1
|
Abdelmaksoud NM, Abulsoud AI, Abdelghany TM, Elshaer SS, Rizk SM, Senousy MA, Maurice NW. Uncovering SIRT3 and SHMT2-dependent pathways as novel targets for apigenin in modulating colorectal cancer: In vitro and in vivo studies. Exp Cell Res 2024:114150. [PMID: 38971519 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), identification of novel targets and treatment options are imperative for improving its prognosis and survival rates. The mitochondrial SIRT3 and SHMT2 have key roles in metabolic reprogramming and cell proliferation. This study investigated the potential use of the natural product apigenin in CRC treatment employing both in vivo and in vitro models and explored the role of SIRT3 and SHMT2 in apigenin-induced CRC apoptosis. The role of SHMT2 in CRC patients' survival was verified using TCGA database. In vivo, apigenin treatment restored the normal colon appearance. On the molecular level, apigenin augmented the immunohistochemical expression of cleaved caspase-3 and attenuated SIRT3 and SHMT2 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. CRC patients with decreased SHMT2 expression had improved overall and disease-free survival rates. In vitro, apigenin reduced the cell viability in a time-dependent manner, induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and increased the apoptotic cell population compared to the untreated control. Mechanistically, apigenin treatment mitigated the expression of SHMT2, SIRT3, and its upstream LINC01234 in CRC cells. Conclusively, apigenin induces caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in CRC through modulation of SIRT3-triggered mitochondrial pathway suggesting it is a promising therapeutic agent to improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nourhan M Abdelmaksoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, 3 Cairo-Belbeis Desert Road, P.O. Box 3020 El Salam, 11785 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11823, Egypt; Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, 3 Cairo-Belbeis Desert Road, P.O. Box 3020 El Salam, 11785 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Tamer M Abdelghany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11884, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, 3 Cairo-Belbeis Desert Road, P.O. Box 3020 El Salam, 11785 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shereen Saeid Elshaer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, 3 Cairo-Belbeis Desert Road, P.O. Box 3020 El Salam, 11785 Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11823, Egypt
| | - Sherine Maher Rizk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud A Senousy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Technology, Egyptian Chinese University, Cairo, 11786, Egypt
| | - Nadine W Maurice
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu Y, Li Z, Zhang J, Liu W, Guan S, Zhan Y, Fang Y, Li Y, Deng H, Shen Z. DYNLL1 accelerates cell cycle via ILF2/CDK4 axis to promote hepatocellular carcinoma development and palbociclib sensitivity. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02719-2. [PMID: 38824222 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02719-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disorder of cell cycle represents as a major driver of hepatocarcinogenesis and constitutes an attractive therapeutic target. However, identifying key genes that respond to cell cycle-dependent treatments still facing critical challenges in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increasing evidence indicates that dynein light chain 1 (DYNLL1) is closely related to cell cycle progression and plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. In this study, we explored the role of DYNLL1 in the regulation of cell cycle progression in HCC. METHODS We analysed clinical specimens to assess the expression and predictive value of DYNLL1 in HCC. The oncogenic role of DYNLL1 was determined by gain or loss-of-function experiments in vitro, and xenograft tumour, liver orthotopic, and DEN/CCl4-induced mouse models in vivo. Mass spectrometry analysis, RNA sequencing, co-immunoprecipitation assays, and forward and reverse experiments were performed to clarify the mechanism by which DYNLL1 activates the interleukin-2 enhancer-binding factor 2 (ILF2)/CDK4 signalling axis. Finally, the sensitivity of HCC cells to palbociclib and sorafenib was assessed by apoptosis, cell counting kit-8, and colony formation assays in vitro, and xenograft tumour models and liver orthotopic models in vivo. RESULTS DYNLL1 was significantly higher in HCC tissues than that in normal liver tissues and closely related to the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with HCC. Importantly, DYNLL1 was identified as a novel hepatocarcinogenesis gene from both in vitro and in vivo evidence. Mechanistically, DYNLL1 could interact with ILF2 and facilitate the expression of ILF2, then ILF2 could interact with CDK4 mRNA and delay its degradation, which in turn activates downstream G1/S cell cycle target genes CDK4. Furthermore, palbociclib, a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, represents as a promising therapeutic strategy for DYNLL1-overexpressed HCC, alone or particularly in combination with sorafenib. CONCLUSIONS Our work uncovers a novel function of DYNLL1 in orchestrating cell cycle to promote HCC development and suggests a potential synergy of CDK4/6 inhibitor and sorafenib for the treatment of HCC patients, especially those with increased DYNLL1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuechen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Zhenkang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Shenyuan Guan
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Yizhi Zhan
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China.
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China.
| | - Haijun Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China.
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China.
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China.
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang L, He Y, Bai Y, Zhang S, Pang B, Chen A, Wu X. Construction and validation of a folate metabolism-related gene signature for predicting prognosis in HNSCC. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:198. [PMID: 38625586 PMCID: PMC11021263 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05731-4] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metabolic reprogramming is currently considered a hallmark of tumor and immune development. It is obviously of interest to identify metabolic enzymes that are associated with clinical prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). METHODS Candidate genes were screened to construct folate metabolism scores by Cox regression analysis. Functional enrichment between high- and low-folate metabolism groups was explored by GO, KEGG, GSVA, and ssGSEA. EPIC, MCPcounter, and xCell were utilized to explore immune cell infiltration between high- and low-folate metabolism groups. Relevant metabolic scores were calculated and visually analyzed by the "IOBR" software package. RESULTS To investigate the mechanism behind metabolic reprogramming of HNSCC, 2886 human genes associated with 86 metabolic pathways were selected. Folate metabolism is significantly enriched in HNSCC, and that the six-gene (MTHFD1L, MTHFD2, SHMT2, ATIC, MTFMT, and MTHFS) folate score accurately predicts and differentiates folate metabolism levels. Reprogramming of folate metabolism affects CD8T cell infiltration and induces immune escape through the MIF signaling pathway. Further research found that SHMT2, an enzyme involved in folate metabolism, inhibits CD8T cell infiltration and induces immune escape by regulating the MIF/CD44 signaling axis, which in turn promotes HNSCC progression. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a novel and robust folate metabolic signature. A folate metabolic signature comprising six genes was effective in assessing the prognosis and reflecting the immune status of HNSCC patients. The target molecule of folate metabolic reprogramming, SHMT2, probably plays a very important role in HNSCC development and immune escape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ye He
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yijiang Bai
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Pang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Anhai Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Xuewen Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bi X, Wang L, Li H, Ma Y, Guo R, Yue J, Kong L, Gong X, Jiao F, Chinn E, Hu J. MiR-383-5p inhibits the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting SHMT2. J Cancer 2024; 15:2746-2758. [PMID: 38577602 PMCID: PMC10988301 DOI: 10.7150/jca.89733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To explore the effects of miR-383-5p and serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) on the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Methods: SHMT2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma and normal tissues was investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to confirm SHMT2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal lung tissues. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays were used to analyze the relationship between miR-383-5p and SHMT2 expression. The protein expression levels of SHMT2, vimentin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Bcl-2, and cyclinD1 were analyzed using western blotting. The reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect SHMT2 knockdown efficiency, miR-383-5p overexpression, and inhibition efficiency. The proliferative ability of cells was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The Transwell assay was used to detect the migration ability of cells. Results: SHMT2 expression was significantly increased in patients with lung adenocarcinoma compared to that in control patients; the higher the SHMT2 expression the worse the outcomes were in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. SHMT2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lung adenocarcinoma A549 and H1299 cells. MiR-383-5p directly targeted and downregulated SHMT2 in A549 and H1299 cells. The effects of miRNA-383-5p on the proliferation and migration of these cells differed from those of SHMT2. Exogenous overexpression of SHMT2 reversed the miR-383-5p-induced proliferation and migration inhibition in A549 and H1299 cells. Conclusion: MiR-383-5p inhibits the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting and downregulating SHMT2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianxia Bi
- Peninsula Cancer Research Center of Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Luwei Wang
- Peninsula Cancer Research Center of Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Hua Li
- Yantai Environmental Sanitation Management Center, YanTai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Ruoyu Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Jicheng Yue
- Peninsula Cancer Research Center of Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Lijun Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Xiangqian Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yuhuangding Hospital, YanTai, Shandong 265499, P.R. China
| | - Fei Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Eugene Chinn
- Peninsula Cancer Research Center of Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Jinxia Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Katinas JM, Nayeen MJ, Schneider M, Shah K, Fifer AN, Klapper LM, Sharma A, Thalluri K, Van Nieuwenhze MS, Hou Z, Gangjee A, Matherly LH, Dann CE. Structural Characterization of 5-Substituted Pyrrolo[3,2- d]pyrimidine Antifolate Inhibitors in Complex with Human Serine Hydroxymethyl Transferase 2. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 38324671 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
We previously discovered first-in-class multitargeted 5-substituted pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine antifolates that inhibit serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2), resulting in potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacies. In this report, we present crystallographic structures for SHMT2 in complex with an expanded series of pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine compounds with variations in bridge length (3-5 carbons) and the side chain aromatic ring (phenyl, thiophene, fluorine-substituted phenyl, and thiophene). We evaluated structural features of the inhibitor-SHMT2 complexes and correlations to inhibitor potencies (i.e., Kis), highlighting conserved polar contacts and identifying 5-carbon bridge lengths as key determinants of inhibitor potency. Based on the analysis of SHMT2 structural data, we investigated the impact of mutation of Tyr105 in SHMT2 kinetic analysis and studies with HCT116 cells with inducible expression of wild-type and Y105F SHMT2. Increased enzyme inhibition potency by the pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine inhibitors with Phe105 SHMT2 accompanied an increased growth inhibition of Phe105-expressing HCT116 cells compared to wild-type SHMT2. Pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine inhibitors with polyglutamate modifications were evaluated for potencies against SHMT2. We determined the crystal structures of SHMT2 in complex with our lead antifolate AGF347 lacking L-glutamate, or as a diglutamate and triglutamate, for comparison with parent AGF347. These data provide the first insights into the influence of antifolate polyglutamylation on SHMT2:inhibitor interactions. Collectively, our results provide new insights into the critical structural determinants of SHMT2 binding by pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine inhibitors as novel antitumor agents, as well as the first structural characterization of human SHMT2 in complex with polyglutamates of an SHMT2-targeted antifolate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade M Katinas
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Md Junayed Nayeen
- School of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Mathew Schneider
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, 4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Khushbu Shah
- School of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Alexandra N Fifer
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Lily M Klapper
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Abhishekh Sharma
- School of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Kishore Thalluri
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | | | - Zhanjun Hou
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, 4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- School of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, 4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Charles E Dann
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shan Y, Liu D, Li Y, Wu C, Ye Y. The expression and clinical significance of serine hydroxymethyltransferase2 in gastric cancer. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16594. [PMID: 38188143 PMCID: PMC10771762 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumours in the digestive system. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) is one of the key enzymes associated with serine metabolism. However, the prognostic role of SHMT2 in GC carcinogenesis has yet to be studied. Methods The expression of SHMT2 in human tumors and normal tissues was detected by the Assistant for Clinical Bioinformatics and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship of the expression of SHMT2 with clinical characteristics and survival data was analysed by the chi-square test, survival analysis and online databases. Finally, the correlation between SHMT2 expression and associated signalling channels, and molecules was analysed by online databases. Results SHMT2 was strongly expressed in numerous human cancers. The expression rate of SHMT2 was 56.44% in GC (P = 0.018). The survival analysis indicated that patients with high expression of SHMT2 had the worse overall survival (OS; log-rank P = 0.007). The expression of SHMT2 was correlated with tumour size (P = 0.034) and, TNM stage (P = 0.042). In particular, SHMT2, vessel invasion and M stage were independent factors for OS in GC (P = 0.044, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). The SHMT2 gene was substantially correlated with cell signalling pathways. Conclusions SHMT2 is highly expressed in GC and is associated with a poor prognosis. The exploration of its mechanism may be related to tumour proliferation, DNA repair and replication. SHMT2 is an independent prognostic risk factor and a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Shan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dongdong Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingze Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chu Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanwei Ye
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ke D, Guo HH, Jiang N, Shi RS, Fan TY. Inhibition of UFM1 expression suppresses cancer progression and is linked to the dismal prognosis and immune infiltration in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:13059-13076. [PMID: 37980168 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205219] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ubiquitin fold modifier 1 (UFM1) overexpression is associated with cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. However, the roles and pathways of UFM1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has remained undefined. METHODS The expression of UFM1 and the relationship between UFM1 expression and prognosis were investigated using data of OSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The UFM1 co-expressed genes, and the association between the UFM1 expression and immune cells and ubiquitination were explored. The effects of UFM1 expression on the growth and migration of OSCC cells were investigated by siRNA interference, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell, Western blotting, and wound healing experiments. RESULTS UFM1 was highly expressed in OSCC. UFM1 overexpression was associated with short overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free interval, and was an adverse factor for prognosis in OSCC. UFM1-related nomograms were significantly associated with poor prognosis in OSCC patients. Decreased UFM1 expression could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. UFM1 was associated with the immune cells (such as the Th17 cells, T helper cells, and cytotoxic cells) and ubiquitination. CONCLUSION Elevated UFM1 expression was associated with poor prognosis, ubiquitination and immune infiltration in OSCC, and inhibition of UFM1 expression delayed OSCC progression, showing that UFM1 could be a biomarker for prognosis and treating OSCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Ke
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hao-Han Guo
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ni Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rong-Shu Shi
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Teng-Yang Fan
- Department of General Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Qiao Z, Li Y, Cheng Y, Li S, Liu S. SHMT2 regulates esophageal cancer cell progression and immune Escape by mediating m6A modification of c-myc. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:203. [PMID: 37932821 PMCID: PMC10629073 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01148-7] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the role of altered cellular metabolism in tumor progression has attracted widespread attention. Related metabolic enzymes have also been considered as potential cancer therapeutic targets. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) has been reported to be upregulated in several cancers and associated with poor prognosis. However, there are few studies of SHMT2 in esophageal cancer (EC), and the related functions and mechanisms also need to be further explored. METHODS In this study, we first analyzed SHMT2 expression in EC by online database and clinical samples. Then, the biological functions of SHMT2 in EC were investigated by cell and animal experiments. The intracellular m6A methylation modification levels were also evaluated by MeRIP. Linked genes and mechanisms of SHMT2 were analyzed by bioinformatics and rescue experiments. RESULTS We found that SHMT2 expression was abnormally upregulated in EC and associated with poor prognosis. Functionally, SHMT2 silencing suppressed c-myc expression in an m6A-dependent manner, thereby blocking the proliferation, migration, invasion and immune escape abilities of EC cells. Mechanistically, SHMT2 encouraged the accumulation of methyl donor SAM through a one-carbon metabolic network, thereby regulating the m6A modification and stability of c-myc mRNA in a METTL3/FTO/ALKBH5/IGF2BP2-dependent way. In vivo animal experiments also demonstrated that SHMT2 mediated MYC expression by m6A-methylation modification, thus boosting EC tumorigenesis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our data illustrated that SHMT2 regulated malignant progression and immune escape of EC cell through c-myc m6A modification. These revealed mechanisms related to SHMT2 in EC and maybe offer promise for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Qiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shaomin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shiyuan Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nayeen MJ, Katinas JM, Magdum T, Shah K, Wong JE, O’Connor CE, Fifer AN, Wallace-Povirk A, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Dann CE, Gangjee A. Structure-Based Design of Transport-Specific Multitargeted One-Carbon Metabolism Inhibitors in Cytosol and Mitochondria. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11294-11323. [PMID: 37582241 PMCID: PMC10461232 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Multitargeted agents provide tumor selectivity with reduced drug resistance and dose-limiting toxicities. We previously described the multitargeted 6-substituted pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine antifolate 1 with activity against early- and late-stage pancreatic tumors with limited tumor selectivity. Structure-based design with our human serine hydroxymethyl transferase (SHMT) 2 and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFTase) structures, and published X-ray crystal structures of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/inosine monophosphate cyclohydrolase (ATIC), SHMT1, and folate receptor (FR) α and β afforded 11 analogues. Multitargeted inhibition and selective tumor transport were designed by providing promiscuous conformational flexibility in the molecules. Metabolite rescue identified mitochondrial C1 metabolism along with de novo purine biosynthesis as the targeted pathways. We identified analogues with tumor-selective transport via FRs and increased SHMT2, SHMT1, and GARFTase inhibition (28-, 21-, and 11-fold, respectively) compared to 1. These multitargeted agents represent an exciting new structural motif for targeted cancer therapy with substantial advantages of selectivity and potency over clinically used antifolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Junayed Nayeen
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Jade M. Katinas
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47408, United States
| | - Tejashree Magdum
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Khushbu Shah
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Jennifer E. Wong
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47408, United States
| | - Carrie E. O’Connor
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Alexandra N. Fifer
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47408, United States
| | - Adrianne Wallace-Povirk
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Molecular
Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos
Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Larry H. Matherly
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Molecular
Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos
Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Charles E. Dann
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47408, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schiffman SS, Scholl EH, Furey TS, Nagle HT. Toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties of sucralose-6-acetate and its parent sucralose: in vitro screening assays. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2023; 26:307-341. [PMID: 37246822 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2023.2213903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties of sucralose-6-acetate, a structural analog of the artificial sweetener sucralose. Sucralose-6-acetate is an intermediate and impurity in the manufacture of sucralose, and recent commercial sucralose samples were found to contain up to 0.67% sucralose-6-acetate. Studies in a rodent model found that sucralose-6-acetate is also present in fecal samples with levels up to 10% relative to sucralose which suggest that sucralose is also acetylated in the intestines. A MultiFlow® assay, a high-throughput genotoxicity screening tool, and a micronucleus (MN) test that detects cytogenetic damage both indicated that sucralose-6-acetate is genotoxic. The mechanism of action was classified as clastogenic (produces DNA strand breaks) using the MultiFlow® assay. The amount of sucralose-6-acetate in a single daily sucralose-sweetened drink might far exceed the threshold of toxicological concern for genotoxicity (TTCgenotox) of 0.15 µg/person/day. The RepliGut® System was employed to expose human intestinal epithelium to sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose, and an RNA-seq analysis was performed to determine gene expression induced by these exposures. Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer with greatest expression for the metallothionein 1 G gene (MT1G). Measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability in human transverse colon epithelium indicated that sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose both impaired intestinal barrier integrity. Sucralose-6-acetate also inhibited two members of the cytochrome P450 family (CYP1A2 and CYP2C19). Overall, the toxicological and pharmacokinetic findings for sucralose-6-acetate raise significant health concerns regarding the safety and regulatory status of sucralose itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan S Schiffman
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina/North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Terrence S Furey
- Departments of Genetics and Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - H Troy Nagle
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina/North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhou X, Tian C, Cao Y, Zhao M, Wang K. The role of serine metabolism in lung cancer: From oncogenesis to tumor treatment. Front Genet 2023; 13:1084609. [PMID: 36699468 PMCID: PMC9868472 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1084609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is an important hallmark of malignant tumors. Serine is a non-essential amino acid involved in cell proliferation. Serine metabolism, especially the de novo serine synthesis pathway, forms a metabolic network with glycolysis, folate cycle, and one-carbon metabolism, which is essential for rapidly proliferating cells. Owing to the rapid development in metabolomics, abnormal serine metabolism may serve as a biomarker for the early diagnosis and pathological typing of tumors. Targeting serine metabolism also plays an essential role in precision and personalized cancer therapy. This article is a systematic review of de novo serine biosynthesis and the link between serine and folate metabolism in tumorigenesis, particularly in lung cancer. In addition, we discuss the potential of serine metabolism to improve tumor treatment.
Collapse
|