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Chen C, Xie Y, Qian S. Multifaceted role of GCN2 in tumor adaptation and therapeutic targeting. Transl Oncol 2024; 49:102096. [PMID: 39178574 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102096] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells voraciously consume nutrients from their environment to facilitate rapid proliferation, necessitating effective strategies to manage nutrient scarcity during tumor growth and progression. A pivotal regulatory mechanism in this context is the Integrated Stress Response (ISR), which ensures cellular homeostasis under conditions such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, the unfolded protein response, and nutrient deprivation. Within the ISR framework, the kinase GCN2 is critical, orchestrating a myriad of cellular processes including the inhibition of protein synthesis, the enhancement of amino acid transport, autophagy initiation, and angiogenesis. These processes collectively enable tumor survival and adaptation under nutrient-limited conditions. Furthermore, GCN2-mediated pathways may induce apoptosis, a property exploited by specific therapeutic agents. Leveraging extensive datasets from TCGA, GEO, and GTEx projects, we conducted a pan-cancer analysis to investigate the prognostic significance of GCN2 expression across diverse cancer types. Our analysis indicates that GCN2 expression significantly varies and correlates with both adverse and favorable prognoses depending on the type of cancer, illustrating its complex role in tumorigenesis. Importantly, GCN2 also modulates the tumor immune microenvironment, influencing immune checkpoint expression and the functionality of immune cells, thereby affecting immunotherapy outcomes. This study highlights the potential of targeting GCN2 with specific inhibitors, as evidenced by their efficacy in preclinical models to augment treatment responses and combat resistance in oncology. These findings advocate for a deeper exploration of GCN2's multifaceted roles, which could pave the way for novel targeted therapies in cancer treatment, aiming to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaping Xie
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shenxian Qian
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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2
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Erb HHH, Polishchuk N, Stasyk O, Kahya U, Weigel MM, Dubrovska A. Glutamine Metabolism and Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2871. [PMID: 39199642 PMCID: PMC11352381 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162871] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine (Gln) is a non-essential amino acid that is involved in the development and progression of several malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). While Gln is non-essential for non-malignant prostate epithelial cells, PCa cells become highly dependent on an exogenous source of Gln. The Gln metabolism in PCa is tightly controlled by well-described oncogenes such as MYC, AR, and mTOR. These oncogenes contribute to therapy resistance and progression to the aggressive castration-resistant PCa. Inhibition of Gln catabolism impedes PCa growth, survival, and tumor-initiating potential while sensitizing the cells to radiotherapy. Therefore, given its significant role in tumor growth, targeting Gln metabolism is a promising approach for developing new therapeutic strategies. Ongoing clinical trials evaluate the safety and efficacy of Gln catabolism inhibitors in combination with conventional and targeted therapies in patients with various solid tumors, including PCa. Further understanding of how PCa cells metabolically interact with their microenvironment will facilitate the clinical translation of Gln inhibitors and help improve therapeutic outcomes. This review focuses on the role of Gln in PCa progression and therapy resistance and provides insights into current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger H. H. Erb
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Nikita Polishchuk
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine; (N.P.); (O.S.)
| | - Oleh Stasyk
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine; (N.P.); (O.S.)
| | - Uğur Kahya
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias M. Weigel
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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3
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Tan WLA, Hudson NJ, Porto Neto LR, Reverter A, Afonso J, Fortes MRS. An association weight matrix identified biological pathways associated with bull fertility traits in a multi-breed population. Anim Genet 2024; 55:495-510. [PMID: 38692842 DOI: 10.1111/age.13431] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Using seven indicator traits, we investigated the genetic basis of bull fertility and predicted gene interactions from SNP associations. We used percent normal sperm as the key phenotype for the association weight matrix-partial correlation information theory (AWM-PCIT) approach. Beyond a simple list of candidate genes, AWM-PCIT predicts significant gene interactions and associations for the selected traits. These interactions formed a network of 537 genes: 38 genes were transcription cofactors, and 41 genes were transcription factors. The network displayed two distinct clusters, one with 294 genes and another with 243 genes. The network is enriched in fertility-associated pathways: steroid biosynthesis, p53 signalling, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Enrichment analysis also highlighted gene ontology terms associated with 'regulation of neurotransmitter secretion' and 'chromatin formation'. Our network recapitulates some genes previously implicated in another network built with lower-density genotypes. Sequence-level data also highlights additional candidate genes relevant to bull fertility, such as FOXO4, FOXP3, GATA1, CYP27B1, and EBP. A trio of regulatory genes-KDM5C, LRRK2, and PME-was deemed core to the network because of their overarching connections. This trio probably influences bull fertility through their interaction with genes, both known and unknown as to their role in male fertility. Future studies may target the trio and their target genes to enrich our understanding of male fertility further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang Andre Tan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas James Hudson
- School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Juliana Afonso
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Pecuária Sudeste, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
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Tambay V, Raymond VA, Voisin L, Meloche S, Bilodeau M. Reprogramming of Glutamine Amino Acid Transporters Expression and Prognostic Significance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7558. [PMID: 39062801 PMCID: PMC11277143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147558] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver malignancy and is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. This study aimed to characterize glutamine amino acid transporter expression profiles in HCC compared to those of normal liver cells. In vitro and in vivo models of HCC were studied using qPCR, whereas the prognostic significance of glutamine transporter expression levels within patient tumors was analyzed through RNAseq. Solute carrier (SLC) 1A5 and SLC38A2 were targeted through siRNA or gamma-p-nitroanilide (GPNA). HCC cells depended on exogenous glutamine for optimal survival and growth. Murine HCC cells showed superior glutamine uptake rate than normal hepatocytes (p < 0.0001). HCC manifested a global reprogramming of glutamine transporters compared to normal liver: SLC38A3 levels decreased, whereas SLC38A1, SLC7A6, and SLC1A5 levels increased. Also, decreased SLC6A14 and SLC38A3 levels or increased SLC38A1, SLC7A6, and SLC1A5 levels predicted worse survival outcomes (all p < 0.05). Knockdown of SLC1A5 and/or SLC38A2 expression in human Huh7 and Hep3B HCC cells, as well as GPNA-mediated inhibition, significantly decreased the uptake of glutamine; combined SLC1A5 and SLC38A2 targeting had the most considerable impact (all p < 0.05). This study revealed glutamine transporter reprogramming as a novel hallmark of HCC and that such expression profiles are clinically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Tambay
- Laboratoire d’Hépatologie cellulaire, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Valérie-Ann Raymond
- Laboratoire d’Hépatologie cellulaire, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Laure Voisin
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et en Cancérologie de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sylvain Meloche
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et en Cancérologie de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Marc Bilodeau
- Laboratoire d’Hépatologie cellulaire, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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5
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Ren J, Zhao C, Sun R, Sun J, Lu L, Wu J, Li S, Cui L. Augmented drug resistance of osteosarcoma cells within decalcified bone matrix scaffold: The role of glutamine metabolism. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1626-1638. [PMID: 38196144 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34841] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Due to the lack of a precise in vitro model that can mimic the nature microenvironment in osteosarcoma, the understanding of its resistance to chemical drugs remains limited. Here, we report a novel three-dimensional model of osteosarcoma constructed by seeding tumor cells (MG-63 and MNNG/HOS Cl no. 5) within demineralized bone matrix scaffolds. Demineralized bone matrix scaffolds retain the original components of the natural bone matrix (hydroxyapatite and collagen type I), and possess good biocompatibility allowing osteosarcoma cells to proliferate and aggregate into clusters within the pores. Growing within the scaffold conferred elevated resistance to doxorubicin on MG-63 and MNNG/HOS Cl no. 5 cell lines as compared to two-dimensional cultures. Transcriptomic analysis showed an increased enrichment for drug resistance genes along with enhanced glutamine metabolism in osteosarcoma cells in demineralized bone matrix scaffolds. Inhibition of glutamine metabolism resulted in a decrease in drug resistance of osteosarcoma, which could be restored by α-ketoglutarate supplementation. Overall, our study suggests that microenvironmental cues in demineralized bone matrix scaffolds can enhance osteosarcoma drug responses and that targeting glutamine metabolism may be a strategy for treating osteosarcoma drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Ren
- Department of Reconstructive and Regenerative Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Reconstructive and Regenerative Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruizhu Sun
- Department of Reconstructive and Regenerative Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Reconstructive and Regenerative Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Laiya Lu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Wu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuaijun Li
- Department of Reconstructive and Regenerative Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Cui
- Department of Reconstructive and Regenerative Surgery, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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6
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Feng L, Chen Y, Mei X, Wang L, Zhao W, Yao J. Prognostic Signature in Osteosarcoma Based on Amino Acid Metabolism-Associated Genes. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2024. [PMID: 38512709 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2024.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is undeniably a formidable bone malignancy characterized by a scarcity of effective treatment options. Reprogramming of amino acid (AA) metabolism has been associated with OS development. The present study was designed to identify metabolism-associated genes (MAGs) that are differentially expressed in OS and to construct a MAG-based prognostic risk signature for this disease. Methods: Expression profiles and clinicopathological data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and UCSC Xena databases. A set of AA MAGs was obtained from the MSigDB database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GEO dataset were identified using "limma." Prognostic MAGs from UCSC Xena database were determined through univariate Cox regression and used in the prognostic signature development. This signature was validated using another dataset from GEO database. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, single sample gene set enrichment analysis, and GDSC2 analyses were performed to explore the biological functions of the MAGs. A MAG-based nomogram was established to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the expression of MAGs in primary OS and paired adjacent normal tissues. Results: A total of 790 DEGs and 62 prognostic MAGs were identified. A MAG-based signature was constructed based on four MAGs: PIPOX, PSMC2, SMOX, and PSAT1. The prognostic value of this signature was successfully validated, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival of 0.714, 0.719, and 0.715, respectively. This MAG-based signature was correlated with the infiltration of CD56dim natural killer cells and resistance to several antiangiogenic agents. The nomogram was accurate in predictions, with a C-index of 0.77. The expression of MAGs verified by experiment was consistent with the trends observed in GEO database. Conclusion: Four AA MAGs were prognostic of survival in OS patients. This MAG-based signature has the potential to offer valuable insights into the development of treatments for OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Feng
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangping Mei
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiannan Yao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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7
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Fan Y, Xue H, Li Z, Huo M, Gao H, Guan X. Exploiting the Achilles' heel of cancer: disrupting glutamine metabolism for effective cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1345522. [PMID: 38510646 PMCID: PMC10952006 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1345522] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells have adapted to rapid tumor growth and evade immune attack by reprogramming their metabolic pathways. Glutamine is an important nitrogen resource for synthesizing amino acids and nucleotides and an important carbon source in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and lipid biosynthesis pathway. In this review, we summarize the significant role of glutamine metabolism in tumor development and highlight the vulnerabilities of targeting glutamine metabolism for effective therapy. In particular, we review the reported drugs targeting glutaminase and glutamine uptake for efficient cancer treatment. Moreover, we discuss the current clinical test about targeting glutamine metabolism and the prospective direction of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Han Xue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingge Huo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongxia Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
| | - Xingang Guan
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Cheng X, Wang Y, Gong G, Shen P, Li Z, Bian J. Design strategies and recent development of bioactive modulators for glutamine transporters. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103880. [PMID: 38216118 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103880] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Glutamine transporters are integral to the metabolism of glutamine in both healthy tissues and cancerous cells, playing a pivotal role in maintaining amino acid balance, synthesizing biomolecules, and regulating redox equilibrium. Their critical functions in cellular metabolism make them promising targets for oncological therapies. Recent years have witnessed substantial progress in the field of glutamine transporters, marked by breakthroughs in understanding of their protein structures and the discovery of novel inhibitors, prodrugs, and radiotracers. This review provides a comprehensive update on the latest advancements in modulators targeting the glutamine transporter, with special attention given to LAT1 and ASCT2. It also discusses innovative approaches in drug design aimed at these transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yezhi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guangyue Gong
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Pei Shen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jinlei Bian
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Jakobsen S, Nielsen CU. Exploring Amino Acid Transporters as Therapeutic Targets for Cancer: An Examination of Inhibitor Structures, Selectivity Issues, and Discovery Approaches. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:197. [PMID: 38399253 PMCID: PMC10893028 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020197] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Amino acid transporters are abundant amongst the solute carrier family and have an important role in facilitating the transfer of amino acids across cell membranes. Because of their impact on cell nutrient distribution, they also appear to have an important role in the growth and development of cancer. Naturally, this has made amino acid transporters a novel target of interest for the development of new anticancer drugs. Many attempts have been made to develop inhibitors of amino acid transporters to slow down cancer cell growth, and some have even reached clinical trials. The purpose of this review is to help organize the available information on the efforts to discover amino acid transporter inhibitors by focusing on the amino acid transporters ASCT2 (SLC1A5), LAT1 (SLC7A5), xCT (SLC7A11), SNAT1 (SLC38A1), SNAT2 (SLC38A2), and PAT1 (SLC36A1). We discuss the function of the transporters, their implication in cancer, their known inhibitors, issues regarding selective inhibitors, and the efforts and strategies of discovering inhibitors. The goal is to encourage researchers to continue the search and development within the field of cancer treatment research targeting amino acid transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Jakobsen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Carsten Uhd Nielsen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark
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Jakobsen S, Petersen EF, Nielsen CU. Investigations of potential non-amino acid SNAT2 inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1302445. [PMID: 38239202 PMCID: PMC10794626 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1302445] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2, SLC38A2) has been implicated in cancer for its ability to supply cancer cells with glutamine and sarcosine. A recent high-throughput screen published by Gauthier-Coles et al. identified the non-amino acid 3-(N-methyl (4-methylphenyl)sulfonamido)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide (MMTC or 57E) as a potent and selective SNAT2 inhibitor. Here we have investigated the ability of MMTC and four other compounds selected from the screen by Gauthier-Coles et al. to decrease 3H-Gly uptake in hyperosmotically treated human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. In these cells, SNAT2 is highly upregulated when the cells are hyperosmotically stressed for 24 h and is the primary contributor to glycine uptake. The five compounds were investigated at concentrations of 1-50 µM based on their equilibrium solubility. At 37°C the equilibrium solubility in HEPES buffered HBSS at pH 7.4 was measured to be 24.9 (53B), 56.1 (54F), 13.3 (55B), and 27.5 (57B) µM, respectively. The equilibrium solubility of MMTC was below the detection limit of the HPLC-UV method, thus less than 1.8 µM. However, a kinetic solubility of approximately 2.5-10 µM could be achieved during the course of the uptake study. In contrast to the previous publication, MMTC showed no inhibition of SNAT2-mediated 3H-Gly uptake in PC-3 cells at a concentration of 1 or 5 μM, despite a published IC50 of 0.8 µM. Similarly, 53B, 55B, and 57B showed no inhibition at soluble conditions, whereas 54F showed approximately 20% inhibition at 50 µM. In our experimental setup, the investigated compounds showed limited potential as SNAT2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carsten Uhd Nielsen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Dougé A, Vituret C, Carraro V, Parry L, Coudy-Gandilhon C, Lemal R, Combaret L, Maurin AC, Averous J, Jousse C, Bay JO, Verrelle P, Fafournoux P, Bruhat A, Rouzaire P. Temporal regulation of transgene expression controlled by amino acid availability in human T cells. HLA 2024; 103:e15252. [PMID: 37848366 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15252] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
T cell therapy strategies, from allogeneic stem cell transplantation toward genetically-modified T cells infusion, develop powerful anti-tumor effects but are often accompanied by side effects and their efficacy remains sometimes to be improved. It therefore appears important to provide a flexible and easily reversible gene expression regulation system to control T cells activity. We developed a gene expression regulation technology that exploits the physiological GCN2-ATF4 pathway's ability to induce gene expression in T cells in response to one essential amino acid deficiency. We first demonstrated the functionality of NUTRIREG in human T cells by transient expression of reporter genes. We then validated that NUTRIREG can be used in human T cells to transiently express a therapeutic gene such as IL-10. Overall, our results represent a solid basis for the promising use of NUTRIREG to regulate transgene expression in human T cells in a reversible way, and more generally for numerous preventive or curative therapeutic possibilities in cellular immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Dougé
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cyrielle Vituret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Valérie Carraro
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Parry
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Richard Lemal
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Lydie Combaret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Julien Averous
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Jousse
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jacques-Olivier Bay
- Medical Oncology Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Verrelle
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Radiation Oncology Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Institut-Curie Recherche, U1196/UMR9187, Orsay, France
| | - Pierre Fafournoux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Alain Bruhat
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UNH, UMR1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Paul Rouzaire
- EA Chelter 7453, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Department, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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12
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Alam S, Doherty E, Ortega-Prieto P, Arizanova J, Fets L. Membrane transporters in cell physiology, cancer metabolism and drug response. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050404. [PMID: 38037877 PMCID: PMC10695176 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050404] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
By controlling the passage of small molecules across lipid bilayers, membrane transporters influence not only the uptake and efflux of nutrients, but also the metabolic state of the cell. With more than 450 members, the Solute Carriers (SLCs) are the largest transporter super-family, clustering into families with different substrate specificities and regulatory properties. Cells of different types are, therefore, able to tailor their transporter expression signatures depending on their metabolic requirements, and the physiological importance of these proteins is illustrated by their mis-regulation in a number of disease states. In cancer, transporter expression is heterogeneous, and the SLC family has been shown to facilitate the accumulation of biomass, influence redox homeostasis, and also mediate metabolic crosstalk with other cell types within the tumour microenvironment. This Review explores the roles of membrane transporters in physiological and malignant settings, and how these roles can affect drug response, through either indirect modulation of sensitivity or the direct transport of small-molecule therapeutic compounds into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Alam
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Emily Doherty
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Paula Ortega-Prieto
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Julia Arizanova
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Louise Fets
- Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Lab, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
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13
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Gauthier-Coles G, Rahimi F, Bröer A, Bröer S. Inhibition of GCN2 Reveals Synergy with Cell-Cycle Regulation and Proteostasis. Metabolites 2023; 13:1064. [PMID: 37887389 PMCID: PMC10609202 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101064] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The integrated stress response is a signaling network comprising four branches, each sensing different cellular stressors, converging on the phosphorylation of eIF2α to downregulate global translation and initiate recovery. One of these branches includes GCN2, which senses cellular amino acid insufficiency and participates in maintaining amino acid homeostasis. Previous studies have shown that GCN2 is a viable cancer target when amino acid stress is induced by inhibiting an additional target. In this light, we screened numerous drugs for their potential to synergize with the GCN2 inhibitor TAP20. The drug sensitivity of six cancer cell lines to a panel of 25 compounds was assessed. Each compound was then combined with TAP20 at concentrations below their IC50, and the impact on cell growth was evaluated. The strongly synergistic combinations were further characterized using synergy analyses and matrix-dependent invasion assays. Inhibitors of proteostasis and the MEK-ERK pathway, as well as the pan-CDK inhibitors, flavopiridol, and seliciclib, were potently synergistic with TAP20 in two cell lines. Among their common CDK targets was CDK7, which was more selectively targeted by THZ-1 and synergized with TAP20. Moreover, these combinations were partially synergistic when assessed using matrix-dependent invasion assays. However, TAP20 alone was sufficient to restrict invasion at concentrations well below its growth-inhibitory IC50. We conclude that GCN2 inhibition can be further explored in vivo as a cancer target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Gauthier-Coles
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (G.G.-C.); (F.R.); (A.B.)
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06504, USA
| | - Farid Rahimi
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (G.G.-C.); (F.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Angelika Bröer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (G.G.-C.); (F.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Stefan Bröer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (G.G.-C.); (F.R.); (A.B.)
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14
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Choudhury M, Schaefbauer KJ, Kottom TJ, Yi ES, Tschumperlin DJ, Limper AH. Targeting Pulmonary Fibrosis by SLC1A5-Dependent Glutamine Transport Blockade. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:441-455. [PMID: 37459644 PMCID: PMC10557918 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0339oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The neutral amino acid glutamine plays a central role in TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)-induced myofibroblast activation and differentiation. Cells take up glutamine mainly through a transporter expressed on the cell surface known as solute carrier SLC1A5 (solute carrier transporter 1A5). In the present work, we demonstrated that profibrotic actions of TGF-β are mediated, at least in part, through a metabolic maladaptation of SLC1A5 and that targeting SLC1A5 abrogates multiple facets of fibroblast activation. This approach could thus represent a novel therapeutic strategy to treat patients with fibroproliferative diseases. We found that SLC1A5 was highly expressed in fibrotic lung fibroblasts and fibroblasts isolated from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lungs. The expression of profibrotic targets, cell migration, and anchorage-independent growth by TGF-β required the activity of SLC1A5. Loss or inhibition of SLC1A5 function enhanced fibroblast susceptibility to autophagy; suppressed mTOR, HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor), and Myc signaling; and impaired mitochondrial function, ATP production, and glycolysis. Pharmacological inhibition of SLC1A5 by the small-molecule inhibitor V-9302 shifted fibroblast transcriptional profiles from profibrotic to fibrosis resolving and attenuated fibrosis in a bleomycin-treated mouse model of lung fibrosis. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to demonstrate the utility of a pharmacological inhibitor of glutamine transport in fibrosis, providing a framework for new paradigm-shifting therapies targeting cellular metabolism for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malay Choudhury
- Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and
| | - Kyle J. Schaefbauer
- Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and
| | - Theodore J. Kottom
- Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and
| | - Eunhee S. Yi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Daniel J. Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine and Science, and
| | - Andrew H. Limper
- Thoracic Disease Research Unit, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and
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15
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Xia P, Dubrovska A. CD98 heavy chain as a prognostic biomarker and target for cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1251100. [PMID: 37823053 PMCID: PMC10562705 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1251100] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The SLC3A2 gene encodes for a cell-surface transmembrane protein CD98hc (4F2). CD98hc serves as a chaperone for LAT1 (SLC7A5), LAT2 (SLC7A8), y+LAT1 (SLC7A7), y+LAT2 (SLC7A6), xCT (SLC7A11) and Asc1 (SLC7A10) providing their recruitment to the plasma membrane. Together with the light subunits, it constitutes heterodimeric transmembrane amino acid transporters. CD98hc interacts with other surface molecules, such as extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer CD147 (EMMPRIN) and adhesion receptors integrins, and regulates glucose uptake. In this way, CD98hc connects the signaling pathways sustaining cell proliferation and migration, biosynthesis and antioxidant defense, energy production, and stem cell properties. This multifaceted role makes CD98hc one of the critical regulators of tumor growth, therapy resistance, and metastases. Indeed, the high expression levels of CD98hc were confirmed in various tumor tissues, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, colon adenocarcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and others. A high expression of CD98hc has been linked to clinical prognosis and response to chemo- and radiotherapy in several types of cancer. In this mini-review, we discuss the physiological functions of CD98hc, its role in regulating tumor stemness, metastases, and therapy resistance, and the clinical significance of CD98hc as a tumor marker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Xia
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
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16
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Rivera CN, Smith CE, Draper LV, Ochoa GE, Watne RM, Wommack AJ, Vaughan RA. The Selective LAT1 Inhibitor JPH203 Enhances Mitochondrial Metabolism and Content in Insulin-Sensitive and Insulin-Resistant C2C12 Myotubes. Metabolites 2023; 13:766. [PMID: 37367923 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13060766] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Population data have shown an association between higher circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and the severity of insulin resistance in people with diabetes. While several studies have assessed BCAA metabolism as a potential target for regulation, less attention has been paid to the role of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), the primary transporter of BCAA in skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of JPH203 (JPH), a LAT1 inhibitor, on myotube metabolism in both insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant myotubes. C2C12 myotubes were treated with or without 1 μM or 2 μM JPH for 24 h with or without insulin resistance. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to assess protein content and gene expression, respectively. Mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism were measured via Seahorse Assay, and fluorescent staining was used to measure mitochondrial content. BCAA media content was quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. JPH at 1 μM (but not 2 μM) increased mitochondrial metabolism and content without inducing changes in mRNA expression of transcripts associated with mitochondrial biogenesis or mitochondrial dynamics. Along with increased mitochondrial function, 1μM treatment also reduced extracellular leucine and valine. JPH at 2 μM reduced pAkt signaling and increased extracellular accumulation of isoleucine without inducing changes in BCAA metabolic genes. Collectively, JPH may increase mitochondrial function independent of the mitochondrial biogenic transcription pathway; however, high doses may reduce insulin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline N Rivera
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA
| | - Carly E Smith
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA
| | - Lillian V Draper
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA
| | - Gabriela E Ochoa
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA
| | - Rachel M Watne
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA
| | - Andrew J Wommack
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA
| | - Roger A Vaughan
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA
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17
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Rivera CN, Hinkle JS, Watne RM, Macgowan TC, Wommack AJ, Vaughan RA. PPAR β/ δ Agonism with GW501516 Increases Myotube PGC-1 α Content and Reduces BCAA Media Content Independent of Changes in BCAA Catabolic Enzyme Expression. PPAR Res 2023; 2023:4779199. [PMID: 37325367 PMCID: PMC10264138 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4779199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Type 2 diabetes is characterized by reduced insulin sensitivity, elevated blood metabolites, and reduced mitochondrial metabolism with reduced expression of genes governing metabolism such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). PGC-1α regulates the expression of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, and thus, increased circulating BCAA in diabetics may be partially explained by reduced PGC-1α expression. PGC-1α functions in-part through interactions with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ). The present report examined the effects of the PPARβ/δ agonism on cell metabolism and related gene/protein expression of cultured myotubes, with a primary emphasis on determining the effects of GW on BCAA disposal and catabolic enzyme expression. Methods C2C12 myotubes were treated with GW501516 (GW) for up to 24 hours. Mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism were measured via oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rate, respectively. Metabolic gene and protein expression were assessed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot, respectively. Media BCAA content was assessed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Results GW significantly increased PGC-1α protein expression, mitochondrial content, and mitochondrial function. GW also significantly reduced BCAA content within culture media following 24-hour treatment; however, expression of BCAA catabolic enzymes/transporter was unchanged. Conclusion These data confirm the ability of GW to increase muscle PGC-1α content and decrease BCAA media content without affecting BCAA catabolic enzymes/transporter. These findings suggest heightened BCAA uptake (and possibly metabolism) may occur without substantial changes in the protein levels of related cell machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline N. Rivera
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA
| | - Jason S. Hinkle
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA
| | - Rachel M. Watne
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Roger A. Vaughan
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA
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18
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Wetzel TJ, Erfan SC, Figueroa LD, Wheeler LM, Ananieva EA. Crosstalk between arginine, glutamine, and the branched chain amino acid metabolism in the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1186539. [PMID: 37274280 PMCID: PMC10235471 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1186539] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine, glutamine, and the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a focus of increased interest in the field of oncology due to their importance in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), these amino acids serve to support the elevated biosynthetic and energy demands of cancer cells, while simultaneously maintaining the growth, homeostasis, and effector function of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. To escape immune destruction, cancer cells utilize a variety of mechanisms to suppress the cytotoxic activity of effector T cells, facilitating T cell exhaustion. One such mechanism is the ability of cancer cells to overexpress metabolic enzymes specializing in the catabolism of arginine, glutamine, and the BCAAs in the TME. The action of such enzymes supplies cancer cells with metabolic intermediates that feed into the TCA cycle, supporting energy generation, or providing precursors for purine, pyrimidine, and polyamine biosynthesis. Armed with substantial metabolic flexibility, cancer cells redirect amino acids from the TME for their own advantage and growth, while leaving the local infiltrating effector T cells deprived of essential nutrients. This review addresses the metabolic pressure that cancer cells exert over immune cells in the TME by up-regulating amino acid metabolism, while discussing opportunities for targeting amino acid metabolism for therapeutic intervention. Special emphasis is given to the crosstalk between arginine, glutamine, and BCAA metabolism in affording cancer cells with metabolic dominance in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elitsa A. Ananieva
- Ananieva Laboratory, Biochemistry and Nutrition Department, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, United States
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19
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Anwar A, Sapra L, Gupta N, Ojha RP, Verma B, Srivastava RK. Fine-tuning osteoclastogenesis: An insight into the cellular and molecular regulation of osteoclastogenesis. J Cell Physiol 2023. [PMID: 37183350 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells, are essential for the bone remodeling process and are involved in the pathophysiology of several bone-related diseases. The extensive corpus of in vitro research and crucial mouse model studies in the 1990s demonstrated the key roles of monocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and integrin αvβ3 in osteoclast biology. Our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which these variables control osteoclast differentiation and function has significantly advanced in the first decade of this century. Recent developments have revealed a number of novel insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing the differentiation and functional activity of osteoclasts; however, these mechanisms have not yet been adequately documented. Thus, in the present review, we discuss various regulatory factors including local and hormonal factors, innate as well as adaptive immune cells, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), etc., in the molecular regulation of the intricate and tightly regulated process of osteoclastogenesis. ncRNAs have a critical role as epigenetic controllers of osteoclast physiologic activities, including differentiation and bone resorption. The primary ncRNAs, which include micro-RNAs, circular RNAs, and long noncoding RNAs, form a complex network that affects gene transcription activities associated with osteoclast biological activity. Greater knowledge of the involvement of ncRNAs in osteoclast biological activities will contribute to the treatment and management of several skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Moreover, we further outline potential therapies targeting these regulatory pathways of osteoclastogenesis in distinct bone pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleena Anwar
- Translational Immunology, Osteoimmunology & Immunoporosis Lab (TIOIL), Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Leena Sapra
- Translational Immunology, Osteoimmunology & Immunoporosis Lab (TIOIL), Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Navita Gupta
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
| | - Rudra P Ojha
- Department of Zoology, Nehru Gram Bharati University, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bhupendra Verma
- Translational Immunology, Osteoimmunology & Immunoporosis Lab (TIOIL), Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Rupesh K Srivastava
- Translational Immunology, Osteoimmunology & Immunoporosis Lab (TIOIL), Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
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20
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You M, Xie Z, Zhang N, Zhang Y, Xiao D, Liu S, Zhuang W, Li L, Tao Y. Signaling pathways in cancer metabolism: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:196. [PMID: 37164974 PMCID: PMC10172373 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01442-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide spectrum of metabolites (mainly, the three major nutrients and their derivatives) can be sensed by specific sensors, then trigger a series of signal transduction pathways and affect the expression levels of genes in epigenetics, which is called metabolite sensing. Life body regulates metabolism, immunity, and inflammation by metabolite sensing, coordinating the pathophysiology of the host to achieve balance with the external environment. Metabolic reprogramming in cancers cause different phenotypic characteristics of cancer cell from normal cell, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, etc. Metabolic disorders in cancer cells further create a microenvironment including many kinds of oncometabolites that are conducive to the growth of cancer, thus forming a vicious circle. At the same time, exogenous metabolites can also affect the biological behavior of tumors. Here, we discuss the metabolite sensing mechanisms of the three major nutrients and their derivatives, as well as their abnormalities in the development of various cancers, and discuss the potential therapeutic targets based on metabolite-sensing signaling pathways to prevent the progression of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshu You
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuolin Xie
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lili Li
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ma Liu Shui, Hong Kong.
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410011, Changsha, China.
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21
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Nwosu ZC, Song MG, di Magliano MP, Lyssiotis CA, Kim SE. Nutrient transporters: connecting cancer metabolism to therapeutic opportunities. Oncogene 2023; 42:711-724. [PMID: 36739364 PMCID: PMC10266237 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02593-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells rely on certain extracellular nutrients to sustain their metabolism and growth. Solute carrier (SLC) transporters enable cells to acquire extracellular nutrients or shuttle intracellular nutrients across organelles. However, the function of many SLC transporters in cancer is unknown. Determining the key SLC transporters promoting cancer growth could reveal important therapeutic opportunities. Here we summarize recent findings and knowledge gaps on SLC transporters in cancer. We highlight existing inhibitors for studying these transporters, clinical trials on treating cancer by blocking transporters, and compensatory transporters used by cancer cells to evade treatment. We propose targeting transporters simultaneously or in combination with targeted therapy or immunotherapy as alternative strategies for effective cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeribe Chike Nwosu
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mun Gu Song
- Department of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Department of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Rivera CN, Watne RM, Brown ZA, Mitchell SA, Wommack AJ, Vaughan RA. Effect of AMPK activation and glucose availability on myotube LAT1 expression and BCAA utilization. Amino Acids 2023; 55:275-286. [PMID: 36547760 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-022-03224-7] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Those with insulin resistance often display increased circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), which has been largely attributable to reduced BCAA catabolic capacity. Metabolic stimuli such as exercise activates AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), which promotes the metabolism of BCAA and induction/activation of BCAA catabolic enzymes. Though much attention has been paid to BCAA catabolic machinery, few studies have assessed the effect of AMPK activation on the predominant BCAA transporter, L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1). This study assessed the effect of AMPK activation on LAT1 expression via common chemical AMPK activators in a cell model of skeletal muscle. C2C12 myotubes were treated with either 1 mM AICAR, 1 mM Metformin, or filter-sterilized water (control) for 24 h with either low- (5 mM) or high-glucose (25 mM) media. LAT1 and pAMPK protein content were measured via western blot. BCAA media content was measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. AICAR treatment significantly increased pAMPK and reduced LAT1 expression. Collectively, pAMPK and LAT1 displayed a significant inverse relationship independent of glucose levels. During low-glucose experiments, AICAR-treated cells had higher BCAA media content compared to other groups, and an inverse relationship between LAT1 and BCAA media content was observed, however, these effects were not consistently observed during high-glucose conditions. Further investigation with AICAR with and without concurrent LAT1 inhibition (via JPH203) also revealed reduced BCAA utilization in AICAR-treated cells regardless of LAT1 inhibition (which also independently reduced BCAA utilization). pAMPK activation via AICAR (but not Metformin) may reduce LAT1 expression and BCAA uptake in a glucose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline N Rivera
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, One University Parkway, High Point, NC, 27268, USA
| | - Rachel M Watne
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, One University Parkway, High Point, NC, 27268, USA
| | - Zoe A Brown
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, One University Parkway, High Point, NC, 27268, USA
| | - Samantha A Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, One University Parkway, High Point, NC, 27268, USA
| | - Andrew J Wommack
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, One University Parkway, High Point, NC, 27268, USA
| | - Roger A Vaughan
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, One University Parkway, High Point, NC, 27268, USA.
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23
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HPV16 E6 and E7 Oncoproteins Stimulate the Glutamine Pathway Maintaining Cell Proliferation in a SNAT1-Dependent Fashion. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020324. [PMID: 36851539 PMCID: PMC9964736 DOI: 10.3390/v15020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer establishment, where the viral oncogenes E6 and E7 promote a cancerous phenotype. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer involves alterations in glutamine metabolism, also named glutaminolysis, to provide energy for supporting cancer processes including migration, proliferation, and production of reactive oxygen species, among others. The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins on the regulation of glutaminolysis and its contribution to cell proliferation. We found that the E6 and E7 oncoproteins exacerbate cell proliferation in a glutamine-dependent manner. Both oncoproteins increased the levels of transporter SNAT1, as well as GLS2 and GS enzymes; E6 also increased LAT1 transporter protein levels, while E7 increased ASCT2 and xCT. Some of these alterations are also regulated at a transcriptional level. Consistently, the amount of SNAT1 protein decreased in Ca Ski cells when E6 and E7 expression was knocked down. In addition, we demonstrated that cell proliferation was partially dependent on SNAT1 in the presence of glutamine. Interestingly, SNAT1 expression was higher in cervical cancer compared with normal cervical cells. The high expression of SNAT1 was associated with poor overall survival of cervical cancer patients. Our results indicate that HPV oncoproteins exacerbate glutaminolysis supporting the malignant phenotype.
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24
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Rivera CN, Kamer MM, Rivera ME, Watne RM, Macgowan TC, Wommack AJ, Vaughan RA. Insulin resistance promotes extracellular BCAA accumulation without altering LAT1 content, independent of prior BCAA treatment in a myotube model of skeletal muscle. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 559:111800. [PMID: 36270542 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Type 2 diabetes is characterized by reduced insulin sensitivity which correlates with increased circulating BCAA. These experiments investigated the effects of insulin resistance with and without excess BCAA on myotube insulin sensitivity and L-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT1). METHODS C2C12 myotubes were treated with or without excess BCAA for 1 or 6 days, both with and without insulin resistance. Western blot was used to assess insulin sensitivity and LAT1 content. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to evaluate BCAA media content. RESULTS Insulin resistance was associated with significantly increased extracellular BCAA accumulation independent of LAT1 content. Conversely, prior BCAA treatment was not associated with extracellular BCAA accumulation regardless of level of insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION These data suggest insulin resistance, but not BCAA treatment, promotes extracellular BCAA accumulation independent of changes in LAT1 content, implicating insulin resistance as a causal agent of extracellular BCAA accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline N Rivera
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Madison M Kamer
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Madison E Rivera
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Rachel M Watne
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Trent C Macgowan
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Andrew J Wommack
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Roger A Vaughan
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
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25
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Gauthier-Coles G, Bröer A, McLeod MD, George AJ, Hannan RD, Bröer S. Identification and characterization of a novel SNAT2 (SLC38A2) inhibitor reveals synergy with glucose transport inhibition in cancer cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:963066. [PMID: 36210829 PMCID: PMC9532951 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.963066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SNAT2 (SLC38A2) is a sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter, which is important for the accumulation of amino acids as nutrients, the maintenance of cellular osmolarity, and the activation of mTORC1. It also provides net glutamine for glutaminolysis and consequently presents as a potential target to treat cancer. A high-throughput screening assay was developed to identify new inhibitors of SNAT2 making use of the inducible nature of SNAT2 and its electrogenic mechanism. Using an optimized FLIPR membrane potential (FMP) assay, a curated scaffold library of 33934 compounds was screened to identify 3-(N-methyl (4-methylphenyl)sulfonamido)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide as a potent inhibitor of SNAT2. In two different assays an IC50 of 0.8–3 µM was determined. The compound discriminated against the close transporter homologue SNAT1. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and HPAFII pancreatic cancer cell lines tolerated the SNAT2 inhibitor up to a concentration of 100 µM but in combination with tolerable doses of the glucose transport inhibitor Bay-876, proliferative growth of both cell lines was halted. This points to synergy between inhibition of glycolysis and glutaminolysis in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Gauthier-Coles
- Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Angelika Bröer
- Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Malcolm Donald McLeod
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Amee J. George
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ross D. Hannan
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stefan Bröer
- Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Stefan Bröer,
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26
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Leiske MN, Mazrad ZAI, Zelcak A, Wahi K, Davis TP, McCarroll JA, Holst J, Kempe K. Zwitterionic Amino Acid-Derived Polyacrylates as Smart Materials Exhibiting Cellular Specificity and Therapeutic Activity. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2374-2387. [PMID: 35508075 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of new amino acid-containing, cell-specific, therapeutically active polymers is presented. Amino acids served as starting material for the preparation of tailored polymers with different amino acids in the side chain. The reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization of acrylate monomers yielded polymers of narrow size distribution (Đ ≤ 1.3). In particular, glutamate (Glu)-functionalized, zwitterionic polymers revealed a high degree of cytocompatibility and cellular specificity, i.e., showing association to different cancer cell lines, but not with nontumor fibroblasts. Energy-dependent uptake mechanisms were confirmed by means of temperature-dependent cellular uptake experiments as well as localization of the polymers in cellular lysosomes determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The amino acid receptor antagonist O-benzyl-l-serine (BzlSer) was chosen as an active ingredient for the design of therapeutic copolymers. RAFT copolymerization of Glu acrylate and BzlSer acrylate resulted in tailored macromolecules with distinct monomer ratios. The targeted, cytotoxic activity of copolymers was demonstrated by means of multiday in vitro cell viability assays. To this end, polymers with 25 mol % BzlSer content showed cytotoxicity against cancer cells, while leaving fibroblasts unaffected over a period of 3 days. Our results emphasize the importance of biologically derived materials to be included in synthetic polymers and the potential of zwitterionic, amino acid-derived materials for cellular targeting. Furthermore, it highlights that the fine balance between cellular specificity and unspecific cytotoxicity can be tailored by monomer ratios within a copolymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike N Leiske
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Zihnil A I Mazrad
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Aykut Zelcak
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Kanu Wahi
- School of Medical Sciences and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Thomas P Davis
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joshua A McCarroll
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.,UNSW RNA Institute, Sydney, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jeff Holst
- School of Medical Sciences and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kristian Kempe
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.,Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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27
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Halama A, Suhre K. Advancing Cancer Treatment by Targeting Glutamine Metabolism-A Roadmap. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:553. [PMID: 35158820 PMCID: PMC8833671 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth and metastasis strongly depend on adapted cell metabolism. Cancer cells adjust their metabolic program to their specific energy needs and in response to an often challenging tumor microenvironment. Glutamine metabolism is one of the metabolic pathways that can be successfully targeted in cancer treatment. The dependence of many hematological and solid tumors on glutamine is associated with mitochondrial glutaminase (GLS) activity that enables channeling of glutamine into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, generation of ATP and NADPH, and regulation of glutathione homeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Small molecules that target glutamine metabolism through inhibition of GLS therefore simultaneously limit energy availability and increase oxidative stress. However, some cancers can reprogram their metabolism to evade this metabolic trap. Therefore, the effectiveness of treatment strategies that rely solely on glutamine inhibition is limited. In this review, we discuss the metabolic and molecular pathways that are linked to dysregulated glutamine metabolism in multiple cancer types. We further summarize and review current clinical trials of glutaminolysis inhibition in cancer patients. Finally, we put into perspective strategies that deploy a combined treatment targeting glutamine metabolism along with other molecular or metabolic pathways and discuss their potential for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Halama
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Karsten Suhre
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
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28
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PET/MR Imaging of a Lung Metastasis Model of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma with (2S,4R)-4-[ 18F]Fluoroglutamine. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:959-972. [PMID: 35732988 PMCID: PMC9681699 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-022-01747-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metabolic reprogramming plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Currently, positron emission tomography (PET) reporters are not used clinically to visualize altered glutamine metabolism in ccRCC, which greatly hinders detection, staging, and real-time therapeutic assessment. We sought to determine if (2S,4R)-4-[18F]fluoroglutamine ([18F]FGln) could be used to interrogate altered glutamine metabolism in ccRCC lesions in the lung. PROCEDURES We generated a novel ccRCC lung lesion model using the ccRCC cell line UMRC3 stably transfected with GFP and luciferase constructs. This cell line was used for characterization of [18F]FGln uptake and retention by transport analysis in cell culture and by PET/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in animal models. Tumor growth in animal models was monitored using bioluminescence (BLI) and MRI. After necropsy, UMRC3 tumor growth in lung tissue was verified by fluorescence imaging and histology. RESULTS In UMRC3 cells, [18F]FGln cell uptake was twofold higher than cell uptake in normal kidney HEK293 cells. Tracer cell uptake was reduced by 60-90% in the presence of excess glutamine in the media and by 20-50% upon treatment with V-9302, an inhibitor of the major glutamine transporter alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2). Furthermore, in UMRC3 cells, [18F]FGln cell uptake was reduced by siRNA knockdown of ASCT2 to levels obtained by the addition of excess exogenous glutamine. Conversely, [18F]FGln cellular uptake was increased in the presence of the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839. Using simultaneous PET/MRI for visualization, retention of [18F]FGln in vivo in ccRCC lung tumors was 1.5-fold greater than normal lung tissue and twofold greater than muscle. In ccRCC lung tumors, [18F]FGln retention did not change significantly upon treatment with CB-839. CONCLUSIONS We report one of the first direct orthotopic mouse models of ccRCC lung lesions. Using PET/MR imaging, lung tumors were easily discerned from normal tissue. Higher uptake of [18F]FGln was observed in a ccRCC cell line and lung lesions compared to HEK293 cells and normal lung tissue, respectively. [18F]FGln cell uptake was modulated by exogenous glutamine, V-9302, siRNA knockdown of ASCT2, and CB-839. Interestingly, in a pilot therapeutic study with CB-839, we observed no difference in treated tumors relative to untreated controls. This was in contrast with cellular studies, where CB-839 increased glutamine uptake.
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29
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Papalazarou V, Maddocks ODK. Supply and demand: Cellular nutrient uptake and exchange in cancer. Mol Cell 2021; 81:3731-3748. [PMID: 34547236 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nutrient supply and demand delineate cell behavior in health and disease. Mammalian cells have developed multiple strategies to secure the necessary nutrients that fuel their metabolic needs. This is more evident upon disruption of homeostasis in conditions such as cancer, when cells display high proliferation rates in energetically challenging conditions where nutritional sources may be scarce. Here, we summarize the main routes of nutrient acquisition that fuel mammalian cells and their implications in tumorigenesis. We argue that the molecular mechanisms of nutrient acquisition not only tip the balance between nutrient supply and demand but also determine cell behavior upon nutrient limitation and energetic stress and contribute to nutrient partitioning and metabolic coordination between different cell types in inflamed or tumorigenic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Papalazarou
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Oliver D K Maddocks
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
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30
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Gauthier-Coles G, Vennitti J, Zhang Z, Comb WC, Xing S, Javed K, Bröer A, Bröer S. Quantitative modelling of amino acid transport and homeostasis in mammalian cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5282. [PMID: 34489418 PMCID: PMC8421413 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostasis is one of the fundamental concepts in physiology. Despite remarkable progress in our molecular understanding of amino acid transport, metabolism and signaling, it remains unclear by what mechanisms cytosolic amino acid concentrations are maintained. We propose that amino acid transporters are the primary determinants of intracellular amino acid levels. We show that a cell’s endowment with amino acid transporters can be deconvoluted experimentally and used this data to computationally simulate amino acid translocation across the plasma membrane. Transport simulation generates cytosolic amino acid concentrations that are close to those observed in vitro. Perturbations of the system are replicated in silico and can be applied to systems where only transcriptomic data are available. This work explains amino acid homeostasis at the systems-level, through a combination of secondary active transporters, functionally acting as loaders, harmonizers and controller transporters to generate a stable equilibrium of all amino acid concentrations. Cytosolic amino acid concentrations are carefully maintained, but how homeostasis occurs is unclear. Here, the authors show that amino acid transporters primarily determine intracellular amino acid levels and develop a model that predicts a perturbation response similar to experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jade Vennitti
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Zhiduo Zhang
- Division of Genome Science and Cancer, ACRF INCITe Centre - ANU Node, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | | | - Kiran Javed
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Angelika Bröer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stefan Bröer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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31
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Bhingarkar A, Vangapandu HV, Rathod S, Hoshitsuki K, Fernandez CA. Amino Acid Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Acute and Chronic Myeloid Leukemias. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694526. [PMID: 34277440 PMCID: PMC8281237 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid (AA) metabolism plays an important role in many cellular processes including energy production, immune function, and purine and pyrimidine synthesis. Cancer cells therefore require increased AA uptake and undergo metabolic reprogramming to satisfy the energy demand associated with their rapid proliferation. Like many other cancers, myeloid leukemias are vulnerable to specific therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic dependencies. Herein, our review provides a comprehensive overview and TCGA data analysis of biosynthetic enzymes required for non-essential AA synthesis and their dysregulation in myeloid leukemias. Furthermore, we discuss the role of the general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) and-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways of AA sensing on metabolic vulnerability and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aboli Bhingarkar
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Hima V. Vangapandu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sanjay Rathod
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Keito Hoshitsuki
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Christian A. Fernandez
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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32
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Tsumura H, Shindo M, Ito M, Igarashi A, Takeda K, Matsumoto K, Ohkura T, Miyado K, Sugiyama F, Umezawa A, Ito Y. Relationships between Slc1a5 and Osteoclastogenesis. Comp Med 2021; 71:285-294. [PMID: 34301346 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-21-000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Slc1a5 (ASCT2) encodes a small neutral amino-acid exchanger and is the most well-studied glutamine transporter in cancer cells. To investigate the role of Slc1a5 in osteoclastogenesis, we developed Slc1a5-deficient mice by using a conventional gene-targeting approach. The Slc1a5-/- mice showed no obvious abnormalities in growth. Glutamine uptake was assessed in Slc1a5+/+ and Slc1a5-/- bone marrow cells stimulated with RANKL. The rate of glutamine uptake in Slc1a5-/- bone marrow cells was reduced to 70% of that of cells from Slc1a5+/+ bone marrow. To confirm the involvement of Slc1a5 in osteoclast formation, bone marrow cells derived from Slc1a5+/+ or Slc1a5-/- mice were stimulated with RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor and stained with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. The bone resorption activity and actin ring formation of stimulated cells were measured. The formation of multinucleated osteoclasts in bone marrow cells isolated from Slc1a5-/- mice was severely impaired compared with those from Slc1a5+/+ mice. RANKL-induced expression of ERK, NFκB, p70S6K, and NFATc1 was suppressed in Slc1a5-/- osteoclasts. These results show that Slc1a5 plays an important role in osteoclast formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Tsumura
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan;,
| | - Miyuki Shindo
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Morihiro Ito
- Department of Microbiology, College of life and Health Science, Chubu University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Arisa Igarashi
- Departments of Genome Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazue Takeda
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsumoto
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohkura
- Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Sugiyama
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Ito
- Department of Microbiology, College of life and Health Science, Chubu University, Aichi, Japan
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33
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Kandasamy P, Zlobec I, Nydegger DT, Pujol-Giménez J, Bhardwaj R, Shirasawa S, Tsunoda T, Hediger MA. Oncogenic KRAS mutations enhance amino acid uptake by colorectal cancer cells via the hippo signaling effector YAP1. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:2782-2800. [PMID: 34003553 PMCID: PMC8486573 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS mutations develop unique metabolic dependencies on nutrients to support tumor metabolism and cell proliferation. In particular, KRAS mutant cancer cells exploit amino acids (AAs) such as glutamine and leucine, to accelerate energy metabolism, redox balance through glutathione synthesis and macromolecule biosynthesis. However, the identities of the amino acid transporters (AATs) that are prominently upregulated in KRAS mutant cancer cells, and the mechanism regulating their expression have not yet been systematically investigated. Here, we report that the majority of the KRAS mutant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells upregulate selected AATs (SLC7A5/LAT1, SLC38A2/SNAT2, and SLC1A5/ASCT2), which correlates with enhanced uptake of AAs such as glutamine and leucine. Consistently, knockdown of oncogenic KRAS downregulated the expression of AATs, thereby decreasing the levels of amino acids taken up by CRC cells. Moreover, overexpression of mutant KRAS upregulated the expression of AATs (SLC7A5/LAT1, SLC38A2/SNAT2, and SLC1A5/ASCT2) in KRAS wild-type CRC cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. In addition, we show that the YAP1 (Yes-associated protein 1) transcriptional coactivator accounts for increased expression of AATs and mTOR activation in KRAS mutant CRC cells. Specific knockdown of AATs by shRNAs or pharmacological blockage of AATs effectively inhibited AA uptake, mTOR activation, and cell proliferation. Collectively, we conclude that oncogenic KRAS mutations enhance the expression of AATs via the hippo effector YAP1, leading to mTOR activation and CRC cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palanivel Kandasamy
- Membrane Transport Discovery Lab, Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Inti Zlobec
- Translational Research Unit (TRU), Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Damian T Nydegger
- Membrane Transport Discovery Lab, Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jonai Pujol-Giménez
- Membrane Transport Discovery Lab, Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rajesh Bhardwaj
- Membrane Transport Discovery Lab, Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Senji Shirasawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Tsunoda
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Japan
| | - Matthias A Hediger
- Membrane Transport Discovery Lab, Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract
Reductive stress is defined as a condition characterized by excess accumulation of reducing equivalents (e.g., NADH, NADPH, GSH), surpassing the activity of endogenous oxidoreductases. Excessive reducing equivalents can perturb cell signaling pathways, change the formation of disulfide bonding in proteins, disturb mitochondrial homeostasis or decrease metabolism. Reductive stress is influenced by cellular antioxidant load, its flux and a subverted homeostasis that paradoxically can result in excess ROS induction. Balanced reducing equivalents and antioxidant enzymes that contribute to reductive stress can be regulated by Nrf2, typically considered as an oxidative stress induced transcription factor. Cancer cells may coordinate distinct pools of redox couples under reductive stress and these may link to biological consequences from both molecular and translational standpoints. In cancer, there is recent interest in understanding how selective induction of reductive stress may influence therapeutic management and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
| | - Kenneth D Tew
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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35
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Nachef M, Ali AK, Almutairi SM, Lee SH. Targeting SLC1A5 and SLC3A2/SLC7A5 as a Potential Strategy to Strengthen Anti-Tumor Immunity in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:624324. [PMID: 33953707 PMCID: PMC8089370 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are metabolically vigorous and are superior in the uptake of nutrients and in the release of the tumor microenvironment (TME)-specific metabolites. They create an acidic, hypoxic, and nutrient-depleted TME that makes it difficult for the cytotoxic immune cells to adapt to the metabolically hostile environment. Since a robust metabolism in immune cells is required for optimal anti-tumor effector functions, the challenges caused by the TME result in severe defects in the invasion and destruction of the established tumors. There have been many recent developments in NK and T cell-mediated immunotherapy, such as engineering them to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to enhance tumor-recognition and infiltration. However, to defeat the tumor and overcome the limitations of the TME, it is essential to fortify these novel therapies by improving the metabolism of the immune cells. One potential strategy to enhance the metabolic fitness of immune cells is to upregulate the expression of nutrient transporters, specifically glucose and amino acid transporters. In particular, the amino acid transporters SLC1A5 and SLC7A5 as well as the ancillary subunit SLC3A2, which are required for efficient uptake of glutamine and leucine respectively, could strengthen the metabolic capabilities and effector functions of tumor-directed CAR-NK and T cells. In addition to enabling the influx and efflux of essential amino acids through the plasma membrane and within subcellular compartments such as the lysosome and the mitochondria, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the amino acid transporters participate in sensing amino acid levels and thereby activate mTORC1, a master metabolic regulator that promotes cell metabolism, and induce the expression of c-Myc, a transcription factor essential for cell growth and proliferation. In this review, we discuss the regulatory pathways of these amino acid transporters and how we can take advantage of these processes to strengthen immunotherapy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nachef
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alaa Kassim Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Saeedah Musaed Almutairi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,The University of Ottawa Centre for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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36
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The amino acid metabolism is essential for evading physical plasma-induced tumour cell death. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1854-1863. [PMID: 33767419 PMCID: PMC8144554 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01335-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have emphasised the important role of amino acids in cancer metabolism. Cold physical plasma is an evolving technology employed to target tumour cells by introducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, limited understanding is available on the role of metabolic reprogramming in tumour cells fostering or reducing plasma-induced cancer cell death. METHODS The utilisation and impact of major metabolic substrates of fatty acid, amino acid and TCA pathways were investigated in several tumour cell lines following plasma exposure by qPCR, immunoblotting and cell death analysis. RESULTS Metabolic substrates were utilised in Panc-1 and HeLa but not in OVCAR3 and SK-MEL-28 cells following plasma treatment. Among the key genes governing these pathways, ASCT2 and SLC3A2 were consistently upregulated in Panc-1, Miapaca2GR, HeLa and MeWo cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of ASCT2, glutamine depletion and pharmacological inhibition with V9302 sensitised HeLa cells to the plasma-induced cell death. Exogenous supplementation of glutamine, valine or tyrosine led to improved metabolism and viability of tumour cells following plasma treatment. CONCLUSION These data suggest the amino acid influx driving metabolic reprogramming in tumour cells exposed to physical plasma, governing the extent of cell death. This pathway could be targeted in combination with existing anti-tumour agents.
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Zacharias NM, Wang L, Maity T, Li L, Millward SW, Karam JA, Wood CG, Navai N. Prolyl Hydroxylase 3 Knockdown Accelerates VHL-Mutant Kidney Cancer Growth In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2849. [PMID: 33799686 PMCID: PMC8001211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) inactivation, which is common in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), leads directly to the disruption of oxygen homoeostasis. VHL works through hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Within this VHL-HIF system, prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) are the intermediary proteins that initiate the degradation of HIFs. PHD isoform 3's (PHD3) role in ccRCC growth in vivo is poorly understood. Using viral transduction, we knocked down the expression of PHD3 in the human ccRCC cell line UMRC3. Compared with control cells transduced with scrambled vector (UMRC3-SC cells), PHD3-knockdown cells (UMRC3-PHD3KD cells) showed increased cell invasion, tumor growth, and response to sunitinib. PHD3 knockdown reduced HIF2α expression and increased phosphorylated epidermal growth factor (EGFR) expression in untreated tumor models. However, following sunitinib treatment, expression of HIF2α and phosphorylated EGFR were equivalent in both PHD3 knockdown and control tumors. PHD3 knockdown changed the overall redox state of the cell as seen by the increased concentration of glutathione in PHD3 knockdown tumors relative to control tumors. UMRC3-PHD3KD cells had increased proliferation in cell culture when grown in the presence of hydrogen peroxide compared to UMRC3-SC control cells. Our findings illustrate (1) the variable effect of PHD3 on HIF2α expression, (2) an inverse relationship between PHD3 expression and tumor growth in ccRCC animal models, and (3) the role of PHD3 in maintaining the redox state of UMRC3 cells and their proliferative rate under oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki M. Zacharias
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.M.Z.); (L.W.); (T.M.); (L.L.); (J.A.K.); (C.G.W.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.M.Z.); (L.W.); (T.M.); (L.L.); (J.A.K.); (C.G.W.)
| | - Tapati Maity
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.M.Z.); (L.W.); (T.M.); (L.L.); (J.A.K.); (C.G.W.)
| | - Li Li
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.M.Z.); (L.W.); (T.M.); (L.L.); (J.A.K.); (C.G.W.)
| | - Steven W. Millward
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Jose A. Karam
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.M.Z.); (L.W.); (T.M.); (L.L.); (J.A.K.); (C.G.W.)
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christopher G. Wood
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.M.Z.); (L.W.); (T.M.); (L.L.); (J.A.K.); (C.G.W.)
| | - Neema Navai
- Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.M.Z.); (L.W.); (T.M.); (L.L.); (J.A.K.); (C.G.W.)
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Hewton KG, Johal AS, Parker SJ. Transporters at the Interface between Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Amino Acid Metabolism. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11020112. [PMID: 33669382 PMCID: PMC7920303 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are central organelles that coordinate a vast array of metabolic and biologic functions important for cellular health. Amino acids are intricately linked to the bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and homeostatic function of the mitochondrion and require specific transporters to facilitate their import, export, and exchange across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here we review key cellular metabolic outputs of eukaryotic mitochondrial amino acid metabolism and discuss both known and unknown transporters involved. Furthermore, we discuss how utilization of compartmentalized amino acid metabolism functions in disease and physiological contexts. We examine how improved methods to study mitochondrial metabolism, define organelle metabolite composition, and visualize cellular gradients allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how transporters facilitate compartmentalized metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeley G. Hewton
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
| | - Amritpal S. Johal
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
| | - Seth J. Parker
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-875-3121
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Lopes C, Pereira C, Medeiros R. ASCT2 and LAT1 Contribution to the Hallmarks of Cancer: From a Molecular Perspective to Clinical Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E203. [PMID: 33429909 PMCID: PMC7828050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the amino acid transporters ASCT2 and LAT1 in cancer has been explored throughout the years. In this review, we report their impact on the hallmarks of cancer, as well as their clinical significance. Overall, both proteins have been associated with cell death resistance through dysregulation of caspases and sustainment of proliferative signaling through mTOR activation. Furthermore, ASCT2 appears to play an important role in cellular energetics regulation, whereas LAT1 expression is associated with angiogenesis and invasion and metastasis activation. The molecular impact of these proteins on the hallmarks of cancer translates into various clinical applications and both transporters have been identified as prognostic factors in many types of cancer. Concerning their role as therapeutic targets, efforts have been undertaken to synthesize competitive or irreversible ASCT2 and LAT1 inhibitors. However, JHP203, a selective inhibitor of the latter, is, to the best of our knowledge, the only compound included in a Phase 1 clinical trial. In conclusion, considering the usefulness of ASCT2 and LAT1 in a variety of cancer-related pathways and cancer therapy/diagnosis, the development and testing of novel inhibitors for these transporters that could be evaluated in clinical trials represents a promising approach to cancer prognosis improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Lopes
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.L.); (R.M.)
| | - Carina Pereira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.L.); (R.M.)
- CINTESIS—Center for Health Technology and Services Research, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.L.); (R.M.)
- Research Department of the Portuguese League Against Cancer—North (LPCC-NRNorte), Estrada da Circunvalação, 4200-177 Porto, Portugal
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40
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Kahya U, Köseer AS, Dubrovska A. Amino Acid Transporters on the Guard of Cell Genome and Epigenome. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E125. [PMID: 33401748 PMCID: PMC7796306 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is driven by metabolic reprogramming. Oncogenic mutations and epigenetic alterations that cause metabolic rewiring may also upregulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Precise regulation of the intracellular ROS levels is critical for tumor cell growth and survival. High ROS production leads to the damage of vital macromolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, causing genomic instability and further tumor evolution. One of the hallmarks of cancer metabolism is deregulated amino acid uptake. In fast-growing tumors, amino acids are not only the source of energy and building intermediates but also critical regulators of redox homeostasis. Amino acid uptake regulates the intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response signaling, mTOR-mediated antioxidant defense, and epigenetic adaptations of tumor cells to oxidative stress. This review summarizes the role of amino acid transporters as the defender of tumor antioxidant system and genome integrity and discusses them as promising therapeutic targets and tumor imaging tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uğur Kahya
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (A.S.K.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ayşe Sedef Köseer
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (A.S.K.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (A.S.K.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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41
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Morotti M, Zois CE, El-Ansari R, Craze ML, Rakha EA, Fan SJ, Valli A, Haider S, Goberdhan DCI, Green AR, Harris AL. Increased expression of glutamine transporter SNAT2/SLC38A2 promotes glutamine dependence and oxidative stress resistance, and is associated with worse prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:494-505. [PMID: 33028955 PMCID: PMC7852531 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01113-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamine (Gln) is an abundant nutrient used by cancer cells. Breast cancers cells and particularly triple-receptor negative breast cancer (TNBC) are reported to be dependent on Gln to produce the energy required for survival and proliferation. Despite intense research on the role of the intracellular Gln pathway, few reports have focussed on Gln transporters in breast cancer and TNBC. METHODS The role and localisation of the Gln transporter SLC38A2/SNAT2 in response to Gln deprivation or pharmacological stresses was examined in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Subsequently, the effect of SLC38A2 knockdown in Gln-sensitive cell lines was analysed. The prognostic value of SLC38A2 in a cohort of breast cancer was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS SLC38A2 was identified as a strongly expressed amino acid transporter in six breast cancer cell lines. We confirmed an autophagic route of degradation for SLC38A2. SLC38A2 knockdown decreased Gln consumption, inhibited cell growth, induced autophagy and led to ROS production in a subgroup of Gln-sensitive cell lines. High expression of SLC38A2 protein was associated with poor breast cancer specific survival in a large cohort of patients (p = 0.004), particularly in TNBC (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS These results position SLC38A2 as a selective target for inhibiting growth of Gln-dependent breast cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Morotti
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK.
| | - Christos E Zois
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Rokaya El-Ansari
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Madeleine L Craze
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Shih-Jung Fan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Le Gros Clark Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Alessandro Valli
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Syed Haider
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, Division of Breast Cancer Research, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Deborah C I Goberdhan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Le Gros Clark Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Adrian L Harris
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK.
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Cormerais Y, Vučetić M, Parks SK, Pouyssegur J. Amino Acid Transporters Are a Vital Focal Point in the Control of mTORC1 Signaling and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E23. [PMID: 33375025 PMCID: PMC7792758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) integrates signals from growth factors and nutrients to control biosynthetic processes, including protein, lipid, and nucleic acid synthesis. Dysregulation in the mTORC1 network underlies a wide array of pathological states, including metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. Tumor cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation due to a reduced dependency on exogenous growth factors. The genetic events underlying this property, such as mutations in the PI3K-Akt and Ras-Erk signaling networks, lead to constitutive activation of mTORC1 in nearly all human cancer lineages. Aberrant activation of mTORC1 has been shown to play a key role for both anabolic tumor growth and resistance to targeted therapeutics. While displaying a growth factor-independent mTORC1 activity and proliferation, tumors cells remain dependent on exogenous nutrients such as amino acids (AAs). AAs are an essential class of nutrients that are obligatory for the survival of any cell. Known as the building blocks of proteins, AAs also act as essential metabolites for numerous biosynthetic processes such as fatty acids, membrane lipids and nucleotides synthesis, as well as for maintaining redox homeostasis. In most tumor types, mTORC1 activity is particularly sensitive to intracellular AA levels. This dependency, therefore, creates a targetable vulnerability point as cancer cells become dependent on AA transporters to sustain their homeostasis. The following review will discuss the role of AA transporters for mTORC1 signaling in cancer cells and their potential as therapeutic drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Cormerais
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Milica Vučetić
- Department of Medical Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (M.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Scott K. Parks
- Department of Medical Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (M.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Jacques Pouyssegur
- Department of Medical Biology, Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (M.V.); (S.K.P.)
- CNRS, INSERM, Centre A. Lacassagne, Faculté de Médecine (IRCAN), Université Côte d’Azur, 06107 Nice, France
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Exploiting the metabolic dependencies of the broad amino acid transporter SLC6A14. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4490-4503. [PMID: 33400734 PMCID: PMC7721610 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells typically enhance their metabolic capacity to sustain their higher rate of growth and proliferation. One way to elevate the nutrient intake into cancer cells is to increase the expression of genes encoding amino acid transporters, which may represent targetable vulnerabilities. Here, we study the regulation and function of the broad amino acid transporter SLC6A14 in combination with metabolic stress, providing insights into an uncharacterized aspect of the transporter activity. We analyze the pattern of transcriptional changes in a panel of breast cancer cell lines upon metabolic stress and found that SLC6A14 expression levels are increased in the absence of methionine. Methionine deprivation, which can be achieved via modulation of dietary methionine intake in tumor cells, in turn leads to a heightened activation of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) in SLC6A14-deficient cells. While SLC6A14 genetic deficiency does not have a major impact on cell proliferation, combined depletion of AMPK and SLC6A14 leads to an increase in apoptosis upon methionine starvation, suggesting that combined targeting of SLC6A14 and AMPK can be exploited as a therapeutic approach to starve tumor cells.
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Venkateswaran G, Dedhar S. Interplay of Carbonic Anhydrase IX With Amino Acid and Acid/Base Transporters in the Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:602668. [PMID: 33240897 PMCID: PMC7680889 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.602668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors are challenged with a hypoxic and nutrient-deprived microenvironment. Hence, hypoxic tumor cells coordinatively increase the expression of nutrient transporters and pH regulators to adapt and meet their bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands. Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a membrane-bound enzyme that plays a vital role in pH regulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Numerous studies have established the importance of CAIX in mediating tumor progression and metastasis. To understand the mechanism of CAIX in mediating tumor progression, we performed an unbiased proteomic screen to identify the potential interactors of CAIX in the TME using the proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) technique. In this review, we focus on the interactors from this BioID screen that are crucial for nutrient and metabolite transport in the TME. We discuss the role of transport metabolon comprising CAIX and bicarbonate transporters in regulating intra- and extracellular pH of the tumor. We also discuss the role of amino acid transporters that are high confidence interactors of CAIX, in optimizing favorable metabolic state for tumor progression, and give our perspective on the coordinative interplay of CAIX with the amino acid transporters in the hypoxic TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha Venkateswaran
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shoukat Dedhar
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Interdisciplinary Oncology Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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45
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de Heer EC, Jalving M, Harris AL. HIFs, angiogenesis, and metabolism: elusive enemies in breast cancer. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:5074-5087. [PMID: 32870818 PMCID: PMC7524491 DOI: 10.1172/jci137552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and the HIF-dependent cancer hallmarks angiogenesis and metabolic rewiring are well-established drivers of breast cancer aggressiveness, therapy resistance, and poor prognosis. Targeting of HIF and its downstream targets in angiogenesis and metabolism has been unsuccessful so far in the breast cancer clinical setting, with major unresolved challenges residing in target selection, development of robust biomarkers for response prediction, and understanding and harnessing of escape mechanisms. This Review discusses the pathophysiological role of HIFs, angiogenesis, and metabolism in breast cancer and the challenges of targeting these features in patients with breast cancer. Rational therapeutic combinations, especially with immunotherapy and endocrine therapy, seem most promising in the clinical exploitation of the intricate interplay of HIFs, angiogenesis, and metabolism in breast cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C. de Heer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Oncology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mathilde Jalving
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Oncology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Adrian L. Harris
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Take Advantage of Glutamine Anaplerosis, the Kernel of the Metabolic Rewiring in Malignant Gliomas. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101370. [PMID: 32993063 PMCID: PMC7599606 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in the metabolism of proliferating cells including neoplastic cells. In the central nervous system (CNS), glutamine metabolism is particularly relevant, because the glutamine-glutamate cycle is a way of controlling the production of glutamate-derived neurotransmitters by tightly regulating the bioavailability of the amino acids in a neuron-astrocyte metabolic symbiosis-dependent manner. Glutamine-related metabolic adjustments have been reported in several CNS malignancies including malignant gliomas that are considered ‘glutamine addicted’. In these tumors, glutamine becomes an essential amino acid preferentially used in energy and biomass production including glutathione (GSH) generation, which is crucial in oxidative stress control. Therefore, in this review, we will highlight the metabolic remodeling that gliomas undergo, focusing on glutamine metabolism. We will address some therapeutic regimens including novel research attempts to target glutamine metabolism and a brief update of diagnosis strategies that take advantage of this altered profile. A better understanding of malignant glioma cell metabolism will help in the identification of new molecular targets and the design of new therapies.
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Scalise M, Console L, Rovella F, Galluccio M, Pochini L, Indiveri C. Membrane Transporters for Amino Acids as Players of Cancer Metabolic Rewiring. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092028. [PMID: 32899180 PMCID: PMC7565710 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells perform a metabolic rewiring to sustain an increased growth rate and compensate for the redox stress caused by augmented energy metabolism. The metabolic changes are not the same in all cancers. Some features, however, are considered hallmarks of this disease. As an example, all cancer cells rewire the amino acid metabolism for fulfilling both the energy demand and the changed signaling routes. In these altered conditions, some amino acids are more frequently used than others. In any case, the prerequisite for amino acid utilization is the presence of specific transporters in the cell membrane that can guarantee the absorption and the traffic of amino acids among tissues. Tumor cells preferentially use some of these transporters for satisfying their needs. The evidence for this phenomenon is the over-expression of selected transporters, associated with specific cancer types. The knowledge of the link between the over-expression and the metabolic rewiring is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanism of reprogramming in cancer cells. The continuous growth of information on structure-function relationships and the regulation of transporters will open novel perspectives in the fight against human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Lara Console
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Filomena Rovella
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM) via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-09-8449-2939
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Bröer S. Amino Acid Transporters as Targets for Cancer Therapy: Why, Where, When, and How. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176156. [PMID: 32859034 PMCID: PMC7503255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acids are indispensable for the growth of cancer cells. This includes essential amino acids, the carbon skeleton of which cannot be synthesized, and conditionally essential amino acids, for which the metabolic demands exceed the capacity to synthesize them. Moreover, amino acids are important signaling molecules regulating metabolic pathways, protein translation, autophagy, defense against reactive oxygen species, and many other functions. Blocking uptake of amino acids into cancer cells is therefore a viable strategy to reduce growth. A number of studies have used genome-wide silencing or knock-out approaches, which cover all known amino acid transporters in a large variety of cancer cell lines. In this review, these studies are interrogated together with other databases to identify vulnerabilities with regard to amino acid transport. Several themes emerge, such as synthetic lethality, reduced redundancy, and selective vulnerability, which can be exploited to stop cancer cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bröer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
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Hayes JD, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Tew KD. Oxidative Stress in Cancer. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:167-197. [PMID: 32649885 DOI: 10.1016/jxcell.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Contingent upon concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) influence cancer evolution in apparently contradictory ways, either initiating/stimulating tumorigenesis and supporting transformation/proliferation of cancer cells or causing cell death. To accommodate high ROS levels, tumor cells modify sulfur-based metabolism, NADPH generation, and the activity of antioxidant transcription factors. During initiation, genetic changes enable cell survival under high ROS levels by activating antioxidant transcription factors or increasing NADPH via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). During progression and metastasis, tumor cells adapt to oxidative stress by increasing NADPH in various ways, including activation of AMPK, the PPP, and reductive glutamine and folate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Hayes
- Division of Cellular Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK, Scotland.
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Division of Cellular Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK, Scotland; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kenneth D Tew
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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50
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Hayes JD, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Tew KD. Oxidative Stress in Cancer. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:167-197. [PMID: 32649885 PMCID: PMC7439808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1167] [Impact Index Per Article: 291.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Contingent upon concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) influence cancer evolution in apparently contradictory ways, either initiating/stimulating tumorigenesis and supporting transformation/proliferation of cancer cells or causing cell death. To accommodate high ROS levels, tumor cells modify sulfur-based metabolism, NADPH generation, and the activity of antioxidant transcription factors. During initiation, genetic changes enable cell survival under high ROS levels by activating antioxidant transcription factors or increasing NADPH via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). During progression and metastasis, tumor cells adapt to oxidative stress by increasing NADPH in various ways, including activation of AMPK, the PPP, and reductive glutamine and folate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Hayes
- Division of Cellular Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK, Scotland.
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Division of Cellular Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK, Scotland; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kenneth D Tew
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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