1
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Lee JK, Chatterjee A, Scarpa M, Bailey CM, Niyongere S, Singh P, Mustafa Ali MK, Kapoor S, Wang Y, Silvestri G, Baer MR. Pim Kinase Inhibitors Increase Gilteritinib Cytotoxicity in FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia Through GSK-3β Activation and c-Myc and Mcl-1 Proteasomal Degradation. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:431-445. [PMID: 38284896 PMCID: PMC10870818 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) has poor outcomes. FLT3-ITD drives constitutive and aberrant FLT3 signaling, activating STAT5 and upregulating the downstream oncogenic serine/threonine kinase Pim-1. FLT3 inhibitors are in clinical use, but with limited and transient efficacy. We previously showed that concurrent treatment with Pim and FLT3 inhibitors increases apoptosis induction in FLT3-ITD-expressing cells through posttranslational downregulation of Mcl-1. Here we further elucidate the mechanism of action of this dual targeting strategy. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis and protein expression and turnover were measured in FLT3-ITD-expressing cell lines and AML patient blasts treated with the FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib and/or the Pim inhibitors AZD1208 or TP-3654. Pim inhibitor and gilteritinib cotreatment increased apoptosis induction, produced synergistic cytotoxicity, downregulated c-Myc protein expression, earlier than Mcl-1, increased turnover of both proteins, which was rescued by proteasome inhibition, and increased efficacy and prolonged survival in an in vivo model. Gilteritinib and Pim inhibitor cotreatment of Ba/F3-ITD cells infected with T58A c-Myc or S159A Mcl-1 plasmids, preventing phosphorylation at these sites, did not downregulate these proteins, increase their turnover or increase apoptosis induction. Moreover, concurrent treatment with gilteritinib and Pim inhibitors dephosphorylated (activated) the serine/threonine kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and GSK-3β inhibition prevented c-Myc and Mcl-1 downregulation and decreased apoptosis induction. The data are consistent with c-Myc T58 and Mcl-1 S159 phosphorylation by activated GSK-3β as the mechanism of action of gilteritinib and Pim inhibitor combination treatment, further supporting GSK-3β activation as a therapeutic strategy in FLT3-ITD AML. SIGNIFICANCE FLT3-ITD is present in 25% of in AML, with continued poor outcomes. Combining Pim kinase inhibitors with the FDA-approved FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib increases cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo through activation of GSK-3β, which phosphorylates and posttranslationally downregulates c-Myc and Mcl-1. The data support efficacy of GSK-3β activation in FLT3-ITD AML, and also support development of a clinical trial combining the Pim inhibitor TP-3654 with gilteritinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonelle K. Lee
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aditi Chatterjee
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mario Scarpa
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christopher M. Bailey
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sandrine Niyongere
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Prerna Singh
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Moaath K. Mustafa Ali
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shivani Kapoor
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yin Wang
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Giovannino Silvestri
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Maria R. Baer
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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2
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Fisher-Wellman KH, Hagen JT, Kassai M, Kao LP, Nelson MAM, McLaughlin KL, Coalson HS, Fox TE, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Kester M, Loughran TP, Claxton DF, Cabot MC. Alterations in sphingolipid composition and mitochondrial bioenergetics represent synergistic therapeutic vulnerabilities linked to multidrug resistance in leukemia. FASEB J 2021; 36:e22094. [PMID: 34888943 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101194rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Modifications in sphingolipid (SL) metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics are key factors implicated in cancer cell response to chemotherapy, including chemotherapy resistance. In the present work, we utilized acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, selected to be refractory to various chemotherapeutics, to explore the interplay between SL metabolism and mitochondrial biology supportive of multidrug resistance (MDR). In agreement with previous findings in cytarabine or daunorubicin resistant AML cells, relative to chemosensitive wildtype controls, HL-60 cells refractory to vincristine (HL60/VCR) presented with alterations in SL enzyme expression and lipidome composition. Such changes were typified by upregulated expression of various ceramide detoxifying enzymes, as well as corresponding shifts in ceramide, glucosylceramide, and sphingomyelin (SM) molecular species. With respect to mitochondria, despite consistent increases in both basal respiration and maximal respiratory capacity, direct interrogation of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system revealed intrinsic deficiencies in HL60/VCR, as well as across multiple MDR model systems. Based on the apparent requirement for augmented SL and mitochondrial flux to support the MDR phenotype, we explored a combinatorial therapeutic paradigm designed to target each pathway. Remarkably, despite minimal cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), co-targeting SL metabolism, and respiratory complex I (CI) induced synergistic cytotoxicity consistently across multiple MDR leukemia models. Together, these data underscore the intimate connection between cellular sphingolipids and mitochondrial metabolism and suggest that pharmacological intervention across both pathways may represent a novel treatment strategy against MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - James T Hagen
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Miki Kassai
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Li-Pin Kao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Margaret A M Nelson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kelsey L McLaughlin
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah S Coalson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David F Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.,Penn state Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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3
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Jennemann R, Volz M, Bestvater F, Schmidt C, Richter K, Kaden S, Müthing J, Gröne HJ, Sandhoff R. Blockade of Glycosphingolipid Synthesis Inhibits Cell Cycle and Spheroid Growth of Colon Cancer Cells In Vitro and Experimental Colon Cancer Incidence In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910539. [PMID: 34638879 PMCID: PMC8508865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in humans. At early stages CRC is treated by surgery and at advanced stages combined with chemotherapy. We examined here the potential effect of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS)-inhibition on CRC biology. GCS is the rate-limiting enzyme in the glycosphingolipid (GSL)-biosynthesis pathway and overexpressed in many human tumors. We suppressed GSL-biosynthesis using the GCS inhibitor Genz-123346 (Genz), NB-DNJ (Miglustat) or by genetic targeting of the GCS-encoding gene UDP-glucose-ceramide-glucosyltransferase- (UGCG). GCS-inhibition or GSL-depletion led to a marked arrest of the cell cycle in Lovo cells. UGCG silencing strongly also inhibited tumor spheroid growth in Lovo cells and moderately in HCT116 cells. MS/MS analysis demonstrated markedly elevated levels of sphingomyelin (SM) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) that occurred in a Genz-concentration dependent manner. Ultrastructural analysis of Genz-treated cells indicated multi-lamellar lipid storage in vesicular compartments. In mice, Genz lowered the incidence of experimentally induced colorectal tumors and in particular the growth of colorectal adenomas. These results highlight the potential for GCS-based inhibition in the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Jennemann
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.V.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Martina Volz
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.V.); (R.S.)
| | - Felix Bestvater
- Light Microscopy Facility, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Claudia Schmidt
- Light Microscopy Facility, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Karsten Richter
- Core Facility Electron Microscopy, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.); (S.K.)
| | - Sylvia Kaden
- Core Facility Electron Microscopy, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.); (S.K.)
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Roger Sandhoff
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.V.); (R.S.)
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4
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Inoue C, Sobue S, Mizutani N, Kawamoto Y, Nishizawa Y, Ichihara M, Takeuchi T, Hayakawa F, Suzuki M, Ito T, Nozawa Y, Murate T. Vaticanol C, a phytoalexin, induces apoptosis of leukemia and cancer cells by modulating expression of multiple sphingolipid metabolic enzymes. NAGOYA JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2020; 82:261-280. [PMID: 32581406 PMCID: PMC7276413 DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.82.2.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) has recently attracted keen interest because of its pleiotropic effects. It exerts a wide range of health-promoting effects. In addition to health-promoting effects, RSV possesses anti-carcinogenic activity. However, a non-physiological concentration is needed to achieve an anti-cancer effect, and its in vivo bioavailability is low. Therefore, the clinical application of phytochemicals requires alternative candidates that induce the desired effects at a lower concentration and with increased bioavailability. We previously reported a low IC50 of vaticanol C (VTC), an RSV tetramer, among 12 RSV derivatives (Ito T. et al, 2003). However, the precise mechanism involved remains to be determined. Here, we screened an in-house chemical library bearing RSV building blocks ranging from dimers to octamers for cytotoxic effects in several leukemia and cancer cell lines and their anti-cancer drug-resistant sublines. Among the compounds, VTC exhibited the highest cytotoxicity, which was partially inhibited by a caspase 3 inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK. VTC decreased the expression of sphingosine kinase 1, sphingosine kinase 2 and glucosylceramide synthase by transcriptional or post-transcriptional mechanisms, and increased cellular ceramides/dihydroceramides and decreased sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). VTC-induced sphingolipid rheostat modulation (the ratio of ceramide/S1P) is thought to be involved in cellular apoptosis. Indeed, exogenous S1P addition modulated VTC cytotoxicity significantly. A combination of SPHK1, SPHK2, and GCS chemical inhibitors induced sphingolipid rheostat modulation, cell growth suppression, and cytotoxicity similar to that of VTC. These results suggest the involvement of sphingolipid metabolism in VTC-induced cytotoxicity, and indicate VTC is a promising prototype for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Inoue
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Sayaka Sobue
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Naoki Mizutani
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | | | - Yuji Nishizawa
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | | | - Toshiyuki Takeuchi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Hayakawa
- Department of Medical Technology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Motoshi Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Ito
- Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.,Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Health and Environmental Sciences, Kakamigahara, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Murate
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
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5
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Choi MK, Song IS. Recent advances in the formulation of sphingolipid anticancer therapeutics. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-020-00475-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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6
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Abstract
Mechanistic details for the roles of sphingolipids and their downstream targets in the regulation of tumor growth, response to chemo/radiotherapy, and metastasis have been investigated in recent studies using innovative molecular, genetic and pharmacologic tools in various cancer models. Induction of ceramide generation in response to cellular stress by chemotherapy, radiation, or exogenous ceramide analog drugs mediates cell death via apoptosis, necroptosis, or mitophagy. In this chapter, distinct functions and mechanisms of action of endogenous ceramides with different fatty acyl chain lengths in the regulation of cancer cell death versus survival will be discussed. In addition, importance of ceramide subcellular localization, trafficking, and lipid-protein binding between ceramide and various target proteins in cancer cells will be reviewed. Moreover, clinical trials from structure-function-based studies to restore antiproliferative ceramide signaling by activating ceramide synthesis will also be analyzed. Future studies are important to understand the mechanistic involvement of ceramide-mediated cell death in anticancer therapy, including immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Nganga
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Natalia Oleinik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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7
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Targeting sphingolipid metabolism as an approach for combination therapies in haematological malignancies. Cell Death Discov 2018; 4:72. [PMID: 30062053 PMCID: PMC6060109 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-018-0075-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy-based drug combinations have, until recently, been the backbone of most therapeutic strategies for cancer. In a time of emerging rationale drug development, targeted therapies are beginning to be added to traditional chemotherapeutics to synergistically enhance clinical responses. Of note, the importance of pro-apoptotic ceramide in mediating the anti-cancer effects of these therapies is becoming more apparent. Furthermore, reduced cellular ceramide in favour of pro-survival sphingolipids correlates with tumorigenesis and most importantly, drug resistance. Thus, agents that manipulate sphingolipid metabolism have been explored as potential anti-cancer agents and have recently demonstrated exciting potential to augment the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics. This review examines the biology underpinning these observations and the potential use of sphingolipid manipulating agents in the context of existing and emerging therapies for haematological malignancies. • Efficacy of many chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies is dictated by cellular ceramide levels. • Oncogene activation skews sphingolipid metabolism to favour the production of pro-survival sphingolipids. • Inhibitors of enzymes involved in ceramide metabolism exhibit promise in the relapsed-refractory setting. • Anti-cancer activity of sphingosine kinase inhibitors provides several options for new drug combinations. Open Questions • What other clinically utilised drugs rely on increases in ceramide levels for their efficacy and can they be effectively partnered with other ceramide inducing agents? • How does ceramide modulate the Bcl-2 family proteins, Mcl-1 and Bcl-2? • Are sphingolipid enzyme inhibitors best suited in the frontline or relapsed-refractory setting?
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8
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Piulats JM, Vidal A, García-Rodríguez FJ, Muñoz C, Nadal M, Moutinho C, Martínez-Iniesta M, Mora J, Figueras A, Guinó E, Padullés L, Aytés À, Molleví DG, Puertas S, Martínez-Fernández C, Castillo W, Juliachs M, Moreno V, Muñoz P, Stefanovic M, Pujana MA, Condom E, Esteller M, Germà JR, Capella G, Farré L, Morales A, Viñals F, García-del-Muro X, Cerón J, Villanueva A. Orthoxenografts of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Demonstrate Genomic Changes Associated with Cisplatin Resistance and Identify PDMP as a Resensitizing Agent. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:3755-3766. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Guri Y, Colombi M, Dazert E, Hindupur SK, Roszik J, Moes S, Jenoe P, Heim MH, Riezman I, Riezman H, Hall MN. mTORC2 Promotes Tumorigenesis via Lipid Synthesis. Cancer Cell 2017; 32:807-823.e12. [PMID: 29232555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) promotes cancer, but underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We describe an mTOR-driven mouse model that displays hepatosteatosis progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Longitudinal proteomic, lipidomics, and metabolomic analyses revealed that hepatic mTORC2 promotes de novo fatty acid and lipid synthesis, leading to steatosis and tumor development. In particular, mTORC2 stimulated sphingolipid (glucosylceramide) and glycerophospholipid (cardiolipin) synthesis. Inhibition of fatty acid or sphingolipid synthesis prevented tumor development, indicating a causal effect in tumorigenesis. Increased levels of cardiolipin were associated with tubular mitochondria and enhanced oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, increased lipogenesis correlated with elevated mTORC2 activity and HCC in human patients. Thus, mTORC2 promotes cancer via formation of lipids essential for growth and energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakir Guri
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Colombi
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva Dazert
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jason Roszik
- Departments of Melanoma Medical Oncology and Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Suzette Moes
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul Jenoe
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus H Heim
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Riezman
- NCCR Chemical Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Howard Riezman
- NCCR Chemical Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael N Hall
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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10
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Jennemann R, Federico G, Mathow D, Rabionet M, Rampoldi F, Popovic ZV, Volz M, Hielscher T, Sandhoff R, Gröne HJ. Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma growth by blockade of glycosphingolipid synthesis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:109201-109216. [PMID: 29312601 PMCID: PMC5752514 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent cancers. In vitro studies suggest that growth and response to therapy of human carcinomas may depend on glycosphingolipid (GSL) expression. Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), encoded by the gene Ugcg, is the basic enzyme required for the synthesis of GSLs. Gene array analysis implied that Ugcg is significantly overexpressed in human HCC as compared to non-tumorous liver tissue. Therefore we have investigated whether tumor - genesis and - growth is altered in the absence of GSLs. An endogenous liver cancer model has been initiated by application of diethylnitrosamine in mice lacking Ugcg specifically in hepatocytes. We have now shown that hepatocellular tumor initiation and growth in mice is significantly inhibited by hepatic GSL deficiency in vivo. Neither the expression of cell cycle proteins, such as cyclins and pathways such as the MAP-kinase/Erk pathway nor the mTOR/Akt pathway as well as the number of liver infiltrating macrophages and T cells were essentially changed in tumors lacking GSLs. Significantly elevated bi-nucleation of atypical hepatocytes, a feature for impaired cytokinesis, was detected in tumors of mice lacking liver-specific GSLs. A reduction of proliferation and restricted growth of tumor microspheres due to delayed, GSL-dependent cytokinesis, analogous to the histopathologic phenotype in vivo could be demonstrated in vitro. GSL synthesis inhibition may thus constitute a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Jennemann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Giuseppina Federico
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Mathow
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mariona Rabionet
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesca Rampoldi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zoran V Popovic
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Volz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hielscher
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roger Sandhoff
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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11
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Lu PH, Chen MB, Liu YY, Wu MH, Li WT, Wei MX, Liu CY, Qin SK. Identification of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) as a primary target of icaritin in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:22800-22810. [PMID: 28206952 PMCID: PMC5410263 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive neoplasm. We aim to explore the anti-HCC activity by a natural prenylflavonoid icaritin. Icaritin was cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic when added to established (HepG2, KYN-2 and Huh-7 lines) and primary human HCC cells. At the signaling level, icaritin inhibited sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) activity in HCC cells, which led to pro-apoptotic ceramide production and JNK1 activation. SphK1 inhibition or silence (by shRNA/microRNA) mimicked icaritin-mediated cytotoxicity, and almost nullified icaritin's activity in HepG2 cells. Reversely, exogenous over-expression of SphK1 sensitized icaritin-induced HepG2 cell apoptosis. In vivo, oral administration of icaritin dramatically inhibited HepG2 xenograft growth in SCID mice. Further, SphK1 activity in icaritin-treated tumors was largely inhibited. In summary, icaritin exerts potent anti-HCC activity in vitro and in vivo. SphK1 inhibition could be the primary mechanism of its actions in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hua Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min-Bin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Mian-Hua Wu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Ting Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mu-Xin Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao-Ying Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Shu-Kui Qin
- People's Liberation Army Cancer Center, 81st Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Nanjing, China
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12
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Aoyama Y, Sobue S, Mizutani N, Inoue C, Kawamoto Y, Nishizawa Y, Ichihara M, Kyogashima M, Suzuki M, Nozawa Y, Murate T. Modulation of the sphingolipid rheostat is involved in paclitaxel resistance of the human prostate cancer cell line PC3-PR. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 486:551-557. [PMID: 28322796 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.03.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Taxoids are anti-cancer drugs frequently used to treat solid tumors, but they are sometimes ineffective and tumors may become resistant to their action. Here, we examined the involvement of sphingolipid metabolic enzymes in paclitaxel (PTX) resistance using a human prostate cancer cell line, PC3, and its PTX-resistant subline, PC3-PR. PTX (20 nM) suppressed cell proliferation and increased various ceramide species in PC3, but not PC3-PR, cells. PC3-PR contained higher S1P levels than did PC3, regardless of PTX treatment. Western blotting revealed that PC3-PR cells expressed higher levels of sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) and glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) but lower levels of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) and neutral sphingomyelinase 2 than did PC3 cells. Inhibition of SPHK1 using siRNA or a pharmacological inhibitor decreased S1P levels in PC3-PR cells and inhibited proliferation in the presence or absence of PTX, suggesting that SPHK1 is at least partially responsible for PTX resistance. Similarly, GCS inhibitors (PDMP and PPMP) increased cellular ceramides and suppressed the proliferation of PC3-PR. However, inhibition of proteasome function or histone deacetylase activity increased SMase and ceramide levels and suppressed PC3-PR proliferation. These results suggest that modulation of metabolic enzyme expression and alteration of the sphingolipid rheostat protects cancer cells against PTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Aoyama
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Sayaka Sobue
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Naoki Mizutani
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Chisato Inoue
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kawamoto
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Yuji Nishizawa
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ichihara
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Mamoru Kyogashima
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-0064, Japan
| | - Motoshi Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Murate
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan.
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13
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Zhang S, Deng Z, Yao C, Huang P, Zhang Y, Cao S, Li X. AT7867 Inhibits Human Colorectal Cancer Cells via AKT-Dependent and AKT-Independent Mechanisms. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169585. [PMID: 28081222 PMCID: PMC5231330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT is often hyper-activated in human colorectal cancers (CRC). This current study evaluated the potential anti-CRC activity by AT7867, a novel AKT and p70S6K1 (S6K1) dual inhibitor. We showed that AT7867 inhibited survival and proliferation of established (HT-29, HCT116 and DLD-1 lines) and primary human CRC cells. Meanwhile, it provoked caspase-dependent apoptosis in the CRC cells. Molecularly, AT7867 blocked AKT-S6K1 activation in CRC cells. Restoring AKT-S6K1 activation, via expression of a constitutively-active AKT1 ("ca-AKT1"), only partially attenuated AT7867-induced HT-29 cell death. Further studies demonstrated that AT7867 inhibited sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) activity to promote pro-apoptotic ceramide production in HT-29 cells. Such effects by AT7867 were independent of AKT inhibition. AT7867-indued ceramide production and subsequent HT-29 cell apoptosis were attenuated by co-treatment of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), but were potentiated with the glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) inhibitor PDMP. In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of AT7867 inhibited HT-29 xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. AKT activation was also inhibited in AT7867-treated HT-29 tumors. Together, the preclinical results suggest that AT7867 inhibits CRC cells via AKT-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengming Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Yao
- Orthopedic Department, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shibing Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (XL); (SC)
| | - Xiangcheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (XL); (SC)
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14
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Xie LM, Yau LF, Jiang ZH, Zhang LY, Xia Y, Wang JR. Sphingolipidomic study of davidiin-treated HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells using UHPLC-MS. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra11266a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
An improved sphingolipidomic approach demonstrated elevated dihydroceramide and sphinganine, which may be due to the inhibition effect of davidiin on DES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Min Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health
- Macau University of Science and Technology
- Taipa
- China
| | - Lee-Fong Yau
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health
- Macau University of Science and Technology
- Taipa
- China
| | - Zhi-Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health
- Macau University of Science and Technology
- Taipa
- China
| | - Li-Yan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy
- Guiyang University of Chinese Medicine
- Guiyang 550025
- China
| | - Yun Xia
- Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine
- Shanghai 201999
- China
| | - Jing-Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health
- Macau University of Science and Technology
- Taipa
- China
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15
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Stefanovic M, Tutusaus A, Martinez-Nieto GA, Bárcena C, de Gregorio E, Moutinho C, Barbero-Camps E, Villanueva A, Colell A, Marí M, García-Ruiz C, Fernandez-Checa JC, Morales A. Targeting glucosylceramide synthase upregulation reverts sorafenib resistance in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7:8253-67. [PMID: 26811497 PMCID: PMC4884990 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Evasive mechanisms triggered by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib reduce its efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Drug-resistant cancer cells frequently exhibit sphingolipid dysregulation, reducing chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity via the induction of ceramide-degrading enzymes. However, the role of ceramide in sorafenib therapy and resistance in HCC has not been clearly established. Our data reveals that ceramide-modifying enzymes, particularly glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), are upregulated during sorafenib treatment in hepatoma cells (HepG2 and Hep3B), and more importantly, in sorafenib-resistant cell lines. GCS silencing or pharmacological GCS inhibition sensitized hepatoma cells to sorafenib exposure. GCS inhibition, combined with sorafenib, triggered cytochrome c release and ATP depletion in sorafenib-treated hepatoma cells, leading to mitochondrial cell death after energetic collapse. Conversely, genetic GCS overexpression increased sorafenib resistance. Of interest, GCS inhibition improved sorafenib effectiveness in a xenograft mouse model, recovering drug sensitivity of sorafenib-resistant tumors in mice. In conclusion, our results reveal GCS induction as a mechanism of sorafenib resistance, suggesting that GCS targeting may be a novel strategy to increase sorafenib efficacy in HCC management, and point to target the mitochondria as the subcellular location where sorafenib therapy could be potentiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Stefanovic
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Bárcena
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Estefania de Gregorio
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Catia Moutinho
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Elisabet Barbero-Camps
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alberto Villanueva
- Translational Research Laboratory, Catalan Institute of Oncology - Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Colell
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carmen García-Ruiz
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jose C Fernandez-Checa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, Keck School of Medicine of The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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16
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Inhibition of ceramide glucosylation sensitizes lung cancer cells to ABC294640, a first-in-class small molecule SphK2 inhibitor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 476:230-236. [PMID: 27221045 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.05.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) is proposed as a novel oncotarget for lung cancer. Here, we studied the anti-lung cancer cell activity by ABC294640, a first-in-class SphK2 inhibitor. We showed that ABC294640 suppressed growth of primary and A549 human lung cancer cells, but sparing SphK2-low lung epithelial cells. Inhibition of SphK2 by ABC294640 increased ceramide accumulation, but decreased pro-survival sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) content, leading to lung cancer cell apoptosis activation. Significantly, we show that glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) might be a major resistance factor of ABC294640. The GCS inhibitor 1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP) or GCS shRNA/siRNA knockdown facilitated ABC294640-induced ceramide production and lung cancer cell apoptosis. Reversely, forced overexpression of GCS reduced ABC294640's sensitivity, resulting in decreased ceramide accumulation and apoptosis induction in A549 cells. These findings provide further evidences to support that targeting SphK2 by ABC294640 may be a rational treatment option for lung cancer. Ceramide glucosylation inhibition may further sensitize lung cancer cells to ABC294640.
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17
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Major apoptotic mechanisms and genes involved in apoptosis. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:8471-86. [PMID: 27059734 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5035-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As much as the cellular viability is important for the living organisms, the elimination of unnecessary or damaged cells has the opposite necessity for the maintenance of homeostasis in tissues, organs and the whole organism. Apoptosis, a type of cell death mechanism, is controlled by the interactions between several molecules and responsible for the elimination of unwanted cells from the body. Apoptosis can be triggered by intrinsically or extrinsically through death signals from the outside of the cell. Any abnormality in apoptosis process can cause various types of diseases from cancer to auto-immune diseases. Different gene families such as caspases, inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 family of genes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor gene superfamily, or p53 gene are involved and/or collaborate in the process of apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the basic features of apoptosis and have focused on the gene families playing critical roles, activation/inactivation mechanisms, upstream/downstream effectors, and signaling pathways in apoptosis on the basis of cancer studies. In addition, novel apoptotic players such as miRNAs and sphingolipid family members in various kind of cancer are discussed.
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18
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Abstract
Studies over the past two decades have identified ceramide as a multifunctional central molecule in the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway. Given its diverse tumor suppressive activities, molecular understanding of ceramide action will produce fundamental insights into processes that limit tumorigenesis and may identify key molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Ceramide can be activated by a diverse array of stresses such as heat shock, genotoxic damage, oxidative stress and anticancer drugs. Ceramide triggers a variety of tumor suppressive and anti-proliferative cellular programs such as apoptosis, autophagy, senescence, and necroptosis by activating or repressing key effector molecules. Defects in ceramide generation and metabolism in cancer contribute to tumor cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. The potent and versatile anticancer activity profile of ceramide has motivated drug development efforts to (re-)activate ceramide in established tumors. This review focuses on our current understanding of the tumor suppressive functions of ceramide and highlights the potential downstream targets of ceramide which are involved in its tumor suppressive action.
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19
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Noel A, Ingrand S, Barrier L. Inhibition of GSK3β by pharmacological modulation of sphingolipid metabolism occurs independently of ganglioside disturbance in a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease. Exp Neurol 2015; 271:308-18. [PMID: 26115843 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence implicates ganglioside and/or related-sphingolipid disturbance in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is not known whether these lipidic alterations are connected with other important features of AD, such as deregulated insulin/Akt/GSK3 signaling. In this study, we have treated neuroglioma cells expressing the double Swedish mutation of human amyloid precursor protein (H4APPsw) with several glycosphingolipid (GSL)-modulating agents, and we have analyzed the impact of the aberrant ganglioside composition on the GSK3 activation state. We found that both ceramide analogs D- and L-PDMP (1-phenyl 2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol), which have opposite effects on ganglioside synthesis, selectively inhibited GSK3β via Ser9 phosphorylation independently of the upstream insulin/Akt pathway. Conversely, the iminosugar N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ) which displayed similar reduction of gangliosides as D-PDMP, did not affect the phosphorylation state of GSK3β. Concurrently, while NB-DNJ did not modify the cellular ceramide content, both PDMP enantiomers strongly and equally reduced the levels of long-chain ceramide species. Altogether, our findings led us to hypothesize that the PDMP-induced altered ganglioside composition is not the principal mechanism involved in the inhibition of GSK3β, but seems to implicate, at least in part, their ability to reduce ceramide levels. Nevertheless, this study provides new information regarding the possibilities to target GSK3β through modulation of sphingolipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Noel
- Université Laval, Faculté de médecine, Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; University of Poitiers, Groupe de Recherche sur le Vieillissement Cérébral, GRéViC EA 3808, Poitiers, France
| | - Sabrina Ingrand
- Université de Poitiers, UFR Médecine & Pharmacie, Service de Biochimie et Toxicologie, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers cedex 9, France
| | - Laurence Barrier
- Université de Poitiers, UFR Médecine & Pharmacie, Service de Biochimie et Toxicologie, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers cedex 9, France.
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20
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Kitatani K, Taniguchi M, Okazaki T. Role of Sphingolipids and Metabolizing Enzymes in Hematological Malignancies. Mol Cells 2015; 38:482-95. [PMID: 25997737 PMCID: PMC4469906 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2015.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids such as ceramide, sphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingomyelin have been emerging as bioactive lipids since ceramide was reported to play a role in human leukemia HL-60 cell differentiation and death. Recently, it is well-known that ceramide acts as an inducer of cell death, that sphingomyelin works as a regulator for microdomain function of the cell membrane, and that sphingosine-1-phosphate plays a role in cell survival/proliferation. The lipids are metabolized by the specific enzymes, and each metabolite could be again returned to the original form by the reverse action of the different enzyme or after a long journey of many metabolizing/synthesizing pathways. In addition, the metabolites may serve as reciprocal bio-modulators like the rheostat between ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate. Therefore, the change of lipid amount in the cells, the subcellular localization and the downstream signal in a specific subcellular organelle should be clarified to understand the pathobiological significance of sphingolipids when extracellular stimulation induces a diverse of cell functions such as cell death, proliferation and migration. In this review, we focus on how sphingolipids and their metabolizing enzymes cooperatively exert their function in proliferation, migration, autophagy and death of hematopoetic cells, and discuss the way developing a novel therapeutic device through the regulation of sphingolipids for effectively inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell death in hematological malignancies such as leukemia, malignant lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Kitatani
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Sendai,
Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai,
Japan
| | - Makoto Taniguchi
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293,
Japan
| | - Toshiro Okazaki
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293,
Japan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Immunology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293,
Japan
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21
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SphK1 inhibitor II (SKI-II) inhibits acute myelogenous leukemia cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 460:903-8. [PMID: 25824043 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.03.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have identified sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) as a potential drug target for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the current study, we investigated the potential anti-leukemic activity of a novel and specific SphK1 inhibitor, SKI-II. We demonstrated that SKI-II inhibited growth and survival of human AML cell lines (HL-60 and U937 cells). SKI-II was more efficient than two known SphK1 inhibitors SK1-I and FTY720 in inhibiting AML cells. Meanwhile, it induced dramatic apoptosis in above AML cells, and the cytotoxicity by SKI-II was almost reversed by the general caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. SKI-II treatment inhibited SphK1 activation, and concomitantly increased level of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) precursor ceramide in AML cells. Conversely, exogenously-added S1P protected against SKI-II-induced cytotoxicity, while cell permeable short-chain ceramide (C6) aggravated SKI-II's lethality against AML cells. Notably, SKI-II induced potent apoptotic death in primary human AML cells, but was generally safe to the human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from healthy donors. In vivo, SKI-II administration suppressed growth of U937 leukemic xenograft tumors in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. These results suggest that SKI-II might be further investigated as a promising anti-AML agent.
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22
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Wang T, Wei J, Wang N, Ma JL, Hui PP. The glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor PDMP sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to MEK/ERK inhibitor AZD-6244. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 456:821-6. [PMID: 25498501 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Here we show that d,l-Threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP), a glycosphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor, increases the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to the novel MEK-ERK inhibitor AZD-6244. AZD-6244 and PDMP co-administration induced massive pancreatic cancer cell death and apoptosis, more potently than either drug alone. We discovered that AZD-6244 induced ceramide production in pancreatic cancer cells, yet the excess ceramide was metabolically removed in the long-term (24-48h). PDMP facilitated AZD-6244-induced ceramide production, and ceramide level remained elevated up to 48h. Meanwhile, exogenously-added cell-permeable short chain ceramide (C2) similarly sensitized AZD-6244's activity, the two caused substantial pancreatic cancer cell death and apoptosis. At the molecular level, PDMP and AZD-6244 co-treatment inactivated ERK1/2 and AKT-mTOR signalings simultaneously in pancreatic cancer cells, while either agent alone only affected one signaling. In summary, PDMP significantly increased the sensitivity of AZD-6244 in pancreatic cancer cells. This appears to involve a sustained ceramide production as well as concurrent block of ERK and AKT-mTOR signalings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Jue Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Jia-Li Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Ping-Ping Hui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China.
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23
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Tsai TT, Chuang YJ, Lin YS, Chang CP, Wan SW, Lin SH, Chen CL, Lin CF. Antibody-dependent enhancement infection facilitates dengue virus-regulated signaling of IL-10 production in monocytes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3320. [PMID: 25412261 PMCID: PMC4239119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interleukin (IL)-10 levels are increased in dengue virus (DENV)-infected patients with severe disorders. A hypothetical intrinsic pathway has been proposed for the IL-10 response during antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of DENV infection; however, the mechanisms of IL-10 regulation remain unclear. Principle Finding We found that DENV infection and/or attachment was sufficient to induce increased expression of IL-10 and its downstream regulator suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 in human monocytic THP-1 cells and human peripheral blood monocytes. IL-10 production was controlled by activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding (CREB), primarily through protein kinase A (PKA)- and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/PKB-regulated pathways, with PKA activation acting upstream of PI3K/PKB. DENV infection also caused glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β inactivation in a PKA/PI3K/PKB-regulated manner, and inhibition of GSK-3β significantly increased DENV-induced IL-10 production following CREB activation. Pharmacological inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) activity significantly decreased DENV-induced IL-10 production, whereas silencing Syk-associated C-type lectin domain family 5 member A caused a partial inhibition. ADE of DENV infection greatly increased IL-10 expression by enhancing Syk-regulated PI3K/PKB/GSK-3β/CREB signaling. We also found that viral load, but not serotype, affected the IL-10 response. Finally, modulation of IL-10 expression could affect DENV replication. Significance These results demonstrate that, in monocytes, IL-10 production is regulated by ADE through both an extrinsic and an intrinsic pathway, all involving a Syk-regulated PI3K/PKB/GSK-3β/CREB pathway, and both of which impact viral replication. IL-10 has multiple cellular functions, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the serum levels of IL-10 are significantly increased in DENV-infected patients with severe disorders. However, the molecular mechanism underlying DENV-induced IL-10 production is still unresolved. In this study, we demonstrate a molecular mechanism for DENV-induced IL-10 production, which may be exacerbated by ADE through Fcγ receptor-mediated extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, leading to IL-10/SOCS3-mediated advantages for viral replication. With or without Fcγ receptor- or CLEC5A-mediated DENV infection, a common Syk/PKA-regulated PI3K/PKB activation results in a decrease in GSK-3β activity followed by an increase in CREB-mediated IL-10 expression not only in THP-1 monocytic cells but also in human monocytes. Taken together, we demonstrate a potential regulation and a pathological role for ADE-induced IL-10 overproduction during DENV replication. Therefore, inhibiting immunosuppression by targeting the IL-10 pathways identified in this study may help to prevent the progression of severe dengue diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Ting Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jui Chuang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Shin Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Peng Chang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wen Wan
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hsiang Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Chen
- Center of Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiou-Feng Lin
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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24
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Chiu WH, Chen HHW, Chang JY, Luo SJ, Li CL, Chen CL, Su WC, Lin CF. Inhibiting glucosylceramide synthase facilitates the radiosensitizing effects of vinorelbine in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Cancer Lett 2014; 349:144-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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25
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Don AS, Lim XY, Couttas TA. Re-configuration of sphingolipid metabolism by oncogenic transformation. Biomolecules 2014; 4:315-53. [PMID: 24970218 PMCID: PMC4030989 DOI: 10.3390/biom4010315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The sphingolipids are one of the major lipid families in eukaryotes, incorporating a diverse array of structural variants that exert a powerful influence over cell fate and physiology. Increased expression of sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), which catalyses the synthesis of the pro-survival, pro-angiogenic metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), is well established as a hallmark of multiple cancers. Metabolic alterations that reduce levels of the pro-apoptotic lipid ceramide, particularly its glucosylation by glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), have frequently been associated with cancer drug resistance. However, the simple notion that the balance between ceramide and S1P, often referred to as the sphingolipid rheostat, dictates cell survival contrasts with recent studies showing that highly potent and selective SPHK1 inhibitors do not affect cancer cell proliferation or survival, and studies demonstrating higher ceramide levels in some metastatic cancers. Recent reports have implicated other sphingolipid metabolic enzymes such as acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) more strongly in cancer pathogenesis, and highlight lysosomal sphingolipid metabolism as a possible weak point for therapeutic targeting in cancer. This review describes the evidence implicating different sphingolipid metabolic enzymes and their products in cancer pathogenesis, and suggests how newer systems-level approaches may improve our overall understanding of how oncogenic transformation reconfigures sphingolipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Don
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Xin Y Lim
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Timothy A Couttas
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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26
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Lee YK, Lin TH, Chang CF, Lo YL. Galectin-3 silencing inhibits epirubicin-induced ATP binding cassette transporters and activates the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway via β-catenin/GSK-3β modulation in colorectal carcinoma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82478. [PMID: 24303084 PMCID: PMC3841143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR), an unfavorable factor compromising the treatment efficacy of anticancer drugs, involves the upregulation of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters and induction of galectin-3 signaling. Galectin-3 plays an anti-apoptotic role in many cancer cells and regulates various pathways to activate MDR. Thus, the inhibition of galectin-3 has the potential to enhance the efficacy of the anticancer drug epirubicin. In this study, we examined the effects and mechanisms of silencing galectin-3 via RNA interference (RNAi) on the β-catenin/GSK-3β pathway in human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells. Galectin-3 knockdown increased the intracellular accumulation of epirubicin in Caco-2 cells; suppressed the mRNA expression of galectin-3, β-catenin, cyclin D1, c-myc, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), MDR-associated protein (MRP) 1, and MRP2; and downregulated the protein expression of P-gp, cyclin D1, galectin-3, β-catenin, c-Myc, and Bcl-2. Moreover, galectin-3 RNAi treatment significantly increased the mRNA level of GSK-3β, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9; remarkably increased the Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio; and upregulated the GSK-3β and Bax protein expressions. Apoptosis was induced by galectin-3 RNAi and/or epirubicin as demonstrated by chromatin condensation, a higher sub-G1 phase proportion, and increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity, indicating an intrinsic/mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Epirubicin-mediated resistance was effectively inhibited via galectin-3 RNAi treatment. However, these phenomena could be rescued after galectin-3 overexpression. We show for the first time that the silencing of galectin-3 sensitizes MDR cells to epirubicin by inhibiting ABC transporters and activating the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis through modulation of the β-catenin/GSK-3β pathway in human colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Kuo Lee
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National University of Tainan, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Fa Chang
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CFC); (YLL)
| | - Yu-Li Lo
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National University of Tainan, Tainan, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CFC); (YLL)
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27
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Abstract
Non-surgical therapies for human malignancies must negotiate complex cell signaling pathways to impede cancer cell growth, ideally promoting death of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. For most of the past half century, medical approaches for treating cancer have relied primarily on cytotoxic chemotherapeutics that interfere with DNA replication and cell division, susceptibilities of rapidly dividing cancer cells. As a consequence, these therapies exert considerable cell stress, promoting the generation of ceramide through de novo synthesis and recycling of complex glycosphingolipids and sphingomyelin into apoptotic ceramide. Radiotherapy of cancer exerts similar geno- and cytotoxic cell stresses, and generation of ceramide following ionizing radiation therapy is a well-described feature of radiation-induced cell death. Emerging evidence now describes sphingolipids as mediators of death in response to newer targeted therapies, cementing ceramide generation as a common mechanism of cell death in response to cancer therapy. Many studies have now shown that dysregulation of ceramide accumulation-whether by reduced generation or accelerated metabolism-is a common mechanism of resistance to standard cancer therapies. The aims of this chapter will be to discuss described mechanisms of cancer resistance to therapy related to dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism and to explore clinical and preclinical approaches to interdict sphingolipid metabolism to improve outcomes of standard cancer therapies.
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28
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Liu YY, Hill RA, Li YT. Ceramide glycosylation catalyzed by glucosylceramide synthase and cancer drug resistance. Adv Cancer Res 2013; 117:59-89. [PMID: 23290777 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394274-6.00003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), converting ceramide to glucosylceramide, catalyzes the first reaction of ceramide glycosylation in sphingolipid metabolism. This glycosylation by GCS is a critical step regulating the modulation of cellular activities by controlling ceramide and glycosphingolipids (GSLs). An increase of ceramide in response to stresses, such as chemotherapy, drives cells to proliferation arrest and apoptosis or autophagy; however, ceramide glycosylation promptly eliminates ceramide and consequently, these induced processes, thus protecting cancer cells. Further, persistently enhanced ceramide glycosylation can increase GSLs, participating in selecting cancer cells to drug resistance. GCS is overexpressed in diverse drug-resistant cancer cells and in tumors of breast, colon, and leukemia that display poor response to chemotherapy. As ceramide glycosylation by GCS is a rate-limiting step in GSL synthesis, inhibition of GCS sensitizes cancer cells to anticancer drugs and eradicates cancer stem cells. Mechanistic studies indicate that uncoupling ceramide glycosylation can modulate gene expression, decreasing MDR1 through the cSrc/β-catenin pathway and restoring p53 expression via RNA splicing. These studies not only expand our knowledge in understanding how ceramide glycosylation affects cancer cells but also provide novel therapeutic approaches for targeting refractory tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Yu Liu
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA.
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29
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Jennemann R, Gröne HJ. Cell-specific in vivo functions of glycosphingolipids: lessons from genetic deletions of enzymes involved in glycosphingolipid synthesis. Prog Lipid Res 2013; 52:231-48. [PMID: 23473748 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are believed to be involved in many cellular events including trafficking, signaling and cellular interactions. Over the past decade considerable progress was made elucidating the function of GSLs by generating and exploring animal models with GSL-deficiency. Initial studies focused on exploring the role of complex sialic acid containing GSLs (gangliosides) in neuronal tissue. Although complex gangliosides were absent, surprisingly, the phenotype observed was rather mild. In subsequent studies, several mouse models with combinations of gene-deletions encoding GSL-synthesizing enzymes were developed. The results indicated that reduction of GSL-complexity correlated with severity of phenotypes. However, in these mice, accumulation of precursor GSLs or neobiosynthesized GSL-series seemed to partly compensate the loss of GSLs. Thus, UDP-glucose:ceramide glucosyltransferase (Ugcg), catalyzing the basic step of the glucosylceramide-based GSL-biosynthesis, was genetically disrupted. A total systemic deletion of Ugcg caused early embryonic lethality. Therefore, Ugcg was eliminated in a cell-specific manner using the cre/loxP-system. New insights into the cellular function of GSLs were gained. It was demonstrated that neurons require GSLs for differentiation and maintenance. In keratinocytes, preservation of the skin barrier depends on GSL synthesis and in enterocytes of the small intestine GSLs are involved in endocytosis and vesicular transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Jennemann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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30
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Abstract
Sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes are becoming targets for chemotherapeutic development with an increasing interest in the recent years. In this chapter we introduce the sphingolipid family of lipids, and the role of individual species in cell homeostasis. We also discuss their roles in several rare diseases and overall, in cancer transformation. We follow the biosynthesis pathway of the sphingolipid tree, focusing on the enzymes in order to understand how using small molecule inhibitors makes it possible to modulate cancer progression. Finally, we describe the most used and historically significant inhibitors employed in cancer research, their relationships to sphingolipid metabolism, and some promising results found in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Canals
- Department of Medicine, University of Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Yusuf A. Hannun
- Health Science Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, L-4, 178, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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31
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Lee JK, Kim JK, Park SH, Sim YB, Jung JS, Suh HW. Lactosylceramide Mediates the Expression of Adhesion Molecules in TNF-α and IFNγ-stimulated Primary Cultured Astrocytes. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2011; 15:251-8. [PMID: 22128256 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2011.15.5.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 09/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Here we have investigated how lactosylceramide (LacCer) modulates gene expression of adhesion molecules in TNF-α and IFNγ (CM)-stimulated astrocytes. We have observed that stimulation of astrocytes with CM increased the gene expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. D-Threo-1-phenyl- 2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP) and N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NBDNJ), inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase (GLS) and LacCer synthase (galactosyltransferase, GalT-2), inhibited the gene expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and activation of their gene promoter induced by CM, which were reversed by exogenously supplied LacCer. Silencing of GalT-2 gene using its antisense oligonucleotides also attenuated CM-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, which were reversed by LacCer. PDMP treatment and silencing of GalT-2 gene significantly reduced CM-induced luciferase activities in NF-KB, AP-1, GAS, and STAT-3 luciferase vectors-transfected cells. In addition, LacCer reversed the inhibition of NF-KB and STAT-1 luciferase activities by PDMP. Taken together, our results suggest that LacCer may play a crucial role in the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 via modulating transcription factors, such as NF-KB, AP-1, STAT-1, and STAT-3 in CM-stimulated astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Koo Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Korea
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