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Chen M, Wang J, Cai F, Guo J, Qin X, Zhang H, Chen T, Ma L. Chirality-driven strong thioredoxin reductase inhibition. Biomaterials 2024; 311:122705. [PMID: 39047537 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Overexpression of thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD) plays crucial role in tumorigenesis. Therefore, designing TXNRD inhibitors is a promising strategy for targeted anticancer drug development. However, poor selectivity has always been a challenge, resulting in unavoidable toxicity in clinic. Herein we demonstrate a strategy to develop highly selective chiral metal complexes-based TXNRD inhibitors. By manipulating the conformation of two distinct weakly interacting groups, we optimize the compatibility between the drug and the electrophilic group within the active site of TXNRD to enhance their non-covalent interaction, thus effectively avoids the poor selectivity deriving from covalent drug interaction, on the basis of ensuring the strong inhibition. Detailed experimental and computational results demonstrate that the chiral isomeric drugs bind to the active site of TXNRD, and the interaction strength is well modulated by chirality. Especially, the meso-configuration, in which the two large sterically hindered active groups are positioned on opposite sides of the drug, exhibits the highest number of non-covalent interactions and most effective inhibition on TXNRD. Taken together, this work not only provides a novel approach for developing highly selective proteinase inhibitors, but also sheds light on possible underlying mechanisms for future application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkai Chen
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Junping Wang
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Fei Cai
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Junxian Guo
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyu Qin
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Huajie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Tianfeng Chen
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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2
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Duan D, Guo X, Tian J, Li M, Jin X, Wang Z, Wang L, Yan Y, Xiao J, Song P, Wang X. Targeting thioredoxin reductase by eupalinilide B promotes apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 399:111137. [PMID: 38977166 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111137] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is correlated with tumor occurrence and progression, suggesting that TrxR inhibitors can be used as antitumor agents. In this study, we evaluated the anticancer efficacy of eupalinilides B on colorectal cancer cells. Eupalinilides B primarily targeted the conserved selenocysteine 498 residues in TrxR. Besides, it inhibited the enzyme activity in an irreversible manner. After eupalinilides B was used to pharmacologically inhibit TrxR, reactive oxygen species accumulated, and the intracellular redox balance was broken, finally causing oxidative stress-induced tumor cell apoptosis. Significantly, eupalinilides B treatment inhibited in vivo tumor growth. Targeting TrxR by eupalinilides B reveals the new mechanism underlying eupalinilides B and provides insight in developing eupalinilides B as the candidate antitumor chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongzhu Duan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, 721013, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, 721013, China
| | - Jingjing Tian
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, 721013, China
| | - Mi Li
- School of Pharmacy and Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine & Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaojie Jin
- School of Pharmacy and Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine & Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Zihua Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Le Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, 721013, China
| | - Yunyun Yan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, 721013, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, 721013, China.
| | - Peng Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine and Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Chronic Diseases by TCM, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, 721013, China.
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3
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Yang R, Sun S, Zhang Q, Liu H, Wang L, Meng Y, Chen N, Wang Z, Liu H, Ji F, Dai Y, He G, Xu W, Ye Z, Zhang J, Ma Q, Xu J. Pharmacological Inhibition of TXNRD1 by a Small Molecule Flavonoid Butein Overcomes Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Cancer Cells. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04331-0. [PMID: 39141196 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04331-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian cytosolic selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD1) is crucial for maintaining the reduced state of cellular thioredoxin 1 (TXN1) and is commonly up-regulated in cancer cells. TXNRD1 has been identified as an effective target in cancer chemotherapy. Discovering novel TXNRD1 inhibitors and elucidating the cellular effects of TXNRD1 inhibition are valuable for developing targeted therapies based on redox regulation strategies. In this study, we demonstrated that butein, a plant-derived small molecule flavonoid, is a novel TXNRD1 inhibitor. We found that butein irreversibly inhibited recombinant TXNRD1 activity in a time-dependent manner. Using TXNRD1 mutant variants and LC-MS, we identified that butein modifies the catalytic cysteine (Cys) residues of TXNRD1. In cellular contexts, butein promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exhibited cytotoxic effects in HeLa cells. Notably, we found that pharmacological inhibition of TXNRD1 by butein overcame the cisplatin resistance of A549 cisplatin-resistant cells, accompanied by increased cellular ROS levels and enhanced expression of p53. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that butein is an effective small molecule inhibitor of TXNRD1, highlighting the therapeutic potential of inhibiting TXNRD1 in platinum-resistant cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Soft Mechanics & Smart Manufacturing, Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Shibo Sun
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Qiuyu Zhang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Haowen Liu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Yao Meng
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Na Chen
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yingkou Institute of Technology, Yingkou, 115014, China
| | - Fengyun Ji
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering (CE), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yan Dai
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering (CE), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Gaohong He
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering (CE), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Weiping Xu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering (CE), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zhiwei Ye
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Qiang Ma
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Jianqiang Xu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean Technology and Life Science (CEOTLS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China.
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4
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Auberger P, Favreau C, Savy C, Jacquel A, Robert G. Emerging role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in myeloid cell lineage development and acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:98. [PMID: 38977956 PMCID: PMC11229210 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00613-6] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Gluthatione Peroxidase also called Glutathione Peroxidase 4 is one of the 25 described human selenoproteins. It plays an essential role in eliminating toxic lipid hydroxy peroxides, thus inhibiting ferroptosis and favoring cell survival. GPX4 is differentially expressed according to myeloid differentiation stage, exhibiting lower expression in hematopoietic stem cells and polymorphonuclear leucocytes, while harboring higher level of expression in common myeloid progenitors and monocytes. In addition, GPX4 is highly expressed in most of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subtypes compared to normal hematopoietic stem cells. High GPX4 expression is consistently correlated to poor prognosis in patients suffering AML. However, the role of GPX4 in the development of the myeloid lineage and in the initiation and progression of myeloid leukemia remains poorly explored. Given its essential role in the detoxification of lipid hydroperoxides, and its overexpression in most of myeloid malignancies, GPX4 inhibition has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to specifically trigger ferroptosis and eradicate myeloid leukemia cells. In this review, we describe the most recent advances concerning the role of GPX4 and, more generally ferroptosis in the myeloid lineage and in the emergence of AML. We also discuss the therapeutic interest and limitations of GPX4 inhibition alone or in combination with other drugs as innovative therapies to treat AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Auberger
- University of Nice Cote d'Azur (UniCA), Nice, France.
- Mediterranean Centre for Molecular Medicine, C3M, Inserm U1065, Team 2 "Innovative Therapies in Myeloid Leukemia", Nice, France.
| | | | - Coline Savy
- University of Nice Cote d'Azur (UniCA), Nice, France
- Mediterranean Centre for Molecular Medicine, C3M, Inserm U1065, Team 2 "Innovative Therapies in Myeloid Leukemia", Nice, France
| | - Arnaud Jacquel
- University of Nice Cote d'Azur (UniCA), Nice, France
- Mediterranean Centre for Molecular Medicine, C3M, Inserm U1065, Team 2 "Innovative Therapies in Myeloid Leukemia", Nice, France
| | - Guillaume Robert
- University of Nice Cote d'Azur (UniCA), Nice, France.
- Mediterranean Centre for Molecular Medicine, C3M, Inserm U1065, Team 2 "Innovative Therapies in Myeloid Leukemia", Nice, France.
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5
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Featherston T, Paumann-Page M, Hampton MB. Melanoma redox biology and the emergence of drug resistance. Adv Cancer Res 2024; 162:145-171. [PMID: 39069368 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2024.06.004] [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] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, with the loss of approximately 60,000 lives world-wide each year. Despite the development of targeted therapeutics, including compounds that have selectivity for mutant oncoproteins expressed only in cancer cells, many patients are either unresponsive to initial therapy or their tumors acquire resistance. This results in five-year survival rates of below 25%. New strategies that either kill drug-resistant melanoma cells or prevent their emergence would be extremely valuable. Melanoma, like other cancers, has long been described as being under increased oxidative stress, resulting in an increased reliance on antioxidant defense systems. Changes in redox homeostasis are most apparent during metastasis and during the metabolic reprogramming associated with the development of treatment resistance. This review discusses oxidative stress in melanoma, with a particular focus on targeting antioxidant pathways to limit the emergence of drug resistant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Featherston
- Mātai Hāora-Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Martina Paumann-Page
- Mātai Hāora-Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Mark B Hampton
- Mātai Hāora-Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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6
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Yang M, Liu J, Li J, Wen S, Hu Y, Lu W, Liu J, Huang P, Liu P. The rheumatoid arthritis drug auranofin exerts potent anti-lymphoma effect by stimulating TXNRD-mediated ROS generation and inhibition of energy metabolism. Redox Biol 2024; 75:103245. [PMID: 38909408 PMCID: PMC11254835 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the survival of lymphoma patients who experience disease progression or relapse remains very poor, new therapeutic approaches and effective drugs are urgently needed. Here we show that auranofin (AF), an anti-rheumatoid drug thought to inhibit thioredoxin reductases (TXNRDs) as its mechanism of action, exhibited potent activity against multiple cancer types, especially effective against B cell lymphoma. Surprisingly, a knockdown of TXNRD1 and TXNRD2 did not cause significant cytotoxicity, suggesting that abrogation of TXNRD enzyme per se was insufficient to cause cancer cell death. Further mechanistic study showed that the interaction of AF with TXNRD could convert this antioxidant enzyme to a ROS-generating molecule via disrupting its electron transport, leading to a leak of electrons that interact with molecular oxygen to form superoxide. AF also suppressed energy metabolism by inhibiting both mitochondria complex II and the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH, leading to a significant depletion of ATP and inhibition of cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we found that the AF-mediated ROS stress could induce PD-L1 expression, revealing an unwanted effect of AF in causing immune suppression. We further showed that a combination of AF with anti-PD-1 antibody could enhance the anticancer activity in a syngeneic immune-competent mouse B-cell lymphoma model. Our study suggests that AF could be a potential drug for lymphoma treatment, and its combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors would be a logical strategy to increase the therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Yang
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianan Li
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shijun Wen
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yumin Hu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhua Lu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyun Liu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Metabolic Innovation Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Platform of Metabolomics Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Peng Huang
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Metabolic Innovation Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Platform of Metabolomics Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Panpan Liu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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7
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Arnér ESJ, Schmidt EE. Unresolved questions regarding cellular cysteine sources and their possible relationships to ferroptosis. Adv Cancer Res 2024; 162:1-44. [PMID: 39069366 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2024.04.001] [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] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Cysteine is required for synthesis of glutathione (GSH), coenzyme A, other sulfur-containing metabolites, and most proteins. In most cells, cysteine comes from extracellular disulfide sources including cystine, glutathione-disulfide, and peptides. The thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1)- or glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR)-driven enzymatic systems can fuel cystine reduction via thioredoxins, glutaredoxins, or other thioredoxin-fold proteins. Free cystine enters cells thorough the cystine-glutamate antiporter, xCT, but systemically, plasma glutathione-disulfide might predominate as a cystine source. Erastin, inhibiting both xCT and voltage-dependent anion channels, induces ferroptotic cell death, so named because this type of cell death is antagonized by iron-chelators. Many cancer cells seem to be predisposed to ferroptosis, which has been proposed as a targetable cancer liability. Ferroptosis is associated with lipid peroxidation and loss of either glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4) or ferroptosis suppressor protein-1 (FSP1), which each prevent accumulation of lipid peroxides. It has been suggested that an xCT inhibition-induced cellular cysteine-deficiency lowers GSH levels, starving GPX4 for reducing power and allowing membrane lipid peroxides to accumulate, thereby causing ferroptosis. Aspects of ferroptosis are however not fully understood and need to be further scrutinized, for example that neither disruption of GSH synthesis, loss of GSH, nor disruption of glutathione disulfide reductase (GSR), triggers ferroptosis in animal models. Here we reevaluate the relationships between Erastin, xCT, GPX4, cellular cysteine and GSH, RSL3 or ML162, and ferroptosis. We conclude that, whereas both Cys and ferroptosis are potential liabilities in cancer, their relationship to each other remains insufficiently understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Selenoprotein Research and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institutes of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edward E Schmidt
- Laboratory of Redox Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States.
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8
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Shi W, Sun S, Liu H, Meng Y, Ren K, Wang G, Liu M, Wu J, Zhang Y, Huang H, Shi M, Xu W, Ma Q, Sun B, Xu J. Guiding bar motif of thioredoxin reductase 1 modulates enzymatic activity and inhibitor binding by communicating with the co-factor FAD and regulating the flexible C-terminal redox motif. Redox Biol 2024; 70:103050. [PMID: 38277963 PMCID: PMC10840350 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103050] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD) is a selenoprotein that plays a crucial role in cellular antioxidant defense. Previously, a distinctive guiding bar motif was identified in TXNRD1, which influences the transfer of electrons. In this study, utilizing single amino acid substitution and Excitation-Emission Matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectrum analysis, we discovered that the guiding bar communicates with the FAD and modulates the electron flow of the enzyme. Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF) analysis demonstrated that the aromatic amino acid in guiding bar is a stabilizer for TXNRD1. Kinetic analysis revealed that the guiding bar is vital for the disulfide reductase activity but hinders the selenocysteine-independent reduction activity of TXNRD1. Meanwhile, the guiding bar shields the selenocysteine residue of TXNRD1 from the attack of electrophilic reagents. We also found that the inhibition of TXNRD1 by caveolin-1 scaffolding domain (CSD) peptides and compound LCS3 did not bind to the guiding bar motif. In summary, the obtained results highlight new aspects of the guiding bar that restrict the flexibility of the C-terminal redox motif and govern the transition from antioxidant to pro-oxidant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuyang Shi
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Shibo Sun
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Haowen Liu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Yao Meng
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Kangshuai Ren
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Guoying Wang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Jiaqi Wu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Huang Huang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Meiyun Shi
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Weiping Xu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology (OST) & Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Bingbing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering (CE), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jianqiang Xu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS) & Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China.
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9
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Zhuravlev A, Ezeriņa D, Ivanova J, Guriev N, Pugovkina N, Shatrova A, Aksenov N, Messens J, Lyublinskaya O. HyPer as a tool to determine the reductive activity in cellular compartments. Redox Biol 2024; 70:103058. [PMID: 38310683 PMCID: PMC10848024 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103058] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
A multitude of cellular metabolic and regulatory processes rely on controlled thiol reduction and oxidation mechanisms. Due to our aerobic environment, research preferentially focuses on oxidation processes, leading to limited tools tailored for investigating cellular reduction. Here, we advocate for repurposing HyPer1, initially designed as a fluorescent probe for H2O2 levels, as a tool to measure the reductive power in various cellular compartments. The response of HyPer1 depends on kinetics between thiol oxidation and reduction in its OxyR sensing domain. Here, we focused on the reduction half-reaction of HyPer1. We showed that HyPer1 primarily relies on Trx/TrxR-mediated reduction in the cytosol and nucleus, characterized by a second order rate constant of 5.8 × 102 M-1s-1. On the other hand, within the mitochondria, HyPer1 is predominantly reduced by glutathione (GSH). The GSH-mediated reduction rate constant is 1.8 M-1s-1. Using human leukemia K-562 cells after a brief oxidative exposure, we quantified the compartmentalized Trx/TrxR and GSH-dependent reductive activity using HyPer1. Notably, the recovery period for mitochondrial HyPer1 was twice as long compared to cytosolic and nuclear HyPer1. After exploring various human cells, we revealed a potent cytosolic Trx/TrxR pathway, particularly pronounced in cancer cell lines such as K-562 and HeLa. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that HyPer1 can be harnessed as a robust tool for assessing compartmentalized reduction activity in cells following oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Zhuravlev
- Department of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretskii Pr. 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - Daria Ezeriņa
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut Voor Biotechnologie, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Center for Redox Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julia Ivanova
- Department of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretskii Pr. 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - Nikita Guriev
- Department of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretskii Pr. 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - Natalia Pugovkina
- Department of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretskii Pr. 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - Alla Shatrova
- Department of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretskii Pr. 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - Nikolay Aksenov
- Department of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretskii Pr. 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - Joris Messens
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut Voor Biotechnologie, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Center for Redox Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Olga Lyublinskaya
- Department of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretskii Pr. 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia.
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10
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Yu Y, Liu S, Yang L, Song P, Liu Z, Liu X, Yan X, Dong Q. Roles of reactive oxygen species in inflammation and cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e519. [PMID: 38576456 PMCID: PMC10993368 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) constitute a spectrum of oxygenic metabolites crucial in modulating pathological organism functions. Disruptions in ROS equilibrium span various diseases, and current insights suggest a dual role for ROS in tumorigenesis and the immune response within cancer. This review rigorously examines ROS production and its role in normal cells, elucidating the subsequent regulatory network in inflammation and cancer. Comprehensive synthesis details the documented impacts of ROS on diverse immune cells. Exploring the intricate relationship between ROS and cancer immunity, we highlight its influence on existing immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blockade, chimeric antigen receptors, and cancer vaccines. Additionally, we underscore the promising prospects of utilizing ROS and targeting ROS modulators as novel immunotherapeutic interventions for cancer. This review discusses the complex interplay between ROS, inflammation, and tumorigenesis, emphasizing the multifaceted functions of ROS in both physiological and pathological conditions. It also underscores the potential implications of ROS in cancer immunotherapy and suggests future research directions, including the development of targeted therapies and precision oncology approaches. In summary, this review emphasizes the significance of understanding ROS-mediated mechanisms for advancing cancer therapy and developing personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Yu
- Department of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shengzhuo Liu
- Department of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Luchen Yang
- Department of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Pan Song
- Department of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhenghuan Liu
- Department of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaoyang Liu
- Department of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of UrologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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11
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Raulo K, Qazi S. Identification of Key Genes Associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer through Bioinformatics. J Hum Reprod Sci 2024; 17:81-93. [PMID: 39091436 PMCID: PMC11290717 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_44_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder, is linked to increased risks of endometrial cancer (EC) and ovarian cancer (OC). Our study utilises bioinformatics analysis to identify shared gene signatures and elucidate biological processes between EC and OC and PCOS. Aim The objective of this research is to unveil the common molecular landscape shared by PCOS and EC and OC. Settings and Design An observational computational bioinformatics analysis. Materials and Methods Gene expression profiles for PCOS (GSE199225), EC (GSE215413) and OC (GSE174670) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Hub genes were identified through functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction. Drug identification analyses were employed to find drugs targeting the hub genes. Results Key hub genes linking PCOS and EC includes RECQL4, RAD54L, ATR, CHTF18, WDHD1, CDT1, PLK1, PKMYT1, RAD18 and RPL3; for PCOS and OC, they include HMOX1, TXNRD1, NQO1, GCLC, GSTP1, PRDX1, SOD1, GPX3, BOP1 and BYSL. Gene Ontology analysis revealed DNA metabolic process in PCOS and EC, while in PCOS and OC, it identified the removal of superoxide radicals. Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis highlighted cell cycle in PCOS and EC and hepatocellular carcinoma in PCOS and OC. Potential drugs for PCOS and EC include quercetin, calcitriol and testosterone; for PCOS and OC, eugenol and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene are identified. Conclusion These findings offer insights into potential therapeutic targets and pathways linking PCOS with EC and OC, enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Raulo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Quick is Cool Aitele Research LLP, Bihar, India
| | - Sahar Qazi
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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12
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Wu K, El Zowalaty AE, Sayin VI, Papagiannakopoulos T. The pleiotropic functions of reactive oxygen species in cancer. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:384-399. [PMID: 38531982 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00738-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Cellular redox homeostasis is an essential, dynamic process that ensures the balance between reducing and oxidizing reactions within cells and thus has implications across all areas of biology. Changes in levels of reactive oxygen species can disrupt redox homeostasis, leading to oxidative or reductive stress that contributes to the pathogenesis of many malignancies, including cancer. From transformation and tumor initiation to metastatic dissemination, increasing reactive oxygen species in cancer cells can paradoxically promote or suppress the tumorigenic process, depending on the extent of redox stress, its spatiotemporal characteristics and the tumor microenvironment. Here we review how redox regulation influences tumorigenesis, highlighting therapeutic opportunities enabled by redox-related alterations in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Wu
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed Ezat El Zowalaty
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Volkan I Sayin
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Thales Papagiannakopoulos
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Zeisel L, Felber JG, Scholzen KC, Schmitt C, Wiegand AJ, Komissarov L, Arnér ESJ, Thorn-Seshold O. Piperazine-Fused Cyclic Disulfides Unlock High-Performance Bioreductive Probes of Thioredoxins and Bifunctional Reagents for Thiol Redox Biology. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:5204-5214. [PMID: 38358897 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
We report piperazine-fused six-membered-cyclic disulfides as redox substrates that unlock best-in-class bioreduction probes for live cell biology, since their self-immolation after reduction is unprecedentedly rapid. We develop scalable, diastereomerically pure, six-step syntheses that access four key cis- and trans-piperazine-fused cyclic dichalcogenides without chromatography. Fluorogenic redox probes using the disulfide piperazines are activated >100-fold faster than the prior art monoamines, allowing us to deconvolute reduction and cyclization rates during activation. The cis- and trans-fused diastereomers have remarkably different reductant specificities, which we trace back to piperazine boat/chair conformation effects: the cis-fused disulfide C-DiThia is activated only by strong vicinal dithiol reductants, but the trans-disulfide T-DiThia is activated even by moderate concentrations of monothiols such as GSH. Thus, in cellular applications, cis-disulfide probes selectively report on the reductive activity of the powerful thioredoxin proteins, while trans-disulfides are rapidly but promiscuously reactive. Finally, we showcase late-stage diversifications of the piperazine-disulfides, promising their broad applicability as redox-cleavable cores for probes and prodrugs that interface powerfully with cellular thiol/disulfide redox biology, for solid phase synthesis and purification, and for stimulus-responsive linkers in bifunctional reagents and antibody-drug conjugates - in addition to their dithiols' potential as high-performance reducing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Zeisel
- Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Jan G Felber
- Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Karoline C Scholzen
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Carina Schmitt
- Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Alexander J Wiegand
- Department of Pharmacy, LMU Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Leonid Komissarov
- Center for Molecular Modeling (CMM), Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 46, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
- Department of Selenoprotein Research, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest 1122, Hungary
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14
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Hao X, Zhao B, Towers M, Liao L, Monteiro EL, Xu X, Freeman C, Peng H, Tang HY, Havas A, Kossenkov AV, Berger SL, Adams PD, Speicher DW, Schultz D, Marmorstein R, Zaret KS, Zhang R. TXNRD1 drives the innate immune response in senescent cells with implications for age-associated inflammation. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:185-197. [PMID: 38267705 PMCID: PMC11210448 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00564-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Sterile inflammation, also known as 'inflammaging', is a hallmark of tissue aging. Cellular senescence contributes to tissue aging, in part, through the secretion of proinflammatory factors collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The genetic variability of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) is associated with aging and age-associated phenotypes such as late-life survival, activity of daily living and physical performance in old age. TXNRD1's role in regulating tissue aging has been attributed to its enzymatic role in cellular redox regulation. Here, we show that TXNRD1 drives the SASP and inflammaging through the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) innate immune response pathway independently of its enzymatic activity. TXNRD1 localizes to cytoplasmic chromatin fragments and interacts with cGAS in a senescence-status-dependent manner, which is necessary for the SASP. TXNRD1 enhances the enzymatic activity of cGAS. TXNRD1 is required for both the tumor-promoting and immune surveillance functions of senescent cells, which are mediated by the SASP in vivo in mouse models. Treatment of aged mice with a TXNRD1 inhibitor that disrupts its interaction with cGAS, but not with an inhibitor of its enzymatic activity alone, downregulated markers of inflammaging in several tissues. In summary, our results show that TXNRD1 promotes the SASP through the innate immune response, with implications for inflammaging. This suggests that the TXNRD1-cGAS interaction is a relevant target for selectively suppressing inflammaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Hao
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Martina Towers
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liping Liao
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Edgar Luzete Monteiro
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christina Freeman
- High-throughput Screening Core, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hongzhuang Peng
- High-throughput Screening Core, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hsin-Yao Tang
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aaron Havas
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andrew V Kossenkov
- Gene Expression and Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shelley L Berger
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter D Adams
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David W Speicher
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Schultz
- High-throughput Screening Core, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ronen Marmorstein
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kenneth S Zaret
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rugang Zhang
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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15
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Mahieu CI, Mancini AG, Vikram EP, Planells-Palop V, Joseph NM, Tward AD. ORAOV1, CCND1, and MIR548K Are the Driver Oncogenes of the 11q13 Amplicon in Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Res 2024; 22:152-168. [PMID: 37930255 PMCID: PMC10831340 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
11q13 amplification is a frequent event in human cancer and in particular in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Despite almost invariably spanning 10 genes, it is unclear which genetic components of the amplicon are the key driver events in SCC. A combination of computational, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models leveraging efficient primary human keratinocyte genome editing by Cas9-RNP electroporation, identified ORAOV1, CCND1, and MIR548K as the critical drivers of the amplicon in head and neck SCC. CCND1 amplification drives the cell cycle in a CDK4/6/RB1-independent fashion and may confer a novel dependency on RRM2. MIR548K contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Finally, we identify ORAOV1 as an oncogene that acts likely via its ability to modulate reactive oxygen species. Thus, the 11q13 amplicon drives SCC through at least three independent genetic elements and suggests therapeutic targets for this morbid and lethal disease. IMPLICATIONS This work demonstrates novel mechanisms and ways to target these mechanisms underlying the most common amplification in squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline I. Mahieu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calfornia
| | | | - Ellee P. Vikram
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calfornia
| | - Vicente Planells-Palop
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calfornia
| | - Nancy M. Joseph
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Aaron D. Tward
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calfornia
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16
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Liu M, Sun S, Meng Y, Wang L, Liu H, Shi W, Zhang Q, Xu W, Sun B, Xu J. Benzophenanthridine Alkaloid Chelerythrine Elicits Necroptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells via Selective Conjugation at the Redox Hyperreactive C-Terminal Sec 498 Residue of Cytosolic Selenoprotein Thioredoxin Reductase. Molecules 2023; 28:6842. [PMID: 37836684 PMCID: PMC10574601 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD) with low-weight molecules is emerging as a high-efficacy anti-cancer strategy in chemotherapy. Sanguinarine has been reported to inhibit the activity of TXNRD1, indicating that benzophenanthridine alkaloid is a fascinating chemical entity in the field of TXNRD1 inhibitors. In this study, the inhibition of three benzophenanthridine alkaloids, including chelerythrine, sanguinarine, and nitidine, on recombinant TXNRD1 was investigated, and their anti-cancer mechanisms were revealed using three gastric cancer cell lines. Chelerythrine and sanguinarine are more potent inhibitors of TXNRD1 than nitidine, and the inhibitory effects take place in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Site-directed mutagenesis of TXNRD1 and in vitro inhibition analysis proved that chelerythrine or sanguinarine is primarily bound to the Sec498 residue of the enzyme, but the neighboring Cys497 and remaining N-terminal redox-active cysteines could also be modified after the conjugation of Sec498. With high similarity to sanguinarine, chelerythrine exhibited cytotoxic effects on multiple gastric cancer cell lines and suppressed the proliferation of tumor spheroids derived from NCI-N87 cells. Chelerythrine elevated cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, the ROS induced by chelerythrine could be completely suppressed by the addition of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and the same is true for sanguinarine. Notably, Nec-1, an RIPK1 inhibitor, rescued the chelerythrine-induced rapid cell death, indicating that chelerythrine triggers necroptosis in gastric cancer cells. Taken together, this study demonstrates that chelerythrine is a novel inhibitor of TXNRD1 by targeting Sec498 and possessing high anti-tumor properties on multiple gastric cancer cell lines by eliciting necroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Liu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Shibo Sun
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Yao Meng
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Haowen Liu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Wuyang Shi
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Qiuyu Zhang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Weiping Xu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology (OST), Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Bingbing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering (CE), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jianqiang Xu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
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17
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Salmain M, Gaschard M, Baroud M, Lepeltier E, Jaouen G, Passirani C, Vessières A. Thioredoxin Reductase and Organometallic Complexes: A Pivotal System to Tackle Multidrug Resistant Tumors? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4448. [PMID: 37760418 PMCID: PMC10526406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) are a family of diseases with poor prognosis despite access to increasingly sophisticated treatments. Several mechanisms explain these resistances involving both tumor cells and their microenvironment. It is now recognized that a multi-targeting approach offers a promising strategy to treat these MDR tumors. Inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a key enzyme in maintaining redox balance in cells, is a well-identified target for this approach. Auranofin was the first inorganic gold complex to be described as a powerful inhibitor of TrxR. In this review, we will first recall the main results obtained with this metallodrug. Then, we will focus on organometallic complexes reported as TrxR inhibitors. These include gold(I), gold(III) complexes and metallocifens, i.e., organometallic complexes of Fe and Os derived from tamoxifen. In these families of complexes, similarities and differences in the molecular mechanisms of TrxR inhibition will be highlighted. Finally, the possible relationship between TrxR inhibition and cytotoxicity will be discussed and put into perspective with their mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Salmain
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France; (M.S.); (M.G.); (G.J.); (A.V.)
| | - Marie Gaschard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France; (M.S.); (M.G.); (G.J.); (A.V.)
| | - Milad Baroud
- Micro & Nanomedecines Translationnelles (MINT), University of Angers, Inserm, The National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (M.B.); (E.L.)
| | - Elise Lepeltier
- Micro & Nanomedecines Translationnelles (MINT), University of Angers, Inserm, The National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (M.B.); (E.L.)
| | - Gérard Jaouen
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France; (M.S.); (M.G.); (G.J.); (A.V.)
| | - Catherine Passirani
- Micro & Nanomedecines Translationnelles (MINT), University of Angers, Inserm, The National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (M.B.); (E.L.)
| | - Anne Vessières
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), 4 Place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France; (M.S.); (M.G.); (G.J.); (A.V.)
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18
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Song Z, Fan C, Zhao J, Wang L, Duan D, Shen T, Li X. Fluorescent Probes for Mammalian Thioredoxin Reductase: Mechanistic Analysis, Construction Strategies, and Future Perspectives. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:811. [PMID: 37622897 PMCID: PMC10452626 DOI: 10.3390/bios13080811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The modulation of numerous signaling pathways is orchestrated by redox regulation of cellular environments. Maintaining dynamic redox homeostasis is of utmost importance for human health, given the common occurrence of altered redox status in various pathological conditions. The cardinal component of the thioredoxin system, mammalian thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) plays a vital role in supporting various physiological functions; however, its malfunction, disrupting redox balance, is intimately associated with the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. Accordingly, the dynamic monitoring of TrxR of live organisms represents a powerful direction to facilitate the comprehensive understanding and exploration of the profound significance of redox biology in cellular processes. A number of classic assays have been developed for the determination of TrxR activity in biological samples, yet their application is constrained when exploring the real-time dynamics of TrxR activity in live organisms. Fluorescent probes offer several advantages for in situ imaging and the quantification of biological targets, such as non-destructiveness, real-time analysis, and high spatiotemporal resolution. These benefits facilitate the transition from a poise to a flux understanding of cellular targets, further advancing scientific studies in related fields. This review aims to introduce the progress in the development and application of TrxR fluorescent probes in the past years, and it mainly focuses on analyzing their reaction mechanisms, construction strategies, and potential drawbacks. Finally, this study discusses the critical challenges and issues encountered during the development of selective TrxR probes and proposes future directions for their advancement. We anticipate the comprehensive analysis of the present TrxR probes will offer some glitters of enlightenment, and we also expect that this review may shed light on the design and development of novel TrxR probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Song
- Natural Medicine Research & Development Center, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Z.S.); (C.F.); (L.W.)
| | - Chengwu Fan
- Natural Medicine Research & Development Center, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Z.S.); (C.F.); (L.W.)
| | - Jintao Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing 210094, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Medicine Research & Development Center, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Z.S.); (C.F.); (L.W.)
| | - Dongzhu Duan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji 721013, China;
| | - Tong Shen
- Natural Medicine Research & Development Center, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Z.S.); (C.F.); (L.W.)
| | - Xinming Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing 210094, China; (J.Z.); (X.L.)
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19
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Nemeikaitė-Čėnienė A, Misevičienė L, Marozienė A, Jonušienė V, Čėnas N. Enzymatic Redox Properties and Cytotoxicity of Irreversible Nitroaromatic Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibitors in Mammalian Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12460. [PMID: 37569833 PMCID: PMC10419047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512460] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
NADPH:thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is considered a potential target for anticancer agents. Several nitroheterocyclic sulfones, such as Stattic and Tri-1, irreversibly inhibit TrxR, which presumably accounts for their antitumor activity. However, it is necessary to distinguish the roles of enzymatic redox cycling, an inherent property of nitroaromatics (ArNO2), and the inhibition of TrxR in their cytotoxicity. In this study, we calculated the previously unavailable values of single-electron reduction potentials of known inhibitors of TrxR (Stattic, Tri-1, and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB)) and inhibitors identified (nitrofuran NSC697923 and nitrobenzene BTB06584). These calculations were according to the rates of their enzymatic single-electron reduction (PMID: 34098820). This enabled us to compare their cytotoxicity with that of model redox cycling ArNO2. In MH22a and HCT-116 cells, Tri-1, Stattic, CDNB, and NSC697023 possessed at least 10-fold greater cytotoxicity than can be expected from their redox cycling activity. This may be related to TrxR inhibition. The absence of enhanced cytotoxicity in BTB06548 may be attributed to its instability. Another known inhibitor of TrxR, tetryl, also did not possess enhanced cytotoxicity, probably because of its detoxification by DT-diaphorase (NQO1). Apart from the reactions with NQO1, the additional mechanisms influencing the cytotoxicity of the examined inhibitors of TrxR are their reactions with cytochromes P-450. Furthermore, some inhibitors, such as Stattic and NSC697923, may also inhibit glutathione reductase. We suggest that these data may be instrumental in the search for TrxR inhibitors with enhanced cytotoxic/anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aušra Nemeikaitė-Čėnienė
- Department of Immunology of State Research Institute Center for Innovative Medicine, Santariškiu˛ St. 5, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Lina Misevičienė
- Department of Xenobiotics Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry of Vilnius University, Sauletekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Audronė Marozienė
- Department of Xenobiotics Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry of Vilnius University, Sauletekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (L.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Violeta Jonušienė
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Vilnius University, Sauletekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Narimantas Čėnas
- Department of Xenobiotics Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry of Vilnius University, Sauletekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (L.M.); (A.M.)
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20
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Petukhova VZ, Aboagye SY, Ardini M, Lullo RP, Fata F, Byrne ME, Gabriele F, Martin LM, Harding LNM, Gone V, Dangi B, Lantvit DD, Nikolic D, Ippoliti R, Effantin G, Ling WL, Johnson JJ, Thatcher GRJ, Angelucci F, Williams DL, Petukhov PA. Non-covalent inhibitors of thioredoxin glutathione reductase with schistosomicidal activity in vivo. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3737. [PMID: 37349300 PMCID: PMC10287695 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39444-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Only praziquantel is available for treating schistosomiasis, a disease affecting more than 200 million people. Praziquantel-resistant worms have been selected for in the lab and low cure rates from mass drug administration programs suggest that resistance is evolving in the field. Thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) is essential for schistosome survival and a validated drug target. TGR inhibitors identified to date are irreversible and/or covalent inhibitors with unacceptable off-target effects. In this work, we identify noncovalent TGR inhibitors with efficacy against schistosome infections in mice, meeting the criteria for lead progression indicated by WHO. Comparisons with previous in vivo studies with praziquantel suggests that these inhibitors outperform the drug of choice for schistosomiasis against juvenile worms.
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Grants
- R33 AI127635 NIAID NIH HHS
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (Division of Intramural Research of the NIAID)
- Oncomelania hupensis subsp. hupensis, Chinese strain, infected with S. japonicum, Chinese strain, and Biomphalaria glabrata, strain NMRI, infected with S. mansoni, strain NMRI, were provided by the NIAID Schistosomiasis Resource Center for distribution through BEI Resources, NIAID, NIH. We are grateful to Dr. Guy Schoehn (Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Structurale, Grenoble, France), Prof. Beatrice Vallone (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy) and Dr. Linda C. Montemiglio (IBPM, National Research Council, Italy) for helpful discussions of the cryo-EM studies. We acknowledge the Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste (Italy) for support in X-ray data collections and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility for provision of microscope time on CM01. The study was funded in part by US NIH/NIAID R33AI127635 to F.A., P.A.P., G.R.T. and D.L.W. This work benefited from access to Research Resources Centre and UICentre at University of Illinois at Chicago and used the platforms of the Grenoble Instruct-ERIC center (ISBG; UAR 3518 CNRS-CEA-UGA-EMBL) within the Grenoble Partnership for Structural Biology (PSB), supported by FRISBI (ANR-10-INBS-0005-02) and GRAL, financed within the University Grenoble Alpes graduate school (Ecoles Universitaires de Recherche) CBH-EUR-GS (ANR-17-EURE-0003). The IBS Electron Microscope facility is supported by the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region, the Fonds Feder, the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale and GIS-IBiSA. The IBS acknowledges integration into the Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble (IRIG, CEA). M.A. has been supported by MIUR - Ministero dell'Istruzione Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (Ministry of Education, University and Research) under the national project FSE/FESR - PON Ricerca e Innovazione 2014-2020 (N° AIM1887574, CUP: E18H19000350007). We acknowledge OpenEye/Cadence for providing us with an academic license for the software used in these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Z Petukhova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sammy Y Aboagye
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matteo Ardini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rachel P Lullo
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca Fata
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Margaret E Byrne
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Federica Gabriele
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lucy M Martin
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luke N M Harding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vamshikrishna Gone
- UICentre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bikash Dangi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel D Lantvit
- UICentre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Grégory Effantin
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Wai Li Ling
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Jeremy J Johnson
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Francesco Angelucci
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - David L Williams
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Pavel A Petukhov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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21
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Zhang J, Simpson CM, Berner J, Chong HB, Fang J, Ordulu Z, Weiss-Sadan T, Possemato AP, Harry S, Takahashi M, Yang TY, Richter M, Patel H, Smith AE, Carlin AD, Hubertus de Groot AF, Wolf K, Shi L, Wei TY, Dürr BR, Chen NJ, Vornbäumen T, Wichmann NO, Mahamdeh MS, Pooladanda V, Matoba Y, Kumar S, Kim E, Bouberhan S, Oliva E, Rueda BR, Soberman RJ, Bardeesy N, Liau BB, Lawrence M, Stokes MP, Beausoleil SA, Bar-Peled L. Systematic identification of anticancer drug targets reveals a nucleus-to-mitochondria ROS-sensing pathway. Cell 2023; 186:2361-2379.e25. [PMID: 37192619 PMCID: PMC10225361 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Multiple anticancer drugs have been proposed to cause cell death, in part, by increasing the steady-state levels of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, for most of these drugs, exactly how the resultant ROS function and are sensed is poorly understood. It remains unclear which proteins the ROS modify and their roles in drug sensitivity/resistance. To answer these questions, we examined 11 anticancer drugs with an integrated proteogenomic approach identifying not only many unique targets but also shared ones-including ribosomal components, suggesting common mechanisms by which drugs regulate translation. We focus on CHK1 that we find is a nuclear H2O2 sensor that launches a cellular program to dampen ROS. CHK1 phosphorylates the mitochondrial DNA-binding protein SSBP1 to prevent its mitochondrial localization, which in turn decreases nuclear H2O2. Our results reveal a druggable nucleus-to-mitochondria ROS-sensing pathway-required to resolve nuclear H2O2 accumulation and mediate resistance to platinum-based agents in ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbing Zhang
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Jacqueline Berner
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harrison B Chong
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiafeng Fang
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zehra Ordulu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tommy Weiss-Sadan
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Stefan Harry
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mariko Takahashi
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tzu-Yi Yang
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marianne Richter
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Himani Patel
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abby E Smith
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander D Carlin
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Konstantin Wolf
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ting-Yu Wei
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benedikt R Dürr
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Chen
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tristan Vornbäumen
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nina O Wichmann
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammed S Mahamdeh
- Division of Cardiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Venkatesh Pooladanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yusuke Matoba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shaan Kumar
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eugene Kim
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara Bouberhan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Esther Oliva
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bo R Rueda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roy J Soberman
- Division of Nephrology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nabeel Bardeesy
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian B Liau
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael Lawrence
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Liron Bar-Peled
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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Cheff DM, Cheng Q, Guo H, Travers J, Klumpp-Thomas C, Shen M, Arnér ESJ, Hall MD. Development of an assay pipeline for the discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors of human glutathione peroxidases GPX1 and GPX4. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102719. [PMID: 37244126 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenoprotein glutathione peroxidases (GPX), like ubiquitously expressed GPX1 and the ferroptosis modulator GPX4, enact antioxidant activities by reducing hydroperoxides using glutathione. Overexpression of these enzymes is common in cancer and can be associated with the development of resistance to chemotherapy. GPX1 and GPX4 inhibitors have thus shown promise as anti-cancer agents, and targeting other GPX isoforms may prove equally beneficial. Existing inhibitors are often promiscuous, or modulate GPXs only indirectly, so novel direct inhibitors identified through screening against GPX1 and GPX4 could be valuable. Here, we developed optimized glutathione reductase (GR)-coupled GPX assays for the biochemical high-throughput screen (HTS) of almost 12,000 compounds with proposed mechanisms of action. Initial hits were triaged using a GR counter-screen, assessed for isoform specificity against an additional GPX isoform, GPX2, and were assessed for general selenocysteine-targeting activity using a thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD1) assay. Importantly, 70% of the GPX1 inhibitors identified in the primary screen, including several cephalosporin antibiotics, were found to also inhibit TXNRD1, while auranofin, previously known as a TXNRD1 inhibitor, also inhibited GPX1 (but not GPX4). Additionally, every GPX1 inhibitor identified (including omapatrilat, tenatoprazole, cefoxitin and ceftibuten) showed similar inhibitory activity against GPX2. Some compounds inhibiting GPX4 but not GPX1 or GPX2, also inhibited TXNRD1 (26%). Compounds only inhibiting GPX4 included pranlukast sodium hydrate, lusutrombopag, brilanestrant, simeprevir, grazoprevir (MK-5172), paritaprevir, navitoclax, venetoclax and VU0661013. Two compounds (metamizole sodium and isoniazid sodium methanesulfate) inhibited all three GPXs but not TXNRD1, while 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfonate, PI4KIII beta inhibitor 3, SCE-2174 and cefotetan sodium inhibited all tested selenoproteins (but not GR). The detected overlaps in chemical space suggest that the counter screens introduced here should be imperative for identification of specific GPX inhibitors. With this approach, we could indeed identify novel GPX1/GPX2- or GPX4-specific inhibitors, thus presenting a validated pipeline for future identification of specific selenoprotein-targeting agents. Our study also identified GPX1/GPX2, GPX4 and/or TXNRD1 as targets for several previously developed pharmacologically active compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian M Cheff
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States; Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qing Cheng
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hui Guo
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Jameson Travers
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Carleen Klumpp-Thomas
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Min Shen
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Selenoprotein Research and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Matthew D Hall
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States.
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23
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Cheff DM, Huang C, Scholzen KC, Gencheva R, Ronzetti MH, Cheng Q, Hall MD, Arnér ESJ. The ferroptosis inducing compounds RSL3 and ML162 are not direct inhibitors of GPX4 but of TXNRD1. Redox Biol 2023; 62:102703. [PMID: 37087975 PMCID: PMC10149367 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is defined as cell death triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation that is preventable by antioxidant compounds such as ferrostatin-1. Endogenous suppressors of ferroptosis include FSP-1 and the selenoprotein GPX4, the latter of which directly enzymatically reduces lipid hydroperoxides. Small molecules that trigger ferroptosis include RSL3, ML162, and ML210; these compounds are often used in studies of ferroptosis and are generally considered as GPX4 inhibitors. Here, we found that RSL3 and ML162 completely lack capacity of inhibiting the enzymatic activity of recombinant selenoprotein GPX4. Surprisingly, these compounds were instead found to be efficient inhibitors of another selenoprotein, TXNRD1. Other known inhibitors of TXNRD1, including auranofin, TRi-1 and TRi-2, are also efficient inducers of cell death but that cell death could not be suppressed with ferrostatin-1. Our results collectively suggest that prior studies using RSL3 and ML162 may need to be reevaluated in the context of ferroptosis with regards to additional enzyme targets and mechanisms of action that may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian M Cheff
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden; Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Chuying Huang
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karoline C Scholzen
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Radosveta Gencheva
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael H Ronzetti
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Qing Cheng
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew D Hall
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Selenoprotein Research and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
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24
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Liu Z, Ye Q, Jiang Y. Transcriptomic analysis: the protection of over-expression thioredoxin reductase 1 in Parkinson's disease. Chin Neurosurg J 2023; 9:9. [PMID: 37013627 PMCID: PMC10069118 DOI: 10.1186/s41016-023-00319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. The pathologic characteristic feature is the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). However, the biochemical mechanisms are unclear. A large number of studies have shown that oxidative damage is the primary cause of PD. Hence, antioxidants could become a suitable option to treat PD. The thioredoxin (Trx) system represents a useful, potentially disease-relevant oxidation-reduction system. Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1) is a significant component of the Trx system. METHODS The overexpression lentivirus (LV) or LV-TR1 in the TR1-A53T model of PD by the stereotactic brain, and successful overexpression of LV or LV-TR1 in the MPP+-induced cellular model by LV or LV-TR1 transfection. RESULTS We confirmed that interleukin-7 mRNA levels increased in MPP+ compared to that in the control and MPP+-TR1 groups using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The γ-H2AX level was increased in the Tg-A53T group compared to that in the TR1-A53T group by western blotting. The expression of Na+-K+-ATP was decreased in the MPP+ group compared to that in the control and MPP+-TR1 groups by high content screening. Tg-A53T(the C57BL/6 mice transferred with mutant human a-syn); TR1-A53T(A53T mice which were injected TR1-LV 2 µl in SNc on two sides with minipump).The mice were fed for 10 months. control (the N2a cells cultivated with DMEM); MPP+(the N2a cells dealt with MPP+(1 mM) 48 h), MPP+-LV (the N2a cells over-expressed LV for 24 h then dealt with MPP+(1 mM) 48 h). MPP+-TR1(the N2a cell over-expressed TR1-LV for 24 h then dealt with MPP+(1 mM) 48 h). From the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, we confirmed that the overexpression of TR1 in SN pars compacta cells decreased oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA damage, and inflammatory response and increased NADPH, Na+-K+-ATP, and immune response in this PD model. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that overexpressed TR1 can be developed as a neuroprotective agent for PD. Therefore, our findings demonstrate a new targeted protein for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihua Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion Service, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Qiang Ye
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Intensive Care Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Childcare Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu, China
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25
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Zhang J, Simpson CM, Berner J, Chong HB, Fang J, Sahin ZO, Weiss-Sadan T, Possemato AP, Harry S, Takahashi M, Yang TY, Richter M, Patel H, Smith AE, Carlin AD, Hubertus de Groot AF, Wolf K, Shi L, Wei TY, Dürr BR, Chen NJ, Vornbäumen T, Wichmann NO, Pooladanda V, Matoba Y, Kumar S, Kim E, Bouberhan S, Olivia E, Rueda B, Bardeesy N, Liau B, Lawrence M, Stokes MP, Beausoleil SA, Bar-Peled L. Identification of chemotherapy targets reveals a nucleus-to-mitochondria ROS sensing pathway. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.11.532189. [PMID: 36945474 PMCID: PMC10028958 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.11.532189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Multiple chemotherapies are proposed to cause cell death in part by increasing the steady-state levels of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, for most of these drugs exactly how the resultant ROS function and are sensed is poorly understood. In particular, it's unclear which proteins the ROS modify and their roles in chemotherapy sensitivity/resistance. To answer these questions, we examined 11 chemotherapies with an integrated proteogenomic approach identifying many unique targets for these drugs but also shared ones including ribosomal components, suggesting one mechanism by which chemotherapies regulate translation. We focus on CHK1 which we find is a nuclear H 2 O 2 sensor that promotes an anti-ROS cellular program. CHK1 acts by phosphorylating the mitochondrial-DNA binding protein SSBP1, preventing its mitochondrial localization, which in turn decreases nuclear H 2 O 2 . Our results reveal a druggable nucleus-to-mitochondria ROS sensing pathway required to resolve nuclear H 2 O 2 accumulation, which mediates resistance to platinum-based chemotherapies in ovarian cancers.
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26
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Raninga PV, He Y, Datta KK, Lu X, Maheshwari UR, Venkat P, Mayoh C, Gowda H, Kalimutho M, Hooper JD, Khanna KK. Combined thioredoxin reductase and glutaminase inhibition exerts synergistic anti-tumor activity in MYC-high high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Mol Ther 2023; 31:729-743. [PMID: 36560881 PMCID: PMC10014232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 50%-55% of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) patients have MYC oncogenic pathway activation. Because MYC is not directly targetable, we have analyzed molecular pathways enriched in MYC-high HGSOC tumors to identify potential therapeutic targets. Here, we report that MYC-high HGSOC tumors show enrichment in genes controlled by NRF2, an antioxidant signaling pathway, along with increased thioredoxin redox activity. Treatment of MYC-high HGSOC tumors cells with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) inhibitor auranofin resulted in significant growth suppression and apoptosis in MYC-high HGSOC cells in vitro and also significantly reduced tumor growth in an MYC-high HGSOC patient-derived tumor xenograft. We found that auranofin treatment inhibited glycolysis in MYC-high cells via oxidation-induced GAPDH inhibition. Interestingly, in response to auranofin-induced glycolysis inhibition, MYC-high HGSOC cells switched to glutamine metabolism for survival. Depletion of glutamine with either glutamine starvation or glutaminase (GLS1) inhibitor CB-839 exerted synergistic anti-tumor activity with auranofin in HGSOC cells and OVCAR-8 cell line xenograft. These findings suggest that applying a combined therapy of GLS1 inhibitor and TrxR1 inhibitor could effectively treat MYC-high HGSOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prahlad V Raninga
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Yaowu He
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Keshava K Datta
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Xue Lu
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Uma R Maheshwari
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Pooja Venkat
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2750, Australia
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2750, Australia
| | - Harsha Gowda
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Murugan Kalimutho
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - John D Hooper
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kum Kum Khanna
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
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Co-Targeting of BTK and TrxR as a Therapeutic Approach to the Treatment of Lymphoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020529. [PMID: 36830087 PMCID: PMC9952695 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a haematological malignancy representing the most diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) subtype. Despite the approved chemotherapies available in clinics, some patients still suffer from side effects and relapsed disease. Recently, studies have reported the role of the Trx system and the BCR signalling pathway in cancer development and drug resistance. In this regard, we assessed a potential link between the two systems and evaluated the effects of [Au(d2pype)2]Cl (TrxR inhibitor) and ibrutinib (BTK inhibitor) alone and in combination on the cell growth of two DLBCL lymphoma cell lines, SUDHL2 and SUDHL4. In this study, we show higher expression levels of the Trx system and BCR signalling pathway in the DLBCL patient samples compared to the healthy samples. The knockdown of TrxR using siRNA reduced BTK mRNA and protein expression. A combination treatment with [Au(d2pype)2]Cl and ibrutinib had a synergistic effect on the inhibition of lymphoma cell proliferation, the activation of apoptosis, and, depending on lymphoma cell subtype, ferroptosis. Decreased BTK expression and the cytoplasmic accumulation of p65 were observed after the combination treatment in the DLBCL cells, indicating the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. Thus, the co-targeting of BTK and TrxR may be an effective therapeutic strategy to consider for DLBCL treatment.
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28
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He YL, Zhong M, Song ZL, Shen YK, Zhao L, Fang J. Synthesis and discovery of Baylis-Hillman adducts as potent and selective thioredoxin reductase inhibitors for cancer treatment. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 79:117169. [PMID: 36657375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is of paramount importance in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis, and aberrant upregulation of TrxR is frequently observed in various cancers due to their elevated oxidative stress in cells. Thus, it seems promising and feasible to target the ablation of intracellular TrxR for the treatment of cancers. We report herein the design and synthesis of a series of Baylis-Hillman adducts, and identified a typical adduct that possesses the superior cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells over other types of cancer cells. The biological investigation shows the selected typical adduct selectively targets TrxR in HepG2 cells, which thereafter results in the collapse of intracellular redox homeostasis. Further mechanistic studies reveal that the selected typical adduct arrests the cell cycle in G1/G0 phase. Importantly, the malignant metastasis of HepG2 cells is significantly restrained by the selected typical adduct. With well-defined molecular target and mechanism of action, the selected typical adduct, even other Baylis-Hillman skeleton-bearing compounds, merits further development as candidate or ancillary agent for the treatment of various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin He
- Natural Medicine Research & Development Center, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Miao Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Zi-Long Song
- Natural Medicine Research & Development Center, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yu-Kai Shen
- Lizhi College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28, Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Lanning Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Jianguo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
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29
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Abstract
Significance: Thioredoxin (Trx) is a powerful antioxidant that reduces protein disulfides to maintain redox stability in cells and is involved in regulating multiple redox-dependent signaling pathways. Recent Advance: The current accumulation of findings suggests that Trx participates in signaling pathways that interact with various proteins to manipulate their dynamic regulation of structure and function. These network pathways are critical for cancer pathogenesis and therapy. Promising clinical advances have been presented by most anticancer agents targeting such signaling pathways. Critical Issues: We herein link the signaling pathways regulated by the Trx system to potential cancer therapeutic opportunities, focusing on the coordination and strengths of the Trx signaling pathways in apoptosis, ferroptosis, immunomodulation, and drug resistance. We also provide a mechanistic network for the exploitation of therapeutic small molecules targeting the Trx signaling pathways. Future Directions: As research data accumulate, future complex networks of Trx-related signaling pathways will gain in detail. In-depth exploration and establishment of these signaling pathways, including Trx upstream and downstream regulatory proteins, will be critical to advancing novel cancer therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 403-424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengjia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Jianguo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
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30
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Luo Y, Tian W, Lu X, Zhang C, Xie J, Deng X, Xie Y, Yang S, Du W, He R, Wei W. Prognosis stratification in breast cancer and characterization of immunosuppressive microenvironment through a pyrimidine metabolism-related signature. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1056680. [PMID: 36524129 PMCID: PMC9745154 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1056680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrimidine metabolism is a hallmark of cancer and will soon become an essential part of cancer therapy. In the tumor microenvironment, cells reprogram pyrimidine metabolism intrinsically and extracellularly, thereby promoting tumorigenesis. Metabolites in pyrimidine metabolism have a significant impact on promoting cancer advancement and modulating immune system responses. In preclinical studies and practical clinical applications, critical targets in pyrimidine metabolism are acted upon by drugs to exert promising therapeutic effects on tumors. However, the pyrimidine metabolism in breast cancer (BC) is still largely underexplored. In this study, 163 credible pyrimidine metabolism-related genes (PMGs) were retrieved, and their somatic mutations and expression levels were determined. In addition, by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) databases, 12 PMGs related to the overall survival (OS) were determined using the univariate Cox regression analysis. Subsequently, by performing the LASSO Cox hazards regression analysis in the 12 PMGs in TCGA-BRCA dataset, we developed a prognosis nomogram using eight OS-related PMGs and then verified the same in the METABRIC, GSE96058, GSE20685, GSE42568 and GSE86166 data. Moreover, we validated relationships between the pyrimidine metabolism index (PMI) and the survival probability of patients, essential clinical parameters, including the TNM stage and the PAM50 subtypes. Next, we verified the predictive capability of the optimum model, including the signature, the PAM50 subtype, and age, using ROC analysis and calibration curve, and compared it with other single clinical factors for the predictive power of benefit using decision curve analysis. Finally, we investigated the potential effects of pyrimidine metabolism on immune checkpoints, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and cytokine levels and determined the potential implications of pyrimidine metabolism in BC immunotherapy. In conclusion, our findings suggest that pyrimidine metabolism has underlying prognostic significance in BC and can facilitate a new management approach for patients with different prognoses and more precise immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhou Luo
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Tian
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuqing Lu
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jindong Xie
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinpei Deng
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuhui Yang
- Surgical and Transplant Intensive Care Unit of The Third Affiliated Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Du
- Department of Pathology, The First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Weidong Wei, ; Rongfang He, ; Wei Du,
| | - Rongfang He
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Weidong Wei, ; Rongfang He, ; Wei Du,
| | - Weidong Wei
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Weidong Wei, ; Rongfang He, ; Wei Du,
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31
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Jankowski CS, Rabinowitz JD. Selenium Modulates Cancer Cell Response to Pharmacologic Ascorbate. Cancer Res 2022; 82:3486-3498. [PMID: 35916672 PMCID: PMC9532358 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High-dose ascorbate (vitamin C) has shown promising anticancer activity. Two redox mechanisms have been proposed: hydrogen peroxide generation by ascorbate itself or glutathione depletion by dehydroascorbate (formed by ascorbate oxidation). Here we show that the metabolic effects and cytotoxicity of high-dose ascorbate in vitro result from hydrogen peroxide independently of dehydroascorbate. These effects were suppressed by selenium through antioxidant selenoenzymes including glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) but not the classic ferroptosis-inhibiting selenoenzyme GPX4. Selenium-mediated protection from ascorbate was powered by NADPH from the pentose phosphate pathway. In vivo, dietary selenium deficiency resulted in significant enhancement of ascorbate activity against glioblastoma xenografts. These data establish selenoproteins as key mediators of cancer redox homeostasis. Cancer sensitivity to free radical-inducing therapies, including ascorbate, may depend on selenium, providing a dietary approach for improving their anticancer efficacy. SIGNIFICANCE Selenium restriction augments ascorbate efficacy and extends lifespan in a mouse xenograft model of glioblastoma, suggesting that targeting selenium-mediated antioxidant defenses merits clinical evaluation in combination with ascorbate and other pro-oxidant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor S.R. Jankowski
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton Branch
| | - Joshua D. Rabinowitz
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton Branch
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University
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32
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Xu Q, Zhang J, Zhao Z, Chu Y, Fang J. Revealing PACMA 31 as a new chemical type TrxR inhibitor to promote cancer cell apoptosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119323. [PMID: 35793738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is a pivotal regulator of redox homeostasis, while dysregulation of redox homeostasis is a hallmark for cancer cells. Thus, there is considerable potential to inhibit the aberrantly upregulated TrxR in cancer cells to discover selective cancer therapeutic agents. Nevertheless, the structural types of TrxR inhibitors presented currently are still relatively limited. We herein report that PACMA 31, previously reported to inhibit protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), is a potent TrxR inhibitor. PACMA 31 possesses a pharmacophore scaffold that is structurally different from the announced TrxR inhibitors and exhibits effective cytotoxicity against cervical cancer cells. Our results reveal that PACMA 31 selectively inhibits TrxR over the related glutathione reductase (GR) and in the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH). Further studies with mutant enzyme and molecular docking suggest that the propynamide fragment of PACMA 31 interacts covalently with the selenocysteine residue of TrxR. Moreover, PACMA 31 effectively and selectively curbs TrxR activity in cells and further stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at low micromolar concentrations, which in turn triggers the accumulation of oxidized thioredoxin (Trx) and GSSG in cells. Follow-up studies demonstrate that PACMA 31 targets TrxR in cells to induce oxidative stress-mediated cancer cell apoptosis. Our results provide a new structural type of TrxR inhibitor that may serve as a useful probe for investigating the biology of TrxR-implicated pathways, and uncover a new target of PACMA 31 that contributes to it becoming a candidate for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhe Xu
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China..
| | - Zhengjia Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yajun Chu
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jianguo Fang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China..
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33
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Stejerean‐Todoran I, Zimmermann K, Gibhardt CS, Vultur A, Ickes C, Shannan B, Bonilla del Rio Z, Wölling A, Cappello S, Sung H, Shumanska M, Zhang X, Nanadikar M, Latif MU, Wittek A, Lange F, Waters A, Brafford P, Wilting J, Urlaub H, Katschinski DM, Rehling P, Lenz C, Jakobs S, Ellenrieder V, Roesch A, Schön MP, Herlyn M, Stanisz H, Bogeski I. MCU
controls melanoma progression through a redox‐controlled phenotype switch. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54746. [PMID: 36156348 PMCID: PMC9638851 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202254746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers and has a high tendency to metastasize to distant organs. Calcium and metabolic signals contribute to melanoma invasiveness; however, the underlying molecular details are elusive. The MCU complex is a major route for calcium into the mitochondrial matrix but whether MCU affects melanoma pathobiology was not understood. Here, we show that MCUA expression correlates with melanoma patient survival and is decreased in BRAF kinase inhibitor‐resistant melanomas. Knockdown (KD) of MCUA suppresses melanoma cell growth and stimulates migration and invasion. In melanoma xenografts, MCUA_KD reduces tumor volumes but promotes lung metastases. Proteomic analyses and protein microarrays identify pathways that link MCUA and melanoma cell phenotype and suggest a major role for redox regulation. Antioxidants enhance melanoma cell migration, while prooxidants diminish the MCUA_KD‐induced invasive phenotype. Furthermore, MCUA_KD increases melanoma cell resistance to immunotherapies and ferroptosis. Collectively, we demonstrate that MCUA controls melanoma aggressive behavior and therapeutic sensitivity. Manipulations of mitochondrial calcium and redox homeostasis, in combination with current therapies, should be considered in treating advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Stejerean‐Todoran
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | | | - Christine S Gibhardt
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Adina Vultur
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
- The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Christian Ickes
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Batool Shannan
- The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center Philadelphia PA USA
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, West German Cancer Center University Duisburg‐Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)
| | - Zuriñe Bonilla del Rio
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Anna Wölling
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Sabrina Cappello
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Hsu‐Min Sung
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Magdalena Shumanska
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Xin Zhang
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Maithily Nanadikar
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Muhammad U Latif
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology University Medical Center Göttingen Gottingen Germany
| | - Anna Wittek
- Department of NanoBiophotonics Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences Göttingen Germany
- Clinic of Neurology University Medical Center Göttingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Felix Lange
- Department of NanoBiophotonics Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences Göttingen Germany
- Clinic of Neurology University Medical Center Göttingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Andrea Waters
- The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center Philadelphia PA USA
| | | | - Jörg Wilting
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences Göttingen Germany
- Bioanalytics, Institute of Clinical Chemistry University Medical Center Göttingen Germany
| | - Dörthe M Katschinski
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Peter Rehling
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry University Medical Center Göttingen, GZMB Göttingen Germany
| | - Christof Lenz
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences Göttingen Germany
- Bioanalytics, Institute of Clinical Chemistry University Medical Center Göttingen Germany
| | - Stefan Jakobs
- Department of NanoBiophotonics Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences Göttingen Germany
- Clinic of Neurology University Medical Center Göttingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology University Medical Center Göttingen Gottingen Germany
| | - Alexander Roesch
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, West German Cancer Center University Duisburg‐Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)
| | - Michael P Schön
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Hedwig Stanisz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
| | - Ivan Bogeski
- Molecular Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Germany
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Gencheva R, Cheng Q, Arnér ESJ. Thioredoxin reductase selenoproteins from different organisms as potential drug targets for treatment of human diseases. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 190:320-338. [PMID: 35987423 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is a selenoprotein with a central role in cellular redox homeostasis, utilizing a highly reactive and solvent-exposed selenocysteine (Sec) residue in its active site. Pharmacological modulation of TrxR can be obtained with several classes of small compounds showing different mechanisms of action, but most often dependent upon interactions with its Sec residue. The clinical implications of TrxR modulation as mediated by small compounds have been studied in diverse diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis and ischemia to cancer and parasitic infections. The possible involvement of TrxR in these diseases was in some cases serendipitously discovered, by finding that existing clinically used drugs are also TrxR inhibitors. Inhibiting isoforms of human TrxR is, however, not the only strategy for human disease treatment, as some pathogenic parasites also depend upon Sec-containing TrxR variants, including S. mansoni, B. malayi or O. volvulus. Inhibiting parasite TrxR has been shown to selectively kill parasites and can thus become a promising treatment strategy, especially in the context of quickly emerging resistance towards other drugs. Here we have summarized the basis for the targeting of selenoprotein TrxR variants with small molecules for therapeutic purposes in different human disease contexts. We discuss how Sec engagement appears to be an indispensable part of treatment efficacy and how some therapeutically promising compounds have been evaluated in preclinical or clinical studies. Several research questions remain before a wider application of selenoprotein TrxR inhibition as a first-line treatment strategy might be developed. These include further mechanistic studies of downstream effects that may mediate treatment efficacy, identification of isoform-specific enzyme inhibition patterns for some given therapeutic compounds, and the further elucidation of cell-specific effects in disease contexts such as in the tumor microenvironment or in host-parasite interactions, and which of these effects may be dependent upon the specific targeting of Sec in distinct TrxR isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosveta Gencheva
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Qing Cheng
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden; Department of Selenoprotein Research, National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122, Budapest, Hungary.
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Cirri D, Massai L, Giacomelli C, Trincavelli ML, Guerri A, Gabbiani C, Messori L, Pratesi A. Synthesis, chemical characterization, and biological evaluation of a novel auranofin derivative as an anticancer agent. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:13527-13539. [PMID: 36000524 DOI: 10.1039/d2dt00836j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel gold(I) complex inspired by the known medicinal inorganic compounds auranofin and thimerosal, namely ethylthiosalicylate(triethylphosphine)gold(I) (AFETT hereafter), was synthesized and characterised and its structure was resolved through X-ray diffraction. The solution behavior of AFETT and its interactions with two biologically relevant proteins (i.e. human serum albumin and haemoglobin) and with a synthetic dodecapeptide reproducing the C-terminal portion of thioredoxin reductase were comparatively analyzed through 31P NMR and ESI-MS. Remarkable binding properties toward these biomolecules were disclosed. Moreover, the cytotoxic effects produced by AFETT on two ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and A2780 R) and one colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116) were analyzed and found to be strong and nearly superimposable to those of auranofin. Interestingly, for both compounds, the ability to induce downregulation of vimentin expression in A2780 R cells was evidenced. Despite its close similarity to auranofin, AFETT is reported to exhibit some peculiar and distinctive features such as a lower lipophilicity, an increased water solubility and a faster reactivity towards the selected target biomolecules. These differences might confer to AFETT significant pharmaceutical and therapeutic advantages over auranofin itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | - Chiara Giacomelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Guerri
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | - Chiara Gabbiani
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Upregulation of Thioredoxin Reductase 1 Expression by Flavan-3-Ols Protects Human Kidney Proximal Tubular Cells from Hypoxia-Induced Cell Death. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071399. [PMID: 35883890 PMCID: PMC9311547 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal hypoxia and its associated oxidative stress is a common pathway for the development of kidney diseases, and using dietary antioxidants such as flavan-3-ols to prevent kidney failure has received much attention. This study investigates the molecular mechanism by which flavan-3-ols prevent hypoxia-induced cell death in renal tubular epithelial cells. Human kidney proximal tubular cells (HKC-8) were exposed to hypoxia (1% O2) in the presence of flavan-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2). Cell death was examined using flow cytometric analysis. Gene expression was determined using a PCR array and Western blotting, and its network and functions were investigated using STRING databases. Here, we show that the cytoprotective activity of catechin was the highest among these flavan-3-ols against hypoxia-induced cell death in cultured HKC-8 cells. Exposure of HKC-8 cells to hypoxia induced oxidative stress leading to up-regulation of DUOX2, NOX4, CYBB and PTGS2 and down-regulation of TXNRD1 and HSP90AA1. Treatment with catechin or other flavan-3-ols prevented the down-regulation of TXNRD1 expression in hypoxic HKC-8 cells. Overexpression of TXNRD1 prevented hypoxia-induced cell death, and inactivation of TXNRD1 with TRi-1, a specific TXNRD1 inhibitor, reduced the catechin cytoprotection against hypoxia-induced HKC-8 cell death. In conclusion, flavan-3-ols prevent hypoxia-induced cell death in human proximal tubular epithelial cells, which might be mediated by their maintenance of TXNRD1 expression, suggesting that enhancing TXNRD1 expression or activity may become a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent hypoxia-induced kidney damage.
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Renken S, Nakajima T, Magalhaes I, Mattsson J, Lundqvist A, Arnér ESJ, Kiessling R, Wickström SL. Targeting of Nrf2 improves antitumoral responses by human NK cells, TIL and CAR T cells during oxidative stress. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004458. [PMID: 35738800 PMCID: PMC9226989 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adoptive cell therapy using cytotoxic lymphocytes is an efficient immunotherapy against solid and hematological cancers. However, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hostile tumor microenvironment can impair NK cell and T cell function. Auranofin, a gold (I)-containing phosphine compound, is a strong activator of the transcription factor Nrf2. Nrf2 controls a wide range of downstream targets important for the cells to obtain increased resistance to ROS. In this study, we present a strategy using auranofin to render human cytotoxic lymphocytes resistant toward oxidative stress. Methods Melanoma patient-derived tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and healthy donor-derived NK cells and CD19-directed CAR T cells were pretreated with a low dose of auranofin. Their resistance toward oxidative stress was assessed by measuring antitumoral responses (killing-assay, degranulation/CD107a, cytokine production) and intracellular ROS levels (flow cytometry) in conditions of oxidative stress. To confirm that the effects were Nrf2 dependent, the transcription level of Nrf2-driven target genes was analyzed by qPCR. Results Pretreatment of human TIL and NK cells ex vivo with a low-dose auranofin significantly lowered their accumulation of intracellular ROS and preserved their antitumoral activity despite high H2O2 levels or monocyte-derived ROS. Furthermore, auranofin pretreatment of CD19 CAR-T cells or TIL increased their elimination of CD19 +tumor cells or autologous tumor spheroids, respectively, especially during ROS exposure. Analysis of Nrf2-driven target genes revealed that the increased resistance against ROS was Nrf2 dependent. Conclusion These novel findings suggest that Nrf2 activation in human cytotoxic lymphocytes could be used to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Renken
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Takahiro Nakajima
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isabelle Magalhaes
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Mattsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Gloria and Seymour Epstein Chair in Cell Therapy and Transplantation, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Cancer, Patient area Head and Neck, Lung and Skin, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Selenoprotein Research and National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rolf Kiessling
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Cancer, Patient area Head and Neck, Lung and Skin, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stina Linnea Wickström
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden .,Theme Cancer, Patient area Head and Neck, Lung and Skin, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Weidle UH, Sela T, Brinkmann U, Niewoehner J. Circular RNAs With Efficacy in Preclinical In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2022; 19:283-298. [PMID: 35430563 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is associated with a dismal prognosis. The armamentarium of approved drugs is focused on chemotherapy with modest therapeutic benefit. Recently, checkpoint inhibitory monoclonal antibody Pembrolizumab was approved. In order to identify new targets and modalities for the treatment of esophagus squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) we searched the literature for circRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of ESCC. We identified two down-regulated and 17 up-regulated circRNAs as well as a synthetic circRNA with efficacy in preclinical in vivo systems. Down-regulated circRNAs sponge microRNAs directed against tumor suppressor genes. Up-regulated circRNAs sponge microRNAs directed against mRNAs, which encode proteins with pro-tumoral functions. We discuss issues such as reconstitution of down-regulated circRNAs and inhibition of up-regulated circRNAs with short interfering RNA (siRNA)- related entities. Also, we address druggability issues of the identified targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Sela
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Jens Niewoehner
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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Ogata FT, Simões Sato AY, Coppo L, Arai RJ, Stern AI, Pequeno Monteiro H. Thiol-Based Antioxidants and the Epithelial/Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:1037-1050. [PMID: 34541904 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: The epithelial/mesenchymal transition (EMT) is commonly associated with tumor metastasis. Oxidative and nitrosative stress is maintained in cancer cells and is involved in the EMT. Cancer cells are endowed with high levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, which counteract the effects of oxidative and nitrosative stress. Thiol-based antioxidant systems such as the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase (Trx/TrxR) and glutathione/glutaredoxin (GSH/Grx) are continually active in cancer cells, while the thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip), the negative regulator of the Trx/TrxR system, is downregulated. Recent Advances: Trx/TrxR and GSH/Grx systems play a major role in maintaining EMT signaling and cancer cell progression. Critical Issues: Enhanced stress conditions stimulated in cancer cells inhibit EMT signaling. The elevated expression levels of the Trx/TrxR and GSH/Grx systems in these cells provide the antioxidant protection necessary to guarantee the occurrence of the EMT. Future Directions: Elevation of the intracellular reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide concentrations in cancer cells has been viewed as a promising strategy for elimination of these cells. The development of inhibitors of GSH synthesis and of the Trx/TrxR system together with genetic-based strategies to enhance Txnip levels may provide the necessary means to achieve this goal. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 1037-1050.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Toshio Ogata
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapy-CTCMol, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alex Yuri Simões Sato
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapy-CTCMol, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia Coppo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roberto Jun Arai
- Department of Oncology and Radiology, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina-Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arnold Ira Stern
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hugo Pequeno Monteiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapy-CTCMol, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Chiaverini L, Pratesi A, Cirri D, Nardinocchi A, Tolbatov I, Marrone A, Di Luca M, Marzo T, La Mendola D. Anti-Staphylococcal Activity of the Auranofin Analogue Bearing Acetylcysteine in Place of the Thiosugar: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27082578. [PMID: 35458776 PMCID: PMC9032686 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Auranofin (AF, hereafter) is an orally administered chrysotherapeutic agent approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that is being repurposed for various indications including bacterial infections. Its likely mode of action involves the impairment of the TrxR system through the binding of the pharmacophoric cation [AuPEt3]+. Accordingly, a reliable strategy to expand the medicinal profile of AF is the replacement of the thiosugar moiety with different ligands. Herein, we aimed to prepare the AF analogue bearing the acetylcysteine ligand (AF-AcCys, hereafter) and characterize its anti-staphylococcal activity. Biological studies revealed that AF-AcCys retains an antibacterial effect superimposable with that of AF against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas it is about 20 times less effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bioinorganic studies confirmed that upon incubation with human serum albumin, AF-AcCys, similarly to AF, induced protein metalation through the [AuPEt3]+ fragment. Additionally, AF-AcCys appeared capable of binding the dodecapeptide Ac-SGGDILQSGCUG-NH2, corresponding to the tryptic C-terminal fragment (488–499) of hTrxR. To shed light on the pharmacological differences between AF and AF-AcCys, we carried out a comparative experimental stability study and a theoretical estimation of bond dissociation energies, unveiling the higher strength of the Au–S bond in AF-AcCys. From the results, it emerged that the lower lipophilicity of AF-AcCys with respect to AF could be a key feature for its different antibacterial activity. The differences and similarities between AF and AF-AcCys are discussed, alongside the opportunities and consequences that chemical structure modifications imply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Chiaverini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.L.M.)
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi, 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.P.); (D.C.)
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi, 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.P.); (D.C.)
| | - Arianna Nardinocchi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35–39, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Iogann Tolbatov
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (M.D.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Mariagrazia Di Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35–39, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (M.D.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.L.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (M.D.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.L.M.)
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Chiaverini L, Pratesi A, Cirri D, Nardinocchi A, Tolbatov I, Marrone A, Di Luca M, Marzo T, La Mendola D. Anti-Staphylococcal Activity of the Auranofin Analogue Bearing Acetylcysteine in Place of the Thiosugar: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation. Molecules 2022. [PMID: 35458776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082578/s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF, hereafter) is an orally administered chrysotherapeutic agent approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that is being repurposed for various indications including bacterial infections. Its likely mode of action involves the impairment of the TrxR system through the binding of the pharmacophoric cation [AuPEt3]+. Accordingly, a reliable strategy to expand the medicinal profile of AF is the replacement of the thiosugar moiety with different ligands. Herein, we aimed to prepare the AF analogue bearing the acetylcysteine ligand (AF-AcCys, hereafter) and characterize its anti-staphylococcal activity. Biological studies revealed that AF-AcCys retains an antibacterial effect superimposable with that of AF against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas it is about 20 times less effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bioinorganic studies confirmed that upon incubation with human serum albumin, AF-AcCys, similarly to AF, induced protein metalation through the [AuPEt3]+ fragment. Additionally, AF-AcCys appeared capable of binding the dodecapeptide Ac-SGGDILQSGCUG-NH2, corresponding to the tryptic C-terminal fragment (488-499) of hTrxR. To shed light on the pharmacological differences between AF and AF-AcCys, we carried out a comparative experimental stability study and a theoretical estimation of bond dissociation energies, unveiling the higher strength of the Au-S bond in AF-AcCys. From the results, it emerged that the lower lipophilicity of AF-AcCys with respect to AF could be a key feature for its different antibacterial activity. The differences and similarities between AF and AF-AcCys are discussed, alongside the opportunities and consequences that chemical structure modifications imply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Chiaverini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi, 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi, 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Arianna Nardinocchi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35-39, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Iogann Tolbatov
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Di Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35-39, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Yang Y, Sun S, Xu W, Zhang Y, Yang R, Ma K, Zhang J, Xu J. Piperlongumine Inhibits Thioredoxin Reductase 1 by Targeting Selenocysteine Residues and Sensitizes Cancer Cells to Erastin. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040710. [PMID: 35453395 PMCID: PMC9030593 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Piperlongumine, a natural alkaloid substance extracted from the fruit of the long pepper (Piper longum Linn.), is known to inhibit the cytosolic thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD1 or TrxR1) and selectively kill cancer cells. However, the details and mechanism of the inhibition by piperlongumine against TXNRD1 remain unclear. In this study, based on the classical DTNB reducing assay, irreversible inhibition of recombinant TXNRD1 by piperlongumine was found and showed an apparent kinact value of 0.206 × 10−3 µM−1 min−1. Meanwhile, compared with the wild-type TXNRD1 (-GCUG), the UGA-truncated form (-GC) of TXNRD1 was resistant to piperlongumine, suggesting the preferential target of piperlongumine is the selenol (-SeH) at the C-terminal redox motif of the enzyme. Interestingly, the high concentration of piperlongumine-inhibited TXNRD1 showed that its Sec-dependent activity is decayed but its intrinsic NADPH oxidase activity is retained. Furthermore, piperlongumine did not induce ferroptosis in HCT116 cells at 10 µM, whereas significantly promoted erastin-induced lipid oxidation, which could be alleviated by supplying glutathione (GSH) or N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC). However, restricting GSH synthesis by inhibiting glutaminase (GLS) using the small molecule inhibitor CB-839 only slightly enhanced erastin-induced cell death. Taken together, this study elucidates the molecular mechanism of the antitumor capacity of piperlongumine by targeting TXNRD1 and reveals the potential possibility of inhibiting TXNRD1 to strengthen cancer cells’ ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Yang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China; (Y.Y.); (S.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.Y.); (K.M.)
| | - Shibo Sun
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China; (Y.Y.); (S.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.Y.); (K.M.)
| | - Weiping Xu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology (OST), Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China;
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China; (Y.Y.); (S.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.Y.); (K.M.)
| | - Rui Yang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China; (Y.Y.); (S.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.Y.); (K.M.)
| | - Kun Ma
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China; (Y.Y.); (S.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.Y.); (K.M.)
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Jianqiang Xu
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences (LPS), Panjin Institute of Industrial Technology (PIIT), Liaoning Key Laboratory of Chemical Additive Synthesis and Separation (CASS), Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China; (Y.Y.); (S.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.Y.); (K.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-189-0986-4926; Fax: +86-427-263-1429
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Cyclic 5-membered disulfides are not selective substrates of thioredoxin reductase, but are opened nonspecifically. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1754. [PMID: 35365603 PMCID: PMC8975869 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29136-4] [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: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclic five-membered disulfide 1,2-dithiolane has been widely used in chemical biology and in redox probes. Contradictory reports have described it either as nonspecifically reduced in cells, or else as a highly specific substrate for thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Here we show that 1,2-dithiolane probes, such as "TRFS" probes, are nonspecifically reduced by thiol reductants and redox-active proteins, and their cellular performance is barely affected by TrxR inhibition or knockout. Therefore, results of cellular imaging or inhibitor screening using 1,2-dithiolanes should not be interpreted as reflecting TrxR activity, and previous studies may need re-evaluation. To understand 1,2-dithiolanes' complex behaviour, probe localisation, environment-dependent fluorescence, reduction-independent ring-opening polymerisation, and thiol-dependent cellular uptake must all be considered; particular caution is needed when co-applying thiophilic inhibitors. We present a general approach controlling against assay misinterpretation with reducible probes, to ensure future TrxR-targeted designs are robustly evaluated for selectivity, and to better orient future research.
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Zeisel L, Felber JG, Scholzen KC, Poczka L, Cheff D, Maier MS, Cheng Q, Shen M, Hall MD, Arnér ES, Thorn-Seshold J, Thorn-Seshold O. Selective cellular probes for mammalian thioredoxin reductase TrxR1: Rational design of RX1, a modular 1,2-thiaselenane redox probe. Chem 2022; 8:1493-1517. [PMID: 35936029 PMCID: PMC9351623 DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Quantifying the activity of key cellular redox players is crucial for understanding physiological homeostasis, and for targeting their perturbed states in pathologies including cancer and inflammatory diseases. However, cellularly-selective probes for oxidoreductase turnover are sorely lacking. We rationally developed the first probes that selectively target the mammalian selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), using a cyclic selenenylsulfide oriented to harness TrxR's unique selenolthiol chemistry while resisting the cellular monothiol background. Lead probe RX1 had excellent TrxR1-selective performance in cells, cross-validated by knockout, selenium starvation, knock-in, and chemical inhibitors. Its background-free fluorogenicity enabled us to perform the first quantitative high-throughput live cell screen for TrxR1 inhibitors, which indicated that tempered SNAr electrophiles may be more selective TrxR drugs than the classical electrophiles used hitherto. The RX1 design thus sets the stage for in vivo imaging of the activity of this key oxidoreductase in health and disease, and can also drive TrxR1-inhibitor drug design.
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Biochemical and structural characterizations of thioredoxin reductase selenoproteins of the parasitic filarial nematodes Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus. Redox Biol 2022; 51:102278. [PMID: 35276442 PMCID: PMC8914392 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymes in the thiol redox systems of microbial pathogens are promising targets for drug development. In this study we characterized the thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) selenoproteins from Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus, filarial nematode parasites and causative agents of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, respectively. The two filarial enzymes showed similar turnover numbers and affinities for different thioredoxin (Trx) proteins, but with a clear preference for the autologous Trx. Human TrxR1 (hTrxR1) had a high and similar specific activity versus the human and filarial Trxs, suggesting that, in vivo, hTrxR1 could possibly be the reducing agent of parasite Trxs once they are released into the host. Both filarial TrxRs were efficiently inhibited by auranofin and by a recently described inhibitor of human TrxR1 (TRi-1), but not as efficiently by the alternative compound TRi-2. The enzyme from B. malayi was structurally characterized also in complex with NADPH and auranofin, producing the first crystallographic structure of a nematode TrxR. The protein represents an unusual fusion of a mammalian-type TrxR protein architecture with an N-terminal glutaredoxin-like (Grx) domain lacking typical Grx motifs. Unlike thioredoxin glutathione reductases (TGRs) found in platyhelminths and mammals, which are also Grx–TrxR domain fusion proteins, the TrxRs from the filarial nematodes lacked glutathione disulfide reductase and Grx activities. The structural determinations revealed that the Grx domain of TrxR from B. malayi contains a cysteine (C22), conserved in TrxRs from clade IIIc nematodes, that directly interacts with the C-terminal cysteine-selenocysteine motif of the homo-dimeric subunit. Interestingly, despite this finding we found that altering C22 by mutation to serine did not affect enzyme catalysis. Thus, although the function of the Grx domain in these filarial TrxRs remains to be determined, the results obtained provide insights on key properties of this important family of selenoprotein flavoenzymes that are potential drug targets for treatment of filariasis.
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Rheumatoid arthritis drug sinomenine induces apoptosis of cervical tumor cells by targeting thioredoxin reductase in vitro and in vivo. Bioorg Chem 2022; 122:105711. [PMID: 35247807 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) has been linked to tumorigenesis and phenotypic maintenance of malignant tumors. Thus, targeting TrxR with natural molecules is a promising strategy for developing anticancer drugs. Sinomenine is a naturally occurring alkaloid isolated from Sinomenium acutum. The drug, Zhengqing Fengtongning made from sinomenine, has been universally applied in rheumatoid arthritis treatment in China as well as other Asian countries for decades. Recently, increasing evidence indicates that sinomenine appears to be a promising therapeutic agent against various cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of sinomenine remains unclear. In this study, we identified sinomenine as a kind of new inhibitor for TrxR. Pharmacological inhibition of TrxR by sinomenine results in the decrease of thiols content, increases the levels of reactive oxygen species, and finally facilitates oxidative stress-mediated cancer cell apoptosis. It is vital that knockdown in TrxR1 by shRNA can increase cell sensitivity to sinomenine. Treatment with sinomenine in vivo leads to a decrease in TrxR activity and tumor growth, and an increase in apoptosis. Our findings provide a novel action mechanism related to sinomenine and presents an insight on how to develop sinomenine as a chemotherapeutic agent for cancer therapy.
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Xu Q, Zhang J. Novel strategies for targeting the thioredoxin system for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:437-442. [PMID: 35193453 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2045270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : The thioredoxin system is increasingly recognized as an important executor for maintaining cell redox homeostasis and regulating multiple cell signaling pathways. Targeting this system for cancer treatment has therefore attracted much attention. AREAS COVERED : The authors focus on providing coverage and emphasizing the strategy of targeting the thioredoxin system to develop anticancer therapeutics in the past five years, especially from the perspective of discovering novel protein functions or new downstream regulatory pathways, and designing new therapeutic reagents. The authors also provide the readers with their expert perspectives for future development. EXPERT OPINION : The limited pharmacophore of inhibitors and the slow progress of clinical research partially restrict the development of anticancer drugs targeting the thioredoxin system, necessitating thus novel strategies to accelerate the system for treating cancer. Nevertheless, the synergistic targeting of thioredoxin system for cancer therapy is a promising strategy, particularly with regards to chemotherapy resistance and/or sensitization immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhe Xu
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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Zhang J, Xu Q, Ma D. Inhibition of thioredoxin reductase by natural anticancer candidate β-lapachone accounts for triggering redox activation-mediated HL-60 cell apoptosis. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 180:244-252. [PMID: 35091063 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
β-Lapachone as a natural novel anticancer candidate is under clinical trials. Previous studies suggested that β-lapachone works by redox activation to ablate cancer cells. However, it is still unclear whether thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), one of the key redox catalytic enzymes in cells, plays a role in the pharmacological effects of β-lapachone. Herein, we present that β-lapachone kills human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells with preference over other cancer cells and normal cells. The follow-up studies demonstrate that β-lapachone induces the HL-60 cell apoptosis through inhibition of TrxR and further elevation of oxidative stress. Overexpression of the TrxR alleviates the efficiency of β-lapachone while knockdown of the enzyme increases the β-lapachone cytotoxicity, scientifically underpinning the correlation of the observed biological behaviors of β-lapachone to TrxR inhibition. The disclosure of the novel action mechanism of β-lapachone sheds light on understanding its capacity in interfering with cellular redox signaling and supports β-lapachone as an anticancer drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China.
| | - Qianhe Xu
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Di Ma
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
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Scuto M, Ontario ML, Salinaro AT, Caligiuri I, Rampulla F, Zimbone V, Modafferi S, Rizzolio F, Canzonieri V, Calabrese EJ, Calabrese V. Redox modulation by plant polyphenols targeting vitagenes for chemoprevention and therapy: Relevance to novel anti-cancer interventions and mini-brain organoid technology. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 179:59-75. [PMID: 34929315 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.12.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The scientific community, recently, has focused notable attention on the chemopreventive and therapeutic effects of dietary polyphenols for human health. Emerging evidence demonstrates that polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamins counteract and neutralize genetic and environmental stressors, particularly oxidative stress and inflammatory process closely connected to cancer initiation, promotion and progression. Interestingly, polyphenols can exert antioxidant or pro-oxidant cytotoxic effects depending on their endogenous concentration. Notably, polyphenols at high dose act as pro-oxidants in a wide type of cancer cells by inhibiting Nrf2 pathway and the expression of antioxidant vitagenes, such as NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), glutathione transferase (GT), GPx, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) and thioredoxin (Trx) system which play an essential role in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS), detoxification of xenobiotics and inhibition of cancer progression, by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest according to the hormesis approach. Importantly, mutagenesis of Nrf2 pathway can exacerbate its "dark side" role, representing a crucial event in the initiation stage of carcinogenesis. Herein, we review the hormetic effects of polyphenols and nanoincapsulated-polyphenols in chemoprevention and treatment of brain tumors via activation or inhibition of Nrf2/vitagenes to suppress carcinogenesis in the early stages, and thus inhibit its progression. Lastly, we discuss innovative preclinical approaches through mini-brain tumor organoids to study human carcinogenesis, from basic cancer research to clinical practice, as promising tools to recapitulate the arrangement of structural neuronal tissues and biological functions of the human brain, as well as test drug toxicity and drive personalized and precision medicine in brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scuto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy; Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Ontario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Trovato Salinaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy.
| | - Isabella Caligiuri
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Francesco Rampulla
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Zimbone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | - Sergio Modafferi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy; Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca'Foscari University of Venice, 30123, Venezia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy; Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124, Catania, Italy.
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