1
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Cuyàs E, Pedarra S, Verdura S, Pardo MA, Espin Garcia R, Serrano-Hervás E, Llop-Hernández À, Teixidor E, Bosch-Barrera J, López-Bonet E, Martin-Castillo B, Lupu R, Pujana MA, Sardanyès J, Alarcón T, Menendez JA. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a tumor-cell-intrinsic metabolic checkpoint restricting T-cell immunity. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:417. [PMID: 39349429 PMCID: PMC11442875 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid synthase (FASN)-catalyzed endogenous lipogenesis is a hallmark of cancer metabolism. However, whether FASN is an intrinsic mechanism of tumor cell defense against T cell immunity remains unexplored. To test this hypothesis, here we combined bioinformatic analysis of the FASN-related immune cell landscape, real-time assessment of cell-based immunotherapy efficacy in CRISPR/Cas9-based FASN gene knockout (FASN KO) cell models, and mathematical and mechanistic evaluation of FASN-driven immunoresistance. FASN expression negatively correlates with infiltrating immune cells associated with cancer suppression, cytolytic activity signatures, and HLA-I expression. Cancer cells engineered to carry a loss-of-function mutation in FASN exhibit an enhanced cytolytic response and an accelerated extinction kinetics upon interaction with cytokine-activated T cells. Depletion of FASN results in reduced carrying capacity, accompanied by the suppression of mitochondrial OXPHOS and strong downregulation of electron transport chain complexes. Targeted FASN depletion primes cancer cells for mitochondrial apoptosis as it synergizes with BCL-2/BCL-XL-targeting BH3 mimetics to render cancer cells more susceptible to T-cell-mediated killing. FASN depletion prevents adaptive induction of PD-L1 in response to interferon-gamma and reduces constitutive overexpression of PD-L1 by abolishing PD-L1 post-translational palmitoylation. FASN is a novel tumor cell-intrinsic metabolic checkpoint that restricts T cell immunity and may be exploited to improve the efficacy of T cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Cuyàs
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
| | - Stefano Pedarra
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Verdura
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Pardo
- ProCURE, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Oncobell, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roderic Espin Garcia
- ProCURE, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Oncobell, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eila Serrano-Hervás
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
| | - Àngela Llop-Hernández
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
| | - Eduard Teixidor
- Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
- Precision Oncology Group (OncoGir-Pro), Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Bosch-Barrera
- Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
- Precision Oncology Group (OncoGir-Pro), Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical School, University of Girona, 17071, Girona, Spain
| | - Eugeni López-Bonet
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Dr. Josep Trueta Hospital of Girona, 17007, Girona, Spain
| | - Begoña Martin-Castillo
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Clinical Research, Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
| | - Ruth Lupu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Laboratory, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Miguel Angel Pujana
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
- ProCURE, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Oncobell, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Sardanyès
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomás Alarcón
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM), 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier A Menendez
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain.
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain.
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2
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Esquea EM, Ciraku L, Young RG, Merzy J, Talarico AN, Ahmed NN, Karuppiah M, Ramesh A, Chatoff A, Crispim CV, Rashad AA, Cocklin S, Snyder NW, Beld J, Simone NL, Reginato MJ, Dick A. Selective and brain-penetrant ACSS2 inhibitors target breast cancer brain metastatic cells. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1394685. [PMID: 38818373 PMCID: PMC11137182 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1394685] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) typically results in an end-stage diagnosis and is hindered by a lack of brain-penetrant drugs. Tumors in the brain rely on the conversion of acetate to acetyl-CoA by the enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2), a key regulator of fatty acid synthesis and protein acetylation. Here, we used a computational pipeline to identify novel brain-penetrant ACSS2 inhibitors combining pharmacophore-based shape screen methodology with absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) property predictions. We identified compounds AD-5584 and AD-8007 that were validated for specific binding affinity to ACSS2. Treatment of BCBM cells with AD-5584 and AD-8007 leads to a significant reduction in colony formation, lipid storage, acetyl-CoA levels and cell survival in vitro. In an ex vivo brain-tumor slice model, treatment with AD-8007 and AD-5584 reduced pre-formed tumors and synergized with irradiation in blocking BCBM tumor growth. Treatment with AD-8007 reduced tumor burden and extended survival in vivo. This study identifies selective brain-penetrant ACSS2 inhibitors with efficacy towards breast cancer brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Esquea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lorela Ciraku
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Riley G. Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jessica Merzy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexandra N. Talarico
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nusaiba N. Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mangalam Karuppiah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Anna Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adam Chatoff
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Claudia V. Crispim
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adel A. Rashad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nathaniel W. Snyder
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joris Beld
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nicole L. Simone
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Cancer Risk and Control Program, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mauricio J. Reginato
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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3
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Cui Y, Man S, Tao J, Liu Y, Ma L, Guo L, Huang L, Liu C, Gao W. The lipid droplet in cancer: From being a tumor-supporting hallmark to clinical therapy. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14087. [PMID: 38247395 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14087] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Abnormal lipid metabolism, one of the hallmarks in cancer, has gradually emerged as a novel target for cancer treatment. As organelles that store and release excess lipids, lipid droplets (LDs) resemble "gears" and facilitate cancer development in the body. AIM This review discusses the life cycle of LDs, the relationship between abnormal LDs and cancer hallmarks, and the application of LDs in theragnostic and clinical contexts to provide a contemporary understanding of the role of LDs in cancer. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and SPORTDiscus. Retrieve and summarize clinical trials of drugs that target proteins associated with LD formation using the Clinical Trials website. Create a schematic diagram of lipid droplets in the tumor microenvironment using Adobe Illustrator. CONCLUSION As one of the top ten hallmarks of cancer, abnormal lipid metabolism caused by excessive generation of LDs interrelates with other hallmarks. The crosstalk between excessive LDs and intracellular free fatty acids (FFAs) promotes an inflammatory environment that supports tumor growth. Moreover, LDs contribute to cancer metastasis and cell death resistance in vivo. Statins, as HMGCR inhibitors, are promising to be the pioneering commercially available anti-cancer drugs that target LD formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiejing Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Lanping Guo
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luqi Huang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Changxiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Release Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research Co and Ltd., Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyuan Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Menendez JA, Cuyàs E, Encinar JA, Vander Steen T, Verdura S, Llop‐Hernández À, López J, Serrano‐Hervás E, Osuna S, Martin‐Castillo B, Lupu R. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) signalome: A molecular guide for precision oncology. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:479-516. [PMID: 38158755 PMCID: PMC10920094 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The initial excitement generated more than two decades ago by the discovery of drugs targeting fatty acid synthase (FASN)-catalyzed de novo lipogenesis for cancer therapy was short-lived. However, the advent of the first clinical-grade FASN inhibitor (TVB-2640; denifanstat), which is currently being studied in various phase II trials, and the exciting advances in understanding the FASN signalome are fueling a renewed interest in FASN-targeted strategies for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Here, we provide a detailed overview of how FASN can drive phenotypic plasticity and cell fate decisions, mitochondrial regulation of cell death, immune escape and organ-specific metastatic potential. We then present a variety of FASN-targeted therapeutic approaches that address the major challenges facing FASN therapy. These include limitations of current FASN inhibitors and the lack of precision tools to maximize the therapeutic potential of FASN inhibitors in the clinic. Rethinking the role of FASN as a signal transducer in cancer pathogenesis may provide molecularly driven strategies to optimize FASN as a long-awaited target for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A. Menendez
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Elisabet Cuyàs
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Jose Antonio Encinar
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE) and Molecular and Cell Biology Institute (IBMC)Miguel Hernández University (UMH)ElcheSpain
| | - Travis Vander Steen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
- Mayo Clinic Cancer CenterRochesterMNUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology LaboratoryMayo Clinic LaboratoryRochesterMNUSA
| | - Sara Verdura
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Àngela Llop‐Hernández
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Júlia López
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Eila Serrano‐Hervás
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
- CompBioLab Group, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de QuímicaUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
| | - Sílvia Osuna
- CompBioLab Group, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de QuímicaUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
- ICREABarcelonaSpain
| | - Begoña Martin‐Castillo
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
- Unit of Clinical ResearchCatalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
| | - Ruth Lupu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
- Mayo Clinic Cancer CenterRochesterMNUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology LaboratoryMayo Clinic LaboratoryRochesterMNUSA
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5
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Yang J, Shay C, Saba NF, Teng Y. Cancer metabolism and carcinogenesis. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:10. [PMID: 38287402 PMCID: PMC10826200 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00482-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of cancer cells, enabling them to meet increased nutrient and energy demands while withstanding the challenging microenvironment. Cancer cells can switch their metabolic pathways, allowing them to adapt to different microenvironments and therapeutic interventions. This refers to metabolic heterogeneity, in which different cell populations use different metabolic pathways to sustain their survival and proliferation and impact their response to conventional cancer therapies. Thus, targeting cancer metabolic heterogeneity represents an innovative therapeutic avenue with the potential to overcome treatment resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes. This review discusses the metabolic patterns of different cancer cell populations and developmental stages, summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in the intricate interactions within cancer metabolism, and highlights the clinical potential of targeting metabolic vulnerabilities as a promising therapeutic regimen. We aim to unravel the complex of metabolic characteristics and develop personalized treatment approaches to address distinct metabolic traits, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Yang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Chloe Shay
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Xiao Y, Yang Y, Xiong H, Dong G. The implications of FASN in immune cell biology and related diseases. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:88. [PMID: 38272906 PMCID: PMC10810964 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06463-6] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Fatty acid metabolism, particularly fatty acid synthesis, is a very important cellular physiological process in which nutrients are used for energy storage and biofilm synthesis. As a key enzyme in the fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid synthase (FASN) is receiving increasing attention. Although previous studies on FASN have mainly focused on various malignancies, many studies have recently reported that FASN regulates the survival, differentiation, and function of various immune cells, and subsequently participates in the occurrence and development of immune-related diseases. However, few studies to date systematically summarized the function and molecular mechanisms of FASN in immune cell biology and related diseases. In this review, we discuss the regulatory effect of FASN on immune cells, and the progress in research on the implications of FASN in immune-related diseases. Understanding the function of FASN in immune cell biology and related diseases can offer insights into novel treatment strategies for clinical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucai Xiao
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China
| | - Yonghong Yang
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, 272007, Shandong, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China.
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China.
| | - Guanjun Dong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China.
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China.
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7
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Bingham PM, Zachar Z. Toward a Unifying Hypothesis for Redesigned Lipid Catabolism as a Clinical Target in Advanced, Treatment-Resistant Carcinomas. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14365. [PMID: 37762668 PMCID: PMC10531647 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814365] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We review extensive progress from the cancer metabolism community in understanding the specific properties of lipid metabolism as it is redesigned in advanced carcinomas. This redesigned lipid metabolism allows affected carcinomas to make enhanced catabolic use of lipids in ways that are regulated by oxygen availability and is implicated as a primary source of resistance to diverse treatment approaches. This oxygen control permits lipid catabolism to be an effective energy/reducing potential source under the relatively hypoxic conditions of the carcinoma microenvironment and to do so without intolerable redox side effects. The resulting robust access to energy and reduced potential apparently allow carcinoma cells to better survive and recover from therapeutic trauma. We surveyed the essential features of this advanced carcinoma-specific lipid catabolism in the context of treatment resistance and explored a provisional unifying hypothesis. This hypothesis is robustly supported by substantial preclinical and clinical evidence. This approach identifies plausible routes to the clinical targeting of many or most sources of carcinoma treatment resistance, including the application of existing FDA-approved agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Bingham
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
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8
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Cheng YJ, Fan F, Zhang Z, Zhang HJ. Lipid metabolism in malignant tumor brain metastasis: reprogramming and therapeutic potential. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:861-878. [PMID: 37668244 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2255377] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain metastasis is a highly traumatic event in the progression of malignant tumors, often symbolizing higher mortality. Metabolic alterations are hallmarks of cancer, and the mask of lipid metabolic program rearrangement in cancer progression is gradually being unraveled. AREAS COVERED In this work, we reviewed clinical and fundamental studies related to lipid expression and activity changes in brain metastases originating from lung, breast, and cutaneous melanomas, respectively. Novel roles of lipid metabolic reprogramming in the development of brain metastasis from malignant tumors were identified and its potential as a therapeutic target was evaluated. Published literature and clinical studies in databases consisting of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and www.ClinicalTrials.gov from 1990 to 2022 were searched. EXPERT OPINION Lipid metabolic reprogramming in brain metastasis is involved in de novo lipid synthesis within low lipid availability environments, regulation of lipid uptake and storage, metabolic interactions between brain tumors and the brain microenvironment, and membrane lipid remodeling, in addition to being a second messenger for signal transduction. Although some lipid metabolism modulators work efficiently in preclinical models, there is still a long way to go from laboratory to clinic. This area of research holds assurance for the organ-targeted treatment of brain metastases through drug-regulated metabolic targets and dietary interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jie Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Jun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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9
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Chu Q, Liu P, Song Y, Yang R, An J, Zhai X, Niu J, Yang C, Li B. Stearate-derived very long-chain fatty acids are indispensable to tumor growth. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111268. [PMID: 36408830 PMCID: PMC9841326 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of lipid metabolism is emerging as a hallmark of cancer, yet involvement of specific fatty acids (FA) species and related enzymes in tumorigenesis remains unclear. While previous studies have focused on involvement of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) including palmitate in cancer, little attention has been paid to the role of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). Here, we show that depletion of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC1), a critical enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, inhibits both de novo synthesis and elongation of VLCFAs in human cancer cells. ACC1 depletion markedly reduces cellular VLCFA but only marginally influences LCFA levels, including palmitate that can be nutritionally available. Therefore, tumor growth is specifically susceptible to regulation of VLCFAs. We further demonstrate that VLCFA deficiency results in a significant decrease in ceramides as well as downstream glucosylceramides and sphingomyelins, which impairs mitochondrial morphology and renders cancer cells sensitive to oxidative stress and cell death. Taken together, our study highlights that VLCFAs are selectively required for cancer cell survival and reveals a potential strategy to suppress tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyun Chu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of GeriatricsXinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yihan Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ronghui Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jing An
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xuewei Zhai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jing Niu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chuanzhen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Binghui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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Liu B, Peng Q, Wang YW, Qiu J, Zhu J, Ma R. Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of fatty acid synthase in breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1153076. [PMID: 37124526 PMCID: PMC10135304 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1153076] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) was demonstrated in various tumors including breast cancer. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the role of FASN in breast cancer development and its potential prognostic significance. Methods The Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify studies that evaluated the relationship between FASN expression and overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) of breast cancer patients. To analyze the clinicopathological and prognostic values of FASN expression in breast cancer, pooled hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were clustered based on random-effects models. To confirm whether the findings were stable and impartial, a sensitivity analysis was performed, and publication bias was estimated. Data were analyzed using Engauge Digitizer version 5.4 and Stata version 15.0. Results Five studies involving 855 participants were included. Patients with higher FASN expression did not have a shorter survival period compared to those with lower FASN expression (summary HR: OS, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.41-1.32; P=0.300]; DFS/RFS, 1.65 [95% CI, 0.61-4.43; P=0.323]). However, increased FASN expression was correlated with large tumor size (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.04-4.00; P=0.038), higher human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.05-2.23; P=0.028). No significant associations were observed between FASN expression and histological grade (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.41-2.04; P=0.832), Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.49-2.53; P=0.795), nodal metastasis (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.84-2.38; P=0.183), Ki-67 labelling index (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.15-2.63; P=0.533), estrogen receptor (ER) status (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.61-1.32; P=0.586), or progesterone receptor (PR) status (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.29-1.56; P=0.354). Conclusion FASN is associated with HER2 expression and may contribute to tumor growth, but it has no significant impact on the overall prognosis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyan Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qi Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ya-Wen Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianhao Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Rong Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Ma,
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AZ12756122, a novel fatty acid synthase inhibitor, decreases resistance features in EGFR-TKI resistant EGFR-mutated NSCLC cell models. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113942. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Hypomethylated gene RAC3 induces cell proliferation and invasion by increasing FASN expression in endometrial cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 150:106274. [PMID: 35917927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most prevalent gynecological cancers with a 5-year survival rate of 20-60%. Feasible prognostic molecular biomarkers of EC are necessary for accurate prediction of EC prognosis. METHODS RAC3 is a member of the Rho GTPases. Public databases including Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA2), Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), LinkedOmics, Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), TISIDB and cBioPortal were employed to analyze the differential expression, clinicopathologic characteristics, functional networks, immune cell infiltrates and genetic alteration of RAC3 in EC patients. RESULTS RAC3 expression was elevated in EC patients analyzed by TIMER and GEPIA. Overexpression of RAC3 was obviously correlated with clinical stage, histological type, histological grade and DNA hypomethylation. Patients with high RAC3 expression displayed poor overall survival. Functional enrichment analysis showed that RAC3 was involved in translational initiation, DNA replication and mRNA processing. RAC3 expression was negatively associated with infiltrating levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells in EC. Experiments in vitro showed that RAC3 was upregulated in EC tissues and cell lines, and RAC3 induced cell proliferation and invasion by increasing fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression. CONCLUSION High expression of RAC3iscorrelated with poor prognosis and low infiltration of immune cells in EC. RAC3 promotes cell proliferation and invasion via FASN. These results demonstrate thatRAC3 functions as an EC oncogene and reveal its underlying mechanism in EC progression, suggesting that RAC3 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in EC.
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