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Lyda BR, Leary GP, Farnsworth J, Seaver B, Silvius D, Kavanaugh MP, Esslinger CS, Natale NR. Discovery and Synthesis of Hydroxy-l-Proline Blockers of the Neutral Amino Acid Transporters SLC1A4 (ASCT1) and SLC1A5 (ASCT2). Molecules 2024; 29:2330. [PMID: 38792190 PMCID: PMC11123841 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102330] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As a conformationally restricted amino acid, hydroxy-l-proline is a versatile scaffold for the synthesis of diverse multi-functionalized pyrrolidines for probing the ligand binding sites of biological targets. With the goal to develop new inhibitors of the widely expressed amino acid transporters SLC1A4 and SLC1A5 (also known as ASCT1 and ASCT2), we synthesized and functionally screened synthetic hydroxy-l-proline derivatives using electrophysiological and radiolabeled uptake methods against amino acid transporters from the SLC1, SLC7, and SLC38 solute carrier families. We have discovered a novel class of alkoxy hydroxy-pyrrolidine carboxylic acids (AHPCs) that act as selective high-affinity inhibitors of the SLC1 family neutral amino acid transporters SLC1A4 and SLC1A5. AHPCs were computationally docked into a homology model and assessed with respect to predicted molecular orientation and functional activity. The series of hydroxyproline analogs identified here represent promising new agents to pharmacologically modulate SLC1A4 and SLC1A5 amino acid exchangers which are implicated in numerous pathophysiological processes such as cancer and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent R. Lyda
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA (B.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Gregory P. Leary
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA (B.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Jill Farnsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA (B.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Benjamin Seaver
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA (B.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Derek Silvius
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA (B.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Michael P. Kavanaugh
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA (B.S.); (D.S.)
| | - C. Sean Esslinger
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA (B.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Nicholas R. Natale
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA (B.S.); (D.S.)
- Medicinal Chemistry Graduate Program, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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2
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Borsa M, Obba S, Richter FC, Zhang H, Riffelmacher T, Carrelha J, Alsaleh G, Jacobsen SEW, Simon AK. Autophagy preserves hematopoietic stem cells by restraining MTORC1-mediated cellular anabolism. Autophagy 2024; 20:45-57. [PMID: 37614038 PMCID: PMC10761185 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2247310] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells are long-lived and quiescent with unique metabolic requirements. Macroautophagy/autophagy is a fundamental survival mechanism that allows cells to adapt to metabolic changes by degrading and recycling intracellular components. Here we address why autophagy depletion leads to a drastic loss of the stem cell compartment. Using inducible deletion of autophagy specifically in adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and in mice chimeric for autophagy-deficient and normal HSCs, we demonstrate that the stem cell loss is cell-intrinsic. Mechanistically, autophagy-deficient HSCs showed higher expression of several amino acid transporters (AAT) when compared to autophagy-competent cells, resulting in increased amino acid (AA) uptake. This was followed by sustained MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) activation, with enlarged cell size, glucose uptake and translation, which is detrimental to the quiescent HSCs. MTOR inhibition by rapamycin treatment in vivo was able to rescue autophagy-deficient HSC loss and bone marrow failure and resulted in better reconstitution after transplantation. Our results suggest that targeting MTOR may improve aged stem cell function, promote reprogramming and stem cell transplantation.List of abbreviations: 5FU: fluoracil; AA: amino acids; AKT/PKB: thymoma viral proto-oncogene 1; ATF4: activating transcription factor 4; BafA: bafilomycin A1; BM: bone marrow; EIF2: eukaryotic initiation factor 2; EIF4EBP1/4EBP1: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1; KIT/CD117/c-Kit: KIT proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase; HSCs: hematopoietic stem cells; HSPCs: hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells; Kyn: kynurenine; LSK: lineage- (Lin-), LY6A/Sca-1+, KIT/c-Kit/CD117+; LY6A/Sca-1: lymphocyte antigen 6 family member A; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTORC1: MTOR complex 1; MTORC2: MTOR complex 2; OPP: O-propargyl-puromycin; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; poly(I:C): polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid; RPS6/S6: ribosomal protein S6; tam: tamoxifen; TCA: tricarboxylic acid; TFEB: transcription factor EB; PTPRC/CD45: Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type C, CD45 antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Borsa
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sandrine Obba
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Felix C. Richter
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hanlin Zhang
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Joana Carrelha
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC WIMM, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ghada Alsaleh
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sten Eirik W. Jacobsen
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC WIMM, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- H7 Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Katharina Simon
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Du D, Qin M, Shi L, Liu C, Jiang J, Liao Z, Wang H, Zhang Z, Sun L, Fan H, Liu Z, Yu H, Li H, Peng J, Yuan S, Yang M, Xiong J. RNA binding motif protein 45-mediated phosphorylation enhances protein stability of ASCT2 to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Oncogene 2023; 42:3127-3141. [PMID: 37658192 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02795-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeting metabolic remodeling represents a potentially promising strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. In-depth understanding on the regulation of the glutamine transporter alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) contributes to the development of novel promising therapeutics. As a developmentally regulated RNA binding protein, RBM45 is capable to shuttle between nucleus and cytoplasm, and directly interacts with proteins. By bioinformatics analysis, we screened out that RBM45 was elevated in the HCC patient specimens and positively correlated with poor prognosis. RBM45 promoted cell proliferation, boosted xenograft tumorigenicity and accelerated HCC progression. Using untargeted metabolomics, it was found that RBM45 interfered with glutamine metabolism. Further results demonstrated that RBM45 positively associated with ASCT2 in human and mouse specimens. Moreover, RBM45 enhanced ASCT2 protein stability by counteracting autophagy-independent lysosomal degradation. Significantly, wild-type ASCT2, instead of phospho-defective mutants, rescued siRBM45-suppressed HCC cell proliferation. Using molecular docking approaches, we found AG-221, a mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (mIDH2) inhibitor for acute myeloid leukemia therapy, pharmacologically perturbed RBM45-ASCT2 interaction, decreased ASCT2 stability and suppressed HCC progression. These findings provide evidence that RBM45 plays a crucial role in HCC progression via interacting with and counteracting the degradation of ASCT2. Our findings suggest a novel alternative structural sites for the design of ASCT2 inhibitors and the agents interfering with RBM45-ASCT2 interaction may be a potential direction for HCC drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyu Du
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Mengyao Qin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Li Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jingwei Jiang
- Shuangyun BioMed Sci & Tech Co., Ltd., Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Zhengguang Liao
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hongxv Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhibo Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Li Sun
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhengrui Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Pathology, Taizhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyang Li
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shengtao Yuan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Mei Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Jing Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Rivera CN, Kamer MM, Rivera ME, Watne RM, Macgowan TC, Wommack AJ, Vaughan RA. Insulin resistance promotes extracellular BCAA accumulation without altering LAT1 content, independent of prior BCAA treatment in a myotube model of skeletal muscle. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 559:111800. [PMID: 36270542 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Type 2 diabetes is characterized by reduced insulin sensitivity which correlates with increased circulating BCAA. These experiments investigated the effects of insulin resistance with and without excess BCAA on myotube insulin sensitivity and L-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT1). METHODS C2C12 myotubes were treated with or without excess BCAA for 1 or 6 days, both with and without insulin resistance. Western blot was used to assess insulin sensitivity and LAT1 content. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to evaluate BCAA media content. RESULTS Insulin resistance was associated with significantly increased extracellular BCAA accumulation independent of LAT1 content. Conversely, prior BCAA treatment was not associated with extracellular BCAA accumulation regardless of level of insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION These data suggest insulin resistance, but not BCAA treatment, promotes extracellular BCAA accumulation independent of changes in LAT1 content, implicating insulin resistance as a causal agent of extracellular BCAA accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline N Rivera
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Madison M Kamer
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Madison E Rivera
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Rachel M Watne
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Trent C Macgowan
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Andrew J Wommack
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
| | - Roger A Vaughan
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
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Wang L, Fang Z, Gao P, Zheng J. GLUD1 suppresses renal tumorigenesis and development via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Front Oncol 2022; 12:975517. [PMID: 36203437 PMCID: PMC9530280 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.975517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing cancer cells are addicted to glutamine. Glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1) is one of key enzymes in glutamine metabolism and plays a critical role in the malignancy of diverse tumors. However, its role and molecular mechanism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) development and progression remain unknown. In this study, analysis results of the GEO/TCGA/UALCAN database showed that GLUD1 level was downregulated in ccRCC tissues. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting results further validated the downregulation of GLUD1 level in ccRCC tissues. GLUD1 level was gradually decreased as ccRCC stage and grade progressed. Low GLUD1 level was associated with a shorter survival and higher IC50 value for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in ccRCC, reminding that GLUD1 level could predict the prognosis and TKIs sensitivity of ccRCC patients. High level of methylation in GLUD1 promoter was positively correlated with the downregulation of GLUD1 level and was negatively correlated with survival of ccRCC patients. GLUD1 overexpression suppressed RCC cell proliferation, colony formation and migration by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway activation. Low GLUD1 level correlated with suppressive immune microenvironment (TIME) in ccRCC. Together, we found a novel tumor-suppressing role of GLUD1 in ccRCC which was different from that in other tumors and a new mechanism for inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation and TIME in ccRCC. These results provide a theoretical basis for GLUD1 as a therapeutic target and prognostic marker in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyu Fang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peixiang Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junfang Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfang Zheng,
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6
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Dicks LMT, Vermeulen W. Do Bacteria Provide an Alternative to Cancer Treatment and What Role Does Lactic Acid Bacteria Play? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091733. [PMID: 36144335 PMCID: PMC9501580 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. According to 2022 statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), close to 10 million deaths have been reported in 2020 and it is estimated that the number of cancer cases world-wide could increase to 21.6 million by 2030. Breast, lung, thyroid, pancreatic, liver, prostate, bladder, kidney, pelvis, colon, and rectum cancers are the most prevalent. Each year, approximately 400,000 children develop cancer. Treatment between countries vary, but usually includes either surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Modern treatments such as hormone-, immuno- and antibody-based therapies are becoming increasingly popular. Several recent reports have been published on toxins, antibiotics, bacteriocins, non-ribosomal peptides, polyketides, phenylpropanoids, phenylflavonoids, purine nucleosides, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enzymes with anticancer properties. Most of these molecules target cancer cells in a selective manner, either directly or indirectly through specific pathways. This review discusses the role of bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria, and their metabolites in the treatment of cancer.
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7
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Hu G, Huang X, Zhang B, Gao P, Wu W, Wang J. Identify an innovative ferroptosis-related gene in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24632. [PMID: 35908779 PMCID: PMC9459242 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SLC1A5 has been demonstrated to be associated with the progression of other tumors; however, studies are lacking in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we identify SLC1A5, as a novel ferroptosis factor, for HCC patients. Methods The core biomarkers were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and the genes present in liver cancer were validated using the public database. Then, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, we explore the relationship between SLC1A5 and clinical factors. Finally, we determine the effect of SLC1A5 on HCC cells using real‐time PCR, cell scratch analysis, transwell analysis, and CCK8 analysis in molecular biology experiments. Results Cox regression model shows that SLC1A5 was an independent risk factor for HCC patients. GSEA results indicated high expression of SLC1A5 related to the fatty acid metabolism pathway. Clinical correlation analysis demonstrates that alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) expression was positively correlated with SLC1A5 (p = 8e−05), and the higher tumor stage means the higher expression of SLC1A5 (p = .02). In addition, SLC1A5 expression was also positively correlated with vascular infiltration of HCC (p = .04). Furthermore, the SLC1A5 function deficiency experiment explored its underlying impact on the biological function of HCC. qPCR, also called quantitative polymerase chain reaction, confirmed that SLC1A5 was highly expressed in liver cancer when compared with normal tissues. Studies have also shown that downregulation of SLC1A5 can inhibit wound healing, invasion, and proliferation of HCC cells. Conclusion In conclusion, ferroptosis factor SLC1A5 is a new therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangfeng Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingfa Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Chongming Branch, Shanghai, China
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8
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Paulusma CC, Lamers W, Broer S, van de Graaf SFJ. Amino acid metabolism, transport and signalling in the liver revisited. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 201:115074. [PMID: 35568239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The liver controls the systemic exposure of amino acids entering via the gastro-intestinal tract. For most amino acids except branched chain amino acids, hepatic uptake is very efficient. This implies that the liver orchestrates amino acid metabolism and also controls systemic amino acid exposure. Although many amino acid transporters have been identified, cloned and investigated with respect to substrate specificity, transport mechanism, and zonal distribution, which of these players are involved in hepatocellular amino acid transport remains unclear. Here, we aim to provide a review of current insight into the molecular machinery of hepatic amino acid transport. Furthermore, we place this information in a comprehensive overview of amino acid transport, signalling and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coen C Paulusma
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Lamers
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Broer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Stan F J van de Graaf
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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9
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Li Y, Feng R, Yu X, Li L, Liu Y, Zhang R, Chen X, Zhao Y, Liu Z. SLC35E2 promoter mutation as a prognostic marker of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Life Sci 2022; 296:120447. [PMID: 35247439 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120447] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the deadliest digestive tract cancer with poor prognosis. In our previous comprehensive genomics study, we identified that hotspot mutations in the solute carrier family 35 member E2 (SLC35E2) promoter region was significantly associated with worse prognosis in patients with ESCC. However, the biological function and molecular mechanism of SLC35E2 remains unclear. This study was to investigate the malignant function and mechanism of SLC35E2 in ESCC. MAIN METHODS Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to assess the expression of SLC35E2 in ESCC cell lines. Luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to assess the transcriptional inhibition of KLF4. Incucyte cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay and subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice were used to assess the malignant function of SLC35E2. KEY FINDINGS SLC35E2 can promote ESCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a transcriptional repressor in ESCC, binds to the SLC35E2 promoter and represses the expression of SLC35E2. The transcriptional suppression of KLF4 can be blocked by the mutation at -118 site of the SLC35E2 promoter. Besides, the accumulation of SLC35E2 expression contributes to the malignant phenotype of ESCC. SIGNIFICANCE These results indicate that SLC35E2 may be used as a biomarker for prognosis as well as a therapeutic target for patients with ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Riyue Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ruixiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiankai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yahui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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Wang W, Pan H, Ren F, Chen H, Ren P. Targeting ASCT2-mediated glutamine metabolism inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:BSR20212171. [PMID: 35237783 PMCID: PMC8935385 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20212171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Some tumor cells have a high rate of glutamine uptake and exhibit glutamine addiction. Alanine-serine cysteine-preferring transporter 2 (ASCT2) is a major mediator of glutamine supply in many tumor cells, but the underlying effects and mechanisms of ASCT2 in pancreatic cancer (PC) are largely unknown. Our results show that ASCT2 expression is significantly higher in PC than in normal pancreatic duct cells and pancreas. Utilizing the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database, a high expression of SLC1A5 mRNA was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) in patients with PC. shRNA-mediated inhibition of ASCT2 function in vitro can significantly decrease glutamine consumption, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) production and ATP generation and increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Moreover, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine partially attenuated the increase in the ROS levels and reduced ATP generation. These data suggest that ASCT2 mediates glutamine metabolism and maintains redox homeostasis in PC. To further investigate whether ASCT2 is involved in PC cell growth, we blocked ASCT2 activity with the ASCT2 inhibitor l-γ-glutamyl-p-nitroanilide (GPNA) and silenced the expression of ASCT2 with specific shRNAs. We found that the growth of PC cells was significantly inhibited. Additionally, knockdown of ASCT2 induced apoptosis through the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, the loss of ASCT2 in BxPC-3 cell xenografts significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo, and this effect was associated with an increase in cleaved caspase-3 expression and a decrease in Ki67 staining. Taken together, our results show that ASCT2 may be utilized as a putative therapeutic target for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Wang
- Wuhan Sixth Hospital Affiliated to Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haihua Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Feihua Ren
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Hongxia Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Ren
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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11
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Ellingson BM, Wen PY, Cloughesy TF. Therapeutic Response Assessment of High-Grade Gliomas During Early-Phase Drug Development in the Era of Molecular and Immunotherapies. Cancer J 2021; 27:395-403. [PMID: 34570454 PMCID: PMC8480435 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Several new therapeutic strategies have emerged over the past decades to address unmet clinical needs in high-grade gliomas, including targeted molecular agents and various forms of immunotherapy. Each of these strategies requires addressing fundamental questions, depending on the stage of drug development, including ensuring drug penetration into the brain, engagement of the drug with the desired target, biologic effects downstream from the target including metabolic and/or physiologic changes, and identifying evidence of clinical activity that could be expanded upon to increase the likelihood of a meaningful survival benefit. The current review article highlights these strategies and outlines how imaging technology can be used for therapeutic response evaluation in both targeted and immunotherapies in early phases of drug development in high-grade gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M. Ellingson
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Patrick Y. Wen
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Timothy F. Cloughesy
- UCLA Neuro Oncology Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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12
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Fairweather SJ, Okada S, Gauthier-Coles G, Javed K, Bröer A, Bröer S. A GC-MS/Single-Cell Method to Evaluate Membrane Transporter Substrate Specificity and Signaling. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:646574. [PMID: 33928121 PMCID: PMC8076599 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.646574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid transporters play a vital role in metabolism and nutrient signaling pathways. Typically, transport activity is investigated using single substrates and competing amounts of other amino acids. We used GC-MS and LC-MS for metabolic screening of Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing various human amino acid transporters incubated in complex media to establish their comprehensive substrate profiles. For most transporters, amino acid selectivity matched reported substrate profiles. However, we could not detect substantial accumulation of cationic amino acids by SNAT4 and ATB0,+ in contrast to previous reports. In addition, comparative substrate profiles of two related sodium neutral amino acid transporters known as SNAT1 and SNAT2, revealed the latter as a significant leucine accumulator. As a consequence, SNAT2, but not SNAT1, was shown to be an effective activator of the eukaryotic cellular growth regulator mTORC1. We propose, that metabolomic profiling of membrane transporters in Xe nopus laevis oocytes can be used to test their substrate specificity and role in intracellular signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Fairweather
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Shoko Okada
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Institute (CSIRO) Land and Water, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Kiran Javed
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Angelika Bröer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stefan Bröer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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13
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Teixeira E, Silva C, Martel F. The role of the glutamine transporter ASCT2 in antineoplastic therapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 87:447-464. [PMID: 33464409 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04218-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells are metabolically reprogrammed to support their high rates of proliferation, continuous growth, survival, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to cancer treatments. Among changes in cancer cell bioenergetics, the role of glutamine metabolism has been receiving increasing attention. Increased glutaminolysis in cancer cells is associated with increased expression of membrane transporters that mediate the cellular uptake of glutamine. ASCT2 (Alanine, Serine, Cysteine Transporter 2) is a Na+-dependent transmembrane transporter overexpressed in cancer cells and considered to be the primary transporter for glutamine in these cells. The possibility of inhibiting ASCT2 for antineoplastic therapy is currently under investigation. In this article, we will present the pharmacological agents currently known to act on ASCT2, which have been attracting attention in antineoplastic therapy research. We will also address the impact of ASCT2 inhibition on the prognosis of some cancers. We conclude that ASCT2 inhibition and combination of ASCT2 inhibitors with other anti-tumor therapies may be a promising antineoplastic strategy. However, more research is needed in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefânia Teixeira
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Silva
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação E Inovação Em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Martel
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- Instituto de Investigação E Inovação Em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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14
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Lopes C, Pereira C, Medeiros R. ASCT2 and LAT1 Contribution to the Hallmarks of Cancer: From a Molecular Perspective to Clinical Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E203. [PMID: 33429909 PMCID: PMC7828050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the amino acid transporters ASCT2 and LAT1 in cancer has been explored throughout the years. In this review, we report their impact on the hallmarks of cancer, as well as their clinical significance. Overall, both proteins have been associated with cell death resistance through dysregulation of caspases and sustainment of proliferative signaling through mTOR activation. Furthermore, ASCT2 appears to play an important role in cellular energetics regulation, whereas LAT1 expression is associated with angiogenesis and invasion and metastasis activation. The molecular impact of these proteins on the hallmarks of cancer translates into various clinical applications and both transporters have been identified as prognostic factors in many types of cancer. Concerning their role as therapeutic targets, efforts have been undertaken to synthesize competitive or irreversible ASCT2 and LAT1 inhibitors. However, JHP203, a selective inhibitor of the latter, is, to the best of our knowledge, the only compound included in a Phase 1 clinical trial. In conclusion, considering the usefulness of ASCT2 and LAT1 in a variety of cancer-related pathways and cancer therapy/diagnosis, the development and testing of novel inhibitors for these transporters that could be evaluated in clinical trials represents a promising approach to cancer prognosis improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Lopes
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.L.); (R.M.)
| | - Carina Pereira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.L.); (R.M.)
- CINTESIS—Center for Health Technology and Services Research, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.L.); (R.M.)
- Research Department of the Portuguese League Against Cancer—North (LPCC-NRNorte), Estrada da Circunvalação, 4200-177 Porto, Portugal
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15
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Interaction of the neutral amino acid transporter ASCT2 with basic amino acids. Biochem J 2020; 477:1443-1457. [PMID: 32242892 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine transport across cell membranes is performed by a variety of transporters, including the alanine serine cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2). The substrate-binding site of ASCT2 was proposed to be specific for small amino acids with neutral side chains, excluding basic substrates such as lysine. A series of competitive inhibitors of ASCT2 with low µM affinity were developed previously, on the basis of the 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) scaffold with a potential positive charge in the side chain. Therefore, we tested whether basic amino acids with side chains shorter than lysine can interact with the ASCT2 binding site. Molecular docking of L-1,3-diaminopropionic acid (L-DAP) and L-DAB suggested that these compounds bind to ASCT2. Consistent with this prediction, L-DAP and L-DAB, but not ornithine, lysine or D-DAP, elicited currents when applied to ASCT2-expressing cells. The currents were carried by anions and showed the hallmark properties of ASCT2 currents induced by transported substrates. The L-DAP response could be eliminated by a competitive ASCT2 inhibitor, suggesting that binding occurs at the substrate binding site. The KM for L-DAP was weakly voltage dependent. Furthermore, the pH dependence of the L-DAP response showed that the compound can bind in several protonation states. Together, these results suggest that the ASCT2 binding site is able to recognize L-amino acids with short, basic side chains, such as the L-DAP derivative β-N-methylamino-l-Alanine (BMAA), a well-studied neurotoxin. Our results expand the substrate specificity of ASCT2 to include amino acid substrates with positively charged side chains.
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16
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Li J, Eu JQ, Kong LR, Wang L, Lim YC, Goh BC, Wong ALA. Targeting Metabolism in Cancer Cells and the Tumour Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204831. [PMID: 33092283 PMCID: PMC7588013 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting altered tumour metabolism is an emerging therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. The metabolic reprogramming that accompanies the development of malignancy creates targetable differences between cancer cells and normal cells, which may be exploited for therapy. There is also emerging evidence regarding the role of stromal components, creating an intricate metabolic network consisting of cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and cancer stem cells. This metabolic rewiring and crosstalk with the tumour microenvironment play a key role in cell proliferation, metastasis, and the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will discuss therapeutic opportunities, which arise from dysregulated metabolism and metabolic crosstalk, highlighting strategies that may aid in the precision targeting of altered tumour metabolism with a focus on combinatorial therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK;
| | - Jie Qing Eu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
| | - Li Ren Kong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Yaw Chyn Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Department of Pathology, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Andrea L. A. Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-6779-5555
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17
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Zhou G, Qin M, Zhang X, Yang J, Yu H. Topotecan induces hepatocellular injury via ASCT2 mediated oxidative stress. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2020; 44:1-12. [PMID: 33039171 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topotecan is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug with common side effects, including hepatotoxicity. In this study, we aim to investigate the mechanisms of topotecan-induced hepatocellular injury beyond conventional DNA damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of topotecan on cell proliferation. Western blot was used to detect protein expression. Flow cytometry assay was performed to determine apoptosis rate under topotecan treatment. ASCT2 overexpression was addressed using adenovirus vector. qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect the expression of ASCT2. Glutamine uptake, intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were detected by glutamine detection kit, GSH detection kit and ROS detection kit respectively. RESULTS MTT results showed that topotecan had an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines. Topotecan inhibited the expression of glutamine transporter ASCT2 and the uptake of glutamine in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines. The uptake of glutamine and the GSH level was increased in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines after ASCT2 overexpression. The ROS level was inhibited by ASCT2 overexpression upon topotecan treatment in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines. Topotecan-induced hepatocellular apoptosis and proliferation inhibition were attenuated by ASCT2 overexpression in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines. CONCLUSION Topotecan-induced hepatocytes death is dependent on ASCT2 down-regulation, which causes oxidative stress via inhibiting GSH production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, Anhui, China
| | - Meisong Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, Anhui, China
| | - Jianting Yang
- College of Food Engineering, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, Anhui, China.
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18
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Target the human Alanine/Serine/Cysteine Transporter 2(ASCT2): Achievement and Future for Novel Cancer Therapy. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104844. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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19
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Enomoto K, Hotomi M. Amino Acid Transporters as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Thyroid Cancer. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2020; 35:227-236. [PMID: 32615707 PMCID: PMC7386108 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2020.35.2.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer cells have a high amino acid demand for proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Amino acids are taken up by thyroid cancer cells, both thyroid follicular cell and thyroid parafollicular cells (commonly called "C-cells"), via amino acid transporters. Amino acid transporters up-regulate in many cancers, and their expression level associate with clinical aggressiveness and prognosis. This is the review to discuss the therapeutic potential of amino acid transporters and as molecular targets in thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Enomoto
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Muneki Hotomi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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20
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Wang R, Xiang W, Xu Y, Han L, Li Q, Dai W, Cai G. Enhanced glutamine utilization mediated by SLC1A5 and GPT2 is an essential metabolic feature of colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma with therapeutic potential. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:302. [PMID: 32355746 PMCID: PMC7186745 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.03.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is characterized as a rare subset of colorectal cancer with extremely poor prognosis and it is known to have low or negative 18F fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake. To date, no in-depth study revealing the metabolic features of colorectal SRCC has been conducted for the lack of reliable study model. The aim of this study was to explore the distinct characteristics of energy utilization for colorectal SRCC based on organoid model. Methods Three organoids were derived from colorectal SRCC patients with low or negative FDG uptake and three organoids were derived from colorectal adenocarcinoma (AC) patients. Glucose, fatty acid and glutamine uptake assays were performed to reveal the different metabolic features of SRCC organoids. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting and real-time PCR were used to test the expression of critical transporters and enzymes of energy metabolism. Glutamine deprivation analyses were used to confirm the dependence of colorectal SRCC on glutamine. Results Glucose, fatty acid and glutamine uptake assays showed that only glutamine uptake was significantly increased in colorectal SRCC organoids compared with paired normal organoids. Comparing SRCC organoids with AC organoids indicated that glucose and fatty acid uptake were strikingly higher in AC organoids while glutamine uptake was notably lower. Gene expression analyses confirmed that the glutamine transporter SLC1A5 and glutaminolysis enzyme GPT2 were significantly unregulated in colorectal SRCC. Silencing of SLC1A5 or GPT2 could suppress the proliferation of SRCC organoids but attenuating the sensitivity of SRCC to glutamine deprivation. Administration of SLC1A5 or GPT2 inhibitor could prohibit SRCC growth and significantly enhance the sensitivity of SRCC to the treatment of 5-fu and L-OHP. Conclusions This study highlights enhanced glutamine uptake and glutaminolysis as a metabolic feature of colorectal SRCC and a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenqiang Xiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ye Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lingyu Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qingguo Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weixing Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guoxiang Cai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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21
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Abstract
Amino acids are not only the building blocks of proteins, an indispensable component of cells, but also play versatile roles in regulating cell metabolism, proliferation, differentiation and growth by themselves or through their derivatives. At the whole body level, the bioavailability and metabolism of amino acids, interacting with other macronutrients, is critical for the physiological processes of reproduction including gametogenesis, fertilization, implantation, placentation, fetal growth and development. In fertilization and early pregnancy, histotroph in oviductal and uterine secretions provides nutrients and microenvironment for conceptus (embryo and extraembryonic membranes) development. These nutrients include select amino acids in histotroph (arginine, leucine and glutamine of particular interest) that stimulate conceptus growth and development, as well as interactions between maternal uterus and the conceptus, thus impacting maintenance of pregnancy, placental growth, development and functions, fetal growth and development, and consequential pregnancy outcomes. Gestational protein undernutrition causes fetal growth restriction and predisposes cardiovascular, metabolic diseases and others in offspring via multiple mechanisms, whereas the supplementation of glycine, leucine and taurine during pregnancy partially rescues growth restriction and beneficially modulates fetal programming. Thus, amino acids are essential for the fertility of humans and all animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Gao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
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22
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Wang X, Bei H, Du R, Chen Q, Wu F, Chen J, Bo H. Metabolomic analysis of serum reveals the potential effective ingredients and pathways of Danggui Buxue Tang in promoting erythropoiesis. Complement Ther Med 2020; 48:102247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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23
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Lu X. The Role of Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter (LAT1) in Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2019; 19:863-876. [DOI: 10.2174/1568009619666190802135714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The solute carrier family 7 (SLC7) can be categorically divided into two
subfamilies, the L-type amino acid transporters (LATs) including SLC7A5-13, and SLC7A15, and
the cationic amino acid transporters (CATs) including SLC7A1-4 and SLC7A14. Members of the
CAT family transport predominantly cationic amino acids by facilitating diffusion with intracellular
substrates. LAT1 (also known as SLC7A5), is defined as a heteromeric amino acid transporter
(HAT) interacting with the glycoprotein CD98 (SLC3A2) through a conserved disulfide to uptake
not only large neutral amino acids, but also several pharmaceutical drugs to cells.
Methods:
In this review, we provide an overview of the interaction of the structure-function of
LAT1 and its essential role in cancer, specifically, its role at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to facilitate
the transport of thyroid hormones, pharmaceuticals (e.g., I-DOPA, gabapentin), and metabolites
into the brain.
Results:
LAT1 expression increases as cancers progress, leading to higher expression levels in highgrade
tumors and metastases. In addition, LAT1 plays a crucial role in cancer-associated
reprogrammed metabolic networks by supplying tumor cells with essential amino acids.
Conclusion:
The increasing understanding of the role of LAT1 in cancer has led to an increase in
interest surrounding its potential as a drug target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Lu
- The Mary and Garry Weston Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Thrombosis Research Institute, London, SW3 6LR, United Kingdom
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24
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Abstract
Amino acids perform a variety of functions in cells and organisms, particularly in the synthesis of proteins, as energy metabolites, neurotransmitters, and precursors for many other molecules. Amino acid transport plays a key role in all these functions. Inhibition of amino acid transport is pursued as a therapeutic strategy in several areas, such as diabetes and related metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, cancer, and stem cell biology. The role of amino acid transporters in these disorders and processes is well established, but the implementation of amino acid transporters as drug targets is still in its infancy. This is at least in part due to the underdeveloped pharmacology of this group of membrane proteins. Recent advances in structural biology, membrane protein expression, and inhibitor screening methodology will see an increased number of improved and selective inhibitors of amino acid transporters that can serve as tool compounds for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bröer
- 1 Research School of Biology, College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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25
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Clerc I, Moussa DA, Vahlas Z, Tardito S, Oburoglu L, Hope TJ, Sitbon M, Dardalhon V, Mongellaz C, Taylor N. Entry of glucose- and glutamine-derived carbons into the citric acid cycle supports early steps of HIV-1 infection in CD4 T cells. Nat Metab 2019; 1:717-730. [PMID: 32373781 PMCID: PMC7199465 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-019-0084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The susceptibility of CD4 T cells to human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection is regulated by glucose and glutamine metabolism, but the relative contributions of these nutrients to infection are not known. Here we show that glutaminolysis is the major pathway fuelling the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in T-cell receptor-stimulated naïve, as well as memory CD4, subsets and is required for optimal HIV-1 infection. Under conditions of attenuated glutaminolysis, the α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) TCA rescues early steps in infection; exogenous α-KG promotes HIV-1 reverse transcription, rendering both naïve and memory cells more sensitive to infection. Blocking the glycolytic flux of pyruvate to lactate results in altered glucose carbon allocation to TCA and pentose phosphate pathway intermediates, an increase in OXPHOS and augmented HIV-1 reverse transcription. Moreover, HIV-1 infection is significantly higher in CD4 T cells selected on the basis of high mitochondrial biomass and OXPHOS activity. Therefore, the OXPHOS/aerobic glycolysis balance is a major regulator of HIV-1 infection in CD4 T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Clerc
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Daouda Abba Moussa
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Zoi Vahlas
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Saverio Tardito
- Cancer Research UK, Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Leal Oburoglu
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Thomas J. Hope
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marc Sitbon
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Dardalhon
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Cédric Mongellaz
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Naomi Taylor
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Present address: Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Delta-Tocotrienol Modulates Glutamine Dependence by Inhibiting ASCT2 and LAT1 Transporters in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Cells: A Metabolomic Approach. Metabolites 2019; 9:metabo9030050. [PMID: 30871192 PMCID: PMC6468853 DOI: 10.3390/metabo9030050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth and development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) primarily depends on glutamine. Both glutamine and essential amino acids (EAAs) have been reported to upregulate mTOR in NSCLC, which is a bioenergetics sensor involved in the regulation of cell growth, cell survival, and protein synthesis. Seen as novel concepts in cancer development, ASCT2 and LAT transporters allow glutamine and EAAs to enter proliferating tumors as well as send a regulatory signal to mTOR. Blocking or downregulating these glutamine transporters in order to inhibit glutamine uptake would be an excellent therapeutic target for treatment of NSCLC. This study aimed to validate the metabolic dysregulation of glutamine and its derivatives in NSCLC using cellular 1H-NMR metabolomic approach while exploring the mechanism of delta-tocotrienol (δT) on glutamine transporters, and mTOR pathway. Cellular metabolomics analysis showed significant inhibition in the uptake of glutamine, its derivatives glutamate and glutathione, and some EAAs in both cell lines with δT treatment. Inhibition of glutamine transporters (ASCT2 and LAT1) and mTOR pathway proteins (P-mTOR and p-4EBP1) was evident in Western blot analysis in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that δT inhibits glutamine transporters, thus inhibiting glutamine uptake into proliferating cells, which results in the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis via downregulation of the mTOR pathway.
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El-Ansari R, Craze ML, Alfarsi L, Soria D, Diez-Rodriguez M, Nolan CC, Ellis IO, Rakha EA, Green AR. The combined expression of solute carriers is associated with a poor prognosis in highly proliferative ER+ breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2019; 175:27-38. [PMID: 30671766 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-018-05111-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease characterised by variant biology, metabolic activity, and patient outcome. Glutamine availability for growth and progression of BC is important in several BC subtypes. This study aimed to evaluate the biological and prognostic role of the combined expression of key glutamine transporters, SLC1A5, SLC7A5, and SLC3A2 in BC with emphasis on the intrinsic molecular subtypes. METHODS SLC1A5, SLC7A5, and SLC3A2 were assessed at the protein level, using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays constructed from a large well-characterised BC cohort (n = 2248). Patients were stratified into accredited clusters based on protein expression and correlated with clinicopathological parameters, molecular subtypes, and patient outcome. RESULTS Clustering analysis of SLC1A5, SLC7A5, and SLC3A2 identified three clusters low SLCs (SLC1A5-/SLC7A5-/SLC3A2-), high SLC1A5 (SLC1A5+/SLC7A5-/SLC3A2-), and high SLCs (SLC1A5+/SLC7A5+/SLC3A2+) which had distinct correlations to known prognostic factors and patient outcome (p < 0.001). The key regulator of tumour cell metabolism, c-MYC, was significantly expressed in tumours in the high SLC cluster (p < 0.001). When different BC subtypes were considered, the association with the poor outcome was observed in the ER+ high proliferation/luminal B class only (p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, SLC clusters were independent risk factor for shorter BC-specific survival (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The co-operative expression of SLC1A5, SLC7A5, and SLC3A2 appears to play a role in the aggressive subclass of ER+ high proliferation/luminal BC, driven by c-MYC, and therefore have the potential to act as therapeutic targets, particularly in synergism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rokaya El-Ansari
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Madeleine L Craze
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Lutfi Alfarsi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Daniele Soria
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Westminster, New Cavendish Street, London, WW1 6UW, UK
| | - Maria Diez-Rodriguez
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Christopher C Nolan
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Ian O Ellis
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
- Breast Institute, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
- Breast Institute, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
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Glutaminase 1 expression in colorectal cancer cells is induced by hypoxia and required for tumor growth, invasion, and metastatic colonization. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:40. [PMID: 30674873 PMCID: PMC6426853 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1291-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells re-program their metabolic machinery to meet the requirements of malignant transformation and progression. Glutaminase 1 (GLS1) was traditionally known as a mitochondrial enzyme that hydrolyzes glutamine into glutamate and fuels rapid proliferation of cancer cells. However, emerging evidence has now revealed that GLS1 might be a novel oncogene involved in tumorigenesis and progression of human cancers. In this study, we sought to determine whether GLS1 implicated in invasion and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma, and its underlying molecular mechanism. By analyzing a large set of clinical data from online datasets, we found that GLS1 is overexpressed in cancers compared with adjacent normal tissues, and associated with increased patient mortality. Immunohistochemical analysis of GLS1 staining showed that high GLS1 expression is significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stage in colorectal cancer patients. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we analyzed the Cancer Genome Atlas database and found that GLS1 mRNA expression is associated with a hypoxia signature, which is correlated with an increased risk of metastasis and mortality. Furthermore, reduced oxygen availability increases GLS1 mRNA and protein expression, due to transcriptional activation by hypoxia-inducible factor 1. GLS1 expression in colorectal cancer cells is required for hypoxia-induced migration and invasion in vitro and for tumor growth and metastatic colonization in vivo.
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29
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Glutamine Addiction and Therapeutic Strategies in Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020252. [PMID: 30634602 PMCID: PMC6359540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer cells are well-documented to rewire their metabolism and energy production networks to support rapid survival and proliferation. This metabolic reorganization has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer. The increased uptake of glucose and the increased activity of the glycolytic pathway have been extensively described. However, over the past years, increasing evidence has shown that lung cancer cells also require glutamine to fulfill their metabolic needs. As a nitrogen source, glutamine contributes directly (or indirectly upon conversion to glutamate) to many anabolic processes in cancer, such as the biosynthesis of amino acids, nucleobases, and hexosamines. It plays also an important role in the redox homeostasis, and last but not least, upon conversion to α-ketoglutarate, glutamine is an energy and anaplerotic carbon source that replenishes tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. The latter is generally indicated as glutaminolysis. In this review, we explore the role of glutamine metabolism in lung cancer. Because lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death with limited curative treatment options, we focus on the potential therapeutic approaches targeting the glutamine metabolism in cancer.
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Gil-GÓmez A, Gómez-Sotelo AI, Ranchal I, Rojas Á, García-Valdecasas M, Muñoz-Hernández R, Gallego-Durán R, Ampuero J, Romero Gómez M. Metformin modifies glutamine metabolism in an in vitro and in vivo model of hepatic encephalopathy. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2018. [PMID: 29542325 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2018.5004/2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM to analyze the effect of metformin on ammonia production derived from glutamine metabolism in vitro and in vivo. METHODS twenty male Wistar rats were studied for 28 days after a porto-caval anastomosis (n = 16) or a sham operation (n = 4). Porto-caval shunted animals were randomized into two groups (n = 8) and either received 30 mg/kg/day of metformin for two weeks or were control animals. Plasma ammonia concentration, Gls gene expression and K-type glutaminase activity were measured in the small intestine, muscle and kidney. Furthermore, Caco2 were grown in different culture media containing glucose/glutamine as the main carbon source and exposed to different concentrations of the drug. The expression of genes implicated in glutamine metabolism were analyzed. RESULTS metformin was associated with a significant inhibition of glutaminase activity levels in the small intestine of porto-caval shunted rats (0.277 ± 0.07 IU/mg vs 0.142 ± 0.04 IU/mg) and a significant decrease in plasma ammonia (204.3 ± 24.4 µg/dl vs 129.6 ± 16.1 µg/dl). Glucose withdrawal induced the expression of the glutamine transporter SLC1A5 (2.54 ± 0.33 fold change; p < 0.05). Metformin use reduced MYC levels in Caco2 and consequently, SLC1A5 and GLS expression, with a greater effect in cells dependent on glutaminolytic metabolism. CONCLUSION metformin regulates ammonia homeostasis by modulating glutamine metabolism in the enterocyte, exerting an indirect control of both the uptake and degradation of glutamine. This entails a reduction in the production of metabolites and energy through this pathway and indirectly causes a decrease in ammonia production that could be related to a decreased risk of HE development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Gil-GÓmez
- Enfermedades Digestivas, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, España
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Javier Ampuero
- UGC de Enfermedades Digestivas, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, España
| | - Manuel Romero Gómez
- Dirección Gerencia, Hospitales Universitarios Virgen Macarena-Rocío., España
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31
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The role of ASCT2 in cancer: A review. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 837:81-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Scalise M, Pochini L, Console L, Losso MA, Indiveri C. The Human SLC1A5 (ASCT2) Amino Acid Transporter: From Function to Structure and Role in Cell Biology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:96. [PMID: 30234109 PMCID: PMC6131531 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SLC1A5, known as ASCT2, is a neutral amino acid transporter belonging to the SLC1 family and localized in the plasma membrane of several body districts. ASCT2 is an acronym standing for Alanine, Serine, Cysteine Transporter 2 even if the preferred substrate is the conditionally essential amino acid glutamine, with cysteine being a modulator and not a substrate. The studies around amino acid transport in cells and tissues began in the '60s by using radiolabeled compounds and competition assays. After identification of murine and human genes, the function of the coded protein has been studied in cell system and in proteoliposomes revealing that this transporter is a Na+ dependent antiporter of neutral amino acids, some of which are only inwardly transported and others are bi-directionally exchanged. The functional asymmetry merged with the kinetic asymmetry in line with the physiological role of amino acid pool harmonization. An intriguing function has been described for ASCT2 that is exploited as a receptor by a group of retroviruses to infect human cells. Interactions with scaffold proteins and post-translational modifications regulate ASCT2 stability, trafficking and transport activity. Two asparagine residues, namely N163 and N212, are the sites of glycosylation that is responsible for the definitive localization into the plasma membrane. ASCT2 expression increases in highly proliferative cells such as inflammatory and stem cells to fulfill the augmented glutamine demand. Interestingly, for the same reason, the expression of ASCT2 is greatly enhanced in many human cancers. This finding has generated interest in its candidacy as a pharmacological target for new anticancer drugs. The recently solved 3D structure of ASCT2 will aid in the rational design of such therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Maria A Losso
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy.,CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, Bari, Italy
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33
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Garibsingh RAA, Otte NJ, Ndaru E, Colas C, Grewer C, Holst J, Schlessinger A. Homology Modeling Informs Ligand Discovery for the Glutamine Transporter ASCT2. Front Chem 2018; 6:279. [PMID: 30137742 PMCID: PMC6066518 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Alanine-Serine-Cysteine transporter (SLC1A5, ASCT2), is a neutral amino acid exchanger involved in the intracellular homeostasis of amino acids in peripheral tissues. Given its role in supplying glutamine to rapidly proliferating cancer cells in several tumor types such as triple-negative breast cancer and melanoma, ASCT2 has been identified as a key drug target. Here we use a range of computational methods, including homology modeling and ligand docking, in combination with cell-based assays, to develop hypotheses for structure-function relationships in ASCT2. We perform a phylogenetic analysis of the SLC1 family and its prokaryotic homologs to develop a useful multiple sequence alignment for this protein family. We then generate homology models of ASCT2 in two different conformations, based on the human EAAT1 structures. Using ligand enrichment calculations, the ASCT2 models are then compared to crystal structures of various homologs for their utility in discovering ASCT2 inhibitors. We use virtual screening, cellular uptake and electrophysiology experiments to identify a non-amino acid ASCT2 inhibitor that is predicted to interact with the ASCT2 substrate binding site. Our results provide insights into the structural basis of substrate specificity in the SLC1 family, as well as a framework for the design of future selective and potent ASCT2 inhibitors as cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel-Ann A Garibsingh
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicholas J Otte
- Origins of Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elias Ndaru
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - Claire Colas
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christof Grewer
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, United States
| | - Jeff Holst
- Origins of Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Bothwell PJ, Kron CD, Wittke EF, Czerniak BN, Bode BP. Targeted Suppression and Knockout of ASCT2 or LAT1 in Epithelial and Mesenchymal Human Liver Cancer Cells Fail to Inhibit Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072093. [PMID: 30029480 PMCID: PMC6073291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acid transporters alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) and L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1) are coordinately enhanced in human cancers where among other roles, they are thought to drive mechanistic target-of-rapamycin (mTOR) growth signaling. To assess ASCT2 and LAT1 as therapeutic targets, nine unique short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vectors were used to stably suppress transporter expression in human epithelial (Hep3B) and mesenchymal (SK-Hep1) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. In addition, six unique CRISPR-Cas9 vectors were used to edit the ASCT2 (SLC1A5) and LAT1 (SLC7A5) genes in epithelial (HUH7) and mesenchymal (SK-Hep1) HCC cells. Both approaches successfully diminished glutamine (ASCT2) and leucine (LAT1) initial-rate transport proportional to transporter protein suppression. In spite of profoundly reduced glutamine or leucine transport (up to 90%), transporter suppression or knockout failed to substantially affect cellular proliferation or basal and amino acid-stimulated mTORC1 growth signaling in either HCC cell type. Only LAT1 knockout in HUH7 slightly reduced growth rate. However, intracellular accumulation of radiolabeled glutamine and leucine over longer time periods largely recovered to control levels in ASCT2 and LAT1 knockout cells, respectively, which partially explains the lack of an impaired growth phenotype. These data collectively establish that in an in vitro context, human epithelial and mesenchymal HCC cell lines adapt to ASCT2 or LAT1 knockout. These results comport with an emerging model of amino acid exchangers like ASCT2 and LAT1 as “harmonizers”, not drivers, of amino acid accumulation and signaling, despite their long-established dominant role in initial-rate amino acid transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige J Bothwell
- Department of Biological Sciences/Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA.
| | - Clare D Kron
- Department of Biological Sciences/Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA.
| | - Evan F Wittke
- Department of Biological Sciences/Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA.
| | - Bradley N Czerniak
- Department of Biological Sciences/Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA.
| | - Barrie P Bode
- Department of Biological Sciences/Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA.
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35
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D'Aquila P, Crocco P, De Rango F, Indiveri C, Bellizzi D, Rose G, Passarino G. A Genetic Variant of ASCT2 Hampers In Vitro RNA Splicing and Correlates with Human Longevity. Rejuvenation Res 2018; 21:193-199. [DOI: 10.1089/rej.2017.1948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia D'Aquila
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Paolina Crocco
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesco De Rango
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Dina Bellizzi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rose
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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Csanadi A, Oser A, Aumann K, Gumpp V, Rawluk J, Nestle U, Kayser C, Wiesemann S, Werner M, Kayser G. Overexpression of SLC1a5 in lymph node metastases outperforms assessment in the primary as a negative prognosticator in non-small cell lung cancer. Pathology 2018; 50:269-275. [PMID: 29455869 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in therapeutic options, lung cancer is the leading cause of death among malignant diseases worldwide. Glutamine-dependence is an established attribute in cancer tissue with emerging importance as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. We analysed the expression of SLC1a5, a major glutamine transporter, in the primary tumour and corresponding nodal metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to investigate its biological impact. Expression of SLC1a5 was analysed by immunohistochemistry in 259 NSCLC and in 142 nodal metastases and correlated with clinicopathological parameters including overall survival. SLC1a5 expression in the primary tumour and in the corresponding lymph node metastasis revealed a positive correlation (p = 0.005). Moreover, overexpression of SLC1a5 was found to be an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.027) if assessed in lymph node metastases only. SLC1A5 expression was studied for the first time in both primary NSCLC and its corresponding nodal metastasis. Our results indicate that overexpression of SLC1a5 is associated with shorter overall survival. This proved to be an independent prognosticator if assessed in the lymph node metastases. Thus, diagnostics in lymph node metastasis provide superior prognostic information for SLC1a5 overexpression and may open target prediction for future therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Csanadi
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annika Oser
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Konrad Aumann
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vera Gumpp
- Clinical Cancer Registry, Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Justyna Rawluk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Nestle
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Kayser
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wiesemann
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Werner
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gian Kayser
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Medical Centre - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
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Inhibition of glucose metabolism prevents glycosylation of the glutamine transporter ASCT2 and promotes compensatory LAT1 upregulation in leukemia cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46371-46383. [PMID: 27344174 PMCID: PMC5216804 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia cells are highly dependent on glucose and glutamine as bioenergetic and biosynthetic fuels. Inhibition of the metabolism of glucose but also of glutamine is thus proposed as a therapeutic modality to block leukemia cell growth. Since glucose also supports protein glycosylation, we wondered whether part of the growth inhibitory effects resulting from glycolysis inhibition could indirectly result from a defect in glycosylation of glutamine transporters. We found that ASCT2/SLC1A5, a major glutamine transporter, was indeed deglycosylated upon glucose deprivation and 2-deoxyglucose exposure in HL-60 and K-562 leukemia cells. Inhibition of glycosylation by these modalities as well as by the bona fide glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin however marginally influenced glutamine transport and did not impact on ASCT2 subcellular location. This work eventually unraveled the dispensability of ASCT2 to support HL-60 and K-562 leukemia cell growth and identified the upregulation of the neutral amino acid antiporter LAT1/SLC7A5 as a mechanism counteracting the inhibition of glycosylation. Pharmacological inhibition of LAT1 increased the growth inhibitory effects and the inactivation of the mTOR pathway resulting from glycosylation defects, an effect further emphasized during the regrowth period post-treatment with tunicamycin. In conclusion, this study points towards the underestimated impact of glycosylation inhibition in the interpretation of metabolic alterations resulting from glycolysis inhibition, and identifies LAT1 as a therapeutic target to prevent compensatory mechanisms induced by alterations in the glycosylating process.
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38
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Sun A, Liu X, Tang G. Carbon-11 and Fluorine-18 Labeled Amino Acid Tracers for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Tumors. Front Chem 2018; 5:124. [PMID: 29379780 PMCID: PMC5775220 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells have an increased nutritional demand for amino acids (AAs) to satisfy their rapid proliferation. Positron-emitting nuclide labeled AAs are interesting probes and are of great importance for imaging tumors using positron emission tomography (PET). Carbon-11 and fluorine-18 labeled AAs include the [1-11C] AAs, labeling alpha-C- AAs, the branched-chain of AAs and N-substituted carbon-11 labeled AAs. These tracers target protein synthesis or amino acid (AA) transport, and their uptake mechanism mainly involves AA transport. AA PET tracers have been widely used in clinical settings to image brain tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, prostate cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on the fundamental concepts and the uptake mechanism of AAs, AA PET tracers and their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixia Sun
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translational Application of Medical Radiopharmaceuticals and Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ganghua Tang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translational Application of Medical Radiopharmaceuticals and Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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39
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Scopelliti AJ, Font J, Vandenberg RJ, Boudker O, Ryan RM. Structural characterisation reveals insights into substrate recognition by the glutamine transporter ASCT2/SLC1A5. Nat Commun 2018; 9:38. [PMID: 29295993 PMCID: PMC5750217 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02444-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo a shift in metabolism where they become reliant on nutrients such as the amino-acid glutamine. Glutamine enters the cell via the alanine/serine/cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) that is upregulated in several cancers to maintain an increased supply of this nutrient and are therefore an attractive target in cancer therapeutic development. ASCT2 belongs to the glutamate transporter (SLC1A) family but is the only transporter in this family able to transport glutamine. The structural basis for glutamine selectivity of ASCT2 is unknown. Here, we identify two amino-acid residues in the substrate-binding site that are responsible for conferring glutamine selectivity. We introduce corresponding mutations into a prokaryotic homologue of ASCT2 and solve four crystal structures, which reveal the structural basis for neutral amino acid and inhibitor binding in this family. This structural model of ASCT2 may provide a basis for future development of selective ASCT2 inhibitors to treat glutamine-dependent cancers. Cancer cells are reliant on nutrients such as glutamine, which enter the cell via the alanine/serine/cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2). Here, authors use crystallography to show which amino-acid residues in the substrate-binding site are responsible for conferring glutamine selectivity to ASCT2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Scopelliti
- Transporter Biology Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Josep Font
- Transporter Biology Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Robert J Vandenberg
- Transporter Biology Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Olga Boudker
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Renae M Ryan
- Transporter Biology Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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40
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AP1G1 is involved in cetuximab-mediated downregulation of ASCT2-EGFR complex and sensitization of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells to ROS-induced apoptosis. Cancer Lett 2017; 408:33-42. [PMID: 28823958 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we expanded our recent work showing that ASCT2, a Na+-dependent neutral amino acid transporter that plays a major role in glutamine uptake in cancer cells, is physically associated with EGFR in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells and in several other types of cancer cells. We found in our current study that ASCT2 can be downregulated by cetuximab, an approved anti-EGFR therapeutic antibody, via cetuximab-induced EGFR endocytosis independently of cetuximab-mediated inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase. We further found that ASCT2-EGFR association involves the adaptor-related protein complex 1 gamma 1 subunit (AP1G1), a subunit of clathrin-associated adaptor protein complex 1, which plays a role in membrane protein sorting in endosomes after receptor-mediated endocytosis. We found that AP1G1 is physically associated with both ASCT2 and EGFR and, together with those molecules, forms a heterotrimeric molecular complex. Knockdown of AP1G1 lowered the level of ASCT2-EGFR association, inhibited cetuximab-mediated internalization of ASCT2-EGFR complex, and decreased intracellular glutamine uptake and glutathione biosynthesis. These findings suggest a new therapeutic strategy to overcome cetuximab resistance in cancer cells through combination of cetuximab, which co-targets ASCT2 along with EGFR, with an ROS-inducing agent.
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41
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Liao J, Liu PP, Hou G, Shao J, Yang J, Liu K, Lu W, Wen S, Hu Y, Huang P. Regulation of stem-like cancer cells by glutamine through β-catenin pathway mediated by redox signaling. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:51. [PMID: 28245869 PMCID: PMC5331650 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0623-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to play an important role in tumor recurrence and drug resistance, and present a major challenge in cancer therapy. The tumor microenvironment such as growth factors, nutrients and oxygen affect CSC generation and proliferation by providing the necessary energy sources and growth signals. The side population (SP) analysis has been used to detect the stem-like cancer cell populations based on their high expression of ABCG2 that exports Hoechst-33342 and certain cytotoxic drugs from the cells. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of a main nutrient molecule, glutamine, on SP cells and the possible underlying mechanism(s). Methods Biochemical assays and flow cytometric analysis were used to evaluate the effect of glutamine on stem-like side population cells in vitro. Molecular analyses including RNAi interfering, qRT-PCR, and immunoblotting were employed to investigate the molecular signaling in response to glutamine deprivation and its influence on tumor formation capacity in vivo. Results We show that glutamine supports the maintenance of the stem cell phenotype by promoting glutathione synthesis and thus maintaining redox balance for SP cells. A deprivation of glutamine in the culture medium significantly reduced the proportion of SP cells. L-asparaginase, an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of asparagine and glutamine to aspartic acid and glutamate, respectively, mimics the effect of glutamine withdrawal and also diminished the proportion of SP cells. Mechanistically, glutamine deprivation increases intracellular ROS levels, leading to down-regulation of the β-catenin pathway. Conclusion Glutamine plays a significant role in maintaining the stemness of cancer cells by a redox-mediated mechanism mediated by β-catenin. Inhibition of glutamine metabolism or deprivation of glutamine by L-asparaginase may be a new strategy to eliminate CSCs and overcome drug resistance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-017-0623-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Pan-Pan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Guoxin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jiajia Shao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Kaiyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wenhua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Shijun Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yumin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China. .,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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42
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Huang T, Liu R, Fu X, Yao D, Yang M, Liu Q, Lu WW, Wu C, Guan M. Aging Reduces an ERRalpha-Directed Mitochondrial Glutaminase Expression Suppressing Glutamine Anaplerosis and Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2017; 35:411-424. [PMID: 27501743 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Aging deteriorates osteogenic capacity of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), contributing to imbalanced bone remodeling and osteoporosis. Glutaminase (Gls) catabolizes glutamine into glutamate at the first step of mitochondrial glutamine (Gln)-dependent anaplerosis which is essential for MSCs upon osteogenic differentiation. Estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) regulates genes required for mitochondrial function. Here, we found that ERRα and Gls are upregulated by osteogenic induction in human MSCs (hMSCs). In contrast, osteogenic differentiation capacity and glutamine consumption of MSCs, as well as ERRα, Gls and osteogenic marker genes are significantly reduced with age. We demonstrated that ERRα binds to response elements on Gls promoter and affects glutamine anaplerosis through transcriptional induction of Gls. Conversely, mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, ERRα inverse agonist compound 29 or Gls inhibitor BPTES leads to reduced Gln anaplerosis and deteriorated osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Importantly, overexpression of ERRα or Gls restored impairment by these inhibitors. Finally, we proved that compensated ERRα or Gls expression indeed potentiated Gln anaplerosis and osteogenic capability of elderly mice MSCs in vitro. Together, we establish that Gls is a novel ERRα target gene and ERRα/Gls signaling pathway plays an important role in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, providing new sights into novel regenerative therapeutics development. Our findings suggest that restoring age-related mitochondrial Gln-dependent anaplerosis may be beneficial for degenerative bone disorders such as osteoporosis. Stem Cells 2017;35:411-424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongling Huang
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Renzhong Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuekun Fu
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongsheng Yao
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingli Liu
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - William W Lu
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chuanyue Wu
- Department of Biology and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, South University of Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Min Guan
- Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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43
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Rodríguez A, Ortega A. Glutamine/Glutamate Transporters in Glial Cells: Much More Than Participants of a Metabolic Shuttle. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 16:169-183. [PMID: 28828610 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55769-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Glial glutamine and glutamate transporters play an important role in glial/neuronal interactions. An excellent model to establish the role of these membrane proteins is the cerebellum. The most abundant glutamatergic synapse in the central nervous system is present in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex, and it is entirely wrapped by Bergmann glial cells. The recycling of glutamate involves glutamate and glutamine transporters enriched in these radial glial processes. The functional properties of amino acid glial transporters allow, in an activity-dependent manner, the conformation of protein complexes important for the adequate support of glutamatergic neurotransmission. A detailed description of the most important features of glial glutamate and glutamine transporters follows, and a working model of the molecular mechanisms by which these glutamate and glutamine binding proteins interact, and by these means might modulate cerebellar glutamatergic transactions, is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario, Querétaro, México
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Departamento de Toxicología, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado Postal 14-740, México, DF, 07360, México.
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44
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May glutamine addiction drive the delivery of antitumor cisplatin-based Pt(IV) prodrugs? J Inorg Biochem 2016; 167:27-35. [PMID: 27898344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2016.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A small series of Pt(IV) prodrugs containing Gln-like (Gln=glutamine) axial ligands has been designed with the aim to take advantage of the increased demand of Gln showed by some cancer cells (glutamine addiction). In complex 4 the Gln, linked through the α-carboxylic group is recognized by the Gln transporters, in particular by the solute carrier transporter SLC1A5. All compounds showed cellular accumulation, as well as antiproliferative activity, related to their lipophilicity, as already demonstrated for the majority of Pt(IV) prodrugs, that enter cells mainly by passive diffusion. On the contrary, when the Gln concentration in cell medium is near or lower to the physiological value, complex 4 acts as a Trojan horse: it enters SLC1A5-overexpressing cells, where, upon reduction, it releases the active metabolite cisplatin and the Gln-containing ligand, thus preventing any possible extrusion by the L-type amino acid transporter LAT1. This selective mechanism could decrease off-target accumulation of 4 and, consequently, Pt-associated side-effects.
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45
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Timosenko E, Ghadbane H, Silk JD, Shepherd D, Gileadi U, Howson LJ, Laynes R, Zhao Q, Strausberg RL, Olsen LR, Taylor S, Buffa FM, Boyd R, Cerundolo V. Nutritional Stress Induced by Tryptophan-Degrading Enzymes Results in ATF4-Dependent Reprogramming of the Amino Acid Transporter Profile in Tumor Cells. Cancer Res 2016; 76:6193-6204. [PMID: 27651314 PMCID: PMC5096689 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-3502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan degradation is an immune escape strategy shared by many tumors. However, cancer cells' compensatory mechanisms remain unclear. We demonstrate here that a shortage of tryptophan caused by expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) resulted in ATF4-dependent upregulation of several amino acid transporters, including SLC1A5 and its truncated isoforms, which in turn enhanced tryptophan and glutamine uptake. Importantly, SLC1A5 failed to be upregulated in resting human T cells kept under low tryptophan conditions but was enhanced upon cognate antigen T-cell receptor engagement. Our results highlight key differences in the ability of tumor and T cells to adapt to tryptophan starvation and provide important insights into the poor prognosis of tumors coexpressing IDO and SLC1A5. Cancer Res; 76(21); 6193-204. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Timosenko
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hemza Ghadbane
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D Silk
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dawn Shepherd
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Uzi Gileadi
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren J Howson
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Laynes
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Qi Zhao
- Ludwig Cancer Research, New York, New York
| | | | - Lars R Olsen
- Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Stephen Taylor
- The Computational Biology Research Group (CBRG), Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca M Buffa
- Department of Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Boyd
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Cerundolo
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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46
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Zhou X, Zheng W, Nagana Gowda GA, Raftery D, Donkin SS, Bequette B, Teegarden D. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D inhibits glutamine metabolism in Harvey-ras transformed MCF10A human breast epithelial cell. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 163:147-56. [PMID: 27154413 PMCID: PMC5012911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the US. The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), is proposed to inhibit cellular processes and to prevent breast cancer. The current studies investigated the effect of 1,25(OH)2D on glutamine metabolism during cancer progression employing Harvey-ras oncogene transformed MCF10A human breast epithelial cells (MCF10A-ras). Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D significantly reduced intracellular glutamine and glutamate levels measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) by 23±2% each. Further, 1,25(OH)2D treatment reduced glutamine and glutamate flux, determined by [U-(13)C5] glutamine tracer kinetics, into the TCA cycle by 31±0.2% and 17±0.4%, respectively. The relative levels of mRNA and protein abundance of the major glutamine transporter, solute linked carrier family 1 member A5 (SLC1A5), was significantly decreased by 1,25(OH)2D treatment in both MCF10A-ras cells and MCF10A which overexpress ErbB2 (HER-2/neu). Consistent with these results, glutamine uptake was reduced by 1,25(OH)2D treatment and the impact was eliminated with the SLC1A5 inhibitor L-γ-Glutamyl-p-nitroanilide (GPNA). A consensus sequence to the vitamin D responsive element (VDRE) was identified in silico in the SLC1A5 gene promoter, and site-directed mutagenesis analyses with reporter gene studies demonstrate a functional negative VDRE in the promoter of the SLC1A5 gene. siRNA-SLC1A5 transfection in MCF10A-ras cells significantly reduced SLC1A5 mRNA expression as well as decreased viable cell number similar to 1,25(OH)2D treatment. SLC1A5 knockdown also induced an increase in apoptotic cells in MCF10A-ras cells. These results suggest 1,25(OH)2D alters glutamine metabolism in MCF10A-ras cells by inhibiting glutamine uptake and utilization, in part through down-regulation of SLC1A5 transcript abundance. Thus, 1,25(OH)2D down-regulation of the glutamine transporter, SLC1A5, may facilitate vitamin D prevention of breast cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Transport System ASC/antagonists & inhibitors
- Amino Acid Transport System ASC/genetics
- Amino Acid Transport System ASC/metabolism
- Cell Line, Transformed
- Citric Acid Cycle/drug effects
- Citric Acid Cycle/genetics
- Epithelial Cells/drug effects
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Epithelial Cells/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Glutamic Acid/metabolism
- Glutamine/analogs & derivatives
- Glutamine/antagonists & inhibitors
- Glutamine/metabolism
- Glutamine/pharmacology
- Humans
- Kinetics
- Mammary Glands, Human/drug effects
- Mammary Glands, Human/metabolism
- Mammary Glands, Human/pathology
- Minor Histocompatibility Antigens/genetics
- Minor Histocompatibility Antigens/metabolism
- Oncogene Protein p21(ras)/genetics
- Oncogene Protein p21(ras)/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA, Messenger/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Calcitriol/genetics
- Receptors, Calcitriol/metabolism
- Vitamin D/analogs & derivatives
- Vitamin D/pharmacology
- Vitamin D Response Element
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanzhu Zhou
- Interdepartmental Nutrition Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, United States.
| | - Wei Zheng
- Interdepartmental Nutrition Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, United States.
| | - G A Nagana Gowda
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, United States.
| | - Daniel Raftery
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, United States.
| | - Shawn S Donkin
- Interdepartmental Nutrition Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, United States.
| | - Brian Bequette
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, United States.
| | - Dorothy Teegarden
- Interdepartmental Nutrition Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, United States.
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47
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van Geldermalsen M, Wang Q, Nagarajah R, Marshall AD, Thoeng A, Gao D, Ritchie W, Feng Y, Bailey CG, Deng N, Harvey K, Beith JM, Selinger CI, O'Toole SA, Rasko JEJ, Holst J. ASCT2/SLC1A5 controls glutamine uptake and tumour growth in triple-negative basal-like breast cancer. Oncogene 2016; 35:3201-8. [PMID: 26455325 PMCID: PMC4914826 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alanine, serine, cysteine-preferring transporter 2 (ASCT2; SLC1A5) mediates uptake of glutamine, a conditionally essential amino acid in rapidly proliferating tumour cells. Uptake of glutamine and subsequent glutaminolysis is critical for activation of the mTORC1 nutrient-sensing pathway, which regulates cell growth and protein translation in cancer cells. This is of particular interest in breast cancer, as glutamine dependence is increased in high-risk breast cancer subtypes. Pharmacological inhibitors of ASCT2-mediated transport significantly reduced glutamine uptake in human breast cancer cell lines, leading to the suppression of mTORC1 signalling, cell growth and cell cycle progression. Notably, these effects were subtype-dependent, with ASCT2 transport critical only for triple-negative (TN) basal-like breast cancer cell growth compared with minimal effects in luminal breast cancer cells. Both stable and inducible shRNA-mediated ASCT2 knockdown confirmed that inhibiting ASCT2 function was sufficient to prevent cellular proliferation and induce rapid cell death in TN basal-like breast cancer cells, but not in luminal cells. Using a bioluminescent orthotopic xenograft mouse model, ASCT2 expression was then shown to be necessary for both successful engraftment and growth of HCC1806 TN breast cancer cells in vivo. Lower tumoral expression of ASCT2 conferred a significant survival advantage in xenografted mice. These responses remained intact in primary breast cancers, where gene expression analysis showed high expression of ASCT2 and glutamine metabolism-related genes, including GLUL and GLS, in a cohort of 90 TN breast cancer patients, as well as correlations with the transcriptional regulators, MYC and ATF4. This study provides preclinical evidence for the feasibility of novel therapies exploiting ASCT2 transporter activity in breast cancer, particularly in the high-risk basal-like subgroup of TN breast cancer where there is not only high expression of ASCT2, but also a marked reliance on its activity for sustained cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van Geldermalsen
- Origins of Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Q Wang
- Origins of Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Nagarajah
- Origins of Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A D Marshall
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Thoeng
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D Gao
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - W Ritchie
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Y Feng
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C G Bailey
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - N Deng
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Harvey
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J M Beith
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C I Selinger
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S A O'Toole
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J E J Rasko
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Holst
- Origins of Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Associate, Origins of Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Locked Bag 6, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia. E-mail:
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48
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Bröer A, Rahimi F, Bröer S. Deletion of Amino Acid Transporter ASCT2 (SLC1A5) Reveals an Essential Role for Transporters SNAT1 (SLC38A1) and SNAT2 (SLC38A2) to Sustain Glutaminolysis in Cancer Cells. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:13194-205. [PMID: 27129276 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.700534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cancer cells depend on glutamine as they use the glutaminolysis pathway to generate building blocks and energy for anabolic purposes. As a result, glutamine transporters are essential for cancer growth and are potential targets for cancer chemotherapy with ASCT2 (SLC1A5) being investigated most intensively. Here we show that HeLa epithelial cervical cancer cells and 143B osteosarcoma cells express a set of glutamine transporters including SNAT1 (SLC38A1), SNAT2 (SLC38A2), SNAT4 (SLC38A4), LAT1 (SLC7A5), and ASCT2 (SLC1A5). Net glutamine uptake did not depend on ASCT2 but required expression of SNAT1 and SNAT2. Deletion of ASCT2 did not reduce cell growth but caused an amino acid starvation response and up-regulation of SNAT1 to replace ASCT2 functionally. Silencing of GCN2 in the ASCT2(-/-) background reduced cell growth, showing that a combined targeted approach would inhibit growth of glutamine-dependent cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Bröer
- From the Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Farid Rahimi
- From the Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Stefan Bröer
- From the Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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49
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Liu Y, Yang L, An H, Chang Y, Zhang W, Zhu Y, Xu L, Xu J. High expression of Solute Carrier Family 1, member 5 (SLC1A5) is associated with poor prognosis in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16954. [PMID: 26599282 PMCID: PMC4657035 DOI: 10.1038/srep16954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Solute Carrier Family 1, member 5 (SLC1A5), also named as ASCT2, a major glutamine transporter, is highly expressed in various malignancies and plays a critical role in the transformation, growth and survival of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of SLC1A5 in patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). SLC1A5 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. Kaplan-Meier method was conducted to compare survival curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were applied to assess the impact of prognostic factors on overall survival (OS). A nomogram was then constructed on the basis of the independent prognosticators identified on multivariate analysis. The predictive ability of the models was compared using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Our data indicated that high expression of SLC1A5 was significantly associated with advanced TNM stage, higher Fuhrman grade and shorter OS in ccRCC patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed that SLC1A5 was an independent prognosticator for OS. A nomogram integrating SLC1A5 and other independent prognosticators was constructed, which showed a better prognostic value for OS than TNM staging system. In conclusion, high SLC1A5 expression is an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcome in ccRCC patients after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huimin An
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Chang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijuan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Xu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiejie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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50
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Loss of function mutation of the Slc38a3 glutamine transporter reveals its critical role for amino acid metabolism in the liver, brain, and kidney. Pflugers Arch 2015; 468:213-27. [PMID: 26490457 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-015-1742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in mammals, is critical for cell and organ functions. Its metabolism depends on the ability of cells to take up or release glutamine by transporters located in the plasma membrane. Several solute carrier (SLC) families transport glutamine, but the SLC38 family has been thought to be mostly responsible for glutamine transport. We demonstrate that despite the large number of glutamine transporters, the loss of Snat3/Slc38a3 glutamine transporter has a major impact on the function of organs expressing it. Snat3 mutant mice were generated by N-ethyl-N-nitrosurea (ENU) mutagenesis and showed stunted growth, altered amino acid levels, hypoglycemia, and died around 20 days after birth. Hepatic concentrations of glutamine, glutamate, leucine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan were highly reduced paralleled by downregulation of the mTOR pathway possibly linking reduced amino acid availability to impaired growth and glucose homeostasis. Snat3-deficient mice had altered urea levels paralleled by dysregulation of the urea cycle, gluconeogenesis, and glutamine synthesis. Mice were ataxic with higher glutamine but reduced glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in brain consistent with a major role of Snat3 in the glutamine-glutamate cycle. Renal ammonium excretion was lower, and the expression of enzymes and amino acid transporters involved in ammoniagenesis were altered. Thus, SNAT3 is a glutamine transporter required for amino acid homeostasis and determines critical functions in various organs. Despite the large number of glutamine transporters, loss of Snat3 cannot be compensated, suggesting that this transporter is a major route of glutamine transport in the liver, brain, and kidney.
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