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Meeks KR, Ji J, Protopopov MV, Tarkhanova OO, Moroz YS, Tanner JJ. Novel Fragment Inhibitors of PYCR1 from Docking-Guided X-ray Crystallography. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1704-1718. [PMID: 38411104 PMCID: PMC11058006 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The proline biosynthetic enzyme Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) reductase 1 (PYCR1) is one of the most consistently upregulated enzymes across multiple cancer types and central to the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells. Herein, we describe a fragment-based, structure-first approach to the discovery of PYCR1 inhibitors. Thirty-seven fragment-like carboxylic acids in the molecular weight range of 143-289 Da were selected from docking and then screened using X-ray crystallography as the primary assay. Strong electron density was observed for eight compounds, corresponding to a crystallographic hit rate of 22%. The fragments are novel compared to existing proline analog inhibitors in that they block both the P5C substrate pocket and the NAD(P)H binding site. Four hits showed inhibition of PYCR1 in kinetic assays, and one has lower apparent IC50 than the current best proline analog inhibitor. These results show proof-of-concept for our inhibitor discovery approach and provide a basis for fragment-to-lead optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylen R Meeks
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
| | - Juan Ji
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
| | | | - Olga O Tarkhanova
- Chemspace LLC, 85 Chervonotkatska Street, Suite 1, Kyïv 02094, Ukraine
| | - Yurii S Moroz
- Chemspace LLC, 85 Chervonotkatska Street, Suite 1, Kyïv 02094, Ukraine
- Department of Chemistry, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyïv, Kyïv 01601, Ukraine
| | - John J Tanner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
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Kay EJ, Zanivan S, Rufini A. Proline metabolism shapes the tumor microenvironment: from collagen deposition to immune evasion. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 84:103011. [PMID: 37864905 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Proline is a nonessential amino acid, and its metabolism has been implicated in numerous malignancies. Together with a direct role in regulating cancer cells' proliferation and survival, proline metabolism plays active roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) display high rates of proline biosynthesis to support the production of collagen for the extracellular matrix (ECM). Indeed, impaired proline metabolism in CAFs results in reduced collagen deposition and compromises the growth and metastatic spread of cancer. Moreover, the rate of proline metabolism regulates intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which influence the production and release of cytokines from cancer cells, contributing toward an immune-permissive TME. Hence, targeting proline metabolism is a promising anticancer strategy that could improve patients' outcome and response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Kay
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Sara Zanivan
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Alessandro Rufini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
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Xu X, Wang Y, Hu X, Zhu Y, Wang J, Guo J. Effects of PYCR1 on prognosis and immunotherapy plus tyrosine kinase inhibition responsiveness in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. Neoplasia 2023; 43:100919. [PMID: 37517099 PMCID: PMC10404727 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100919] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (IO-TKI) has become the first-line management for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), despite the absence of biomarkers. Recently, pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) and proline metabolism have been reported regulatory roles in the anti-tumor response. METHODS There were three cohorts enrolled: two from our institution (ZS-MRCC and ZS-HRRCC) and one from a clinical trial (JAVELIN-101). The PYCR1expression in each sample was evaluated by RNA sequencing. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess immune infiltration. Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data was used for cluster analysis of T cells and macrophages. Primary endpoints were set as response and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS Patients in the low-PYCR1 group had greater objective response rate (52.2% vs 18.2%) and longer PFS in both cohorts (ZS-MRCC cohort, P=0.01, HR=2.80; JAVELIN-101 cohort, P<0.001, HR=1.85). In responders, PYCR1 expression was decreased (P<0.05). In the high PYCR1 group, CD8+ T cells exhibited an exhausted phenotype with decreased GZMB (Spearman's ρ=-0.36, P=0.02). scRNA-seq revealed tissue-resident memory T (Trm) (P<0.05) and tissue-resident macrophage (P<0.01) were decreased in samples with high PYCR1 expression. A machine learning score was further built by random forest, involving PYCR1 and Trm markers. Only in the subgroup with the lower RFscore did IO+TKI show a favorable outcome, compared to TKI monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Immunosuppression and IO+TKI resistance were correlated with high PYCR1 expression. T cell exhaustion and dysfunction were also related with the expression of PYCR1. PYCR1 has the potential to be employed as a biomarker to discriminate between IO+TKI and TKI monotherapy as the optimal patient treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglai Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, China
| | - Yanjun Zhu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jiajun Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jianming Guo
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Yu Z, Zhan Y, Guo Y, He D. Better prediction of clinical outcome in clear cell renal cell carcinoma based on a 6 metabolism-related gene signature. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11490. [PMID: 37460577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38380-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that metabolic disorders participate in the formation and progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the predictive value of metabolism-related genes (MRGs) in clinical outcome of ccRCC is still largely unknown. Herein, a novel metabolism-related signature was generated to assess the effect of MRGs on the prognosis of ccRCC patients. Important module MRGs were selected by differentially expressed analysis and WGCNA. Subsequently, the hub MRGs were screened via univariate cox regression as well as LASSO regression. A new metabolism-related signature of 6 hub MRGs (PAFAH2, ACADSB, ACADM, HADH, PYCR1 and ITPKA) was constructed, with a good prognostic prediction ability in the TCGA cohort. The prediction accuracy of this signature was further confirmed in both GSE22541 and FAHWMU cohort. Interestingly, this MRG risk signature was highly correlated with tumor mutation burden and immune infiltration in ccRCC. Notably, lower PAFAH2, a member of 6 MRGs, was found in ccRCC. Knockdown of PAFAH2 contributed to renal cancer cell proliferation and migration. Collectively, a 6-MRG prognostic risk signature is generated to estimate the prognostic status of ccRCC patients, providing a novel insight in the prognosis prediction and treatment of ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixian Yu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yating Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dalin He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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Feng LL, Huang Z, Nong YY, Guo BJ, Wang QY, Qin JH, He Y, Zhu D, Guo HW, Qin YL, Zhong XY, Guo Y, Cheng B, Ou SF, Su ZH. Evaluation of aristolochic acid Ι nephrotoxicity in mice via 1H NMR quantitative metabolomics and network pharmacology approaches. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:282-295. [PMID: 37125334 PMCID: PMC10141773 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although many studies have shown that herbs containing aristolochic acids can treat various human diseases, AAΙ in particular has been implicated as a nephrotoxic agent. Methods and results Here, we detail the nephrotoxic effect of AAΙ via an approach that integrated 1H NMR-based metabonomics and network pharmacology. Our findings revealed renal injury in mice after the administration of AAΙ. Metabolomic data confirmed significant differences among the renal metabolic profiles of control and model groups, with significant reductions in 12 differential metabolites relevant to 23 metabolic pathways. Among them, there were seven important metabolic pathways: arginine and proline metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; ascorbate and aldehyde glycolate metabolism; pentose and glucosinolate interconversion; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; and glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism. Relevant genes, namely, nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1), pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase 2 (GOT2), were highlighted via network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Quantitative real-time PCR findings revealed that AAI administration significantly downregulated GOT2 and NOS3 and significantly upregulated NOS1 and PYCR1 expression and thus influenced the metabolism of arginine and proline. Conclusion This work provides a meaningful insight for the mechanism of AAΙ renal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Feng
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yun-Yuan Nong
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Bing-Jian Guo
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qian-Yi Wang
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jing-Hua Qin
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Ying He
- First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Hong-Wei Guo
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue-Lian Qin
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xin-Yu Zhong
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue Guo
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Standards, Guangxi Institute of Traditional Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, No. 20-1 Dongge Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Bang Cheng
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Song-Feng Ou
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zhi-Heng Su
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Beibu Gulf Marine Biomedicine Precision Development, High-value Utilization Engineering Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Antigeriatric Drugs, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, China
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Li Z, Liu J, Fu H, Li Y, Liu Q, Song W, Zeng M. SENP3 affects the expression of PYCR1 to promote bladder cancer proliferation and EMT transformation by deSUMOylation of STAT3. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:8032-8045. [PMID: 36227136 PMCID: PMC9596220 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been found in various types of human cancers, including bladder cancer (BC). In our study, we examined the regulation of STAT3 post-translational modifications (PTMs) and found that SENP3 is high in bladder cancer. Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease3 (SENP3) and STAT3 were highly expressed in BC tissues when compared with tissue adjacent to carcinoma. SENP3 induced STAT3 protein level and p-STAT3 translocating into nuclear through deSUMOylation of STAT3. Further, nuclear STAT3, as a transcriptional activity factor, promoted pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 PYCR1 gene and protein level by interacting with the promoter of (PYCR1). Next, we found that knockdown of PYCR1 inhibited Epithelial to mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer, and simultaneously mitigated the carcinogenic effects of STAT3. In vitro, STAT3 knockdown in bladder cancer cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In contrast, SENP3 overexpression reversed these effects. In all, results lend novel insights into the regulation of STAT3, which has key roles in bladder cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Li
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Huifeng Fu
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Yuanwei Li
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Mingqiang Zeng
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
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7
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Li Y, Xu J, Bao P, Wei Z, Pan L, Zhou J, Wang W. Survival and clinicopathological significance of PYCR1 expression in cancer: A meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:985613. [PMID: 36119513 PMCID: PMC9480090 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.985613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proline metabolism is closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer. Δ1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (PYCR) is the last enzyme in proline biosynthesis. As one of the enzyme types, PYCR1 takes part in the whole process of the growth, invasion, and drug resistance of cancer cells. This study investigated PYCR1 expressions in cancers together with their relationship to clinical prognosis. Methods A thorough database search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. RevMan5.3 software was used for the statistical analysis. Results Eight articles were selected, and 728 cancer patients were enrolled. The cancer types include lung, stomach, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma. The meta-analysis results showed that the expression of PYCR1 was higher in the clinical stage III–IV group than that in the clinical stage I–II group (OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.03–2.71), higher in the lymph node metastasis group than in the non-lymph node metastasis group (OR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.06–2.33), and higher in the distant metastasis group than in the non-distant metastasis group (OR = 3.46, 95%CI: 1.64–7.29). However, there was no statistical difference in PYCR1 expression between different tumor sizes (OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 0.89–2.53) and degrees of differentiation (OR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.54–1.24). Conclusion PYCR1 had a high expression in various cancers and was associated with cancer volume and metastasis. The higher the PYCR1 expression was, the poorer the cancer prognosis was. The molecular events and biological processes mediated by PYCR1 might be the underlying mechanisms of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiahuan Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Zhijing Wei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Wang,
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8
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Alaqbi SS, Burke L, Guterman I, Green C, West K, Palacios-Gallego R, Cai H, Alexandrou C, Myint NNM, Parrott E, Howells LM, Higgins JA, Jones DJL, Singh R, Britton RG, Tufarelli C, Thomas A, Rufini A. Increased mitochondrial proline metabolism sustains proliferation and survival of colorectal cancer cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262364. [PMID: 35130302 PMCID: PMC8820619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Research into the metabolism of the non-essential amino acid (NEAA) proline in cancer has gained traction in recent years. The last step in the proline biosynthesis pathway is catalyzed by pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (PYCR) enzymes. There are three PYCR enzymes: mitochondrial PYCR1 and 2 and cytosolic PYCR3 encoded by separate genes. The expression of the PYCR1 gene is increased in numerous malignancies and correlates with poor prognosis. PYCR1 expression sustains cancer cells' proliferation and survival and several mechanisms have been implicated to explain its oncogenic role. It has been suggested that the biosynthesis of proline is key to sustain protein synthesis, support mitochondrial function and nucleotide biosynthesis. However, the links between proline metabolism and cancer remain ill-defined and are likely to be tissue specific. Here we use a combination of human dataset, human tissue and mouse models to show that the expression levels of the proline biosynthesis enzymes are significantly increased during colorectal tumorigenesis. Functionally, the expression of mitochondrial PYCRs is necessary for cancer cells' survival and proliferation. However, the phenotypic consequences of PYCRs depletion could not be rescued by external supplementation with either proline or nucleotides. Overall, our data suggest that, despite the mechanisms underlying the role of proline metabolism in colorectal tumorigenesis remain elusive, targeting the proline biosynthesis pathway is a suitable approach for the development of novel anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Sattar Alaqbi
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology and Poultry Diseases, University of Kufa, Kufa, Iraq
| | - Lynsey Burke
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Inna Guterman
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Caleb Green
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin West
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hong Cai
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ni Ni Moe Myint
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Parrott
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Lynne M. Howells
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer A. Higgins
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Donald J. L. Jones
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Leicester van Geest Multi-OMICS Facility, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Rajinder Singh
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Leicester van Geest Multi-OMICS Facility, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Robert G. Britton
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Tufarelli
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Thomas
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Rufini
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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9
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Hu CAA. Isozymes of P5C reductase (PYCR) in human diseases: focus on cancer. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1835-1840. [PMID: 34291342 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Δ1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) reductase (PYCR or P5CR) catalyzes the conversion of P5C to L-proline (Pro) with concomitant oxidation of a cofactor, NADPH or NADH. Mammalian PYCR have been studied since 1950' and currently three isozymes of human PYCR, 1, 2, and L, have been identified and characterized and their roles in genetic diseases and cancer biology have been keenly investigated. These three isozymes are encoded by three different genes localized at three different chromosomes, and catalyze NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of P5C to Pro important for the transfer of oxidizing potential across the mitochondrion and cell. The review summarizes the current understanding of these three human PYCR isozymes and their roles in diseases with a focus on cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-An A Hu
- MSC08 4670, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA.
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10
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Bogner AN, Stiers KM, Tanner JJ. Structure, biochemistry, and gene expression patterns of the proline biosynthetic enzyme pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (PYCR), an emerging cancer therapy target. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1817-1834. [PMID: 34003320 PMCID: PMC8599497 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02999-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Proline metabolism features prominently in the unique metabolism of cancer cells. Proline biosynthetic genes are consistently upregulated in multiple cancers, while the proline catabolic enzyme proline dehydrogenase has dual, context-dependent pro-cancer and pro-apoptotic functions. Furthermore, the cycling of proline and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate through the proline cycle impacts cellular growth and death pathways by maintaining redox homeostasis between the cytosol and mitochondria. Here we focus on the last enzyme of proline biosynthesis, Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase, known as PYCR in humans. PYCR catalyzes the NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate to proline and forms the reductive half of the proline metabolic cycle. We review the research on the three-dimensional structure, biochemistry, inhibition, and cancer biology of PYCR. To provide a global view of PYCR gene upregulation in cancer, we mined RNA transcript databases to analyze differential gene expression in 28 cancer types. This analysis revealed strong, widespread upregulation of PYCR genes, especially PYCR1. Altogether, the research over the past 20 years makes a compelling case for PYCR as a cancer therapy target. We conclude with a discussion of some of the major challenges for the field, including developing isoform-specific inhibitors, elucidating the function of the long C-terminus of PYCR1/2, and characterizing the interactome of PYCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Bogner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Kyle M Stiers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - John J Tanner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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11
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P5C as an Interface of Proline Interconvertible Amino Acids and Its Role in Regulation of Cell Survival and Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111763. [PMID: 34769188 PMCID: PMC8584052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of cancer metabolism have focused on the production of energy and the interconversion of carbons between cell cycles. More recently, amino acid metabolism, especially non-essential amino acids (NEAAs), has been investigated, underlining their regulatory role. One of the important mediators in energy production and interconversion of carbons in the cell is Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C)—the physiological intracellular intermediate of the interconversion of proline, ornithine, and glutamate. As a central component of these conversions, it links the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), urea cycle (UC), and proline cycle (PC). P5C has a cyclic structure containing a tertiary nitrogen atom (N) and is in tautomeric equilibrium with the open-chain form of L-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (GSAL). P5C is produced by P5C synthase (P5CS) from glutamate, and ornithine via ornithine δ-amino acid transferase (δOAT). It can also be converted to glutamate by P5C dehydrogenase (P5CDH). P5C is both a direct precursor of proline and a product of its degradation. The conversion of P5C to proline is catalyzed by P5C reductase (PYCR), while proline to P5C by proline dehydrogenase/oxidase (PRODH/POX). P5C-proline-P5C interconversion forms a functional redox couple. Their transformations are accompanied by the transfer of a reducing-oxidizing potential, that affect the NADP+/NADPH ratio and a wide variety of processes, e.g., the synthesis of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP), and purine ribonucleotides, which are crucial for DNA synthesis. This review focuses on the metabolism of P5C in the cell as an interconversion mediator of proline, glutamate, and ornithine and its role in the regulation of survival and death with particular emphasis on the metabolic context.
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12
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Liu Y, Mao C, Liu S, Xiao D, Shi Y, Tao Y. Proline dehydrogenase in cancer: apoptosis, autophagy, nutrient dependency and cancer therapy. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1891-1902. [PMID: 34283310 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03032-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
L-proline catabolism is emerging as a key pathway that is critical to cellular metabolism, growth, survival, and death. Proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) enzyme, which catalyzes the first step of proline catabolism, has diverse functional roles in regulating many pathophysiological processes, including apoptosis, autophagy, cell senescence, and cancer metastasis. Notably, accumulated evidence demonstrated that PRODH plays complex role in many types of cancers. In this review, we briefly introduce the function of PRODH, then its expression in different types of cancer. We next discuss the regulation of PRODH in cancer, the downstream pathways of PRODH and the therapies that are under investigation. Finally, we propose novel insights for future perspectives on the modulation of PRODH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Liu
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Clinical Medicine & Department of Hematology and Critical Care Medicine, Central South University, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, 410000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410078, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Mao
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410078, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Center for Geriatric Disorders, National Clinical Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410078, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410078, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410078, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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13
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Kocher F, Tymoszuk P, Amann A, Sprung S, Salcher S, Daum S, Haybaeck J, Rinnerthaler G, Huemer F, Kauffmann-Guerrero D, Tufman A, Seeber A, Wolf D, Pircher A. Deregulated glutamate to pro-collagen conversion is associated with adverse outcome in lung cancer and may be targeted by renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) inhibition. Lung Cancer 2021; 159:84-95. [PMID: 34315093 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.06.020] [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: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor-microenvironment (TME) represents an attractive therapeutic target in NSCLC and plays an important role for efficacy of cancer therapeutics. We hypothesized that upregulation of collagen synthesis might be associated with adverse outcome in NSCLC. Literature evidence suggests that renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) decrease collagen deposition. Therefore, we aimed to explore the prognostic role of RASi intake and their influence on the TME in NSCLC. METHODS Four publicly available datasets were used to evaluate the impact of key enzymes involved in collagen biosynthesis. To investigate the influence of RASi intake on the TME and prognosis we evaluated a cohort of metastatic NSCLC patients and performed histopathological characterization of the TME. A three-dimensional microtissue in vitro model was developed to define the impact of RASi on collagen synthesis. RESULTS Expression of three genes of the collagen synthesis pathway, ALDH18A1, PLOD2 and P4HA1, was upregulated in NSCLC compared to normal lung tissue and linked to shortened overall survival in all investigated cohorts. Together, these genes formed a 'Collagen Signature' which represents an independent unfavourable prognostic factor in two NSCLC cohorts and was linked to alterations of the extracellular matrix deposition and cell cycle pathways. In the cohort of metastatic NSCLC, RASi intake was linked to improved overall response rate and survival. Exploratory in vitro experiments revealed that RASi led to a dose dependent reduction of collagen deposition and degradation of three-dimensional lung cancer cell spheroids. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that collagen synthesis is a key upregulated process in the NSCLC TME and its transcriptional readout, the three gene Collagen Signature is independently associated with poor outcome. Pharmacological targeting of this pathways e.g. by RASi bears potential of improving outcome in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Kocher
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology & Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Piotr Tymoszuk
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Laboratory for Immunotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Data Analytics Service Tirol, daas.tirol, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Arno Amann
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology & Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Susanne Sprung
- Department of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Salcher
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology & Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sophia Daum
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology & Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Department of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gabriel Rinnerthaler
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials (CCCIT), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Florian Huemer
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials (CCCIT), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Diego Kauffmann-Guerrero
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Thoracic Oncology, Thoracic Oncology Center Munich, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Amanda Tufman
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Thoracic Oncology, Thoracic Oncology Center Munich, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Seeber
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology & Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology & Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Pircher
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology & Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Tejedor G, Contreras-Lopez R, Barthelaix A, Ruiz M, Noël D, De Ceuninck F, Pastoureau P, Luz-Crawford P, Jorgensen C, Djouad F. Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Reductase 1 Directs the Cartilage Protective and Regenerative Potential of Murphy Roths Large Mouse Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:604756. [PMID: 34277596 PMCID: PMC8284254 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.604756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Murphy Roths Large (MRL) mice possess outstanding capacity to regenerate several tissues. In the present study, we investigated whether this regenerative potential could be associated with the intrinsic particularities possessed by their mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We demonstrated that MSCs derived from MRL mice (MRL MSCs) display a superior chondrogenic potential than do C57BL/6 MSC (BL6 MSCs). This higher chondrogenic potential of MRL MSCs was associated with a higher expression level of pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), an enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of proline, in MRL MSCs compared with BL6 MSCs. The knockdown of PYCR1 in MRL MSCs, using a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), abolishes their chondrogenic potential. Moreover, we showed that PYCR1 silencing in MRL MSCs induced a metabolic switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. In two in vitro chondrocyte models that reproduce the main features of osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes including a downregulation of chondrocyte markers, a significant decrease of PYCR1 was observed. A downregulation of chondrocyte markers was also observed by silencing PYCR1 in freshly isolated healthy chondrocytes. Regarding MSC chondroprotective properties on chondrocytes with OA features, we showed that MSCs silenced for PYCR1 failed to protect chondrocytes from a reduced expression of anabolic markers, while MSCs overexpressing PYCR1 exhibited an increased chondroprotective potential. Finally, using the ear punch model, we demonstrated that MRL MSCs induced a regenerative response in non-regenerating BL6 mice, while BL6 and MRL MSCs deficient for PYCR1 did not. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that MRL mouse regenerative potential is, in part, attributed to its MSCs that exhibit higher PYCR1-dependent glycolytic potential, differentiation capacities, chondroprotective abilities, and regenerative potential than BL6 MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maxime Ruiz
- IRMB, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Danièle Noël
- IRMB, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric De Ceuninck
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Immuno-Inflammatory Disease, Institut de Recherches Servier, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Philippe Pastoureau
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Immuno-Inflammatory Disease, Institut de Recherches Servier, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Patricia Luz-Crawford
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Jorgensen
- IRMB, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Farida Djouad
- IRMB, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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15
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Du S, Sui Y, Ren W, Zhou J, Du C. PYCR1 promotes bladder cancer by affecting the Akt/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2021; 53:247-258. [PMID: 33689096 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-021-09887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) plays a significant role in the malignant progression of various cancers. However, the role of PYCR1 in bladder cancer has not been well studied. This study was performed to evaluate the potential relevance of PYCR1 in bladder cancer. Our data revealed that PYCR1 expression was increased in bladder cancer tissues, and increased expression of PYCR1 was predictive of decreased survival rates. In bladder cancer cell lines, knockdown of PYCR1 caused significantly retarded cell growth and invasion, while PYCR1 overexpression accelerated cellular proliferation and invasion. Moreover, PYCR1 knockdown decreased levels of phosphorylated Akt, and enhanced activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Akt inhibition markedly abrogated of PYCR1 overexpression-mediated activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In addition, overexpression of β-catenin partially reversed PYCR1 knockdown-mediated tumor suppression. Notably, PYCR1 knockdown significantly impeded tumor formation and growth in bladder cancer cells in vivo. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that PYCR1 is highly expressed in bladder cancer and knockdown of PYCR1 exerts a remarkable inhibitory effect on tumor formation via downregulation of Akt/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our study suggests a potential role for PYCR1 in promoting bladder cancer progression and indicates that PYCR1 may be utilized as an attractive and promising anticancer target for treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangkuan Du
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Yongjie Sui
- Department of Physical Examination, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, No.256 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, 710068, China.
| | - Wei Ren
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Jiancheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Chun Du
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
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16
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Ding Z, Ericksen RE, Lee QY, Han W. Reprogramming of mitochondrial proline metabolism promotes liver tumorigenesis. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1807-1815. [PMID: 33646427 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02961-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated cellular energetics has recently been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and garnered attention as a potential targeting strategy for cancer therapeutics. Cancer cells reprogram metabolic activities to meet bio-energetic, biosynthetic and redox requirements needed to sustain indefinite proliferation. In many cases, metabolic reprogramming is the result of complex interactions between genetic alterations in well-known oncogenes and tumor suppressors and epigenetic changes. While the metabolism of the two most abundant nutrients, glucose and glutamine, is reprogrammed in a wide range of cancers, accumulating evidence demonstrates that additional metabolic pathways are also critical for cell survival and growth. Proline metabolism is one such metabolic pathway that promotes tumorigenesis in multiple cancer types, including liver cancer, which is the fourth main cause of cancer mortality in the world. Despite the recent spate of approved treatments, including targeted therapy and combined immunotherapies, there has been no significant gain in clinical benefits in the majority of liver cancer patients. Thus, exploring novel therapeutic strategies and identifying new molecular targets remains a top priority for liver cancer. Two of the enzymes in the proline biosynthetic pathway, pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (PYCR1) and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 18 Family Member A1 (ALDH18A1), are upregulated in liver cancer of both human and animal models, while proline catabolic enzymes, such as proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) are downregulated. Here we review the latest evidence linking proline metabolism to liver and other cancers and potential mechanisms of action for the proline pathway in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaobing Ding
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #02-02 Helios, 11 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - Russell E Ericksen
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #02-02 Helios, 11 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - Qian Yi Lee
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #02-02 Helios, 11 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138667, Singapore
| | - Weiping Han
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #02-02 Helios, 11 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138667, Singapore.
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17
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The Janus-like role of proline metabolism in cancer. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:104. [PMID: 33083024 PMCID: PMC7560826 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00341-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of the non-essential amino acid L-proline is emerging as a key pathway in the metabolic rewiring that sustains cancer cells proliferation, survival and metastatic spread. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (PYCR) and proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) enzymes, which catalyze the last step in proline biosynthesis and the first step of its catabolism, respectively, have been extensively associated with the progression of several malignancies, and have been exposed as potential targets for anticancer drug development. As investigations into the links between proline metabolism and cancer accumulate, the complexity, and sometimes contradictory nature of this interaction emerge. It is clear that the role of proline metabolism enzymes in cancer depends on tumor type, with different cancers and cancer-related phenotypes displaying different dependencies on these enzymes. Unexpectedly, the outcome of rewiring proline metabolism also differs between conditions of nutrient and oxygen limitation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of proline metabolism in cancer; we collate the experimental evidence that links proline metabolism with the different aspects of cancer progression and critically discuss the potential mechanisms involved.
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18
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Scalise M, Console L, Rovella F, Galluccio M, Pochini L, Indiveri C. Membrane Transporters for Amino Acids as Players of Cancer Metabolic Rewiring. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092028. [PMID: 32899180 PMCID: PMC7565710 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells perform a metabolic rewiring to sustain an increased growth rate and compensate for the redox stress caused by augmented energy metabolism. The metabolic changes are not the same in all cancers. Some features, however, are considered hallmarks of this disease. As an example, all cancer cells rewire the amino acid metabolism for fulfilling both the energy demand and the changed signaling routes. In these altered conditions, some amino acids are more frequently used than others. In any case, the prerequisite for amino acid utilization is the presence of specific transporters in the cell membrane that can guarantee the absorption and the traffic of amino acids among tissues. Tumor cells preferentially use some of these transporters for satisfying their needs. The evidence for this phenomenon is the over-expression of selected transporters, associated with specific cancer types. The knowledge of the link between the over-expression and the metabolic rewiring is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanism of reprogramming in cancer cells. The continuous growth of information on structure-function relationships and the regulation of transporters will open novel perspectives in the fight against human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Lara Console
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Filomena Rovella
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (L.C.); (F.R.); (M.G.); (L.P.)
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM) via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-09-8449-2939
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19
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D'Aniello C, Patriarca EJ, Phang JM, Minchiotti G. Proline Metabolism in Tumor Growth and Metastatic Progression. Front Oncol 2020; 10:776. [PMID: 32500033 PMCID: PMC7243120 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells show a formidable capacity to survive under stringent conditions, to elude mechanisms of control, such as apoptosis, and to resist therapy. Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support uncontrolled proliferation and metastatic progression. Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity are hallmarks of cancer cells, which endow them with aggressiveness, metastatic capacity, and resistance to therapy. This heterogeneity is regulated by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli including those from the tumor microenvironment. Increasing evidence points to a key role for the metabolism of non-essential amino acids in this complex scenario. Here we discuss the impact of proline metabolism in cancer development and progression, with particular emphasis on the enzymes involved in proline synthesis and catabolism, which are linked to pathways of energy, redox, and anaplerosis. In particular, we emphasize how proline availability influences collagen synthesis and maturation and the acquisition of cancer cell plasticity and heterogeneity. Specifically, we propose a model whereby proline availability generates a cycle based on collagen synthesis and degradation, which, in turn, influences the epigenetic landscape and tumor heterogeneity. Therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic-epigenetic axis hold great promise for the treatment of metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina D'Aniello
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Eduardo J. Patriarca
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - James M. Phang
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
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