1
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Ghosh N, Mahalanobish S, Sil PC. Reprogramming of urea cycle in cancer: Mechanism, regulation and prospective therapeutic scopes. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 228:116326. [PMID: 38815626 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116326] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic urea cycle, previously known as ornithine cycle, is the chief biochemical pathway that deals with the disposal of excessive nitrogen in form of urea, resulted from protein breakdown and concomitant condensation of ammonia. Enzymes involved in urea cycle are expressed differentially outside hepatic tissue and are mostly involved in production of arginine from citrulline in arginine-depleted condition. Inline, cancer cells frequently adapt metabolic rewiring to support sufficient biomass production in order to sustain tumor cell survival, multiplication and subsequent growth. For the accomplishment of this aim, metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells is set in way so that cellular nitrogen and carbon repertoire can be utilized and channelized maximally towards anabolic reactions. A strategy to meet such outcome is to cut down unnecessary catabolic reactions and nitrogen elimination. Thus, transfigured urea cycle is a hallmark of neoplasia. During oncogenesis, altered expression and regulation of enzymes involved in urea cycle is a revolutionary approach meet to maximum incorporation of nitrogen for sustaining tumor specific biogenesis. Currently, we have reviewed neoplasm-specific deregulations of urea cycle-enzymes in different types and stages of cancers suggesting its context-oriented dynamic nature. Considering such insight to be valuable in terms of prospective cancer diagnosis and therapeutics adaptive evolution of deregulated urea cycle has been enlightened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noyel Ghosh
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Sushweta Mahalanobish
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India.
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2
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Prasad YR, Anakha J, Jawalekar SS, Pande AH. Broad-spectrum anti-cancer activity of fused human arginase variants. Invest New Drugs 2024:10.1007/s10637-024-01466-8. [PMID: 39160429 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-024-01466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
The rapid increase in cancer cases worldwide necessitates the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Therapies targeting cancer's altered metabolism, especially those that deplete critical amino acids, have emerged as promising ones, some of which are already being used in clinical practice and many others are under development. This study reports the anti-cancer activity of two novel fused human arginase I (FHA) variants, FHA-3 and FHA-12, assessed using the NCI-60 human tumor cell line panel. Both variants have demonstrated a range of potencies in a single-dose assay (10 µM), but FHA-3 was found to be more potent with significant growth inhibition in most tested cell lines. To calculate 50% growth inhibition (GI50), FHA-3 was further evaluated in a five-dose assay, where notable anti-cancer activity was observed across the nine cancer types of the NCI-60 panel. Our results demonstrated the broad-spectrum anti-cancer activity of novel FHA variants, with FHA-3 being the most potent. Further studies elucidating its efficacy in animal models will help explore its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenisetti Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - J Anakha
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Snehal Sainath Jawalekar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Abhay H Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, Mohali, S.A.S. Nagar, 160062, Punjab, India.
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3
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You S, Han X, Xu Y, Yao Q. Research progress on the role of cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) family members in malignant tumors and immune microenvironment. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1213-1222. [PMID: 37572157 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids are essential for the survival of all living organisms and living cells. Amino acid transporters mediate the transport and absorption of amino acids, and the dysfunction of these proteins can induce human diseases. Cationic amino acid transporters (CAT family, SLC7A1-4, and SLC7A14) are considered to be a group of transmembrane transporters, of which SLC7A1-3 are essential for arginine transport in mammals. Numerous studies have shown that CAT family-mediated arginine transport is involved in signal crosstalk between malignant tumor cells and immune cells, especially T cells. The modulation of extracellular arginine concentration has entered a number of clinical trials and achieved certain therapeutic effects. Here, we review the role of CAT family on tumor cells and immune infiltrating cells in malignant tumors and explore the therapeutic strategies to interfere with extracellular arginine concentration, to elaborate its application prospects. CAT family members may be used as biomarkers for certain cancer entities and might be included in new ideas for immunotherapy of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Xiahui Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Yuance Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Qin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China.
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4
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Wei X, Chow HY, Chong HC, Leung SL, Ho MK, Lee MY, Leung YC. Arginine Is a Novel Drug Target for Arginine Decarboxylase in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13741. [PMID: 37762044 PMCID: PMC10531272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been proven to be highly reliant on arginine availability. Limiting arginine-rich foods or treating patients with arginine-depleting enzymes arginine deiminase (ADI) or arginase can suppress colon cancer. However, arginase and ADI are not the best drug candidates for CRC. Ornithine, the product of arginase, can enhance the supply of polyamine, which favors CRC cell growth, while citrulline, the product of ADI, faces the problem of arginine recycling due to the overexpression of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS). Biosynthetic arginine decarboxylase (ADC), an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arginine to agmatine and carbon dioxide, may be a better choice as it combines both arginine depletion and suppression of intracellular polyamine synthesis via its product agmatine. ADC has anti-tumor potential yet has received much less attention than the other two arginine-depleting enzymes. In order to gain a better understanding of ADC, the preparation and the anti-cancer properties of this enzyme were explored in this study. When tested in vitro, ADC inhibited the proliferation of three colorectal cancer cell lines regardless of their ASS cellular expression. In contrast, ADC had a lesser cytotoxic effect on the human foreskin fibroblasts and rat primary hepatocytes. Further in vitro studies revealed that ADC induced S and G2/M phase cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCT116 and LoVo cells. ADC-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells followed the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and was caspase-3-dependent. With all results obtained, we suggest that arginine is a potential target for treating colorectal cancer with ADC, and the anti-cancer properties of ADC should be more deeply investigated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wei
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho-Yin Chow
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hiu-Chi Chong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu-Lun Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mei-Ki Ho
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Yuen Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Lo Ka Chung Research Centre for Natural Anti-Cancer Drug Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yun-Chung Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Lo Ka Chung Research Centre for Natural Anti-Cancer Drug Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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5
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Jiménez-Alonso JJ, López-Lázaro M. Dietary Manipulation of Amino Acids for Cancer Therapy. Nutrients 2023; 15:2879. [PMID: 37447206 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells cannot proliferate and survive unless they obtain sufficient levels of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids (AAs). Unlike normal cells, cancer cells have genetic and metabolic alterations that may limit their capacity to obtain adequate levels of the 20 AAs in challenging metabolic environments. However, since normal diets provide all AAs at relatively constant levels and ratios, these potentially lethal genetic and metabolic defects are eventually harmless to cancer cells. If we temporarily replace the normal diet of cancer patients with artificial diets in which the levels of specific AAs are manipulated, cancer cells may be unable to proliferate and survive. This article reviews in vivo studies that have evaluated the antitumor activity of diets restricted in or supplemented with the 20 proteinogenic AAs, individually and in combination. It also reviews our recent studies that show that manipulating the levels of several AAs simultaneously can lead to marked survival improvements in mice with metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel López-Lázaro
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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Safrhansova L, Hlozkova K, Starkova J. Targeting amino acid metabolism in cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 373:37-79. [PMID: 36283767 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring is a characteristic hallmark of cancer cells. This phenomenon sustains uncontrolled proliferation and resistance to apoptosis by increasing nutrients and energy supply. However, reprogramming comes together with vulnerabilities that can be used against tumor and can be applied in targeted therapy. In the last years, the genetic background of tumors has been identified thoroughly and new therapies targeting those mutations tested. Nevertheless, we propose that targeting the phenotype of cancer cells could be another way of treatment aiming to avoid drug resistance and non-responsiveness of cancer patients. Amino acid metabolism is part of the altered processes in cancer cells. Amino acids are building blocks and also sensors of signaling pathways regulating main biological processes. In this comprehensive review, we described four amino acids (asparagine, arginine, methionine, and cysteine) which have been actively investigated as potential targets for anti-tumor therapy. Asparagine depletion is successfully used for decades in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and there is a strong implication to apply it to other types of tumors. Arginine auxotrophic tumors are great candidates for arginine-starvation therapy. Higher requirement for essential amino acids such as methionine and cysteine point out promising targetable weaknesses of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Safrhansova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Hlozkova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julia Starkova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
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7
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Li M, Qin J, Xiong K, Jiang B, Zhang T. Review of arginase as a promising biocatalyst: characteristics, preparation, applications and future challenges. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:651-667. [PMID: 34612104 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1947962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
As a committed step in the urea cycle, arginase cleaves l-arginine to form l-ornithine and urea. l-Ornithine is essential to: cell proliferation, collagen formation and other physiological functions, while the urea cycle itself converts highly toxic ammonia to urea for excretion. Recently, arginase was exploited as an efficient catalyst for the environmentally friendly synthesis of l-ornithine, an abundant nonprotein amino acid that is widely employed as a food supplement and nutrition product. It was also proposed as an arginine-reducing agent in order to treat arginase deficiency and to be a means of depleting arginine to treat arginine auxotrophic tumors. Targeting arginase inhibitors of the arginase/ornithine pathway offers great promise as a therapy for: cardiovascular, central nervous system diseases and cancers with high arginase expression. In this review, recent advances in the characteristics, structure, catalytic mechanism and preparation of arginase were summarized, with a focus being placed on the biotechnical and medical applications of arginase. In particular, perspectives have been presented on the challenges and opportunities for the environmentally friendly utilization of arginase during l-ornithine production and in therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiufu Qin
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kai Xiong
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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8
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El-Mais N, Fakhoury I, Al Haddad M, Nohra S, Abi-Habib R, El-Sibai M. Human Recombinant Arginase I [HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000]-Induced Arginine Depletion Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion Through Autophagy. Pancreas 2021; 50:1187-1194. [PMID: 34714283 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive solid cancers and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and women. We previously showed that arginine depletion, using arginase I [HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000], selectively triggers cell death by autophagy in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. The mechanism of action of [HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000], however, has remained poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of arginine depletion on PANC-1 cell migration, adhesion, and invasion and determined the main molecular targets, which mediate PANC-1 cell response to treatment with HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000. METHODS This was done through examining 2-dimensional (2D) cell motility assays (wound healing and time lapse), cell adhesion, and cell invasion assays, as well as immunostaining for focal adhesions and invadopodia in cells without or with the treatment with arginase. RESULTS We demonstrate that arginine depletion decreases PANC-1 2D cell migration, adhesion, and 3D invasion. Moreover, our data suggest that these effects are mediated by autophagy and subsequent decrease in the activation of members of Ras homolog gene family (Rho) GTPase family. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these findings uncover the mechanism of action of [HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000] and highlight the promising and selective anticancer potential for arginine depletion in the treatment of pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour El-Mais
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Isabelle Fakhoury
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maria Al Haddad
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Nohra
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Technology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ralph Abi-Habib
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
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9
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Chen CL, Hsu SC, Ann DK, Yen Y, Kung HJ. Arginine Signaling and Cancer Metabolism. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3541. [PMID: 34298755 PMCID: PMC8306961 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine is an amino acid critically involved in multiple cellular processes including the syntheses of nitric oxide and polyamines, and is a direct activator of mTOR, a nutrient-sensing kinase strongly implicated in carcinogenesis. Yet, it is also considered as a non- or semi-essential amino acid, due to normal cells' intrinsic ability to synthesize arginine from citrulline and aspartate via ASS1 (argininosuccinate synthase 1) and ASL (argininosuccinate lyase). As such, arginine can be used as a dietary supplement and its depletion as a therapeutic strategy. Strikingly, in over 70% of tumors, ASS1 transcription is suppressed, rendering the cells addicted to external arginine, forming the basis of arginine-deprivation therapy. In this review, we will discuss arginine as a signaling metabolite, arginine's role in cancer metabolism, arginine as an epigenetic regulator, arginine as an immunomodulator, and arginine as a therapeutic target. We will also provide a comprehensive summary of ADI (arginine deiminase)-based arginine-deprivation preclinical studies and an update of clinical trials for ADI and arginase. The different cell killing mechanisms associated with various cancer types will also be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lin Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350, Miaoli County, Taiwan;
| | - Sheng-Chieh Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu 30035, Taiwan;
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - David K. Ann
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research, Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Yun Yen
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Hsing-Jien Kung
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350, Miaoli County, Taiwan;
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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10
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Swayden M, Bekdash A, Fakhoury I, El-Atat O, Borjac-Natour J, El-Sibai M, Abi-Habib RJ. Activation of autophagy following [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation mediates cell death in colon cancer cells. Hum Cell 2020; 34:152-164. [PMID: 32979152 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Deregulating cellular energetics by reprogramming metabolic pathways, including arginine metabolism, is critical for cancer cell onset and survival. Drugs that target the specific metabolic requirements of cancer cells have emerged as promising targeted cancer therapeutics. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting colon cancer cells using arginine deprivation induced by a pegylated cobalt-substituted recombinant human Arginase I [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]. Four colon cancer cell lines were tested for their sensitivity to [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000] as well as for their mechanism of cell death following arginine deprivation. All four cell lines were sensitive to arginine deprivation induced by [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]. All cells expressed ASS1 and were rescued from arginine deprivation-induced cytotoxicity by the addition of excess L-citrulline, indicating they are partially auxotrophic for arginine. Mechanistically, cells treated with [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000] were negative for AnnexinV and lacked caspase activation. Further investigation revealed that arginine deprivation leads to a marked and prolonged activation of autophagy in both Caco-2 and T84 cell lines. Finally, we show that [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000] causes cell death by sustained activation of autophagy as evidenced by the decrease in cell cytotoxicity upon treatment with chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor. Altogether, these data demonstrate that colon cancer cells are partially auxotrophic for arginine and sensitive to [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation. They also show that the activation of autophagy does not play protective roles but rather, induces cytotoxicity and leads to cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Swayden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amira Bekdash
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Isabelle Fakhoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Oula El-Atat
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Jamila Borjac-Natour
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ralph J Abi-Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon.
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11
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Human Recombinant Arginase I [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-Induced Arginine Depletion Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20236018. [PMID: 31795337 PMCID: PMC6929075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide, and it represents over half of all gastrointestinal cancer deaths. Knowing that cancer cells have a high proliferation rate, they require high amounts of amino acids, including arginine. In addition, several tumor types have been shown to downregulate ASS-1 expression, becoming auxotrophic for arginine. Therefore, Arginine deprivation is one of the promising therapeutic approaches to target cancer cells. This can be achieved through the use of a recombinant human arginase, HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000, an arginine degrading enzyme. Methods: In this present study, the cytotoxic effect of HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000 on CRC cell lines (HT-29, Caco-2, Sw837) is examined though cytotoxicity assays. Wound healing assays, invasion assays, and adhesion assays were also performed to detect the effect on metastasis. Results: Wound healing and invasion assays revealed a decrease in cell migration and invasion after treatment with arginase. Cells that were treated with arginase also showed a decrease in adhesion, which coincided with a decrease in RhoA activation, demonstrated though the use of a FRET biosensor to detect RhoA activation in a single cell assay, and a decrease in MMP-9 expression. Treating cells with both arginase and L-citrulline, which significantly restores intracellular arginine levels, reversed the effect of HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000 on cell viability, migration, and invasion. Conclusion: We can, therefore, conclude that colorectal cancer is partially auxotrophic to arginine and that arginine depletion is a potential selective inhibitory approach for motility and invasion in colon cancer cells.
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12
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Nasreddine G, El-Sibai M, Abi-Habib RJ. Cytotoxicity of [HuArgI (co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation to ovarian Cancer cells is autophagy dependent. Invest New Drugs 2019; 38:10-19. [PMID: 30887252 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00756-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we assess arginine auxotrophy in ovarian cancer cells and attempt to target them using arginine deprivation induced by a pegylated recombinant human Arginase I cobalt [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]. Ovarian cancer cells were sensitive to [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation with IC50 values in the low pM range. Addition of excess L-citrulline rescued only one of three cell lines tested, indicating that the majority of cell lines are completely auxotrophic for arginine. The expression pattern of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1) confirmed the degree of auxotrophy of ovarian cancer cell lines with completely auxotrophic cells not expressing ASS1 and partially auxotrophic cells expressing the enzyme. Ovarian cancer cell lines were negative for annexinV staining while showing loss of membrane integrity and absence of caspase activation, indicating caspase-independent, non-apoptotic cell death. [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation led to extensive and prolonged activation of autophagy, which proved to be deleterious to cell survival since its inhibition led to a significant decrease in cytotoxicity. This indicates that the activation of autophagy following arginine-deprivation, rather than being protective, mediates cell cytotoxicity leading to death by autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghenwa Nasreddine
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ralph J Abi-Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon.
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13
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Abstract
Cancer cells reprogramme metabolism to maximize the use of nitrogen and carbon for the anabolic synthesis of macromolecules that are required during tumour proliferation and growth. To achieve this aim, one strategy is to reduce catabolism and nitrogen disposal. The urea cycle (UC) in the liver is the main metabolic pathway to convert excess nitrogen into disposable urea. Outside the liver, UC enzymes are differentially expressed, enabling the use of nitrogen for the synthesis of UC intermediates that are required to accommodate cellular needs. Interestingly, the expression of UC enzymes is altered in cancer, revealing a revolutionary mechanism to maximize nitrogen incorporation into biomass. In this Review, we discuss the metabolic benefits underlying UC deregulation in cancer and the relevance of these alterations for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rom Keshet
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Peter Szlosarek
- Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Arkaitz Carracedo
- CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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14
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Fultang L, Vardon A, De Santo C, Mussai F. Molecular basis and current strategies of therapeutic arginine depletion for cancer. Int J Cancer 2016; 139:501-9. [PMID: 26913960 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Renewed interest in the use of therapeutic enzymes combined with an improved knowledge of cancer cell metabolism, has led to the translation of several arginine depletion strategies into early phase clinical trials. Arginine auxotrophic tumors are reliant on extracellular arginine, due to the downregulation of arginosuccinate synthetase or ornithine transcarbamylase-key enzymes for intracellular arginine recycling. Engineered arginine catabolic enzymes such as recombinant human arginase (rh-Arg1-PEG) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG) have demonstrated cytotoxicity against arginine auxotrophic tumors. In this review, we discuss the molecular events triggered by extracellular arginine depletion that contribute to tumor cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livingstone Fultang
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Vardon
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Carmela De Santo
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Francis Mussai
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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15
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Koch R, Aung T, Vogel D, Chapuy B, Wenzel D, Becker S, Sinzig U, Venkataramani V, von Mach T, Jacob R, Truemper L, Wulf GG. Nuclear Trapping through Inhibition of Exosomal Export by Indomethacin Increases Cytostatic Efficacy of Doxorubicin and Pixantrone. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 22:395-404. [PMID: 26369630 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-0577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although R-CHOP-based immunochemotherapy cures significant proportions of patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma, tumor cell susceptibility to chemotherapy varies, with mostly fatal outcome in cases of resistant disease. We and others have shown before that export of cytostatic drugs contributes to drug resistance. Now we provide a novel approach to overcome exosome-mediated drug resistance in aggressive B-cell lymphomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We used well-established centrifugation protocols to purify exosomes from DLBCL cell lines and detected anthracyclines using FACS and HPLC. We used shRNA knockdown of ABCA3 to determine ABCA3 dependence of chemotherapy susceptibility and monitored ABCA3 expression after indomethacin treatment using qPCR. Finally, we established an in vivo assay using a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay to determine the synergy of anthracycline and indomethacin treatment. RESULTS We show increased efficacy of the anthracycline doxorubicin and the anthracenedione pixantrone by suppression of exosomal drug resistance with indomethacin. B-cell lymphoma cells in vitro efficiently extruded doxorubicin and pixantrone, in part compacted in exosomes. Exosomal biogenesis was critically dependent on the expression of the ATP-transporter A3 (ABCA3). Genetic or chemical depletion of ABCA3 augmented intracellular retention of both drugs and shifted the subcellular drug accumulation to prolonged nuclear retention. Indomethacin increased the cytostatic efficacy of both drugs against DLBCL cell lines in vitro and in vivo in a CAM assay. CONCLUSIONS We propose pretreatment with indomethacin toward enhanced antitumor efficacy of anthracyclines and anthracenediones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Koch
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thiha Aung
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany. Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Vogel
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Wenzel
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Becker
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ursula Sinzig
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany
| | - Vivek Venkataramani
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany
| | - Tobias von Mach
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Ralf Jacob
- Department of Cell Biology and Cell Pathology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Truemper
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany
| | - Gerald G Wulf
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Germany.
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16
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Agrawal V, Woo JH, Mauldin JP, Stone EM, Meininger CJ, Jo C, Kleypas K, Frenkel EP, Frankel AE. In-vivo evaluation of human recombinant Co-arginase against A375 melanoma xenografts. Melanoma Res 2015; 24:556-67. [PMID: 25304236 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a deadly form of cancer with few therapeutic options and the cause of more than 9480 deaths annually in the USA alone. Novel treatment options for this disease are urgently needed. Here we test the efficacy of a novel melanoma drug, the human recombinant Co-arginase (CoArgIPEG), against an aggressive A375 melanoma mouse model. CoArgIPEG is a modification of the naturally occurring human enzyme with improved stability, catalytic activity, and potentially lower immunogenicity compared with current amino acid-depleting drugs. Marked tumor growth reductions (mean P=0.0057) with apoptosis induction and proliferation inhibition are noted with CoArgIPEG treatment, both in the presence and in the absence of supplemental citrulline. Further, improved therapeutic efficacy has been noted against A375 xenografts relative to the naturally occurring human recombinant arginase enzyme at lower doses of CoArgIPEG. Unfortunately, after 1 month, half of the relapsing tumors showed argininosuccinate synthase induction, which correlated with Ser62-phosphorylated cMyc. Although argininosuccinate synthase induction could not be induced in vitro, a drug targeting pathway previously demonstrated to be associated with Ser62 cMyc phosphorylation - U0126 - in combination with CoArgIPEG demonstrated an in-vitro synergistic response (combination indices 0.13±0.10 and 0.14±0.10 with or without citrulline, respectively). Overall, favorable efficacy and potential synergy with other antimelanoma drugs support CoArgIPEG as a potent, novel cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaidehi Agrawal
- aScott & White Cancer Research Institute, Baylor-Scott & White Health bDepartment of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple cDepartment of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin dDepartment of Internal Medicine University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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17
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Fletcher M, Ramirez ME, Sierra RA, Raber P, Thevenot P, Al-Khami AA, Sanchez-Pino D, Hernandez C, Wyczechowska DD, Ochoa AC, Rodriguez PC. l-Arginine depletion blunts antitumor T-cell responses by inducing myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Cancer Res 2015. [PMID: 25406192 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1491.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Enzymatic depletion of the nonessential amino acid l-Arginine (l-Arg) in patients with cancer by the administration of a pegylated form of the catabolic enzyme arginase I (peg-Arg I) has shown some promise as a therapeutic approach. However, l-Arg deprivation also suppresses T-cell responses in tumors. In this study, we sought to reconcile these observations by conducting a detailed analysis of the effects of peg-Arg I on normal T cells. Strikingly, we found that peg-Arg I blocked proliferation and cell-cycle progression in normal activated T cells without triggering apoptosis or blunting T-cell activation. These effects were associated with an inhibition of aerobic glycolysis in activated T cells, but not with significant alterations in mitochondrial oxidative respiration, which thereby regulated survival of T cells exposed to peg-Arg I. Further mechanistic investigations showed that the addition of citrulline, a metabolic precursor for l-Arg, rescued the antiproliferative effects of peg-Arg I on T cells in vitro. Moreover, serum levels of citrulline increased after in vivo administration of peg-Arg I. In support of the hypothesis that peg-Arg I acted indirectly to block T-cell responses in vivo, peg-Arg I inhibited T-cell proliferation in mice by inducing accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). MDSC induction by peg-Arg I occurred through the general control nonrepressed-2 eIF2α kinase. Moreover, we found that peg-Arg I enhanced the growth of tumors in mice in a manner that correlated with higher MDSC numbers. Taken together, our results highlight the risks of the l-Arg-depleting therapy for cancer treatment and suggest a need for cotargeting MDSC in such therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fletcher
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Maria E Ramirez
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Rosa A Sierra
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Patrick Raber
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Paul Thevenot
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Amir A Al-Khami
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Dulfary Sanchez-Pino
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Claudia Hernandez
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Dorota D Wyczechowska
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Augusto C Ochoa
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Paulo C Rodriguez
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
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18
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Human recombinant arginase I (Co)-PEG5000 [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine depletion is selectively cytotoxic to human glioblastoma cells. J Neurooncol 2015; 122:75-85. [PMID: 25567351 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-014-1698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we attempt to target Arginine auxotrophy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells using a pegylated recombinant human Arginase I cobalt [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]. We tested and characterized the activity of HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000 on a panel of 9 GBM cell lines and on human fetal glial cells (SVG-p12). HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000 was cytotoxic to all GBM cells tested. SVG-p12 cells were not sensitive demonstrating the selective cytotoxicity of HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000-induced arginine deprivation. Addition of L-citrulline led to the rescue of 6 GBM cell lines but only at concentrations of 11.4 mM, reflecting the extent of arginine auxotrophy in GBM. The ability of L-citrulline to rescue cells was dependent on the expression of argininosuccinate synthetase-1 (ASS1) with the cells that were not rescued by L-citrulline being negative for ASS1 expression. Knocking-down ASS1 reversed the ability of L-citrulline to rescue GBM cells, further illustrating the dependence of arginine auxotrophy on ASS1 expression. Inhibition of autophagy increased cell sensitivity to HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000 indicating that, following arginine deprivation, autophagy plays a protective role in GBM cells. Analysis of the type of cell death revealed a lack of AnnexinV staining and caspase activation in HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000-treated cells, indicating that arginine deprivation induces caspase-independent, non-apoptotic cell death in GBM. We have shown that GBM cells are auxotrophic for arginine and can be selectively targeted using HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000-induced arginine depletion, thus demonstrating that L-Arginine deprivation is a potent and selective potential treatment for GBM.
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19
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Fletcher M, Ramirez ME, Sierra RA, Raber P, Thevenot P, Al-Khami AA, Sanchez-Pino D, Hernandez C, Wyczechowska DD, Ochoa AC, Rodriguez PC. l-Arginine depletion blunts antitumor T-cell responses by inducing myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Cancer Res 2014; 75:275-83. [PMID: 25406192 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Enzymatic depletion of the nonessential amino acid l-Arginine (l-Arg) in patients with cancer by the administration of a pegylated form of the catabolic enzyme arginase I (peg-Arg I) has shown some promise as a therapeutic approach. However, l-Arg deprivation also suppresses T-cell responses in tumors. In this study, we sought to reconcile these observations by conducting a detailed analysis of the effects of peg-Arg I on normal T cells. Strikingly, we found that peg-Arg I blocked proliferation and cell-cycle progression in normal activated T cells without triggering apoptosis or blunting T-cell activation. These effects were associated with an inhibition of aerobic glycolysis in activated T cells, but not with significant alterations in mitochondrial oxidative respiration, which thereby regulated survival of T cells exposed to peg-Arg I. Further mechanistic investigations showed that the addition of citrulline, a metabolic precursor for l-Arg, rescued the antiproliferative effects of peg-Arg I on T cells in vitro. Moreover, serum levels of citrulline increased after in vivo administration of peg-Arg I. In support of the hypothesis that peg-Arg I acted indirectly to block T-cell responses in vivo, peg-Arg I inhibited T-cell proliferation in mice by inducing accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). MDSC induction by peg-Arg I occurred through the general control nonrepressed-2 eIF2α kinase. Moreover, we found that peg-Arg I enhanced the growth of tumors in mice in a manner that correlated with higher MDSC numbers. Taken together, our results highlight the risks of the l-Arg-depleting therapy for cancer treatment and suggest a need for cotargeting MDSC in such therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fletcher
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Maria E Ramirez
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Rosa A Sierra
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Patrick Raber
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Paul Thevenot
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Amir A Al-Khami
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Dulfary Sanchez-Pino
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Claudia Hernandez
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Dorota D Wyczechowska
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Augusto C Ochoa
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Paulo C Rodriguez
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
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20
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Phillips MM, Sheaff MT, Szlosarek PW. Targeting arginine-dependent cancers with arginine-degrading enzymes: opportunities and challenges. Cancer Res Treat 2013; 45:251-62. [PMID: 24453997 PMCID: PMC3893322 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2013.45.4.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine deprivation is a novel antimetabolite strategy for the treatment of arginine-dependent cancers that exploits differential expression and regulation of key urea cycle enzymes. Several studies have focused on inactivation of argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1) in a range of malignancies, including melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mesothelial and urological cancers, sarcomas, and lymphomas. Epigenetic silencing has been identified as a key mechanism for loss of the tumor suppressor role of ASS1 leading to tumoral dependence on exogenous arginine. More recently, dysregulation of argininosuccinate lyase has been documented in a subset of arginine auxotrophic glioblastoma multiforme, HCC and in fumarate hydratase-mutant renal cancers. Clinical trials of several arginine depletors are ongoing, including pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20, Polaris Group) and bioengineered forms of human arginase. ADI-PEG20 is furthest along the path of clinical development from combinatorial phase 1 to phase 3 trials and is described in more detail. The challenge will be to identify tumors sensitive to drugs such as ADI-PEG20 and integrate these agents into multimodality drug regimens using imaging and tissue/fluid-based biomarkers as predictors of response. Lastly, resistance pathways to arginine deprivation require further study to optimize arginine-targeted therapies in the oncology clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M. Phillips
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute - a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
- St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michael T. Sheaff
- Pathology Group, Institute of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Peter W. Szlosarek
- Center for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute - a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
- St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
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21
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GFP reporter screens for the engineering of amino acid degrading enzymes from libraries expressed in bacteria. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 978:31-44. [PMID: 23423887 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-293-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
There is significant interest in engineering human amino acid degrading enzymes as non-immunogenic chemotherapeutic agents. We describe a high-throughput fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) assay for detecting the catalytic activity of amino acid degrading enzymes in bacteria, at the single cell level. This assay relies on coupling the synthesis of the GFP reporter to the catalytic activity of the desired amino acid degrading enzyme in an appropriate E. coli genetic background. The method described here allows facile screening of much larger libraries (10(6)-10(7)) than was previously possible. We demonstrate the application of this technique in the screening of libraries of bacterial and human asparaginases and also for the catalytic optimization of an engineered human methionine gamma lyase.
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22
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Tanios R, Bekdash A, Kassab E, Stone E, Georgiou G, Frankel AE, Abi-Habib RJ. Human recombinant arginase I(Co)-PEG5000 [HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine depletion is selectively cytotoxic to human acute myeloid leukemia cells. Leuk Res 2013; 37:1565-71. [PMID: 24018014 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we target arginine auxotrophy of AML cell lines using human arginase I cobalt-PEG5000. HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000 was cytotoxic to all AML cell lines tested. Mononuclear cells and CD34(+) blasts were not sensitive demonstrating the selectivity of HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000-induced arginine deprivation. Addition of L-citrulline led to the rescue of five cell lines. The four cell lines that were not rescued by L-citrulline did not express argininosuccinate synthetase-1, indicating complete arginine auxotrophy. Inhibition of autophagy increased cell sensitivity to HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000 demonstrating the protective role of autophagy following arginine deprivation. We have shown that AML can be selectively targeted using HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000-induced arginine depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Tanios
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
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23
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Yoon JK, Frankel AE, Feun LG, Ekmekcioglu S, Kim KB. Arginine deprivation therapy for malignant melanoma. Clin Pharmacol 2012; 5:11-9. [PMID: 23293541 PMCID: PMC3534294 DOI: 10.2147/cpaa.s37350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent development of promising immunotherapeutic and targeted drugs, prognosis in patients with advanced melanoma remains poor, and a cure for this disease remains elusive in most patients. The success of melanoma therapy depends on a better understanding of the biology of melanoma and development of drugs that effectively target the relevant genes or proteins essential for tumor cell survival. Melanoma cells frequently lack argininosuccinate synthetase, an essential enzyme for arginine synthesis, and as a result they become dependent on the availability of exogenous arginine. Accordingly, a therapeutic approach involving depletion of available arginine has been shown to be effective in preclinical studies. Early clinical studies have demonstrated sufficient antitumor activity to give rise to cautious optimism. In this article, the rationale for arginine deprivation therapy is discussed. Additionally, various strategies for depleting arginine are discussed and the preclinical and clinical investigations of arginine deprivation therapy in melanoma are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ki Yoon
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA ; Hwasung Public Health Center, Hwasung, South Korea
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24
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Kaore SN, Amane HS, Kaore NM. Citrulline: pharmacological perspectives and its role as an emerging biomarker in future. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2012; 27:35-50. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2012.01059.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa N. Kaore
- Department of Pharmacology; People's College of Medical Sciences; Bhanpur Road; Bhopal; Madhya Pradesh; 462037; India
| | - Hanmant S. Amane
- Department of Pharmacology; People's College of Medical Sciences; Bhanpur Road; Bhopal; Madhya Pradesh; 462037; India
| | - Navinchandra M. Kaore
- Department of Microbiology; People's College of Medical Sciences; Bhanpur Road; Bhopal; Madhya Pradesh; 462037; India
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25
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Tsai WB, Aiba I, Long Y, Lin HK, Feun L, Savaraj N, Kuo MT. Activation of Ras/PI3K/ERK pathway induces c-Myc stabilization to upregulate argininosuccinate synthetase, leading to arginine deiminase resistance in melanoma cells. Cancer Res 2012; 72:2622-33. [PMID: 22461507 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-3605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Melanomas and other cancers that do not express argininosuccinate synthetase (AS), the rate-limiting enzyme for arginine biosynthesis, are sensitive to arginine depletion with pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20). However, ADI resistance eventually develops in tumors because of AS upregulation. Although it has been shown that AS upregulation involves c-Myc, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show that ADI-PEG20 activates Ras signaling and the effector extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/GSK-3β kinase cascades, resulting in phosphorylation and stabilization of c-Myc by attenuation of its ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation mechanism. Inhibition of the induced cell signaling pathways using PI3K/AKT inhibitors suppressed c-Myc induction and enhanced ADI-mediated cell killing. Notably, in an animal model of AS-negative melanoma, combination therapy using a PI3K inhibitor plus ADI-PEG20 yielded additive antitumor effects as compared with either agent alone. Taken together, our findings offer mechanistic insight into arginine deprivation metabolism and ADI resistance, and they illustrate how combining inhibitors of the Ras/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways may improve ADI-PEG20 anticancer responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bin Tsai
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77053, USA
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26
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Recombinant human arginase toxicity in mice is reduced by citrulline supplementation. Transl Oncol 2012; 5:26-31. [PMID: 22348173 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.11262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human recombinant arginase I cobalt coupled to polyethylene glycol 5000 (HuArg I [Co]-PEG5000) achieved potent in vitro depletion of arginine from tissue culture medium and cytotoxicity to many cancer cell lines. The recombinant enzyme also produced tumor growth inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic carcinoma xenografts. Although these results were promising, the therapeutic index was narrow. Toxicities were seen in normal cells in tissue culture. In vivo normal tissue injury occurred at doses twice the effective dose. The current study was conducted to define, in greater detail, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacodynamics, and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of twice-weekly intraperitoneal HuArg I [Co]-PEG5000 in Balb/c mice. Animal weight and survival were monitored, serum arginine levels measured, and complete blood cell counts, chemistries, necropsies, and histologies were performed. In addition, methods to ameliorate the HuArg I [Co]-PEG5000 adverse effects were tested. Supplemental l-citrulline was given concurrently with the arginase drug. The HuArg I [Co]-PEG5000 MTD in mice was 5 mg/kg twice weekly, and DLTs included weight loss and marrow necrosis. No other organ damage or changes in blood cell counts or chemistries were observed. Arginase reduced serum arginine levels from 60 µM to 4 to 6 µM. Supplemental l-citrulline given per os or daily subcutaneously reduced and delayed toxicities, and l-citrulline given twice daily subcutaneously completely prevented animal toxicities. On the basis of these results, we hypothesize that HuArg I [Co]-PEG5000, particularly with supplemental l-citrulline, may be an attractive therapeutic agent for argininosuccinate synthetase-deficient tumors.
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