1
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Liu Q, Zhang Y, Li H, Gao H, Zhou Y, Luo D, Shan Z, Yang Y, Weng J, Li Q, Yang W, Li X. Squalene epoxidase promotes the chemoresistance of colorectal cancer via (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene-activated NF-κB. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:278. [PMID: 38762737 PMCID: PMC11102232 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01649-z] [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: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While de novo cholesterol biosynthesis plays a crucial role in chemotherapy resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC), the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. METHODS We conducted cell proliferation assays on CRC cells with or without depletion of squalene epoxidase (SQLE), with or without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was utilized to explore the impact of SQLE on the chemosensitivity of CRC to 5-FU. RNA-sequencing analysis and immunoblotting analysis were performed to clarify the mechanism. We further explore the effect of SQLE depletion on the ubiquitin of NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) and (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene on the binding of IκBα to beta-transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (BTRC) by using immunoprecipitation assay. In addition, a cohort of 272 CRC patients were selected for our clinical analyses. RESULTS Mechanistically, (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene promotes IκBα degradation and subsequent NF-κB activation by enhancing the interaction between BTRC and IκBα. Activated NF-κB upregulates the expression of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), sustains tumor cell survival after 5-FU treatment and promotes 5-FU resistance of CRC in vivo. Notably, the treatment of terbinafine, an inhibitor of SQLE commonly used as antifungal drug in clinic, enhances the sensitivity of CRC to 5-FU in vivo. Additionally, the expression of SQLE is associated with the prognosis of human CRC patients with 5-FU-based chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Thus, our finding not only demonstrates a new role of SQLE in chemoresistance of CRC, but also reveals a novel mechanism of (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene-dependent NF-κB activation, implicating the combined potential of terbinafine for 5-FU-based CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajuan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Huimin Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dakui Luo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zezhi Shan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyong Weng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingguo Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinxiang Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Zhang L, Cao Z, Hong Y, He H, Chen L, Yu Z, Gao Y. Squalene Epoxidase: Its Regulations and Links with Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3874. [PMID: 38612682 PMCID: PMC11011400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073874] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is a key enzyme in the mevalonate-cholesterol pathway that plays a critical role in cellular physiological processes. It converts squalene to 2,3-epoxysqualene and catalyzes the first oxygenation step in the pathway. Recently, intensive efforts have been made to extend the current knowledge of SQLE in cancers through functional and mechanistic studies. However, the underlying mechanisms and the role of SQLE in cancers have not been fully elucidated yet. In this review, we retrospected current knowledge of SQLE as a rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate-cholesterol pathway, while shedding light on its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker, and revealed its therapeutic values in cancers. We showed that SQLE is regulated at different levels and is involved in the crosstalk with iron-dependent cell death. Particularly, we systemically reviewed the research findings on the role of SQLE in different cancers. Finally, we discussed the therapeutic implications of SQLE inhibitors and summarized their potential clinical values. Overall, this review discussed the multifaceted mechanisms that involve SQLE to present a vivid panorama of SQLE in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuheng Hong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Haihua He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Leifeng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhentao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
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3
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Zhu C, Fang X, Liu X, Jiang C, Ren W, Huang W, Jiang Y, Wang D. Squalene monooxygenase facilitates bladder cancer development in part by regulating PCNA. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119681. [PMID: 38280406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Although the treatment and survival rate of BC are being improved, the risk factors and the underlying mechanisms causing BC are incompletely understood. Squalene monooxygenase (SQLE) has been associated with the occurrence and development of multiple cancers but whether it contributes to BC development is unclear. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis on paired BC and adjacent non-cancerous tissues and found that SQLE expression is significantly upregulated in BC samples. Knockdown of SQLE impairs viability, induces apoptosis, and inhibits the migration and invasion of BC cells. RNA-seq data reveals that SQLE deficiency leads to dysregulated expression of genes regulating proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Mass spectrometry-directed interactome screening identifies proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as an SQLE-interacting protein and overexpression of PCNA partially rescues the impaired viability, migration, and invasion of BC cells caused by SQLE knockdown. In addition, we performed xenograft assays and confirmed that SQLE deficiency inhibits BC growth in vivo. In conclusion, these data suggest that SQLE promotes BC development and SQLE inhibition may be therapeutically useful in BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyan Zhu
- Department of Urology, Fuzong clinical medical college of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Xiao Fang
- Department of Urology, Fuzong clinical medical college of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China; Department of Urology, MengChao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Xiangshen Liu
- Department of Urology, Fuzong clinical medical college of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Chengxi Jiang
- Department of Urology, Fuzong clinical medical college of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Wenjun Ren
- Department of Urology, Fuzong clinical medical college of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Wenmao Huang
- Department of Urology, Fuzong clinical medical college of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Fuzong clinical medical college of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China.
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Urology, Fuzong clinical medical college of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China.
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4
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Wu J, Hu W, Yang W, Long Y, Chen K, Li F, Ma X, Li X. Knockdown of SQLE promotes CD8+ T cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Cell Signal 2024; 114:110983. [PMID: 37993027 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110983] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism are critical aspects that shape the process of tumor development and associated microenvironmental conditions owing to the ability of cholesterol to drive tumor growth and invasion. Squalene Epoxidase (SQLE) is the second rate-limiting enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol. The functional role of SQLE within the tumor microenvironment, however, has yet to be established. Here we show that SQLE is distinctively expressed across most types of cancer, and the expression level is highly correlated with tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability. Accordingly, SQLE was identified as a prognostic risk factor in cancer patients. In addition, we observed a negative correlation between SQLE expression and immune cell infiltration across multiple cancers, and murine xenograft model further confirmed that SQLE knockdown was associated with enhanced intratumoral CD8+ T cell infiltration. Using next-generation sequencing, we identified 410 genes distinctively expressed in tumors exhibiting SQLE inhibition. KEGG and GO analysis further verified that SQLE altered the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we found that the metabolism and translation of proteins is the main binding factor with SQLE. Our findings ascertain that SQLE is a potential target in multiple cancers and suppressing SQLE establishes an essential mechanism for shaping tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Weibin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Wenhui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yihao Long
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Kaizhao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Fugui Li
- Cancer Research Institute of Zhongshan City, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
| | - Xun Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China.
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5
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Guo J, Chen S, Zhang Y, Liu J, Jiang L, Hu L, Yao K, Yu Y, Chen X. Cholesterol metabolism: physiological regulation and diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e476. [PMID: 38405060 PMCID: PMC10893558 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol homeostasis is crucial for cellular and systemic function. The disorder of cholesterol metabolism not only accelerates the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but is also the fundamental cause of other ailments. The regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the human is an extremely complex process. Due to the dynamic balance between cholesterol synthesis, intake, efflux and storage, cholesterol metabolism generally remains secure. Disruption of any of these links is likely to have adverse effects on the body. At present, increasing evidence suggests that abnormal cholesterol metabolism is closely related to various systemic diseases. However, the exact mechanism by which cholesterol metabolism contributes to disease pathogenesis remains unclear, and there are still unknown factors. In this review, we outline the metabolic process of cholesterol in the human body, especially reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Then, we discuss separately the impact of abnormal cholesterol metabolism on common diseases and potential therapeutic targets for each disease, including CVD, tumors, neurological diseases, and immune system diseases. At the end of this review, we focus on the effect of cholesterol metabolism on eye diseases. In short, we hope to provide more new ideas for the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases from the perspective of cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Guo
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Silong Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Ying Zhang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Luyang Jiang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Lidan Hu
- National Clinical Research Center for Child HealthThe Children's HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Yibo Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Institute of Translational MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
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6
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Jastrzebska I, Wawrusiewicz-Kurylonek N, Grześ PA, Ratkiewicz A, Grabowska E, Czerniecka M, Czyżewska U, Tylicki A. New Steroidal Selenides as Proapoptotic Factors. Molecules 2023; 28:7528. [PMID: 38005248 PMCID: PMC10673341 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227528] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytostatic and pro-apoptotic effects of selenium steroid derivatives against HeLa cells were determined. The highest cytostatic activity was shown by derivative 4 (GI50 25.0 µM, almost complete growth inhibition after three days of culture, and over 97% of apoptotic and dead cells at 200 µM). The results of our study (cell number measurements, apoptosis profile, relative expression of apoptosis-related APAF1, BID, and mevalonate pathway-involved HMGCR, SQLE, CYP51A1, and PDHB genes, and computational chemistry data) support the hypothesis that tested selenosteroids induce the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis by affecting the cell membrane as cholesterol antimetabolites. An additional mechanism of action is possible through a direct action of derivative 4 to inhibit PDHB expression in a way similar to steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Jastrzebska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Paweł A Grześ
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Artur Ratkiewicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Ewa Grabowska
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Bialystok, K. Ciolkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Czerniecka
- Faculty of Biology, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Urszula Czyżewska
- Faculty of Biology, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Adam Tylicki
- Faculty of Biology, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
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7
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Du Y, Rokavec M, Hermeking H. Squalene epoxidase/SQLE is a candidate target for treatment of colorectal cancers with p53 mutation and elevated c- MYC expression. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4103-4122. [PMID: 37705742 PMCID: PMC10496509 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85724] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated expression of c-MYC and inactivation of p53 represent two of the most common alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, c-MYC and defective p53 are difficult to target therapeutically. Therefore, effectors downstream of both c-MYC and p53 may represent attractive, alternative targets for cancer treatment. In a bioinformatics screen we identified Squalene epoxidase/SQLE as a candidate therapeutic target that appeared to be especially relevant for cell survival in CRCs, which display elevated c-MYC expression and loss of p53 function. SQLE is a rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol synthesis. Here, we show that p53 supresses SQLE expression, cholesterol levels, and cell viability via the induction of miR-205, which directly targets SQLE. Furthermore, c-MYC induced SQLE expression directly and via its target gene AP4. The transcription factor AP4/TFAP4 directly induced SQLE expression and cholesterol levels, whereas inactivation of AP4 resulted in decreased SQLE expression and caused resistance to Terbinafine, an inhibitor of SQLE. Inhibition of SQLE decreased viability of CRC cells. This effect was enhanced in CRCs cells with p53 inactivation and/or enhanced c-MYC/AP4 expression. Altogether, our results demonstrate that SQLE represents a vulnerability for CRCs with p53 inactivation and elevated c-MYC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyun Du
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Matjaz Rokavec
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Heiko Hermeking
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80337 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Monterde B, Rojano E, Córdoba-Caballero J, Seoane P, Perkins JR, Medina MÁ, Ranea JAG. Integrating differential expression, co-expression and gene network analysis for the identification of common genes associated with tumor angiogenesis deregulation. J Biomed Inform 2023; 144:104421. [PMID: 37315831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2023.104421] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and cancer metastasis. Identifying the molecular pathways involved in this process is the first step in the rational design of new therapeutic strategies to improve cancer treatment. In recent years, RNA-seq data analysis has helped to determine the genetic and molecular factors associated with different types of cancer. In this work we performed integrative analysis using RNA-seq data from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and patients with angiogenesis-dependent diseases to find genes that serve as potential candidates to improve the prognosis of tumor angiogenesis deregulation and understand how this process is orchestrated at the genetic and molecular level. We downloaded four RNA-seq datasets (including cellular models of tumor angiogenesis and ischaemic heart disease) from the Sequence Read Archive. Our integrative analysis includes a first step to determine differentially and co-expressed genes. For this, we used the ExpHunter Suite, an R package that performs differential expression, co-expression and functional analysis of RNA-seq data. We used both differentially and co-expressed genes to explore the human gene interaction network and determine which genes were found in the different datasets that may be key for the angiogenesis deregulation. Finally, we performed drug repositioning analysis to find potential targets related to angiogenesis inhibition. We found that that among the transcriptional alterations identified, SEMA3D and IL33 genes are deregulated in all datasets. Microenvironment remodeling, cell cycle, lipid metabolism and vesicular transport are the main molecular pathways affected. In addition to this, interacting genes are involved in intracellular signaling pathways, especially in immune system and semaphorins, respiratory electron transport and fatty acid metabolism. The methodology presented here can be used for finding common transcriptional alterations in other genetically-based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Monterde
- Departamento de Señalización Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Universidad de Cantabria-CSIC., C/Albert Einstein, 22, Santander, 39011, Spain
| | - Elena Rojano
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur, 31, Málaga, 29010, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), C/ Severo Ochoa, 35, Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía (PTA), Campanillas, Málaga, 29590, Spain
| | - José Córdoba-Caballero
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur, 31, Málaga, 29010, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Avda. Ana de Viya, 21, Cádiz, 11009, Spain
| | - Pedro Seoane
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur, 31, Málaga, 29010, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), C/ Severo Ochoa, 35, Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía (PTA), Campanillas, Málaga, 29590, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Avda. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
| | - James R Perkins
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur, 31, Málaga, 29010, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), C/ Severo Ochoa, 35, Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía (PTA), Campanillas, Málaga, 29590, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Avda. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Medina
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur, 31, Málaga, 29010, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), C/ Severo Ochoa, 35, Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía (PTA), Campanillas, Málaga, 29590, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Avda. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Juan A G Ranea
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur, 31, Málaga, 29010, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), C/ Severo Ochoa, 35, Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía (PTA), Campanillas, Málaga, 29590, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Avda. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Spanish National Bioinformatics Institute (INB/ELIXIR-ES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), C/ Sinesio Delgado, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain
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9
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Weng N, Zhang Z, Tan Y, Zhang X, Wei X, Zhu Q. Repurposing antifungal drugs for cancer therapy. J Adv Res 2023; 48:259-273. [PMID: 36067975 PMCID: PMC10248799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repurposing antifungal drugs in cancer therapy has attracted unprecedented attention in both preclinical and clinical research due to specific advantages, such as safety, high-cost effectiveness and time savings compared with cancer drug discovery. The surprising and encouraging efficacy of antifungal drugs in cancer therapy, mechanistically, is attributed to the overlapping targets or molecular pathways between fungal and cancer pathogenesis. Advancements in omics, informatics and analytical technology have led to the discovery of increasing "off-site" targets from antifungal drugs involved in cancerogenesis, such as smoothened (D477G) inhibition from itraconazole in basal cell carcinoma. AIM OF REVIEW This review illustrates several antifungal drugs repurposed for cancer therapy and reveals the underlying mechanism based on their original target and "off-site" target. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives for the future development and clinical applications of antifungal drugs for cancer therapy are also discussed, providing a refresh understanding of drug repurposing. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review may provide a basic understanding of repurposed antifungal drugs for clinical cancer management, thereby helping antifungal drugs broaden new indications and promote clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningna Weng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital & Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian 350011, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhan Tan
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
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Guo M, Qiao Y, Lu Y, Zhu L, Zheng L. Squalene epoxidase facilitates cervical cancer progression by modulating tumor protein p53 signaling pathway. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:1383-1392. [PMID: 36843235 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mortality of cervical cancer (CC) is quite high and advanced CC is hard to cure. Accordingly, to find the mechanism of CC progression at molecular level is imminent. METHODS The mRNA expression data were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and squalene epoxidase (SQLE) level in the tumor and adjuvant tissues of CC was analyzed. The pathway enrichment analysis of target mRNAs was performed based on the GSEA database. The cancerous tissues and para-cancerous tissues of CC patients were collected for immunohistochemistry. SQLE and p53 mRNA expression was ensured by qRT-polymerase chain reaction. SQLE and p53 protein levels were determined by western blot. Cell functional assays focused on evaluating the malignant behaviors of cancer cells in each treatment group. Nude mouse xenograft models were constructed for tumorigenicity analysis. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis revealed that SQLE expression was high in CC tissues, which was linked to the poor prognosis. SQLE could affect the p53 signaling pathway. Cell functional assays demonstrated that SQLE expression was promoted in CC cell lines, and overexpressing SQLE facilitated the malignant phenotypes of CC cells, whereas silencing SQLE suppressed CC progression in vitro and in vivo. Besides, the repressed p53 signaling pathway could reverse the effect caused by silenced SQLE. CONCLUSION SQLE could promote CC progression by modulating the p53 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China.,Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an Second People's Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China.,Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingzhi Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China.,Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Chen C, Hu X, Ahmad MJ, Niu K, Ye T, Liang A, Yang L. Novel Insight into the Role of Squalene Epoxidase ( SQLE) Gene in Determining Milk Production Traits in Buffalo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032436. [PMID: 36768756 PMCID: PMC9916492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying milk production traits contribute to improving the production potential of dairy animals. Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is one of the rate-limiting enzymes for cholesterol biosynthesis and was highly expressed in the buffalo mammary. The objectives of the present study were to detect the polymorphisms within SQLE in buffalo, the genetic effects of these mutations on milk production traits, and to understand the gene regulatory effects on buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BuMECs). A total of five SNPs were identified by sequencing, g.18858G > A loci were significantly associated with fat yield, and g.22834C > T loci were significantly associated with peak milk yield, milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield. Notably, linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated that 2 SNPs (g.18858G > A and g.22834C > T) formed one haplotype block, which was found to be significantly associated with milk fat yield, fat percentage, and protein yield. Furthermore, expression of SQLE was measured in different tissues of buffalo and was found to be higher in the mammary. Knockdown of SQLE gene expression significantly affected the growth of BuMECs, including proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, and significantly downregulated the expression of related genes MYC, PCNA, and P21. In addition, knockdown of the SQLE gene significantly reduces triglyceride concentrations and the signal intensity of oil red O staining. In addition, silencing of SQLE was also found to regulate the synthesis and secretion of β-casein and κ-casein negatively. Furthermore, SQLE knockdown is accompanied by the downregulation of critical genes (RPS6KB1, JAK2, eIF4E, and SREBP1) related to milk fat and protein synthesis. The current study showed the potential of the SQLE gene as a candidate for buffalo milk production traits. It provides a new understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying buffalo milk production regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiangwei Hu
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Muhammad Jamil Ahmad
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kaifeng Niu
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tingzhu Ye
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Aixin Liang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Province’s Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liguo Yang
- National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction (NCIRAGBR), College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Province’s Engineering Research Center in Buffalo Breeding and Products, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence:
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12
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Zhang Z, Wu W, Jiao H, Chen Y, Ji X, Cao J, Yin F, Yin W. Squalene epoxidase promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development by activating STRAP transcription and TGF-β/SMAD signalling. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 180:1562-1581. [PMID: 36581319 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is a key enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, but growing evidence also reveals that SQLE is abnormally expressed in some types of malignant tumours, even though the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Bioinformatics analysis and RNA sequencing were applied to detect differentially expressed genes in clinical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MTT, colony formation, AnnexinV-FITC/PI, EdU, wound healing, transwell, western blot, qRT-PCR, IHC, F-actin, RNA-sequencing, dual-luciferase reporters, and H&E staining were used to investigate the pharmacological effects and possible mechanisms of SQLE. KEY RESULTS SQLE expression was specifically elevated in HCC, correlating with poor clinical outcomes. SQLE significantly promoted HCC growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and functional experiments revealed that the protumourigenic effect of SQLE on HCC was closely related to the activation of TGF-β/SMAD signalling, but the stimulatory effect of SQLE on TGF-β/SMAD signalling and HCC development is critically dependent on STRAP. SQLE expression is well correlated with STRAP in HCC, and further, to amplify TGF-β/SMAD signalling, SQLE even transcriptionally increased STRAP gene expression mediated by AP-2α. Finally, as a chemical inhibitor of SQLE, NB-598 markedly inhibited HCC cell growth and tumour development. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Taken together, SQLE serves as a novel oncogene in HCC development by activating TGF-β/SMAD signalling. Targeting SQLE could be useful in drug development and therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirui Zhang
- The State Key Lab of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Organ Transplantation Center, Southern District, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei, China
| | - Hao Jiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, China
| | - Yuzhong Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiaojun Ji
- Department of Innovation, Nanjing Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangzhou Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wu Yin
- The State Key Lab of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Yin X, Xu R, Song J, Ruze R, Chen Y, Wang C, Xu Q. Lipid metabolism in pancreatic cancer: emerging roles and potential targets. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:1234-1256. [PMID: 36107801 PMCID: PMC9759769 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious health issues in developed and developing countries, with a 5-year overall survival rate currently <9%. Patients typically present with advanced disease due to vague symptoms or lack of screening for early cancer detection. Surgical resection represents the only chance for cure, but treatment options are limited for advanced diseases, such as distant metastatic or locally progressive tumors. Although adjuvant chemotherapy has improved long-term outcomes in advanced cancer patients, its response rate is low. So, exploring other new treatments is urgent. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that lipid metabolism can support tumorigenesis and disease progression as well as treatment resistance through enhanced lipid synthesis, storage, and catabolism. Therefore, a better understanding of lipid metabolism networks may provide novel and promising strategies for early diagnosis, prognosis estimation, and targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer patients. In this review, we first enumerate and discuss current knowledge about the advances made in understanding the regulation of lipid metabolism in pancreatic cancer. In addition, we summarize preclinical studies and clinical trials with drugs targeting lipid metabolic systems in pancreatic cancer. Finally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities for targeting lipid metabolism pathways through precision therapies in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpeng Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Ruiyuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Jianlu Song
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Rexiati Ruze
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Chengcheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesPeking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100023P. R China
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Zou Y, Zhang H, Bi F, Tang Q, Xu H. Targeting the key cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme squalene monooxygenasefor cancer therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:938502. [PMID: 36091156 PMCID: PMC9449579 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.938502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol metabolism is often dysregulated in cancer. Squalene monooxygenase (SQLE) is the second rate-limiting enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. Since the discovery of SQLE dysregulation in cancer, compelling evidence has indicated that SQLE plays a vital role in cancer initiation and progression and is a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this review, we provide an overview of the role and regulation of SQLE in cancer and summarize the updates of antitumor therapy targeting SQLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Zou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Bi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiulin Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiulin Tang, ; Huanji Xu,
| | - Huanji Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiulin Tang, ; Huanji Xu,
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15
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Zhao F, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Li X, Chen K, Long Y, Li F, Ma X. SQLE inhibition suppresses the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and enhances its sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in vitro. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6613-6621. [PMID: 35552960 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07504-z] [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: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we sought to explore the function of seven important enzymes (MSMO1, EBP, HMGCS1, IDI2, DHCR7, FDFT1, and SQLE) involved in cholesterol biosynthesis especially SQLE in PDAC therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS The TCGA and Oncomine dataset were used to explore the expression of the seven enzymes in normal and cancerous pancreatic individual, and their anti-proliferation efficiency against PDAC cells was measured by cell viability assay. Expression level and prognostic values of SQLE were evaluated by western blot and Kaplan-Meier analysis. The influence of SQLE knockdown by shRNA in PDAC cells was assessed by transwell, colony formation and cell cycle analysis. RNA-seq and GSEA were utilized to investigate the potential mechanisms. The synergistic effect of SQLE inhibitor, terbinafine, combined with six chemotherapeutic drugs in PDAC cells was tested by CCK-8 method. We demonstrated that downregulation of those enzymes especially SQLE significantly suppressed PDAC cells survival. SQLE was upregulated in PDAC cell lines, and the elevated level of SQLE was correlated with poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer samples. SQLE knockdown could significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of PDAC cells. Cell cycle was blocked in S phase after SQLE silencing. Mechanistically, GSEA analysis with RNA-seq data revealed that SQLE silencing negatively mediated mTORC1 and TNFα/NF-κB signaling pathways. Besides, SQLE inhibitor terbinafine enhanced chemotherapeutic sensitivity of the six compounds. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that SQLE was a novel target for PDAC therapy. The synergism role of SQLE inhibition and chemotherapy may be potential therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Zhao
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yanni Huang
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingheng Zhang
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Xun Li
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaizhao Chen
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, Guangdong, China
| | - Yihao Long
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, Guangdong, China
| | - Fugui Li
- Cancer Research Institute of Zhongshan City, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, Zhongshan, 528403, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, Guangdong, China.
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Wang S, Dong L, Ma L, Yang S, Zheng Y, Zhang J, Wu C, Zhao Y, Hou Y, Li H, Wang T. SQLE facilitates the pancreatic cancer progression via the lncRNA-TTN-AS1/miR-133b/SQLE axis. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:3636-3647. [PMID: 35638462 PMCID: PMC9258714 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that SQLE is highly expressed in a variety of tumours and promotes tumour progression. However, the role of SQLE in pancreatic cancer (PC) has not been reported. Here, we aim to study the role and molecular mechanism of SQLE in PC. Immunohistochemistry and functional experiments showed that SQLE was highly expressed in PC tissues and promoted the proliferation and invasion of PC cells. Terbinafine, an inhibitor of SQLE, inhibited this effect. In order to further study the upstream mechanism that regulates SQLE, we used bioinformatics technology to lock miR-133b and lncRNA-TTN-AS. In situ hybridization was used to detect the expression of miR-133b and lncRNA-TTN-AS1 in PC tissues. The luciferase reporter gene experiment was used to confirm the binding of miR-133b and lncRNA-TTN-AS1. The results showed that miR-133b was down-regulated in PC tissues and negatively correlated with the expression of SQLE. LncRNA-TTN-AS1 was upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and positively correlated with the expression of SQLE. Luciferase gene reporter gene analysis confirmed lncRNA-TTN-AS1 directly binded to miR-133b. Therefore, we propose that targeting the lncRNA-TTN-AS1/miR-133b/SQLE axis is expected to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Wang
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research RoomThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
- Department of Infectious DiseasesShenzhen Nanshan District Shekou People’s HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research RoomThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of GastroenterologyShaanxi Provincial People’s HospitalXi’anChina
| | - Suzhen Yang
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research RoomThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research RoomThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Kidney TransplantationNephropathy HospitalThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Chuanghong Wu
- Department of Infectious DiseasesShenzhen Nanshan District Shekou People’s HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Yidi Zhao
- Emergency DepartmentThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Yangfan Hou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research RoomThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research RoomThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityXi’anChina
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Hong Z, Liu T, Wan L, Fa P, Kumar P, Cao Y, Prasad CB, Qiu Z, Joseph L, Hongbing W, Li Z, Wang QE, Guo P, Guo D, Yilmaz AS, Lu L, Papandreou I, Jacob NK, Yan C, Zhang X, She QB, Ma Z, Zhang J. Targeting Squalene Epoxidase Interrupts Homologous Recombination via the ER Stress Response and Promotes Radiotherapy Efficacy. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1298-1312. [PMID: 35045984 PMCID: PMC8983553 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over 50% of all patients with cancer are treated with radiotherapy. However, radiotherapy is often insufficient as a monotherapy and requires a nontoxic radiosensitizer. Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) controls cholesterol biosynthesis by converting squalene to 2,3-oxidosqualene. Given that SQLE is frequently overexpressed in human cancer, this study investigated the importance of SQLE in breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), two cancers often treated with radiotherapy. SQLE-positive IHC staining was observed in 68% of breast cancer and 56% of NSCLC specimens versus 15% and 25% in normal breast and lung tissue, respectively. Importantly, SQLE expression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis, and pharmacologic inhibition of SQLE enhanced breast and lung cancer cell radiosensitivity. In addition, SQLE inhibition enhanced sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Inhibition of SQLE interrupted homologous recombination by suppressing ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) activity via the translational upregulation of wild-type p53-induced phosphatase (WIP1), regardless of the p53 status. SQLE inhibition and subsequent squalene accumulation promoted this upregulation by triggering the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Collectively, these results identify a novel tumor-specific radiosensitizer by revealing unrecognized cross-talk between squalene metabolites, ER stress, and the DNA damage response. Although SQLE inhibitors have been used as antifungal agents in the clinic, they have not yet been used as antitumor agents. Repurposing existing SQLE-inhibiting drugs may provide new cancer treatments. SIGNIFICANCE Squalene epoxidase inhibitors are novel tumor-specific radiosensitizers that promote ER stress and suppress homologous recombination, providing a new potential therapeutic approach to enhance radiotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Quanzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Lingfeng Wan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Pengyan Fa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yanan Cao
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Chandra Bhushan Prasad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Zhaojun Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Liu Joseph
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Wang Hongbing
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Qi-En Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Deliang Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Ayse Selen Yilmaz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | - Lanchun Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Ioanna Papandreou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Naduparambil K Jacob
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Chunhong Yan
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, USA
| | - Qing-Bai She
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Zhefu Ma
- Department Breast Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, 44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, 110042, China
- Department Breast & Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No.58 of Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Junran Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, OH, 43210, USA
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18
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Laka K, Makgoo L, Mbita Z. Cholesterol-Lowering Phytochemicals: Targeting the Mevalonate Pathway for Anticancer Interventions. Front Genet 2022; 13:841639. [PMID: 35391801 PMCID: PMC8981032 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.841639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a plethora of cancer causes and the road to fully understanding the carcinogenesis process remains a dream that keeps changing. However, a list of role players that are implicated in the carcinogens process is getting lengthier. Cholesterol is known as bad sterol that is heavily linked with cardiovascular diseases; however, it is also comprehensively associated with carcinogenesis. There is an extensive list of strategies that have been used to lower cholesterol; nevertheless, the need to find better and effective strategies remains vastly important. The role played by cholesterol in the induction of the carcinogenesis process has attracted huge interest in recent years. Phytochemicals can be dubbed as magic tramp cards that humans could exploit for lowering cancer-causing cholesterol. Additionally, the mechanisms that are regulated by phytochemicals can be targeted for anticancer drug development. One of the key role players in cancer development and suppression, Tumour Protein 53 (TP53), is crucial in regulating the biogenesis of cholesterol and is targeted by several phytochemicals. This minireview covers the role of p53 in the mevalonate pathway and how bioactive phytochemicals target the mevalonate pathway and promote p53-dependent anticancer activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zukile Mbita
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
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19
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Song Y, Tian S, Zhang P, Zhang N, Shen Y, Deng J. Construction and Validation of a Novel Ferroptosis-Related Prognostic Model for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Genet 2022; 12:708699. [PMID: 35111195 PMCID: PMC8803125 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.708699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal malignant proliferative blood disorder with a poor prognosis. Ferroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, holds great promise for oncology treatment, and has been demonstrated to interfere with the development of various diseases. A range of genes are involved in regulating ferroptosis and can serve as markers of it. Nevertheless, the prognostic significance of these genes in AML remains poorly understood. Transcriptomic and clinical data for AML patients were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Univariate Cox analysis was performed to identify ferroptosis-related genes with prognostic value, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis were utilized to optimize gene selection from the TCGA cohort (132 samples) for model construction. Tumor samples from the GEO database (136 samples and 104 samples) were used as validation groups to estimate the predictive performance of the risk model. Finally, an eight-gene prognostic signature (including CHAC1, CISD1, DPP4, GPX4, AIFM2, SQLE, PGD, and ACSF2) was identified for the prediction of survival probability and was used to stratify AML patients into high- and low-risk groups. Survival analysis illustrated significantly prolonged overall survival and lower mortality in the low-risk group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated good results for the training set (1-year: 0.846, 2-years: 0.826, and 3-years: 0.837), which verified the accuracy of the model for predicting patient survival. Independent prognostic analysis indicated that the model could be used as a prognostic factor (p ≤ 0.001). Functional enrichment analyses revealed underlying mechanisms and notable differences in the immune status of the two risk groups. In brief, we conducted and validated a novel ferroptosis-related prognostic model for outcome prediction and risk stratification in AML, with great potential to guide individualized treatment strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Song
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shufang Tian
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Hematology Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianchuan Deng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jianchuan Deng,
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20
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He J, Siu MKY, Ngan HYS, Chan KKL. Aberrant Cholesterol Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer: Identification of Novel Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2021; 11:738177. [PMID: 34820325 PMCID: PMC8606538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.738177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential substance in mammalian cells, and cholesterol metabolism plays crucial roles in multiple biological functions. Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a metabolic hallmark in several cancers, beyond the Warburg effect. Reprogrammed cholesterol metabolism has been reported to enhance tumorigenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance in multiple cancer types, including ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide. Alterations in metabolic pathways are characteristic features of ovarian cancer; however, the specific role of cholesterol metabolism remains to be established. In this report, we provide an overview of the key proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism in ovarian cancer, including the rate-limiting enzymes in cholesterol biosynthesis, and the proteins involved in cholesterol uptake, storage and trafficking. Also, we review the roles of cholesterol and its derivatives in ovarian cancer and the tumor microenvironment, and discuss promising related therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangnan He
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Michelle K Y Siu
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Hextan Y S Ngan
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Karen K L Chan
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR China
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21
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Xu F, Zhang Z, Zhao Y, Zhou Y, Pei H, Bai L. Bioinformatic mining and validation of the effects of ferroptosis regulators on the prognosis and progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Gene 2021; 795:145804. [PMID: 34175402 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a new form of programmed cell death, provides a new option for anti-tumor treatment. However, the roles of ferroptosis-related (FR) genes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) were not fully elaborated. In the present study, 185 TCGA samples and 81 ICGC samples were used as training and validation cohorts, respectively. A novel FR risk signature (ALOX5, ALOX12, PTGS2, SAT1, STEAP3 and SQLE) was constructed via the Lasso regression analysis. In TCGA cohort, the risk signature was identified as an independent prognostic factor. Decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated that FR risk score could increase the net benefit when making clinical-decision. In addition, we constructed a nomogram to predict the overall survival rate (OSR) of individual at 1,2,3 year. Meanwhile, the prognostic value was partly validated in ICGC cohort. Through immune analyses, we found that high FR risk could affect the immune abundances of five lymphocytes but not effectively affect the activities of immune-related pathways. The expressions of most FR risk genes did not correlate with that of PD-L1(CD274) and CTLA4. Further, through RT-qPCR tests, the expressions of PTGS2 and SQLE were proven to be significantly upregulated in normal pancreatic duct epithelia cell (HPDE6-C7) compared to pancreatic cancer cells (SW1990 and BxPC-3). MTT, wound-healing and transwell assays revealed that silencing PTGS2 and SQLE could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Besides, western-blot assays showed that blocking PTGS2 and SQLE expressions could suppress the protein expressions of cyclin D1 and N-cadherin, but facilitate that of E-cadherin, which suggested that they were involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Collectively, FR risk signature provides an important complement for PAAD prognostic analysis. High FR risk level can adversely affect anti-tumor immune process, but may not serve as a predictive marker of ICIs efficacy. PTGS2 and SQLE are proven to possess cancer-promoting abilities in PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangshi Xu
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China; Department of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Zhengliang Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Yidi Zhao
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Honghong Pei
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Ling Bai
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China.
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22
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Ershov P, Kaluzhskiy L, Mezentsev Y, Yablokov E, Gnedenko O, Ivanov A. Enzymes in the Cholesterol Synthesis Pathway: Interactomics in the Cancer Context. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080895. [PMID: 34440098 PMCID: PMC8389681 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A global protein interactome ensures the maintenance of regulatory, signaling and structural processes in cells, but at the same time, aberrations in the repertoire of protein-protein interactions usually cause a disease onset. Many metabolic enzymes catalyze multistage transformation of cholesterol precursors in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Cancer-associated deregulation of these enzymes through various molecular mechanisms results in pathological cholesterol accumulation (its precursors) which can be disease risk factors. This work is aimed at systematization and bioinformatic analysis of the available interactomics data on seventeen enzymes in the cholesterol pathway, encoded by HMGCR, MVK, PMVK, MVD, FDPS, FDFT1, SQLE, LSS, DHCR24, CYP51A1, TM7SF2, MSMO1, NSDHL, HSD17B7, EBP, SC5D, DHCR7 genes. The spectrum of 165 unique and 21 common protein partners that physically interact with target enzymes was selected from several interatomic resources. Among them there were 47 modifying proteins from different protein kinases/phosphatases and ubiquitin-protein ligases/deubiquitinases families. A literature search, enrichment and gene co-expression analysis showed that about a quarter of the identified protein partners was associated with cancer hallmarks and over-represented in cancer pathways. Our results allow to update the current fundamental view on protein-protein interactions and regulatory aspects of the cholesterol synthesis enzymes and annotate of their sub-interactomes in term of possible involvement in cancers that will contribute to prioritization of protein targets for future drug development.
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23
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Xu Z, Huang L, Dai T, Pei X, Xia L, Zeng G, Ye M, Liu K, Zeng F, Han W, Jiang S. SQLE Mediates Metabolic Reprogramming to Promote LN Metastasis in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:4285-4295. [PMID: 34335030 PMCID: PMC8318010 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s315813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Almost all metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancers (mHSPC) will develop into metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The expression level of squalene monooxygenase (SQLE) is increased in CRPC cells and regulates cholesterol metabolism. This study verified the biological function and mechanisms of SQLE in CRPC. Methods The expression of SQLE in human prostate cancer cells was overexpressed or silenced and its efficacy on cell survival was determined by the MTS test. Energy metabolism phenotype test was evaluated by XF real-time ATP rate assay, XF cell mitochondrial stress test, XF glycolysis stress test and XF mito fuel flex test. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by colony formation assays and transwell assays; the expression of mRNA and protein was assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Moreover, BALB/c nude mice model was performed to evaluate the lymph node metastasis. Results In our study, we found that the expression level of SQLE was significantly increased in bicalutamide-resistant-C4-2B cells compared to LNCaP cells. SQLE knockdown partly restored the sensitivity of drug-resistant cells to bicalutamide and reduced lymph node metastasis by inhibiting fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria. We also found that terbinafine, the specific inhibitor of SQLE, can enhance the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to bicalutamide. Conclusion Our study revealed that SQLE is involved in the progression of castration resistance in CRPC through mediating metabolic reprogramming, presenting SQLE as a new target for the treatment of mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhou Xu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Dai
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaming Pei
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Longzheng Xia
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Gongqian Zeng
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingji Ye
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kan Liu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuhua Zeng
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqing Han
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shusuan Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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24
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He L, Li H, Pan C, Hua Y, Peng J, Zhou Z, Zhao Y, Lin M. Squalene epoxidase promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation through accumulating calcitriol and activating CYP24A1-mediated MAPK signaling. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:726-746. [PMID: 34268906 PMCID: PMC8360641 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most malignant tumors with high incidence, yet its molecular mechanism is not fully understood, hindering the development of targeted therapy. Metabolic abnormalities are a hallmark of cancer. Targeting dysregulated metabolic features has become an important direction for modern anticancer therapy. In this study, we aimed to identify a new metabolic enzyme that promotes proliferation of CRC and to examine the related molecular mechanisms. Methods We performed RNA sequencing and tissue microarray analyses of human CRC samples to identify new genes involved in CRC. Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) was identified to be highly upregulated in CRC patients. The regulatory function of SQLE in CRC progression and the therapeutic effect of SQLE inhibitors were determined by measuring CRC cell viability, colony and organoid formation, intracellular cholesterol concentration and xenograft tumor growth. The molecular mechanism of SQLE function was explored by combining transcriptome and untargeted metabolomics analysis. Western blotting and real‐time PCR were used to assess MAPK signaling activation by SQLE. Results SQLE‐related control of cholesterol biosynthesis was highly upregulated in CRC patients and associated with poor prognosis. SQLE promoted CRC growth in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of SQLE reduced the levels of calcitriol (active form of vitamin D3) and CYP24A1, followed by an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Subsequently, MAPK signaling was suppressed, resulting in the inhibition of CRC cell growth. Consistently, terbinafine, an SQLE inhibitor, suppressed CRC cell proliferation and organoid and xenograft tumor growth. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that SQLE promotes CRC through the accumulation of calcitriol and stimulation of CYP24A1‐mediated MAPK signaling, highlighting SQLE as a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luwei He
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China
| | - Huaguang Li
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China
| | - Chenyu Pan
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China
| | - Yutong Hua
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China
| | - Jiayin Peng
- The State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, P. R. China
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, P. R. China
| | - Yun Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, P. R. China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Moubin Lin
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China.,Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, P. R. China
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25
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Liu Y, Fang L, Liu W. High SQLE Expression and Gene Amplification Correlates with Poor Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:4709-4723. [PMID: 34163246 PMCID: PMC8213972 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s305719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is considered a metabolic oncogene, but its biological function and prognostic value in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the role of SQLE in the occurrence and development of HNSCC through bioinformatics analysis, and validation experiments. Methods Transcriptomic, genomic, and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used for pan-cancer analysis. SQLE expression in HNSCC was evaluated using Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and immunohistochemistry. The biological significance of SQLE in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCC was determined using TISCH, HuRI, LinkedOmics, and TIMER 2.0. The prognostic value of SQLE in HNSCC was analyzed using univariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Effect of SQLE on the Cal27 HNSCC cell line was evaluated using cell counting kit 8, wound healing, and EdU assays. Results SQLE was overexpressed and amplified in various cancers, including HNSCC. High SQLE expression promoted cell proliferation, associated with T stage in HNSCC patients. Copy number amplification and DNA demethylation contributed to high SQLE expression in HNSCC, which was associated with poor prognosis. SQLE was related to HNSCC TME, and its mRNA expression/copy number alterations were negatively correlated with the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, follicular helper T cells, and regulatory T cell infiltration and mast cell activation and positively correlated with the infiltration of M0 macrophages and resting mast cells in HNSCC. Conclusion SQLE was identified as a prognostic biomarker and a potential pharmaceutical target for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Fang
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixian Liu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
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26
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Zembroski AS, Andolino C, Buhman KK, Teegarden D. Proteomic Characterization of Cytoplasmic Lipid Droplets in Human Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:576326. [PMID: 34141606 PMCID: PMC8204105 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.576326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the characteristic features of metastatic breast cancer is increased cellular storage of neutral lipid in cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs). CLD accumulation is associated with increased cancer aggressiveness, suggesting CLDs contribute to metastasis. However, how CLDs contribute to metastasis is not clear. CLDs are composed of a neutral lipid core, a phospholipid monolayer, and associated proteins. Proteins that associate with CLDs regulate both cellular and CLD metabolism; however, the proteome of CLDs in metastatic breast cancer and how these proteins may contribute to breast cancer progression is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the proteome and assess the characteristics of CLDs in the MCF10CA1a human metastatic breast cancer cell line. Utilizing shotgun proteomics, we identified over 1500 proteins involved in a variety of cellular processes in the isolated CLD fraction. Interestingly, unlike other cell lines such as adipocytes or enterocytes, the most enriched protein categories were involved in cellular processes outside of lipid metabolism. For example, cell-cell adhesion was the most enriched category of proteins identified, and many of these proteins have been implicated in breast cancer metastasis. In addition, we characterized CLD size and area in MCF10CA1a cells using transmission electron microscopy. Our results provide a hypothesis-generating list of potential players in breast cancer progression and offers a new perspective on the role of CLDs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa S Zembroski
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Chaylen Andolino
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Kimberly K Buhman
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Dorothy Teegarden
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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27
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Madan B, Virshup DM, Nes WD, Leaver DJ. Unearthing the Janus-face cholesterogenesis pathways in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 196:114611. [PMID: 34010597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol biosynthesis, primarily associated with eukaryotes, occurs as an essential component of human metabolism with biosynthetic deregulation a factor in cancer viability. The segment that partitions between squalene and the C27-end cholesterol yields the main cholesterogenesis branch subdivided into the Bloch and Kandutsch-Russell pathways. Their importance in cell viability, in normal growth and development originates primarily from the amphipathic property and shape of the cholesterol molecule which makes it suitable as a membrane insert. Cholesterol can also convert to variant oxygenated product metabolites of distinct function producing a complex interplay between cholesterol synthesis and overall steroidogenesis. In this review, we disassociate the two sides of cholesterogenesisis affecting the type and amounts of systemic sterols-one which is beneficial to human welfare while the other dysfunctional leading to misery and disease that could result in premature death. Our focus here is first to examine the cholesterol biosynthetic genes, enzymes, and order of biosynthetic intermediates in human cholesterogenesis pathways, then compare the effect of proximal and distal inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis against normal and cancer cell growth and metabolism. Collectively, the inhibitor studies of druggable enzymes and specific biosynthetic steps, suggest a potential role of disrupted cholesterol biosynthesis, in coordination with imported cholesterol, as a factor in cancer development and as discussed some of these inhibitors have chemotherapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita Madan
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David M Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - W David Nes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| | - David J Leaver
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Physical Sciences, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX, USA.
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28
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Ge PY, Qi YY, Qu SY, Zhao X, Ni SJ, Yao ZY, Guo R, Yang NY, Zhang QC, Zhu HX. Potential Mechanism of S. baicalensis on Lipid Metabolism Explored via Network Pharmacology and Untargeted Lipidomics. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:1915-1930. [PMID: 33976541 PMCID: PMC8106469 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s301679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background S. baicalensis, a traditional herb, has great potential in treating diseases associated with aberrant lipid metabolism, such as inflammation, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Aim of the Study To elucidate the mechanism by which S. baicalensis modulates lipid metabolism and explore the medicinal effects of S. baicalensis at a holistic level. Materials and Methods The potential active ingredients of S. baicalensis and targets involved in regulating lipid metabolism were identified using a network pharmacology approach. Metabolomics was utilized to compare lipids that were altered after S. baicalensis treatment in order to identify significantly altered metabolites, and crucial targets and compounds were validated by molecular docking. Results Steroid biosynthesis, sphingolipid metabolism, the PPAR signaling pathway and glycerolipid metabolism were enriched and predicted to be potential pathways upon which S. baicalensis acts. Further metabolomics assays revealed 14 significantly different metabolites were identified as lipid metabolism-associated elements. After the pathway enrichment analysis of the metabolites, cholesterol metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism were identified as the most relevant pathways. Based on the results of the pathway analysis, sphingolipid and cholesterol biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism were regarded as key pathways in which S. baicalensis is involved to regulate lipid metabolism. Conclusion According to our metabolomics results, S. baicalensis may exert its therapeutic effects by regulating the cholesterol biosynthesis and sphingolipid metabolism pathways. Upon further analysis of the altered metabolites in certain pathways, agents downstream of squalene were significantly upregulated; however, the substrate of SQLE was surprisingly increased. By combining evidence from molecular docking, we speculated that baicalin, a major ingredient of S. baicalensis, may suppress cholesterol biosynthesis by inhibiting SQLE and LSS, which are important enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. In summary, this study provides new insights into the therapeutic effects of S. baicalensis on lipid metabolism using network pharmacology and lipidomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Yuan Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Yu Qi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Yue Qu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sai-Jia Ni
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng-Ying Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Guo
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nian-Yun Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Chun Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua-Xu Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Li K, Niu H, Wang Y, Li R, Zhao Y, Liu C, Cao H, Chen H, Xie R, Zhuang L. LncRNA TUG1 contributes to the tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma by regulating miR-138-5p-HIF1A axis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 35:20587384211048265. [PMID: 34608813 PMCID: PMC8495526 DOI: 10.1177/20587384211048265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing evidence indicates that lncRNA TUG1 represents an oncogenic factor in cancer. But, the mechanisms by which lncRNA TUG1 contributes to lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) remain undocumented. METHODS The relationship between lncRNA TUG1/miR-138-5p expression and clinical outcomes in patients with LAC was indicated by qPCR, FISH, and TCGA cohort. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments and in vivo tumorigenesis were used to assess the role of lncRNA TUG1 in LAC. The interplay between TUG1 and miR-138-5p was validated by luciferase gene report and RIP assays. qPCR and Western blot analyses were used to investigate the effects of TUG1 on miR-138-5p/HIF1A axis in LAC cells. RESULTS We found that upregulation of TUG1 or downregulation of miR-138-5p was associated with lymph node or distant metastasis and indicated a poor survival in LAC. Reduced expression of TUG1 restrained the growth of LAC cells, while restored expression of TUG1 had the opposite effects. TUG1 was identified to negatively regulate miR-138-5p expression, and miR-138-5p reversed TUG1-induced cell proliferation by targeting HIF1A. Elevated expression of HIF1A predicted a poor survival in LAC. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that lncRNA TUG1 promotes the growth of LAC by regulating miR-138-5p-HIF1A axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Huatao Niu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ruilei Li
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- The Department of Vasculocardiology, The People’s Hospital of Lijiang City, Lijiang, Yunnan, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Honghua Cao
- Department of Hematology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Haitao Chen
- Department of Ultrasonography, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming 650118, Yunnan, China
| | - Ran Xie
- Department of PET/CT, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Li Zhuang
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Xue L, Qi H, Zhang H, Ding L, Huang Q, Zhao D, Wu BJ, Li X. Targeting SREBP-2-Regulated Mevalonate Metabolism for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1510. [PMID: 32974183 PMCID: PMC7472741 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, targeting metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for fighting cancer. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper transcription factor, mainly regulates genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and homeostasis. SREBP-2 binds to the sterol regulatory elements (SREs) in the promoters of its target genes and activates the transcription of mevalonate pathway genes, such as HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR), mevalonate kinase and other key enzymes. In this review, we first summarized the structure of SREBP-2 and its activation and regulation by multiple signaling pathways. We then found that SREBP-2 and its regulated enzymes, including HMGCR, FPPS, SQS, and DHCR4 from the mevalonate pathway, participate in the progression of various cancers, including prostate, breast, lung, and hepatocellular cancer, as potential targets. Importantly, preclinical and clinical research demonstrated that fatostatin, statins, and N-BPs targeting SREBP-2, HMGCR, and FPPS, respectively, alone or in combination with other drugs, have been used for the treatment of different cancers. This review summarizes new insights into the critical role of the SREBP-2-regulated mevalonate pathway for cancer and its potential for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyuan Xue
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Qi
- Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - He Zhang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Ding
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Qingxia Huang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Daqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Boyang Jason Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Xiangyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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Chua NK, Coates HW, Brown AJ. Squalene monooxygenase: a journey to the heart of cholesterol synthesis. Prog Lipid Res 2020; 79:101033. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2020.101033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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McGregor GH, Campbell AD, Fey SK, Tumanov S, Sumpton D, Blanco GR, Mackay G, Nixon C, Vazquez A, Sansom OJ, Kamphorst JJ. Targeting the Metabolic Response to Statin-Mediated Oxidative Stress Produces a Synergistic Antitumor Response. Cancer Res 2020; 80:175-188. [PMID: 31562248 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Statins are widely prescribed inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway, acting to lower systemic cholesterol levels. The mevalonate pathway is critical for tumorigenesis and is frequently upregulated in cancer. Nonetheless, reported effects of statins on tumor progression are ambiguous, making it unclear whether statins, alone or in combination, can be used for chemotherapy. Here, using advanced mass spectrometry and isotope tracing, we showed that statins only modestly affected cancer cholesterol homeostasis. Instead, they significantly reduced synthesis and levels of another downstream product, the mitochondrial electron carrier coenzyme Q, both in cultured cancer cells and tumors. This compromised oxidative phosphorylation, causing severe oxidative stress. To compensate, cancer cells upregulated antioxidant metabolic pathways, including reductive carboxylation, proline synthesis, and cystine import. Targeting cystine import with an xCT transporter-lowering MEK inhibitor, in combination with statins, caused profound tumor cell death. Thus, statin-induced ROS production in cancer cells can be exploited in a combinatorial regimen. SIGNIFICANCE: Cancer cells induce specific metabolic pathways to alleviate the increased oxidative stress caused by statin treatment, and targeting one of these pathways synergizes with statins to produce a robust antitumor response.See related commentary by Cordes and Metallo, p. 151.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace H McGregor
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sigrid K Fey
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sergey Tumanov
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Sumpton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gillian Mackay
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alexei Vazquez
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jurre J Kamphorst
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Rheos Medicines Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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