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Harachi M, Masui K, Shimizu E, Murakami K, Onizuka H, Muragaki Y, Kawamata T, Nakayama H, Miyata M, Komori T, Cavenee WK, Mischel PS, Kurata A, Shibata N. DNA hypomethylator phenotype reprograms glutamatergic network in receptor tyrosine kinase gene-mutated glioblastoma. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:40. [PMID: 38481314 PMCID: PMC10935831 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01750-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is crucial for chromatin structure and gene expression and its aberrancies, including the global "hypomethylator phenotype", are associated with cancer. Here we show that an underlying mechanism for this phenotype in the large proportion of the highly lethal brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM) carrying receptor tyrosine kinase gene mutations, involves the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), that is critical for growth factor signaling. In this scenario, mTORC2 suppresses the expression of the de novo DNA methyltransferase (DNMT3A) thereby inducing genome-wide DNA hypomethylation. Mechanistically, mTORC2 facilitates a redistribution of EZH2 histone methyltransferase into the promoter region of DNMT3A, and epigenetically represses the expression of DNA methyltransferase. Integrated analyses in both orthotopic mouse models and clinical GBM samples indicate that the DNA hypomethylator phenotype consistently reprograms a glutamate metabolism network, eventually driving GBM cell invasion and survival. These results nominate mTORC2 as a novel regulator of DNA hypomethylation in cancer and an exploitable target against cancer-promoting epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Harachi
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
- Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kenta Masui
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan.
| | - Erika Shimizu
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Kumiko Murakami
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Hiromi Onizuka
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Muragaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
- Center for Advanced Medical Engineering Research and Development, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takakazu Kawamata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Hisako Nakayama
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Mariko Miyata
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Takashi Komori
- Department of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Musashinodai, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Webster K Cavenee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Paul S Mischel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Atsushi Kurata
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Shibata
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
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2
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Zhang J, Zhao L, Xuan S, Liu Z, Weng Z, Wang Y, Dai K, Gu A, Zhao P. Global analysis of iron metabolism-related genes identifies potential mechanisms of gliomagenesis and reveals novel targets. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14386. [PMID: 37545464 PMCID: PMC10848104 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate key regulators of aberrant iron metabolism in gliomas, and evaluate their effect on biological functions and clinical translational relevance. METHODS We used transcriptomic data from multiple cross-platform glioma cohorts to identify key iron metabolism-related genes (IMRGs) based on a series of bioinformatic and machine learning methods. The associations between IMRGs and prognosis, mesenchymal phenotype, and genomic alterations were analyzed in silico. The performance of the IMRGs-based signature in predicting temozolomide (TMZ) treatment sensitivity was evaluated. In vitro and in vivo experiments were used to explore the biological functions of these key IMRGs. RESULTS HMOX1, LTF, and STEAP3 were identified as the most essential IMRGs in gliomas. The expression levels of these genes were strongly related to clinicopathological and molecular features. The robust IMRG-based gene signature could be used for prognosis prediction. These genes facilitate mesenchymal transformation, driver gene mutations, and oncogenic alterations in gliomas. The gene signature was also associated with TMZ resistance. HMOX1, LTF, and STEAP3 knockdown in glioma cells significantly reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and malignant invasion. CONCLUSION The study presented a comprehensive view of key regulators underpinning iron metabolism in gliomas and provided new insights into novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shurui Xuan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhenkun Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public HealthNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of EducationCenter for Global Health, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Kexiang Dai
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Aihua Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public HealthNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of EducationCenter for Global Health, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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3
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Serizawa M, Serizawa K, Masui K, Toguchi M, Murakami K, Yamamoto T, Nagashima Y, Takagi T, Kurata A. Metabolic and Epigenetic Reprogramming in a Case of Nuclear Protein in Testis (NUT) Carcinoma of the Retroperitoneum. Cureus 2024; 16:e52814. [PMID: 38389647 PMCID: PMC10883765 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma is a rare but highly aggressive carcinoma, driven by genetic rearrangement of the NUT midline carcinoma family member 1 (NUTM1) gene on chromosome 15q14. Recently, a tight link has been suggested between genetic abnormalities and subsequent metabolic and epigenetic dysregulation to drive the progression of malignant tumors. However, it remains elusive whether such reprogramming could contribute to the pathogenesis of NUT carcinoma. We herein report an autopsy case of NUT carcinoma arising in the retroperitoneum of a 31-year-old male. Notably, reprogramming of glycolytic metabolism and epigenetic histone modifications was observed in this unusual NUT carcinoma case, and this phenomenon was further confirmed by an in vitro cell culture model with bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4)-NUT overexpression. The rationale for documenting the case is based on our findings to reveal that metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming could be one of the contributing factors to the pathogenesis of NUT carcinoma, which could be exploitable as a novel therapeutic target for this rare and aggressive cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Serizawa
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Kaho Serizawa
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Kenta Masui
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Makoto Toguchi
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Kumiko Murakami
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Tomoko Yamamoto
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Yoji Nagashima
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Toshio Takagi
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Atsushi Kurata
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, JPN
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4
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Zarzuela L, Durán RV, Tomé M. Metabolism and signaling crosstalk in glioblastoma progression and therapy resistance. Mol Oncol 2023. [PMID: 38105543 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13571] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor in adults and one of the most lethal human cancers, with high recurrence and therapy resistance. Glioblastoma cells display extensive genetic and cellular heterogeneity, which precludes a unique and common therapeutic approach. The standard of care in glioblastoma patients includes surgery followed by radiotherapy plus concomitant temozolomide. As in many other cancers, cell signaling is deeply affected due to mutations or alterations in the so-called molecular drivers. Moreover, glioblastoma cells undergo metabolic adaptations to meet the new demands in terms of energy and building blocks, with an increasing amount of evidence connecting metabolic transformation and cell signaling deregulation in this type of aggressive brain tumor. In this review, we summarize some of the most common alterations both in cell signaling and metabolism in glioblastoma, presenting an integrative discussion about how they contribute to therapy resistance. Furthermore, this review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art of therapeutic approaches and clinical trials exploiting signaling and metabolism in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zarzuela
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa - CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Raúl V Durán
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa - CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Mercedes Tomé
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa - CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
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5
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Masui K, Mischel PS. Metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma: Toward the establishment of "metabolism-based pathology". Pathol Int 2023; 73:533-541. [PMID: 37755062 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Molecular genetic approaches are now mandatory for cancer diagnostics, especially for brain tumors. Genotype-based diagnosis has predominated over the phenotype-based approach, with its prognostic and predictive powers. However, comprehensive genetic testing would be difficult to perform in the clinical setting, and translational research is required to histologically decipher the peculiar biology of cancer. Of interest, recent studies have demonstrated discrete links between oncogenotypes and the resultant metabolic phenotypes, revealing cancer metabolism as a promising histologic surrogate to reveal specific characteristics of each cancer type and indicate the best way to manage cancer patients. Here, we provide an overview of our research progress to work on cancer metabolism, with a particular focus on the genomically well-characterized malignant tumor glioblastoma. With the use of clinically relevant animal models and human tissue, we found that metabolic reprogramming plays a major role in the aggressive cancer biology by conferring therapeutic resistance to cancer cells and rewiring their epigenomic landscapes. We further discuss our future endeavor to establish "metabolism-based pathology" on how the basic knowledge of cancer metabolism could be leveraged to improve the management of patients by linking cancer cell genotype, epigenotype, and phenotype through metabolic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Masui
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paul S Mischel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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6
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Singh S, Barik D, Lawrie K, Mohapatra I, Prasad S, Naqvi AR, Singh A, Singh G. Unveiling Novel Avenues in mTOR-Targeted Therapeutics: Advancements in Glioblastoma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14960. [PMID: 37834408 PMCID: PMC10573615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mTOR signaling pathway plays a pivotal and intricate role in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma, driving tumorigenesis and proliferation. Mutations or deletions in the PTEN gene constitutively activate the mTOR pathway by expressing growth factors EGF and PDGF, which activate their respective receptor pathways (e.g., EGFR and PDGFR). The convergence of signaling pathways, such as the PI3K-AKT pathway, intensifies the effect of mTOR activity. The inhibition of mTOR has the potential to disrupt diverse oncogenic processes and improve patient outcomes. However, the complexity of the mTOR signaling, off-target effects, cytotoxicity, suboptimal pharmacokinetics, and drug resistance of the mTOR inhibitors pose ongoing challenges in effectively targeting glioblastoma. Identifying innovative treatment strategies to address these challenges is vital for advancing the field of glioblastoma therapeutics. This review discusses the potential targets of mTOR signaling and the strategies of target-specific mTOR inhibitor development, optimized drug delivery system, and the implementation of personalized treatment approaches to mitigate the complications of mTOR inhibitors. The exploration of precise mTOR-targeted therapies ultimately offers elevated therapeutic outcomes and the development of more effective strategies to combat the deadliest form of adult brain cancer and transform the landscape of glioblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Debashis Barik
- Center for Computational Natural Science and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 500032, India
| | - Karl Lawrie
- College of Saint Benedict, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, MN 56321, USA
| | - Iteeshree Mohapatra
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Sujata Prasad
- MLM Medical Laboratories, LLC, Oakdale, MN 55128, USA
| | - Afsar R. Naqvi
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Amar Singh
- Schulze Diabetes Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gatikrushna Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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7
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Stacpoole PW, McCall CE. The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex: Life's essential, vulnerable and druggable energy homeostat. Mitochondrion 2023; 70:59-102. [PMID: 36863425 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Found in all organisms, pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes (PDC) are the keystones of prokaryotic and eukaryotic energy metabolism. In eukaryotic organisms these multi-component megacomplexes provide a crucial mechanistic link between cytoplasmic glycolysis and the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. As a consequence, PDCs also influence the metabolism of branched chain amino acids, lipids and, ultimately, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). PDC activity is an essential determinant of the metabolic and bioenergetic flexibility of metazoan organisms in adapting to changes in development, nutrient availability and various stresses that challenge maintenance of homeostasis. This canonical role of the PDC has been extensively probed over the past decades by multidisciplinary investigations into its causal association with diverse physiological and pathological conditions, the latter making the PDC an increasingly viable therapeutic target. Here we review the biology of the remarkable PDC and its emerging importance in the pathobiology and treatment of diverse congenital and acquired disorders of metabolic integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Stacpoole
- Department of Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Charles E McCall
- Department of Internal Medicine and Translational Sciences, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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8
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Kalpongnukul N, Bootsri R, Wongkongkathep P, Kaewsapsak P, Ariyachet C, Pisitkun T, Chantaravisoot N. Phosphoproteomic Analysis Defines BABAM1 as mTORC2 Downstream Effector Promoting DNA Damage Response in Glioblastoma Cells. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:2893-2904. [PMID: 36315652 PMCID: PMC9724709 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating primary brain cancer with a poor prognosis. GBM is associated with an abnormal mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, consisting of two distinct kinase complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2. The complexes play critical roles in cell proliferation, survival, migration, metabolism, and DNA damage response. This study investigated the aberrant mTORC2 signaling pathway in GBM cells by performing quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis of U87MG cells under different drug treatment conditions. Interestingly, a functional analysis of phosphoproteome revealed that mTORC2 inhibition might be involved in double-strand break (DSB) repair. We further characterized the relationship between mTORC2 and BRISC and BRCA1-A complex member 1 (BABAM1). We demonstrated that pBABAM1 at Ser29 is regulated by mTORC2 to initiate DNA damage response, contributing to DNA repair and cancer cell survival. Accordingly, the inactivation of mTORC2 significantly ablated pBABAM1 (Ser29), reduced DNA repair activities in the nucleus, and promoted apoptosis of the cancer cells. Furthermore, we also recognized that histone H2AX phosphorylation at Ser139 (γH2AX) could be controlled by mTORC2 to repair the DNA. These results provided a better understanding of the mTORC2 function in oncogenic DNA damage response and might lead to specific mTORC2 treatments for brain cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttiya Kalpongnukul
- Interdisciplinary
Program of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center
of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Rungnapa Bootsri
- Center
of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Piriya Wongkongkathep
- Center
of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Research
Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Kaewsapsak
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Research
Unit of Systems Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chaiyaboot Ariyachet
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of
Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center
of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Research
Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Naphat Chantaravisoot
- Center
of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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9
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Orofiamma LA, Vural D, Antonescu CN. Control of cell metabolism by the epidermal growth factor receptor. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119359. [PMID: 36089077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) triggers the activation of many intracellular signals that control cell proliferation, growth, survival, migration, and differentiation. Given its wide expression, EGFR has many functions in development and tissue homeostasis. Some of the cellular outcomes of EGFR signaling involve alterations of specific aspects of cellular metabolism, and alterations of cell metabolism are emerging as driving influences in many physiological and pathophysiological contexts. Here we review the mechanisms by which EGFR regulates cell metabolism, including by modulation of gene expression and protein function leading to control of glucose uptake, glycolysis, biosynthetic pathways branching from glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipogenesis, and mitochondrial function. We further examine how this regulation of cell metabolism by EGFR may contribute to cell proliferation and differentiation and how EGFR-driven control of metabolism can impact certain diseases and therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Orofiamma
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada; Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Dafne Vural
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada; Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Costin N Antonescu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada; Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada.
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10
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Masui K, Cavenee WK, Mischel PS, Shibata N. The metabolomic landscape plays a critical role in glioma oncogenesis. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:1555-1563. [PMID: 35271755 PMCID: PMC9128185 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells depend on metabolic reprogramming for survival, undergoing profound shifts in nutrient sensing, nutrient uptake and flux through anabolic pathways, in order to drive nucleotide, lipid, and protein synthesis and provide key intermediates needed for those pathways. Although metabolic enzymes themselves can be mutated, including to generate oncometabolites, this is a relatively rare event in cancer. Usually, gene amplification, overexpression, and/or downstream signal transduction upregulate rate‐limiting metabolic enzymes and limit feedback loops, to drive persistent tumor growth. Recent molecular‐genetic advances have revealed discrete links between oncogenotypes and the resultant metabolic phenotypes. However, more comprehensive approaches are needed to unravel the dynamic spatio‐temporal regulatory map of enzymes and metabolites that enable cancer cells to adapt to their microenvironment to maximize tumor growth. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses are powerful tools for analyzing a repertoire of metabolic enzymes as well as intermediary metabolites, and in conjunction with other omics approaches could provide critical information in this regard. Here, we provide an overview of cancer metabolism, especially from an omics perspective and with a particular focus on the genomically well characterized malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma. We further discuss how metabolomics could be leveraged to improve the management of patients, by linking cancer cell genotype, epigenotype, and phenotype through metabolic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Masui
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Webster K Cavenee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Paul S Mischel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Noriyuki Shibata
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
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11
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Samanta S, Mahata R, Santra MK. The Cross-Talk between Epigenetic Gene Regulation and Signaling Pathways Regulates Cancer Pathogenesis. Subcell Biochem 2022; 100:427-472. [PMID: 36301502 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07634-3_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer begins due to uncontrolled cell division. Cancer cells are insensitive to the signals that control normal cell proliferation. This uncontrolled cell division is due to the accumulation of abnormalities in different factors associated with the cell division, including different cyclins, cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors, and cellular signaling. Cellular signaling pathways are aberrantly activated in cancer mainly due to epigenetic regulation and post-translational regulation. In this chapter, the role of epigenetic regulation in aberrant activation of PI3K/AKT, Ras, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, JAK/STAT, and mTOR signaling pathways in cancer progression is discussed. The role of epigenetic regulators in controlling the upstream regulatory proteins and downstream effector proteins responsible for abnormal cellular signaling-mediated cancer progression is covered in this chapter. Similarly, the role of signaling pathways in controlling epigenetic gene regulation-mediated cancer progression is also discussed. We have tried to ascertain the current status of potential epigenetic drugs targeting several epigenetic regulators to prevent different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snigdha Samanta
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rumpa Mahata
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manas Kumar Santra
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, S. P. Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
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12
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The Bumpy Road towards mTOR Inhibition in Glioblastoma: Quo Vadis? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121809. [PMID: 34944625 PMCID: PMC8698473 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a grade IV astrocytoma, is a lethal brain tumor with a poor prognosis. Despite recent advances in the molecular biology of GBM, neuro-oncologists have very limited treatment options available to improve the survival of GBM patients. A prominent signaling pathway implicated in GBM pathogenesis is that of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Attempts to target the mTOR pathway with first-generation mTOR inhibitors appeared promising in the preclinical stage; however, results have been disappointing in clinical trials, owing to the heterogeneous nature of GBM, escape mechanisms against treatment, the blood–brain barrier, drug-related toxicities, and the imperfect design of clinical trials, among others. The development of next-generation mTOR inhibitors and their current evaluation in clinical trials have sparked new hope to realize the clinical potential of mTOR inhibitors in GBM. Meanwhile, studies are continuously furthering our understanding of mTOR signaling dysregulation, its downstream effects, and interplay with other signaling pathways in GBM tumors. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether targeting mTOR in GBM will eventually prove to be fruitful or futile.
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Xu S, Wang Z, Ye J, Mei S, Zhang J. Identification of Iron Metabolism-Related Genes as Prognostic Indicators for Lower-Grade Glioma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:729103. [PMID: 34568059 PMCID: PMC8458946 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.729103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower-grade glioma (LGG) is characterized by genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity, and a dismal prognosis. Iron metabolism is considered central for glioma tumorigenesis, tumor progression and tumor microenvironment, although key iron metabolism-related genes are unclear. Here we developed and validated an iron metabolism-related gene signature LGG prognosis. RNA-sequence and clinicopathological data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) were downloaded. Prognostic iron metabolism-related genes were screened and used to construct a risk-score model via differential gene expression analysis, univariate Cox analysis, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO)-regression algorithm. All LGG patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups, based on the risk score. The prognostic significance of the risk-score model in the TCGA and CGGA cohorts was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Risk- score distributions in subgroups were stratified by age, gender, the World Health Organization (WHO) grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation status, the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyl-transferase (MGMT) promoter-methylation status, and the 1p/19q co-deletion status. Furthermore, a nomogram model with a risk score was developed, and its predictive performance was validated with the TCGA and CGGA cohorts. Additionally, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified signaling pathways and pathological processes enriched in the high-risk group. Finally, immune infiltration and immune checkpoint analysis were utilized to investigate the tumor microenvironment characteristics related to the risk score. We identified a prognostic 15-gene iron metabolism-related signature and constructed a risk-score model. High risk scores were associated with an age of > 40, wild-type IDH1, a WHO grade of III, an unmethylated MGMT promoter, and 1p/19q non-codeletion. ROC analysis indicated that the risk-score model accurately predicted 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of LGG patients in the both TCGA and CGGA cohorts. KM analysis showed that the high-risk group had a much lower overall survival than the low-risk group (P < 0.0001). The nomogram model showed a strong ability to predict the overall survival of LGG patients in the TCGA and CGGA cohorts. GSEA analysis indicated that inflammatory responses, tumor-associated pathways, and pathological processes were enriched in high-risk group. Moreover, a high risk score correlated with the infiltration immune cells (dendritic cells, macrophages, CD4+ T cells, and B cells) and expression of immune checkpoint (PD1, PDL1, TIM3, and CD48). Our prognostic model was based on iron metabolism-related genes in LGG, can potentially aid in LGG prognosis, and provides potential targets against gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenbin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Gastroenterology Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zefeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Shuhao Mei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Brain Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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14
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Onizuka H, Masui K, Amano K, Kawamata T, Yamamoto T, Nagashima Y, Shibata N. Metabolic Reprogramming Drives Pituitary Tumor Growth through Epigenetic Regulation of TERT. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2021; 54:87-96. [PMID: 34276102 PMCID: PMC8275863 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.21-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are common, benign brain tumors. Some tumors show aggressive phenotypes including early recurrence, local invasion and distant metastasis, but the underlying mechanism to drive the progression of pituitary tumors has remained to be clarified. Aerobic glycolysis known as the Warburg effect is one of the emerging hallmarks of cancer, which has an impact on the tumor biology partly through epigenetic regulation of the tumor-promoting genes. Here, we demonstrate metabolic reprogramming in pituitary tumors contributes to tumor cell growth with epigenetic changes such as histone acetylation. Notably, a shift in histone acetylation increases the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) oncogene, which drives metabolism-dependent cell proliferation in pituitary tumors. These indicate that epigenetic changes could be the specific biomarker for predicting the behavior of pituitary tumors and exploitable as a novel target for the aggressive types of the pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Onizuka
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
| | - Kenta Masui
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
| | - Kosaku Amano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
| | | | - Tomoko Yamamoto
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
| | - Yoji Nagashima
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
| | - Noriyuki Shibata
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
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15
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Programmed suppression of oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function by gestational alcohol exposure correlate with widespread increases in H3K9me2 that do not suppress transcription. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:27. [PMID: 34130715 PMCID: PMC8207718 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-021-00403-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A critical question emerging in the field of developmental toxicology is whether alterations in chromatin structure induced by toxicant exposure control patterns of gene expression or, instead, are structural changes that are part of a nuclear stress response. Previously, we used a mouse model to conduct a three-way comparison between control offspring, alcohol-exposed but phenotypically normal animals, and alcohol-exposed offspring exhibiting craniofacial and central nervous system structural defects. In the cerebral cortex of animals exhibiting alcohol-induced dysgenesis, we identified a dramatic increase in the enrichment of dimethylated histone H3, lysine 9 (H3K9me2) within the regulatory regions of key developmental factors driving histogenesis in the brain. However, whether this change in chromatin structure is causally involved in the development of structural defects remains unknown. Results Deep-sequencing analysis of the cortex transcriptome reveals that the emergence of alcohol-induced structural defects correlates with disruptions in the genetic pathways controlling oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function. The majority of the affected pathways are downstream targets of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), indicating that this stress-responsive complex plays a role in propagating the epigenetic memory of alcohol exposure through gestation. Importantly, transcriptional disruptions of the pathways regulating oxidative homeostasis correlate with the emergence of increased H3K9me2 across genic, repetitive, and non-transcribed regions of the genome. However, although associated with gene silencing, none of the candidate genes displaying increased H3K9me2 become transcriptionally repressed, nor do they exhibit increased markers of canonical heterochromatin. Similar to studies in C. elegans, disruptions in oxidative homeostasis induce the chromatin looping factor SATB2, but in mammals, this protein does not appear to drive increased H3K9me2 or altered patterns of gene expression. Conclusions Our studies demonstrate that changes in H3K9me2 associate with alcohol-induced congenital defects, but that this epigenetic change does not correlate with transcriptional suppression. We speculate that the mobilization of SATB2 and increased enrichment of H3K9me2 may be components of a nuclear stress response that preserve chromatin integrity and interactions under prolonged oxidative stress. Further, we postulate that while this response may stabilize chromatin structure, it compromises the nuclear plasticity required for normal differentiation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13072-021-00403-w.
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16
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Harachi M, Masui K, Cavenee WK, Mischel PS, Shibata N. Protein Acetylation at the Interface of Genetics, Epigenetics and Environment in Cancer. Metabolites 2021; 11:216. [PMID: 33916219 PMCID: PMC8066013 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11040216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of cancer and is driven by abnormalities of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Accelerated metabolism causes cancer cell aggression through the dysregulation of rate-limiting metabolic enzymes as well as by facilitating the production of intermediary metabolites. However, the mechanisms by which a shift in the metabolic landscape reshapes the intracellular signaling to promote the survival of cancer cells remain to be clarified. Recent high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses have spotlighted that, unexpectedly, lysine residues of numerous cytosolic as well as nuclear proteins are acetylated and that this modification modulates protein activity, sublocalization and stability, with profound impact on cellular function. More importantly, cancer cells exploit acetylation as a post-translational protein for microenvironmental adaptation, nominating it as a means for dynamic modulation of the phenotypes of cancer cells at the interface between genetics and environments. The objectives of this review were to describe the functional implications of protein lysine acetylation in cancer biology by examining recent evidence that implicates oncogenic signaling as a strong driver of protein acetylation, which might be exploitable for novel therapeutic strategies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Harachi
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan; (M.H.); (N.S.)
| | - Kenta Masui
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan; (M.H.); (N.S.)
| | - Webster K. Cavenee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Paul S. Mischel
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Noriyuki Shibata
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan; (M.H.); (N.S.)
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17
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Séhédic D, Roncali L, Djoudi A, Buchtova N, Avril S, Chérel M, Boury F, Lacoeuille F, Hindré F, Garcion E. Rapamycin-Loaded Lipid Nanocapsules Induce Selective Inhibition of the mTORC1-Signaling Pathway in Glioblastoma Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 8:602998. [PMID: 33718332 PMCID: PMC7947795 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.602998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway represents a potential issue for the treatment of cancer, including glioblastoma. As such, rapamycin that inhibits the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), the downstream effector of this signaling pathway, is of great interest. However, clinical development of rapamycin has floundered due to the lack of a suitable formulation of delivery systems. In the present study, a novel method for the formulation of safe rapamycin nanocarriers is investigated. A phase inversion process was adapted to prepare lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) loaded with the lipophilic and temperature sensitive rapamycin. Rapamycin-loaded LNCs (LNC-rapa) are ~110 nm in diameter with a low polydispersity index (<0.05) and the zeta potential of about −5 mV. The encapsulation efficiency, determined by spectrophotometry conjugated with filtration/exclusion, was found to be about 69%, which represents 0.6 wt% of loading capacity. Western blot analysis showed that LNC-rapa do not act synergistically with X-ray beam radiation in U87MG glioblastoma model in vitro. Nevertheless, it demonstrated the selective inhibition of the phosphorylation of mTORC1 signaling pathway on Ser2448 at a concentration of 1 μM rapamycin in serum-free medium. Interestingly, cells cultivated in normoxia (21% O2) seem to be more sensitive to mTOR inhibition by rapamycin than those cultivated in hypoxia (0.4% O2). Finally, we also established that mTOR phosphorylation inhibition by LNC-rapa induced a negative feedback through the activation of Akt phosphorylation. This phenomenon was more noticeable after stabilization of HIF-1α in hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Séhédic
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Loris Roncali
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Amel Djoudi
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Nela Buchtova
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Sylvie Avril
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Michel Chérel
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France
| | - Frank Boury
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Franck Lacoeuille
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - François Hindré
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Emmanuel Garcion
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
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18
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The evolving metabolic landscape of chromatin biology and epigenetics. Nat Rev Genet 2020; 21:737-753. [PMID: 32908249 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-020-0270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Molecular inputs to chromatin via cellular metabolism are modifiers of the epigenome. These inputs - which include both nutrient availability as a result of diet and growth factor signalling - are implicated in linking the environment to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and cell identity. Recent studies have demonstrated that these inputs are much broader than had previously been known, encompassing metabolism from a wide variety of sources, including alcohol and microbiotal metabolism. These factors modify DNA and histones and exert specific effects on cell biology, systemic physiology and pathology. In this Review, we discuss the nature of these molecular networks, highlight their role in mediating cellular responses and explore their modifiability through dietary and pharmacological interventions.
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19
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Laribee RN, Weisman R. Nuclear Functions of TOR: Impact on Transcription and the Epigenome. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E641. [PMID: 32532005 PMCID: PMC7349558 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The target of rapamycin (TOR) protein kinase is at the core of growth factor- and nutrient-dependent signaling pathways that are well-known for their regulation of metabolism, growth, and proliferation. However, TOR is also involved in the regulation of gene expression, genomic and epigenomic stability. TOR affects nuclear functions indirectly through its activity in the cytoplasm, but also directly through active nuclear TOR pools. The mechanisms by which TOR regulates its nuclear functions are less well-understood compared with its cytoplasmic activities. TOR is an important pharmacological target for several diseases, including cancer, metabolic and neurological disorders. Thus, studies of the nuclear functions of TOR are important for our understanding of basic biological processes, as well as for clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Nicholas Laribee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine and Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 South Manassas, Cancer Research Building Rm 318, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ronit Weisman
- Department of Natural and Life Sciences, The Open University of Israel, University Road 1, Ra’anana 4353701, Israel
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20
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Harachi M, Masui K, Honda H, Muragaki Y, Kawamata T, Cavenee WK, Mischel PS, Shibata N. Dual Regulation of Histone Methylation by mTOR Complexes Controls Glioblastoma Tumor Cell Growth via EZH2 and SAM. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1142-1152. [PMID: 32366675 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation known for DNA methylation and histone modification is critical for securing proper gene expression and chromosomal function, and its aberration induces various pathologic conditions including cancer. Trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is known to suppress various genes related to cancer cell survival and the level of H3K27me3 may have an influence on tumor progression and malignancy. However, it remains unclear how histone methylation is regulated in response to genetic mutation and microenvironmental cues to facilitate the cancer cell survival. Here, we report a novel mechanism of the specific regulation of H3K27me3 by cooperatively two mTOR complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2 in human glioblastoma (GBM). Integrated analyses revealed that mTORC1 upregulates the protein expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2, a main component of polycomb repressive complex 2 which is known as H3K27-specific methyltransferase. The other mTOR complex, mTORC2, regulates production of S-adenosylmethionine, an essential substrate for histone methylation. This cooperative regulation causes H3K27 hypermethylation which subsequently promotes tumor cell survival both in vitro and in vivo xenografted mouse tumor model. These results indicate that activated mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes cooperatively contribute to tumor progression through specific epigenetic regulation, nominating them as an exploitable therapeutic target against cancer. IMPLICATIONS: A dynamic regulation of histone methylation by mTOR complexes promotes tumor growth in human GBM, but at the same time could be exploitable as a novel therapeutic target against this deadly tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Harachi
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Masui
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Honda
- Field of Human Disease Models, Major in Advanced Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Webster K Cavenee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Paul S Mischel
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Noriyuki Shibata
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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The Intrinsic Biological Identities of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Coatings: Unexplored Territory for Combinatorial Therapies. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10050837. [PMID: 32349362 PMCID: PMC7712800 DOI: 10.3390/nano10050837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been the subject of increasing investigation due to their potential use as theranostic agents. Their unique physical properties (physical identity), ample possibilities for surface modifications (synthetic identity), and the complex dynamics of their interaction with biological systems (biological identity) make IONPs a unique and fruitful resource for developing magnetic field-based therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to the treatment of diseases such as cancer. Like all nanomaterials, IONPs also interact with different cell types in vivo, a characteristic that ultimately determines their activity over the short and long term. Cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system (macrophages), dendritic cells (DCs), and endothelial cells (ECs) are engaged in the bulk of IONP encounters in the organism, and also determine IONP biodistribution. Therefore, the biological effects that IONPs trigger in these cells (biological identity) are of utmost importance to better understand and refine the efficacy of IONP-based theranostics. In the present review, which is focused on anti-cancer therapy, we discuss recent findings on the biological identities of IONPs, particularly as concerns their interactions with myeloid, endothelial, and tumor cells. Furthermore, we thoroughly discuss current understandings of the basic molecular mechanisms and complex interactions that govern IONP biological identity, and how these traits could be used as a stepping stone for future research.
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22
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mTOR complex 2 is an integrator of cancer metabolism and epigenetics. Cancer Lett 2020; 478:1-7. [PMID: 32145344 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a central hallmark of cancer and is driven by abnormalites of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. This enables tumor cells to obtain the macromolecular precursors and energy needed for rapid tumor growth. Accelerated metabolism also translates into cancer cell aggression through epigenetic changes. The aberrant signaling cascades activated by oncogenes coordinate metabolic reprogramming with epigenetic shifts and subsequent global transcriptional changes through the dysregulation of rate-limiting metabolic enzymes as well as by facilitating the production of intermediary metabolites. As the landscape of cancer cell metabolism has been elucidated, it is now time for this knowledge to be translated into benefit for patients. Here we review the recently identified central regulatory role for mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), a downstream effector of many cancer-causing mutations, in reprogramming the metabolic and epigenetic landscape. This leads to tumor cell survival and cancer drug resistance.
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23
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Masui K, Harachi M, K. Cavenee W, S. Mischel P, Shibata N. Codependency of Metabolism and Epigenetics Drives Cancer Progression: A Review. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2020; 53:1-10. [PMID: 32201436 PMCID: PMC7076272 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.20002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is widely considered to be a set of genetic diseases that are currently classified by tissue and cell type of origin and, increasingly, by its molecular characteristics. This latter aspect is based primarily upon oncogene gains, tumor suppressor losses, and associated transcriptional profiles. However, cancers are also characterized by profound alterations in cellular metabolism and epigenetic landscape. It is particularly noteworthy that cancer-causing genomic defects not only activate cell cycle progression, but regulate the opportunistic uptake and utilization of nutrients, effectively enabling tumors to maximize growth and drug resistance in changing tissue and systemic microenvironments. Shifts in chromatin architecture are central to this dynamic behavior. Further, changes in nutrient uptake and utilization directly affect chromatin structure. In this review, we describe a set of recent discoveries of metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming in cancer, and especially focus on the genomically well-characterized brain tumor, glioblastoma. Further, we discuss a new mode of metabolic regulation driven by epigenetic mechanisms, that enables cancer cells to autonomously activate iron metabolism for their survival. Together, these underscore the integration of genetic mutations with metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic shifts in cancer, suggesting a new means to identifying patient subsets suitable for specific precision therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Masui
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162–8666, Japan
| | - Mio Harachi
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162–8666, Japan
| | - Webster K. Cavenee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Paul S. Mischel
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Noriyuki Shibata
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162–8666, Japan
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