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Wang X, Gong W, Xiong X, Jia X, Xu J. Asparagine: A key metabolic junction in targeted tumor therapy. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107292. [PMID: 39002867 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Nutrient bioavailability in the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Among these nutrients, glutamine is a key substance that promotes tumor growth and proliferation, and its downstream metabolite asparagine is also crucial in tumors. Studies have shown that when glutamine is exhausted, tumor cells can rely on asparagine to sustain their growth. Given the reliance of tumor cell proliferation on asparagine, restricting its bioavailability has emerged as promising strategy in cancer treatment. For instance, the use of asparaginase, an enzyme that depletes asparagine, has been one of the key chemotherapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, tumor cells can adapt to asparagine restriction, leading to reduced chemotherapy efficacy, and the mechanisms by which different genetically altered tumors are sensitized or adapted to asparagine restriction vary. We review the sources of asparagine and explore how limiting its bioavailability impacts the progression of specific genetically altered tumors. It is hoped that by targeting the signaling pathways involved in tumor adaptation to asparagine restriction and certain factors within these pathways, the issue of drug resistance can be addressed. Importantly, these strategies offer precise therapeutic approaches for genetically altered cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Weijian Gong
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xueyou Xiong
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xuemei Jia
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China; Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Preservation and Restoration, Nanjing 210004, China.
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China; Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Preservation and Restoration, Nanjing 210004, China.
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2
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Liu X, Ren B, Ren J, Gu M, You L, Zhao Y. The significant role of amino acid metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:380. [PMID: 39069612 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01760-1] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism plays a pivotal role in tumor microenvironment, influencing various aspects of cancer progression. The metabolic reprogramming of amino acids in tumor cells is intricately linked to protein synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, modulation of signaling pathways, regulation of tumor cell metabolism, maintenance of oxidative stress homeostasis, and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, the dysregulation of amino acid metabolism also impacts tumor microenvironment and tumor immunity. Amino acids can act as signaling molecules that modulate immune cell function and immune tolerance within the tumor microenvironment, reshaping the anti-tumor immune response and promoting immune evasion by cancer cells. Moreover, amino acid metabolism can influence the behavior of stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, regulate ECM remodeling and promote angiogenesis, thereby facilitating tumor growth and metastasis. Understanding the intricate interplay between amino acid metabolism and the tumor microenvironment is of crucial significance. Expanding our knowledge of the multifaceted roles of amino acid metabolism in tumor microenvironment holds significant promise for the development of more effective cancer therapies aimed at disrupting the metabolic dependencies of cancer cells and modulating the tumor microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and inhibit tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Minzhi Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
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Taurino G, Dander E, Chiu M, Pozzi G, Maccari C, Starace R, Silvestri D, Griffini E, Bianchi MG, Carubbi C, Andreoli R, Mirandola P, Valsecchi MG, Rizzari C, D'Amico G, Bussolati O. Asparagine transport through SLC1A5/ASCT2 and SLC38A5/SNAT5 is essential for BCP-ALL cell survival and a potential therapeutic target. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:175-188. [PMID: 38736325 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL) blasts strictly depend on the transport of extra-cellular asparagine (Asn), yielding a rationale for L-asparaginase (ASNase) therapy. However, the carriers used by ALL blasts for Asn transport have not been identified yet. Exploiting RS4;11 cells as BCP-ALL model, we have found that cell Asn is lowered by either silencing or inhibition of the transporters ASCT2 or SNAT5. The inhibitors V-9302 (for ASCT2) and GluγHA (for SNAT5) markedly lower cell proliferation and, when used together, suppress mTOR activity, induce autophagy and cause a severe nutritional stress, leading to a proliferative arrest and a massive cell death in both the ASNase-sensitive RS4;11 cells and the relatively ASNase-insensitive NALM-6 cells. The cytotoxic effect is not prevented by coculturing leukaemic cells with primary mesenchymal stromal cells. Leukaemic blasts of paediatric ALL patients express ASCT2 and SNAT5 at diagnosis and undergo marked cytotoxicity when exposed to the inhibitors. ASCT2 expression is positively correlated with the minimal residual disease at the end of the induction therapy. In conclusion, ASCT2 and SNAT5 are the carriers exploited by ALL cells to transport Asn, and ASCT2 expression is associated with a lower therapeutic response. ASCT2 may thus represent a novel therapeutic target in BCP-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Taurino
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Erica Dander
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Martina Chiu
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Pozzi
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Maccari
- Laboratory of Industrial Toxicology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rita Starace
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Daniela Silvestri
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Erika Griffini
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Massimiliano G Bianchi
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- MRH-Microbiome Research Hub, Parco Area Delle Scienze 11/A, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Cecilia Carubbi
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberta Andreoli
- Laboratory of Industrial Toxicology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- CERT-Center of Excellence for Toxicological Research, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Prisco Mirandola
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Valsecchi
- Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rizzari
- Department of Pediatrics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Amico
- Tettamanti Center, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Ovidio Bussolati
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- MRH-Microbiome Research Hub, Parco Area Delle Scienze 11/A, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Fontes MG, Silva C, Roldán WH, Monteiro G. Exploring the potential of asparagine restriction in solid cancer treatment: recent discoveries, therapeutic implications, and challenges. Med Oncol 2024; 41:176. [PMID: 38879707 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02424-3] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid crucial for protein biosynthesis and function, and therefore cell maintenance and growth. Furthermore, this amino acid has an important role in regulating several metabolic pathways, such as tricarboxylic acid cycle and the urea cycle. When compared to normal cells, tumor cells typically present a higher demand for asparagine, making it a compelling target for therapy. In this review article, we investigate different facets of asparagine bioavailability intricate role in malignant tumors raised from solid organs. We take a comprehensive look at asparagine synthetase expression and regulation in cancer, including the impact on tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, we explore asparagine depletion through L-asparaginase as a potential therapeutic method for aggressive solid tumors, approaching different formulations of the enzyme and combinatory therapies. In summary, here we delve into studies about endogenous and exogenous asparagine availability in solid cancers, analyzing therapeutic implications and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gabriel Fontes
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Silva
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - William Henry Roldán
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Wang B, Pei J, Xu S, Liu J, Yu J. A glutamine tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells: recent advances in unraveling the ongoing battle. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:74. [PMID: 38459595 PMCID: PMC10921613 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02994-0] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine metabolism plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, immune cell function, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism has been implicated in cancer development and immune responses, supported by mounting evidence. Cancer cells heavily rely on glutamine as a critical nutrient for survival and proliferation, while immune cells require glutamine for activation and proliferation during immune reactions. This metabolic competition creates a dynamic tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells. Targeting glutamine transporters and downstream enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism holds significant promise in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic approaches that improve anti-tumor immunity and patient outcomes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in unraveling the tug-of-war of glutamine metabolism between cancer and immune cells and explore potential applications of basic science discoveries in the clinical setting. Further investigations into the regulation of glutamine metabolism in cancer and immune cells are expected to yield valuable insights, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinli Pei
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengnan Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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6
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Yang R, Cheng S, Xiao J, Pei Y, Zhu Z, Zhang J, Feng J, Li J. GLS and GOT2 as prognostic biomarkers associated with dendritic cell and immunotherapy response in breast cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24163. [PMID: 38234908 PMCID: PMC10792574 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24163] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the females' most common cancer. Targeting the immune microenvironment is a new and promising treatment method for breast cancer. Nevertheless, only a small section of patients can profit by immunotherapy, and improving the ability to accurately predict the potential for immunotherapy response is still awaiting further exploration. In this study, we found that the key factors of glutamine metabolism, glutaminase 1 (GLS) and mitochondrial aspartate transaminase (GOT2), showed opposite expression patterns in breast cancer samples. Based on the expression level of GLS and GOT2, we divided the breast cancer samples into two clusters: Cluster 2 showed GLS expressed higher and GOT2 expressed lower, whereas Cluster 1 showed GOT2 expressed higher and GLS expressed lower. GSEA showed that the clusters were related to pathways of immunity. Further analysis showed that Cluster 2 was positively associated with immunity infiltration. Through WGCNA, we identified a module strongly correlated with glutamine metabolism and immunity and identified 11 dendritic cell-associated genes involved in dendritic cell development, maturation, activation and other functions. In addition, Cluster 2 also showed higher immune checkpoint gene expression, which suggest the Cluster 2 had even better response to immunotherapy. The validation dataset could also be clustered into two groups. Cluster 2 (GLS expressed higher and GOT2 expressed lower) of the validation dataset was also positively associated with dendritic cells and a better immunotherapy response. Thus, these data indicate that GLS and GOT2 are prognostic biomarkers which closely related to dendritic cells and better reacted to immunotherapy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifang Yang
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Shuo Cheng
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Jie Xiao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yujie Pei
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Zhonglin Zhu
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Jing Feng
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Jing Li
- Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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