Hexokinases II-mediated glycolysis governs susceptibility to crizotinib in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer

The PI3K/Akt Pathway and Glucose Metabolism: A Dangerous Liaison in Cancer

Aberrant activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway commonly occurs in cancers and correlates with multiple aspects of malignant progression. In particular, recent evidence suggests that the PI3K/Akt signaling plays a fundamental role in promoting the so-called aerobic glycolysis or Warburg effect, by phosphorylating different nutrient transporters and metabolic enzymes, such as GLUT1, HK2, PFKB3/4 and PKM2, and by regulating various molecular networks and proteins, including mTORC1, GSK3, FOXO transcription factors, MYC and HIF-1α. This leads to a profound reprogramming of cancer metabolism, also impacting on pentose phosphate pathway, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, de novo lipid synthesis and redox homeostasis and thereby allowing the fulfillment of both the catabolic and anabolic demands of tumor cells. The present review discusses the interactions between the PI3K/Akt cascade and its metabolic targets, focusing on their possible therapeutic implications.

Natural Product-Based Glycolysis Inhibitors as a Therapeutic Strategy for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Targeted therapy against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a promising treatment approach for NSCLC. However, resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remains a major challenge in its clinical management. EGFR mutation elevates the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha to upregulate the production of glycolytic enzymes, increasing glycolysis and tumor resistance. The inhibition of glycolysis can be a potential strategy for overcoming EGFR-TKI resistance and enhancing the effectiveness of EGFR-TKIs. In this review, we specifically explored the effectiveness of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitors and lactate dehydrogenase A inhibitors in combating EGFR-TKI resistance. The aim was to summarize the effects of these natural products in preclinical NSCLC models to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential therapeutic effects. The study findings suggest that natural products can be promising inhibitors of glycolytic enzymes for the treatment of EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC. Further investigations through preclinical and clinical studies are required to validate the efficacy of natural product-based glycolytic inhibitors as innovative therapeutic modalities for NSCLC.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and multidrug resistance in glioblastoma: Therapeutic challenges and opportunities

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been recognized as pivotal regulators of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene modulation, exerting a profound influence on a diverse array of biological and pathological cascades, including the intricate mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and the acquisition of drug resistance in neoplastic cells. Glioblastoma (GBM), recognized as the foremost and most aggressive neoplasm originating in the brain, is distinguished by its formidable resistance to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents and ionizing radiation. Recent years have witnessed an escalating interest in comprehending the involvement of ncRNAs, particularly lncRNAs, in GBM chemoresistance. LncRNAs, a subclass of ncRNAs, have been demonstrated as dynamic modulators of gene expression at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels. Disruption in the regulation of lncRNAs has been observed across various human malignancies, including GBM, and has been linked with developing multidrug resistance (MDR) against standard chemotherapeutic agents. The potential of targeting specific ncRNAs or their downstream effectors to surmount chemoresistance is also critically evaluated, specifically focusing on ongoing preclinical and clinical investigations exploring ncRNA-based therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma. Nonetheless, targeting lncRNAs for therapeutic objectives presents hurdles, including overcoming the blood-brain barrier and the brief lifespan of oligonucleotide RNA molecules. Understanding the complex relationship between ncRNAs and the chemoresistance characteristic in glioblastoma provides valuable insights into the fundamental molecular mechanisms. It opens the path for the progression of innovative and effective therapeutic approaches to counter the therapeutic challenges posed by this aggressive brain tumor. This comprehensive review highlights the complex functions of diverse ncRNAs, including miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs, in mediating glioblastoma's chemoresistance.

The Promoting Role of HK II in Tumor Development and the Research Progress of Its Inhibitors

Increased glycolysis is a key characteristic of malignant cells that contributes to their high proliferation rates and ability to develop drug resistance. The glycolysis rate-limiting enzyme hexokinase II (HK II) is overexpressed in most tumor cells and significantly affects tumor development. This paper examines the structure of HK II and the specific biological factors that influence its role in tumor development, as well as the potential of HK II inhibitors in antitumor therapy. Furthermore, we identify and discuss the inhibitors of HK II that have been reported in the literature.

MYL9 promotes squamous cervical cancer migration and invasion by enhancing aerobic glycolysis

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the mechanism of squamous cervical cancer (SCC) progression.

METHODS

Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of myosin light chain 9 (MYL9) in SCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, Transwell and Boyden assays were used to assess the function of MYL9 in SCC progression. In addition, the levels of lactate and aerobic glycolysis were used to explore the detailed mechanism of MYL9 in SCC.

RESULTS

The mRNA and protein levels of MYL9 were elevated in SCC tissues, and MYL9 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion of SCC cell lines. A mechanistic study demonstrated that MYL9 promotes SCC migration and invasion by enhancing aerobic glycolysis and increasing the activity of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

MYL9 was upregulated in SCC, and it enhanced JAK2/STAT3 pathway activity and promoted metastasis and glycolysis in SCC.

Effect of 2-deoxyglucose-mediated inhibition of glycolysis on migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells

The proper invasion of trophoblasts is crucial for embryo implantation and placental development, which is helpful to establish a correct maternal-fetal relationship. Trophoblasts can produce a large amount of lactate through aerobic glycolysis during early pregnancy. Lactate creates a low pH microenvironment around the embryo to help uterine tissue decompose and promote the invasion of trophoblasts. The purpose of this study is to reveal the the potential mechanism of aerobic glycolysis regulating the invasiveness of trophoblasts by investigating the effect of 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a glycolysis inhibitor, on the biological function of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells, the expressions of epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) markers and invasion-related factors. 2-DG could inhibit the aerobic glycolysis of trophoblasts and decrease the activity of trophoblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, 2-DG inhibited the EMT of HTR-8/SVneo cells, down-regulated the expression of invasion-related factors matrix metalloproteinase 2/9 (MMP2/9) and up-regulated the expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1/2 (TIMP1/2), thus inhibiting cell migration and invasion. This paper provides a foundation in the significance of aerobic glycolysis of trophoblasts in the process of invasion, and also provides ideas and insights for the promotion of embryo implantation.

Targeting glycolysis in non-small cell lung cancer: Promises and challenges

Metabolic disturbance, particularly of glucose metabolism, is a hallmark of tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cancer cells tend to reprogram a majority of glucose metabolism reactions into glycolysis, even in oxygen-rich environments. Although glycolysis is not an efficient means of ATP production compared to oxidative phosphorylation, the inhibition of tumor glycolysis directly impedes cell survival and growth. This review focuses on research advances in glycolysis in NSCLC and systematically provides an overview of the key enzymes, biomarkers, non-coding RNAs, and signaling pathways that modulate the glycolysis process and, consequently, tumor growth and metastasis in NSCLC. Current medications, therapeutic approaches, and natural products that affect glycolysis in NSCLC are also summarized. We found that the identification of appropriate targets and biomarkers in glycolysis, specifically for NSCLC treatment, is still a challenge at present. However, LDHB, PDK1, MCT2, GLUT1, and PFKM might be promising targets in the treatment of NSCLC or its specific subtypes, and DPPA4, NQO1, GAPDH/MT-CO1, PGC-1α, OTUB2, ISLR, Barx2, OTUB2, and RFP180 might be prognostic predictors of NSCLC. In addition, natural products may serve as promising therapeutic approaches targeting multiple steps in glycolysis metabolism, since natural products always present multi-target properties. The development of metabolic intervention that targets glycolysis, alone or in combination with current therapy, is a potential therapeutic approach in NSCLC treatment. The aim of this review is to describe research patterns and interests concerning the metabolic treatment of NSCLC.

Impact of anti-diabetic sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on tumor growth of intractable hematological malignancy in humans

Under the dysfunction of mitochondria, cancer cells preferentially utilize both glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways rather than electron transport chains to desperately generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) (NADPH), classically recognized as the Warburg effect. Based on this background, the present study tested the hypothesis that anti-diabetic sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors would exert a tumor-suppressive impact on intractable human hematological malignancies via the modulation of glucose metabolism within cells and cell cycles. The level of mRNA for SGLT2 was remarkably elevated in leukemic cells from patients with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), one of the most intractable blood cancers in humans, and as well as in two kinds of ATL cell lines (MT-1 and MT-2). Two kinds of SGLT2 inhibitors, Luseogliflozin and Tofogliflozin substantially suppressed the proliferation of MT-1 and MT-2 cells in both adherent and anchorage-independent culture conditions. Such a suppressive effect on tumor cell growth was reproduced by Luseogliflozin in leukemic cells in peripheral blood from patients with ATL. In MT-2 cells, both of SGLT2 inhibitors considerably attenuated glucose uptake, intracellular ATP levels, and NADPH production, resultantly enhancing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. From the standpoint of metabolic oncology, the present study suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors would be a promising adjunctive option for the treatment of the most intractable human hematological malignancies like ATL.