Proteomics and pathway analysis identifies JNK signaling as critical for high linear energy transfer radiation-induced apoptosis in non-small lung cancer cells

Energy metabolism as the hub of advanced non-small cell lung cancer management: a comprehensive view in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine

Energy metabolism is a hub of governing all processes at cellular and organismal levels such as, on one hand, reparable vs. irreparable cell damage, cell fate (proliferation, survival, apoptosis, malignant transformation etc.), and, on the other hand, carcinogenesis, tumor development, progression and metastazing versus anti-cancer protection and cure. The orchestrator is the mitochondria who produce, store and invest energy, conduct intracellular and systemically relevant signals decisive for internal and environmental stress adaptation, and coordinate corresponding processes at cellular and organismal levels. Consequently, the quality of mitochondrial health and homeostasis is a reliable target for health risk assessment at the stage of reversible damage to the health followed by cost-effective personalized protection against health-to-disease transition as well as for targeted protection against the disease progression (secondary care of cancer patients against growing primary tumors and metastatic disease). The energy reprogramming of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) attracts particular attention as clinically relevant and instrumental for the paradigm change from reactive medical services to predictive, preventive and personalized medicine (3PM). This article provides a detailed overview towards mechanisms and biological pathways involving metabolic reprogramming (MR) with respect to inhibiting the synthesis of biomolecules and blocking common NSCLC metabolic pathways as anti-NSCLC therapeutic strategies. For instance, mitophagy recycles macromolecules to yield mitochondrial substrates for energy homeostasis and nucleotide synthesis. Histone modification and DNA methylation can predict the onset of diseases, and plasma C7 analysis is an efficient medical service potentially resulting in an optimized healthcare economy in corresponding areas. The MEMP scoring provides the guidance for immunotherapy, prognostic assessment, and anti-cancer drug development. Metabolite sensing mechanisms of nutrients and their derivatives are potential MR-related therapy in NSCLC. Moreover, miR-495-3p reprogramming of sphingolipid rheostat by targeting Sphk1, 22/FOXM1 axis regulation, and A2 receptor antagonist are highly promising therapy strategies. TFEB as a biomarker in predicting immune checkpoint blockade and redox-related lncRNA prognostic signature (redox-LPS) are considered reliable predictive approaches. Finally, exemplified in this article metabolic phenotyping is instrumental for innovative population screening, health risk assessment, predictive multi-level diagnostics, targeted prevention, and treatment algorithms tailored to personalized patient profiles-all are essential pillars in the paradigm change from reactive medical services to 3PM approach in overall management of lung cancers. This article highlights the 3PM relevant innovation focused on energy metabolism as the hub to advance NSCLC management benefiting vulnerable subpopulations, affected patients, and healthcare at large.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-024-00357-5.

P38 MAPK and Radiotherapy: Foes or Friends?

Over the last 30 years, the study of the cellular response to ionizing radiation (IR) has increased exponentially. Among the various signaling pathways affected by IR, p38 MAPK has been shown to be activated both in vitro and in vivo, with involvement in key processes triggered by IR-mediated genotoxic insult, such as the cell cycle, apoptosis or senescence. However, we do not yet have a definitive clue about the role of p38 MAPK in terms of radioresistance/sensitivity and its potential use to improve current radiotherapy. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on this family of MAPKs in response to IR as well as in different aspects related to radiotherapy, such as their role in the control of REDOX, fibrosis, and in the radiosensitizing effect of several compounds.

The Molecular and Cellular Strategies of Glioblastoma and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells Conferring Radioresistance

Ionizing radiation (IR) has been shown to play a crucial role in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM; grade IV) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, recent studies have indicated that radiotherapy can offer only palliation owing to the radioresistance of GBM and NSCLC. Therefore, delineating the major radioresistance mechanisms may provide novel therapeutic approaches to sensitize these diseases to IR and improve patient outcomes. This review provides insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying GBM and NSCLC radioresistance, where it sheds light on the role played by cancer stem cells (CSCs), as well as discusses comprehensively how the cellular dormancy/non-proliferating state and polyploidy impact on their survival and relapse post-IR exposure.

Anticancer auranofin engages 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) as a target

Auranofin (AuRF) has been reported to display anticancer activity and has entered several clinical trials; however, its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. In this work, the anticancer mechanism of auranofin was investigated using a proteomics strategy entailing subcellular fractionation prior to mass spectrometric analysis. Bioinformatics analysis of the nuclear sub-proteomes revealed that tumor suppressor p14^ARF is a key regulator of transcription. Through independent analysis, we validated that up-regulation of p14^ARF is associated with E2F-dependent transcription and increased p53 expression. Our analyses further reveal that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), which is the rate-determining enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, is a novel target of auranofin with half maximal inhibitory concentration at micromolar levels. The auranofin-induced cancer cell death could be partially reverted by the addition of downstream products of the mevalonate pathway (mevalonolactone or geranyleranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP)), implying that auranofin may target the mevalonate pathway to exert its anticancer effect.

Gene expression profiling of breast cancer cell lines treated with proton and electron radiations

OBJECTIVE

Technological advances in radiation therapy are evolving with the use of hadrons, such as protons, indicated for tumors where conventional radiotherapy does not give significant advantages or for tumors located in sensitive regions, which need the maximum of dose-saving of the surrounding healthy tissues. The genomic response to conventional and non-conventional linear energy transfer exposure is a poor investigated topic and became an issue of radiobiological interest. The aim of this work was to analyze and compare molecular responses in term of gene expression profiles, induced by electron and proton irradiation in breast cancer cell lines.

METHODS

We studied the gene expression profiling differences by cDNA microarray activated in response to electron and proton irradiation with different linear energy transfer values, among three breast cell lines (the tumorigenic MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 and the non-tumorigenic MCF10A), exposed to the same sublethal dose of 9 Gy.

RESULTS

Gene expression profiling pathway analyses showed the activation of different signaling and molecular networks in a cell line and radiation type-dependent manner. MCF10A and MDA-MB-231 cell lines were found to induce factors and pathways involved in the immunological process control.

CONCLUSION

Here, we describe in a detailed way the gene expression profiling and pathways activated after electron and proton irradiation in breast cancer cells. Summarizing, although specific pathways are activated in a radiation type-dependent manner, each cell line activates overall similar molecular networks in response to both these two types of ionizing radiation. Advances in knowledge: In the era of personalized medicine and breast cancer target-directed intervention, we trust that this study could drive radiation therapy towards personalized treatments, evaluating possible combined treatments, based on the molecular characterization.

Arachidonic acid induces macrophage cell cycle arrest through the JNK signaling pathway

Background

Arachidonic acid (AA) has potent pro-apoptotic effects on cancer cells at a low concentration and on macrophages at a very high concentration. However, the effects of AA on the macrophage cell cycle and related signaling pathways have not been fully investigated. Herein we aim to observe the effect of AA on macrophages cell cycle.

Results

AA exposure reduced the viability and number of macrophages in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The reduction in RAW264.7 cell viability was not caused by apoptosis, as indicated by caspase-3 and activated caspase-3 detection. Further research illustrated that AA exposure induced RAW264.7 cell cycle arrested at S phase, and some cell cycle-regulated proteins were altered accordingly. Moreover, JNK signaling was stimulated by AA, and the stimulation was partially reversed by a JNK signaling inhibitor in accordance with cell cycle-related factors. In addition, nuclear and total Foxo1/3a and phosphorylated Foxo1/3a were elevated by AA in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and this elevation was suppressed by the JNK signaling inhibitor.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that AA inhibits macrophage viability by inducing S phase cell cycle arrest. The JNK signaling pathway and the downstream FoxO transcription factors are involved in AA-induced RAW264.7 cell cycle arrest.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-018-0673-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cyclometalated Palladium(II) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Anticancer Agents for Potent In Vitro Cytotoxicity and In Vivo Tumor Growth Suppression

Palladium(II) complexes are generally reactive toward substitution/reduction, and their biological applications are seldom explored. A new series of palladium(II) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes that are stable in the presence of biological thiols are reported. A representative complex, [Pd(C^N^N)(N,N'-nBu2 NHC)](CF3 SO3 ) (Pd1 d, HC^N^N=6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine, N,N'-nBu2 NHC=N,N'-di-n-butylimidazolylidene), displays potent killing activity toward cancer cell lines (IC50 =0.09-0.5 μm) but is less cytotoxic toward a normal human fibroblast cell line (CCD-19Lu, IC50 =11.8 μm). In vivo anticancer studies revealed that Pd1 d significantly inhibited tumor growth in a nude mice model. Proteomics data and in vitro biochemical assays reveal that Pd1 d exerts anticancer effects, including inhibition of an epidermal growth factor receptor pathway, induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, and antiangiogenic activity to endothelial cells.

Colorectal Carcinogenesis, Radiation Quality, and the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway

Adult colorectal epithelium undergoes continuous renewal and maintains homeostatic balance through regulated cellular proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway involving the transcriptional co-activator β-catenin is important for colorectal development and normal epithelial maintenance, and deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis. Colorectal carcinogenesis has been linked to radiation exposure, and radiation has been demonstrated to alter Wnt/β-catenin signaling, as well as the proteasomal pathway involved in the degradation of the signaling components and thus regulation of β-catenin. The current review discusses recent progresses in our understanding of colorectal carcinogenesis in relation to different types of radiation and roles that radiation quality plays in deregulating β-catenin and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) for colorectal cancer initiation and progression.

Marine sponge Cribrochalina vasculum compounds activate intrinsic apoptotic signaling and inhibit growth factor signaling cascades in non-small cell lung carcinoma

Marine-derived compounds have been explored and considered as possible antitumor agents. In this study, we analyzed extracts of the sponge Cribrochalina vasculum for their ability to inhibit tumor cell proliferation. Screening identified two acetylenic compounds of similar structure that showed strong tumor-specific toxicity in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells and small-cell lung carcinoma cells, and less prominent toxicity in ovarian carcinoma, while having no effect on normal cells. These acetylenic compounds were found to cause a time-dependent increase in activation of apoptotic signaling involving cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP, as well as apoptotic cell morphology in NSCLC cells, but not in normal fibroblasts. Further analysis demonstrated that these compounds caused conformational change in Bak and Bax, and resulted in loss of mitochondrial potential and cytochrome c release in NSCLC cells. Moreover, a decreased phosphorylation of the growth factor signaling kinases Akt, mTOR, and ERK was evident and an increased phosphorylation of JNK was observed. Thus, these acetylenic compounds hold potential as novel therapeutic agents that should be further explored for NSCLC and other tumor malignancies.

Inhibition of Ephrin B3-mediated survival signaling contributes to increased cell death response of non-small cell lung carcinoma cells after combined treatment with ionizing radiation and PKC 412

Radiation therapy is frequently used to treat non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). We have previously shown that a combination of ionizing radiation (IR) and the staurosporine analog PKC 412, but not Ro 31–8220, increases cell death in NSCLC cells. To identify genes involved in the enhancement of cell death, a total gene profiling in response to co-administration of (i) PKC 412 with IR, or (ii) Ro 31–8220 with IR was implemented. These combined treatments caused upregulation of 140 and 179 genes and downregulation of 253 and 425 genes, respectively. Certain genes were selected and verified by real-time quantitative PCR and, of these genes, robust suppression of Ephrin B3 expression was suggested as a possible cell death-inducing mechanism of combined treatment with IR and PKC 412. Indeed, silencing of Ephrin B3 using siRNA in NSCLC cells resulted in a major alteration of their morphology with an elongated phenotype, decreased proliferation and increased cell death signaling. Moreover, silencing of Ephrin B3 in combination with IR caused a decrease in IR-mediated G₂-arrest, induced cellular senescence, inhibited MAPK ERK and p38 phosphorylation, and caused an upregulation of p27^kip1 expression. Finally, silencing of Ephrin B3 in combination with IR sensitized U-1810 cells to IR-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, we identify and describe Ephrin B3 as a putative signaling molecule involved in the response of NSCLC cells to combined treatment with PKC 412 and ionizing radiation.

Synergistic effect of heat shock protein 90 inhibitor, 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin and X-rays, but not carbon-ion beams, on lethality in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of a heat shock protein 90 inhibitor, 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), in combination with X-rays or carbon-ion beams on cell killing in human oral squamous cell carcinoma LMF4 cells. Cell survival was measured by colony formation assay. Cell-cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of DNA repair-related proteins was investigated by western blotting. The results showed 17-AAG to have synergistic effects on cell lethality with X-rays, but not with carbon-ion beams. The 17-AAG decreased G(2)/M arrest induced by X-rays, but not by carbon-ion beams. Both X-ray and carbon-ion irradiation up-regulated expression of non-homologous end-joining-associated proteins, Ku70 and Ku80, but 17-AAG inhibited only X-ray-induced up-regulation of these proteins. These results show that 17-AAG with X-rays releases G(2)/M phase arrest; cells carrying misrepaired DNA damage then move on to the G(1) phase. We demonstrate, for the first time, that the radiosensitization effect of 17-AAG is not seen with carbon-ion beams because 17-AAG does not affect these changes.

Immunogenomics and systems biology of vaccines

Vaccines represent a potent tool to prevent or contain infectious diseases with high morbidity or mortality. However, despite their widespread use, we still have a limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effective elicitation of protective immune responses by vaccines. Recent research suggests that this represents the cooperative action of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Immunity is made of a multifaceted set of integrated responses involving a dynamic interaction of thousands of molecules, whose list is constantly updated to fill the several empty spaces of this puzzle. The recent development of new technologies and computational tools permits the comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the interactions between all of the components of immunity over time. Here, we review the role of the innate immunity in the host response to vaccine antigens and the potential of systems biology in providing relevant and novel insights in the mechanisms of action of vaccines to improve their design and effectiveness.

Phosphoproteomic profiling of NSCLC cells reveals that ephrin B3 regulates pro-survival signaling through Akt1-mediated phosphorylation of the EphA2 receptor

The ephrin and Eph signaling circuit has been reported as deregulated in a number of tumor types including nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here we show that suppression of the ephrin-familly member ephrin B3 decreases NSCLC cell proliferation and has profound effects on cell morphology. To reveal which signaling networks ephrin B3 utilize to regulate such effects on growth and morphology, differential regulation of phosphorylated proteins was analyzed in the NSCLC cell line U-1810. Using strong cat ion exchange (SCX) and TiO(2)-based fractionation followed by nano-LC and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified 1083 unique phosphorylated proteins. Out of these, 150 proteins were found only when ephrin B3 is expressed, whereas 66 proteins were found exclusively in U-1810 cells with silenced ephrin B3. Network analysis of changes in the phosphoproteome with regard to the presence or absence of ephrin B3 expression generated a hypothesis that the site specific phosphorylation on Ser-897 detected on the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor tyrosine kinase class A2 (EphA2) is critical for the survival of NSCLC cells. Upstream of the EphA2 phosphorylation, activation of Akt1 on Ser 129 was also revealed as part of the ephrin B3-mediated signaling pathway. Phosphorylation of these sites was further confirmed by immune-based strategies in combination with mass spectrometry. Moreover, by further stepwise pathway walking, annotating the phosphorylated sites and their corresponding kinases upstream, our data support the process in which a Heat shock protein 90 isoform (HSP90AA1) acts as a protector of EphA2, thereby saving it from degradation. In addition, protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is suggested as a dominant kinase, activating downstream substrates to generate the effects on NSCLC proliferation and morphology.

Lung cancer proteomics, clinical and technological considerations

The overall survival of lung cancer patients is disappointingly low. This is due to several factors, including the lack of an effective screening strategy to detect tumors at a potentially curable early stage, a marked resistance of lung cancer cells to drug treatment and a still superficial knowledge about the multifactorial cellular networks that are activated or suppressed during cancer progression. Furthermore, the armamentarium of clinicians and researchers in the field does not yet include reliable biomarkers to predict tumor response to treatment and foresee the natural history of the disease. In the present situation, a potential breakthrough is presented by proteomics technologies with the potential to discover relevant biomarkers which can be accurately quantified in multiplexed assays. Proteomics field can also contribute greatly in the understanding of mechanisms in tumor progression and treatment response. In this review we will describe the work that is being done in the field of lung cancer proteomics, focusing on clinically relevant questions that need to be addressed and on the possible applications of novel technologies.