PMID: 34861885 PMCID: PMC8642968 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-021-00271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney cancer is a common adult malignancy in the USA. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the predominant subtype of kidney cancer, is characterized by widespread metabolic changes. Urea metabolism is one such altered pathway in ccRCC. The aim of this study was to elucidate the contributions of urea cycle enzymes, argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) towards ccRCC progression. METHODS We employed a combination of computational, genetic, and metabolomic tools along with in vivo animal models to establish a tumor-suppressive role for ASS1 and ASL in ccRCC. RESULTS We show that the mRNA and protein expression of urea cycle enzymes ASS1 and ASL are reduced in ccRCC tumors when compared to the normal kidney. Furthermore, the loss of ASL in HK-2 cells (immortalized renal epithelial cells) promotes growth in 2D and 3D growth assays, while combined re-expression of ASS1 and ASL in ccRCC cell lines suppresses growth in 2D, 3D, and in vivo xenograft models. We establish that this suppression is dependent on their enzymatic activity. Finally, we demonstrate that conservation of cellular aspartate, regulation of nitric oxide synthesis, and pyrimidine production play pivotal roles in ASS1+ASL-mediated growth suppression in ccRCC. CONCLUSIONS ccRCC tumors downregulate the components of the urea cycle including the enzymes argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL). These cytosolic enzymes lie at a critical metabolic hub in the cell and are involved in aspartate catabolism and arginine and nitric oxide biosynthesis. Loss of ASS1 and ASL helps cells redirect aspartate towards pyrimidine synthesis and support enhanced proliferation. Additionally, reduced levels of ASS1 and ASL might help regulate nitric oxide (NO) generation and mitigate its cytotoxic effects. Overall, our work adds to the understanding of urea cycle enzymes in a context-independent of ureagenesis, their role in ccRCC progression, and uncovers novel potential metabolic vulnerabilities in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanika Khare
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Laura C Kim
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Graham Lobel
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Paschalis-Thomas Doulias
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Harry Ischiropoulos
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Itzhak Nissim
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Biochemistry, and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Brian Keith
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Bluemel G, Planque M, Madreiter-Sokolowski CT, Haitzmann T, Hrzenjak A, Graier WF, Fendt SM, Olschewski H, Leithner K. PCK2 opposes mitochondrial respiration and maintains the redox balance in starved lung cancer cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 176:34-45. [PMID: 34520823 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells frequently lack nutrients like glucose, due to insufficient vascular networks. Mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, PCK2, has recently been found to mediate partial gluconeogenesis and hence anabolic metabolism in glucose starved cancer cells. Here we show that PCK2 acts as a regulator of mitochondrial respiration and maintains the redox balance in nutrient-deprived human lung cancer cells. PCK2 silencing increased the abundance and interconversion of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates, augmented mitochondrial respiration and enhanced glutathione oxidation under glucose and serum starvation, in a PCK2 re-expression reversible manner. Moreover, enhancing the TCA cycle by PCK2 inhibition severely reduced colony formation of lung cancer cells under starvation. As a conclusion, PCK2 contributes to maintaining a reduced glutathione pool in starved cancer cells besides mediating the biosynthesis of gluconeogenic/glycolytic intermediates. The study sheds light on adaptive responses in cancer cells to nutrient deprivation and shows that PCK2 confers protection against respiration-induced oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Bluemel
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mélanie Planque
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Corina T Madreiter-Sokolowski
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Haitzmann
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andelko Hrzenjak
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang F Graier
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Horst Olschewski
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Leithner
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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40
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Hajaj E, Sciacovelli M, Frezza C, Erez A. The context-specific roles of urea cycle enzymes in tumorigenesis. Mol Cell 2021; 81:3749-3759. [PMID: 34469752 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the urea cycle (UC) proteins is dysregulated in multiple cancers, providing metabolic benefits to tumor survival, proliferation, and growth. Here, we review the main changes described in the expression of UC enzymes and metabolites in different cancers at various stages and suggest that these changes are dynamic and should hence be viewed in a context-specific manner. Understanding the evolvability in the activity of the UC pathway in cancer has implications for cancer-immune cell interactions and for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hajaj
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Marco Sciacovelli
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Box 197, Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Christian Frezza
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Box 197, Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK.
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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41
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Shalata W, Iraqi M, Bhattacharya B, Fuchs V, Roisman LC, Cohen AY, Massalha I, Yakobson A, Prasad M, Elkabets M, Porgador A, Peled N. Rapid Response to the Combination of Lenvatinib and Pembrolizumab in Patients with Advanced Carcinomas (Lung Adenocarcinoma and Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3630. [PMID: 34298855 PMCID: PMC8307809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The new era of cancer treatments has made immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and emerging multikinase inhibitors (TKIs) the standards of care, thus drastically improving patient prognoses. Pembrolizumab is an anti-programmed cell death-1 antibody drug, and lenvatinib is a TKI with preferential antiangiogenic activity. We present, to our knowledge, the first reported series of cases consisting of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma who were treated with several types of chemotherapy combinations and ICIs followed by disease progression. They were subsequently treated with combined immunotherapy and TKI treatment, resulting in a near complete response within a very short time. Clinical responses were supported by in vitro testing of each patient's lymphocytic response to pembrolizumab after pre-exposure of target cancer cells to lenvatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Shalata
- The Legacy Heritage Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (W.S.); (A.Y.C.); (I.M.); (A.Y.)
| | - Muhammed Iraqi
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (B.B.); (V.F.); (M.P.); (M.E.)
| | - Baisali Bhattacharya
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (B.B.); (V.F.); (M.P.); (M.E.)
| | - Vered Fuchs
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (B.B.); (V.F.); (M.P.); (M.E.)
| | - Laila C. Roisman
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Oncology Division and Cancer Institute, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel;
| | - Ahron Yehonatan Cohen
- The Legacy Heritage Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (W.S.); (A.Y.C.); (I.M.); (A.Y.)
| | - Ismaell Massalha
- The Legacy Heritage Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (W.S.); (A.Y.C.); (I.M.); (A.Y.)
| | - Alexander Yakobson
- The Legacy Heritage Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (W.S.); (A.Y.C.); (I.M.); (A.Y.)
| | - Manu Prasad
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (B.B.); (V.F.); (M.P.); (M.E.)
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (B.B.); (V.F.); (M.P.); (M.E.)
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (B.B.); (V.F.); (M.P.); (M.E.)
| | - Nir Peled
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Oncology Division and Cancer Institute, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel;
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42
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Ariav Y, Ch'ng JH, Christofk HR, Ron-Harel N, Erez A. Targeting nucleotide metabolism as the nexus of viral infections, cancer, and the immune response. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg6165. [PMID: 34138729 PMCID: PMC8133749 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg6165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Virus-infected cells and cancers share metabolic commonalities that stem from their insatiable need to replicate while evading the host immune system. These similarities include hijacking signaling mechanisms that induce metabolic rewiring in the host to up-regulate nucleotide metabolism and, in parallel, suppress the immune response. In both cancer and viral infections, the host immune cells and, specifically, lymphocytes augment nucleotide synthesis to support their own proliferation and effector functions. Consequently, established treatment modalities targeting nucleotide metabolism against cancers and virally infected cells may result in restricted immune response. Encouragingly, following the introduction of immunotherapy against cancers, multiple studies improved our understanding for improving antigen presentation to the immune system. We propose here that understanding the immune consequences of targeting nucleotide metabolism against cancers may be harnessed to optimize therapy against viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarden Ariav
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - James H Ch'ng
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Heather R Christofk
- Department of Biological Chemistry, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Noga Ron-Harel
- Department of Biology, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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43
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Grasmann G, Mondal A, Leithner K. Flexibility and Adaptation of Cancer Cells in a Heterogenous Metabolic Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1476. [PMID: 33540663 PMCID: PMC7867260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic microenvironment, comprising all soluble and insoluble nutrients and co-factors in the extracellular milieu, has a major impact on cancer cell proliferation and survival. A large body of evidence from recent studies suggests that tumor cells show a high degree of metabolic flexibility and adapt to variations in nutrient availability. Insufficient vascular networks and an imbalance of supply and demand shape the metabolic tumor microenvironment, which typically contains a lower concentration of glucose compared to normal tissues. The present review sheds light on the recent literature on adaptive responses in cancer cells to nutrient deprivation. It focuses on the utilization of alternative nutrients in anabolic metabolic pathways in cancer cells, including soluble metabolites and macromolecules and outlines the role of central metabolic enzymes conferring metabolic flexibility, like gluconeogenesis enzymes. Moreover, a conceptual framework for potential therapies targeting metabolically flexible cancer cells is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Grasmann
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, A-8036 Graz, Austria; (G.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Ayusi Mondal
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, A-8036 Graz, Austria; (G.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Katharina Leithner
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, A-8036 Graz, Austria; (G.G.); (A.M.)
- BioTechMed-Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
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Cerezo M, Rocchi S. Cancer cell metabolic reprogramming: a keystone for the response to immunotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:964. [PMID: 33177494 PMCID: PMC7658964 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
By targeting the tumor microenvironment to stimulate antitumor immunity, immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, many patients do not respond initially or develop secondary resistance. Based on the limited resources in the tumor microenvironment and competition between tumor and immune cells, the field of immune metabolism has produced extensive knowledge showing that targeting metabolism could help to modulate antitumor immunity. However, among all the different potentially targetable metabolic pathways, it remains unclear which have more potential to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we explore metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, which might inhibit antitumor immunity, and strategies that can be used to favor the antitumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Cerezo
- INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
- INSERM U1065, Team 12, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
| | - Stéphane Rocchi
- INSERM U1065, Team 12, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Villa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Issam Ben-Sahra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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