1
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Vernieri C, Ligorio F, Tripathy D, Longo VD. Cyclic fasting-mimicking diet in cancer treatment: Preclinical and clinical evidence. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1644-1667. [PMID: 39059383 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
In preclinical tumor models, cyclic fasting and fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs) produce antitumor effects that become synergistic when combined with a wide range of standard anticancer treatments while protecting normal tissues from treatment-induced adverse events. More recently, results of phase 1/2 clinical trials showed that cyclic FMD is safe, feasible, and associated with positive metabolic and immunomodulatory effects in patients with different tumor types, thus paving the way for larger clinical trials to investigate FMD anticancer activity in different clinical contexts. Here, we review the tumor-cell-autonomous and immune-system-mediated mechanisms of fasting/FMD antitumor effects, and we critically discuss new metabolic interventions that could synergize with nutrient starvation to boost its anticancer activity and prevent or reverse tumor resistance while minimizing toxicity to patients. Finally, we highlight potential future applications of FMD approaches in combination with standard anticancer strategies as well as strategies to implement the design and conduction of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Vernieri
- Medical Oncology and Hematology-Oncology Department, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20139 Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ligorio
- Medical Oncology and Hematology-Oncology Department, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Debu Tripathy
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1354, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Valter D Longo
- IFOM ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20139 Milan, Italy; Longevity Institute, Davis School of Gerontology and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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2
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Conger KO, Chidley C, Ozgurses ME, Zhao H, Kim Y, Semina SE, Burns P, Rawat V, Lietuvninkas L, Sheldon R, Ben-Sahra I, Frasor J, Sorger PK, DeNicola GM, Coloff JL. ASCT2 is a major contributor to serine uptake in cancer cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114552. [PMID: 39068660 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The non-essential amino acid serine is a critical nutrient for cancer cells due to its diverse biosynthetic functions. While some tumors can synthesize serine de novo, others are auxotrophic and therefore reliant on serine uptake. Importantly, despite several transporters being known to be capable of transporting serine, the transporters that mediate serine uptake in cancer cells are not known. Here, we characterize the amino acid transporter ASCT2 (SLC1A5) as a major contributor to serine uptake in cancer cells. ASCT2 is well known as a glutamine transporter in cancer, and our work demonstrates that serine and glutamine compete for uptake through ASCT2. We further show that ASCT2-mediated serine uptake is essential for purine nucleotide biosynthesis and that estrogen receptor α (ERα) promotes serine uptake by directly activating SLC1A5 transcription. Collectively, our work defines an additional important role for ASCT2 as a serine transporter in cancer and evaluates ASCT2 as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly O Conger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher Chidley
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mete Emir Ozgurses
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Huiping Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yumi Kim
- Department of Cancer Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Svetlana E Semina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Philippa Burns
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vipin Rawat
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lina Lietuvninkas
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ryan Sheldon
- Metabolic and Nutritional Programming, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Issam Ben-Sahra
- Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jonna Frasor
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gina M DeNicola
- Department of Cancer Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan L Coloff
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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3
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Corsetti G, Romano C, Codenotti S, Giugno L, Pasini E, Fanzani A, Scarabelli T, Dioguardi FS. Intake of Special Amino Acids Mixture Leads to Blunted Murine Colon Cancer Growth In Vitro and In Vivo. Cells 2024; 13:1210. [PMID: 39056792 PMCID: PMC11274386 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141210] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells require substantial amounts of energy and substrates for their metabolic hyperactivity, enabling the synthesis of new cells at the expense of healthy ones. Preliminary in vitro data suggest that a mix of free essential amino acids (EAA-mix) can promote cancer cell apoptosis by enhancing autophagy. This study aimed to confirm, both in vitro and in vivo, whether EAA intake could influence the development of colon cancer in mice. We investigated changes in cancer proliferation in CT26 cells treated with EAA-mix and in mice fed with EAA-rich modified diets (EAARD) as compared to those on a standard laboratory diet (StD). CT26 cells were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.). After 21 days, tumors were removed and measured. In vitro data corroborated that EAA-mix impairs cancer growth by inducing apoptosis. In vivo data revealed that mice on StD developed significantly larger (s.c.) and more numerous (i.p.) cancers than those on EAARD. EAA administration appears to influence cancer cell survival with notable antiproliferative properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corsetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (L.G.); (E.P.)
| | - Claudia Romano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (L.G.); (E.P.)
| | - Silvia Codenotti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (S.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Lorena Giugno
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (L.G.); (E.P.)
| | - Evasio Pasini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.R.); (L.G.); (E.P.)
- Italian Association of Functional Medicine, 20855 Lesmo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fanzani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (S.C.); (A.F.)
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4
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Pujalte‐Martin M, Belaïd A, Bost S, Kahi M, Peraldi P, Rouleau M, Mazure NM, Bost F. Targeting cancer and immune cell metabolism with the complex I inhibitors metformin and IACS-010759. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1719-1738. [PMID: 38214418 PMCID: PMC11223609 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13583] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin and IACS-010759 are two distinct antimetabolic agents. Metformin, an established antidiabetic drug, mildly inhibits mitochondrial complex I, while IACS-010759 is a new potent mitochondrial complex I inhibitor. Mitochondria is pivotal in the energy metabolism of cells by providing adenosine triphosphate through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Hence, mitochondrial metabolism and OXPHOS become a vulnerability when targeted in cancer cells. Both drugs have promising antitumoral effects in diverse cancers, supported by preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies. We present evidence of their direct impact on cancer cells and their immunomodulatory effects. In clinical studies, while observational epidemiologic studies on metformin were encouraging, actual trial results were not as expected. However, IACS-01075 exhibited major adverse effects, thereby causing a metabolic shift to glycolysis and elevated lactic acid concentrations. Therefore, the future outlook for these two drugs depends on preventive clinical trials for metformin and investigations into the plausible toxic effects on normal cells for IACS-01075.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Pujalte‐Martin
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Amine Belaïd
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Simon Bost
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Michel Kahi
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Pascal Peraldi
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Matthieu Rouleau
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
- CNRS UMR7370, LP2MNiceFrance
| | - Nathalie M. Mazure
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Frédéric Bost
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M)NiceFrance
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer
- Faculté de MédecineUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
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5
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Lee Y, Vousden KH, Hennequart M. Cycling back to folate metabolism in cancer. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:701-715. [PMID: 38698089 PMCID: PMC7616045 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic changes contribute to cancer initiation and progression through effects on cancer cells, the tumor microenvironment and whole-body metabolism. Alterations in serine metabolism and the control of one-carbon cycles have emerged as critical for the development of many tumor types. In this Review, we focus on the mitochondrial folate cycle. We discuss recent evidence that, in addition to supporting nucleotide synthesis, mitochondrial folate metabolism also contributes to metastasis through support of antioxidant defense, mitochondrial protein synthesis and the overflow of excess formate. These observations offer potential therapeutic opportunities, including the modulation of formate metabolism through dietary interventions and the use of circulating folate cycle metabolites as biomarkers for cancer detection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marc Hennequart
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), Molecular Physiology Unit (URPHYM), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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6
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Haitzmann T, Schindlmaier K, Frech T, Mondal A, Bubalo V, Konrad B, Bluemel G, Stiegler P, Lackner S, Hrzenjak A, Eichmann T, Köfeler HC, Leithner K. Serine synthesis and catabolism in starved lung cancer and primary bronchial epithelial cells. Cancer Metab 2024; 12:9. [PMID: 38515202 PMCID: PMC10956291 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-024-00337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Serine and glycine give rise to important building blocks in proliferating cells. Both amino acids are either synthesized de novo or taken up from the extracellular space. In lung cancer, serine synthesis gene expression is variable, yet, expression of the initial enzyme, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), was found to be associated with poor prognosis. While the contribution of de novo synthesis to serine pools has been shown to be enhanced by serine starvation, the impact of glucose deprivation, a commonly found condition in solid cancers is poorly understood. Here, we utilized a stable isotopic tracing approach to assess serine and glycine de novo synthesis and uptake in different lung cancer cell lines and normal bronchial epithelial cells in variable serine, glycine, and glucose conditions. Under low glucose supplementation (0.2 mM, 3-5% of normal plasma levels), serine de novo synthesis was maintained or even activated. As previously reported, also gluconeogenesis supplied carbons from glutamine to serine and glycine under these conditions. Unexpectedly, low glucose treatment consistently enhanced serine to glycine conversion, along with an up-regulation of the mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism enzymes, serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT2) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD2). The relative contribution of de novo synthesis greatly increased in low serine/glycine conditions. In bronchial epithelial cells, adaptations occurred in a similar fashion as in cancer cells, but serine synthesis and serine to glycine conversion, as assessed by label enrichments and gene expression levels, were generally lower than in (PHGDH positive) cancer cells. In summary, we found a variable contribution of glucose or non-glucose carbon sources to serine and glycine and a high adaptability of the downstream one-carbon metabolism pathway to variable glucose supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Haitzmann
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Schindlmaier
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Tobias Frech
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Ayusi Mondal
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Visnja Bubalo
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Barbara Konrad
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Gabriele Bluemel
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Philipp Stiegler
- Division of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefanie Lackner
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry and Lipidomics, ZMF, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Andelko Hrzenjak
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Eichmann
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry and Lipidomics, ZMF, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Harald C Köfeler
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry and Lipidomics, ZMF, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Leithner
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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7
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Xiao YL, Gong Y, Qi YJ, Shao ZM, Jiang YZ. Effects of dietary intervention on human diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:59. [PMID: 38462638 PMCID: PMC10925609 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01771-x] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diet, serving as a vital source of nutrients, exerts a profound influence on human health and disease progression. Recently, dietary interventions have emerged as promising adjunctive treatment strategies not only for cancer but also for neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. These interventions have demonstrated substantial potential in modulating metabolism, disease trajectory, and therapeutic responses. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of malignant progression, and a deeper understanding of this phenomenon in tumors and its effects on immune regulation is a significant challenge that impedes cancer eradication. Dietary intake, as a key environmental factor, can influence tumor metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that dietary interventions might affect the nutrient availability in tumors, thereby increasing the efficacy of cancer treatments. However, the intricate interplay between dietary interventions and the pathogenesis of cancer and other diseases is complex. Despite encouraging results, the mechanisms underlying diet-based therapeutic strategies remain largely unexplored, often resulting in underutilization in disease management. In this review, we aim to illuminate the potential effects of various dietary interventions, including calorie restriction, fasting-mimicking diet, ketogenic diet, protein restriction diet, high-salt diet, high-fat diet, and high-fiber diet, on cancer and the aforementioned diseases. We explore the multifaceted impacts of these dietary interventions, encompassing their immunomodulatory effects, other biological impacts, and underlying molecular mechanisms. This review offers valuable insights into the potential application of these dietary interventions as adjunctive therapies in disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Gong
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying-Jia Qi
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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8
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Welponer T, Weber DD, Trattner L, Tockner B, Aminzadeh-Gohari S, Leb-Reichl V, Kaufmann A, Zauner R, Wimmer M, Wally V, Felder TK, Strunk D, Koller U, Bauer JW, Kofler B, Guttmann-Gruber C, Piñon Hofbauer J. Metformin shows anti-neoplastic properties by inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in epidermolysis bullosa-associated aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:112-123. [PMID: 37669776 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While most cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) are treatable, certain high-risk cSCCs, such as those in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patients, are particularly aggressive. Owing to repeated wounding, inflammation and unproductive healing, RDEB patients have a 68% cumulative risk of developing life-threatening cSCCs by the age of 35, and a 70% risk of death by the age of 45. Despite aggressive treatment, cSCC represents the leading cause of premature mortality in these patients, highlighting an unmet clinical need. Increasing evidence points to a role of altered metabolism in the initiation and maintenance of cSCC, making metabolism a potential therapeutic target. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the feasibility of targeting tumour cell energetics as a strategy to selectively hinder the growth advantage of aggressive cSCC. METHODS We evaluated the cell energetics profiles of RDEB-SCC cells by analysing available gene expression data against multiple gene signatures and single-gene targets linked to metabolic reprogramming. Additionally, we employed real-time metabolic profiling to measure glycolysis and respiration in these cells. Furthermore, we investigated the anti-neoplastic properties of the metformin against human and murine high-risk cSCCs in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Gene expression analyses highlighted a divergence in cell energetics profiles between RDEB-SCC and non-malignant RDEB keratinocytes, with tumour cells demonstrating enhanced respiration and glycolysis scores. Real-time metabolic profiling supported these data and additionally highlighted a metabolic plasticity of RDEB-SCC cells. Against this background, metformin exerted an anti-neoplastic potential by hampering both respiration and glycolysis, and by inhibiting proliferation in vitro. Metformin treatment in an analogous model of fast-growing murine cSCC resulted in delayed tumour onset and slower tumour growth, translating to a 29% increase in median overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that metformin exerts anti-neoplastic properties in aggressive cSCCs that exhibit high-risk features by interfering with respiration and glycolytic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Welponer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - D D Weber
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - L Trattner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - B Tockner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - S Aminzadeh-Gohari
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - V Leb-Reichl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - A Kaufmann
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - R Zauner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - M Wimmer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - V Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - T K Felder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - D Strunk
- Cell Therapy Institute, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - U Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - J W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - B Kofler
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - C Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - J Piñon Hofbauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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9
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Ni C, Li J. Take metabolic heterogeneity into consideration when applying dietary interventions to cancer therapy: A review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22814. [PMID: 38213585 PMCID: PMC10782175 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, dietary interventions have attracted much attention in cancer therapy. Mechanistic studies suggest that dietary interventions can inhibit the progression of cancer through deprivation of essential metabolites, lowering the levels of protumor hormones, activation of anticancer immunity and synergistic effects with conventional anticancer therapies. The feasibility, safety and promising tumor outcomes have also been established in humans. However, the results from both preclinical and clinical studies are inconsistent or even conflicting, the reasons for which have not been extensively considered. In this review, we discuss the various heterogeneity, including dietary protocols, tissue of origin and cancer locations, spatial and temporal metabolic heterogeneity, and divergent combination treatment, that may affect the responses of different cancers to dietary interventions. Understanding this heterogeneity and taking them into consideration when applying dietary interventions to cancer therapy will allow us to deliver the right diet to the right patient at the right time to maximize compliance, safety and efficacy of conventional anticancer therapy and to improve the outcomes of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Ni
- Department of General Surgery, Chong Gang General Hospital, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of General Surgery, the Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, 621000, China
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10
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Conger KO, Chidley C, Ozgurses ME, Zhao H, Kim Y, Semina SE, Burns P, Rawat V, Sheldon R, Ben-Sahra I, Frasor J, Sorger PK, DeNicola GM, Coloff JL. ASCT2 is the primary serine transporter in cancer cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.09.561530. [PMID: 37873453 PMCID: PMC10592681 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.09.561530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The non-essential amino acid serine is a critical nutrient for cancer cells due to its diverse biosynthetic functions. While some tumors can synthesize serine de novo, others are auxotrophic for serine and therefore reliant on the uptake of exogenous serine. Importantly, however, the transporter(s) that mediate serine uptake in cancer cells are not known. Here, we characterize the amino acid transporter ASCT2 (coded for by the gene SLC1A5) as the primary serine transporter in cancer cells. ASCT2 is well-known as a glutamine transporter in cancer, and our work demonstrates that serine and glutamine compete for uptake through ASCT2. We further show that ASCT2-mediated serine uptake is essential for purine nucleotide biosynthesis and that ERα promotes serine uptake by directly activating SLC1A5 transcription. Together, our work defines an additional important role for ASCT2 as a serine transporter in cancer and evaluates ASCT2 as a potential therapeutic target in serine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly O. Conger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher Chidley
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mete Emir Ozgurses
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Huiping Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yumi Kim
- Department of Cancer Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Svetlana E. Semina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Philippa Burns
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vipin Rawat
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ryan Sheldon
- Metabolic and Nutritional Programming, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Issam Ben-Sahra
- Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jonna Frasor
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter K. Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gina M. DeNicola
- Department of Cancer Metabolism and Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Coloff
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Liu D, Wang Y, Li X, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Zhang X. Participation of protein metabolism in cancer progression and its potential targeting for the management of cancer. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1223-1246. [PMID: 37646877 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer malignancies may broadly be described as heterogeneous disorders manifested by uncontrolled cellular growth/division and proliferation. Tumor cells utilize metabolic reprogramming to accomplish the upregulated nutritional requirements for sustaining their uncontrolled growth, proliferation, and survival. Metabolic reprogramming also called altered or dysregulated metabolism undergoes modification in normal metabolic pathways for anabolic precursor's generation that serves to continue biomass formation that sustains the growth, proliferation, and survival of carcinogenic cells under a nutrition-deprived microenvironment. A wide range of dysregulated/altered metabolic pathways encompassing different metabolic regulators have been described; however, the current review is focused to explain deeply the metabolic pathways modifications inducing upregulation of proteins/amino acids metabolism. The essential modification of various metabolic cycles with their consequent outcomes meanwhile explored promising therapeutic targets playing a pivotal role in metabolic regulation and is successfully employed for effective target-specific cancer treatment. The current review is aimed to understand the metabolic reprogramming of different proteins/amino acids involved in tumor progression along with potential therapeutic perspective elucidating targeted cancer therapy via these targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Xiaojiang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, People's Hospital of Jilin City, Jilin, 136200, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Baishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baishan, 134300, China
| | - Zhifeng Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun Chaoyang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Brain Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, China.
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12
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Zhang J, Bai J, Gong C, Wang J, Cheng Y, Zhao J, Xiong H. Serine-associated one-carbon metabolic reprogramming: a new anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1184626. [PMID: 37664062 PMCID: PMC10471886 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1184626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour metabolism is a major focus of cancer research, and metabolic reprogramming is an important feature of malignant tumours. Serine is an important non-essential amino acid, which is a main resource of one-carbon units in tumours. Cancer cells proliferate more than normal cells and require more serine for proliferation. The cancer-related genes that are involved in serine metabolism also show changes corresponding to metabolic alterations. Here, we reviewed the serine-associated one-carbon metabolism and its potential as a target for anti-tumour therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Gong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huihua Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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13
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Chavdoula E, Anastas V, Ferlita AL, Aldana J, Carota G, Spampinato M, Soysal B, Cosentini I, Parashar S, Sircar A, Nigita G, Sehgal L, Freitas MA, Tsichlis PN. Transcriptional regulation of amino acid metabolism by KDM2B, in the context of ncPRC1.1 and in concert with MYC and ATF4. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.07.548031. [PMID: 37461630 PMCID: PMC10350079 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.548031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Introduction KDM2B encodes a JmjC domain-containing histone lysine demethylase, which functions as an oncogene in several types of tumors, including TNBC. This study was initiated to address the cancer relevance of the results of our earlier work, which had shown that overexpression of KDM2B renders mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) resistant to oxidative stress by regulating antioxidant mechanisms. Methods We mainly employed a multi-omics strategy consisting of RNA-Seq, quantitative TMT proteomics, Mass-spectrometry-based global metabolomics, ATAC-Seq and ChIP-seq, to explore the role of KDM2B in the resistance to oxidative stress and intermediary metabolism. These data and data from existing patient datasets were analyzed using bioinformatic tools, including exon-intron-split analysis (EISA), FLUFF and clustering analyses. The main genetic strategy we employed was gene silencing with shRNAs. ROS were measured by flow cytometry, following staining with CellROX and various metabolites were measured with biochemical assays, using commercially available kits. Gene expression was monitored with qRT-PCR and immunoblotting, as indicated. Results The knockdown of KDM2B in basal-like breast cancer cell lines lowers the levels of GSH and sensitizes the cells to ROS inducers, GSH targeting molecules, and DUB inhibitors. To address the mechanism of GSH regulation, we knocked down KDM2B in MDA-MB-231 cells and we examined the effects of the knockdown, using a multi-omics strategy. The results showed that KDM2B, functioning in the context of ncPRC1.1, regulates a network of epigenetic and transcription factors, which control a host of metabolic enzymes, including those involved in the SGOC, glutamate, and GSH metabolism. They also showed that KDM2B enhances the chromatin accessibility and expression of MYC and ATF4, and that it binds in concert with MYC and ATF4, the promoters of a large number of transcriptionally active genes, including many, encoding metabolic enzymes. Additionally, MYC and ATF4 binding sites were enriched in genes whose accessibility depends on KDM2B, and analysis of a cohort of TNBCs expressing high or low levels of KDM2B, but similar levels of MYC and ATF4 identified a subset of MYC targets, whose expression correlates with the expression of KDM2B. Further analyses of basal-like TNBCs in the same cohort, revealed that tumors expressing high levels of all three regulators exhibit a distinct metabolic signature that carries a poor prognosis. Conclusions The present study links KDM2B, ATF4, and MYC in a transcriptional network that regulates the expression of multiple metabolic enzymes, including those that control the interconnected SGOC, glutamate, and GSH metabolic pathways. The co-occupancy of the promoters of many transcriptionally active genes, by all three factors, the enrichment of MYC binding sites in genes whose chromatin accessibility depends on KDM2B, and the correlation of the levels of KDM2B with the expression of a subset of MYC target genes in tumors that express similar levels of MYC, suggest that KDM2B regulates both the expression and the transcriptional activity of MYC. Importantly, the concerted expression of all three factors also defines a distinct metabolic subset of TNBCs with poor prognosis. Overall, this study identifies novel mechanisms of SGOC regulation, suggests novel KDM2B-dependent metabolic vulnerabilities in TNBC, and provides new insights into the role of KDM2B in the epigenetic regulation of transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Chavdoula
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Vollter Anastas
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Genetics, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alessandro La Ferlita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Julian Aldana
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Giuseppe Carota
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariarita Spampinato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Burak Soysal
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ilaria Cosentini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Bioinformatics Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sameer Parashar
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Anuvrat Sircar
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Giovanni Nigita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lalit Sehgal
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Michael A. Freitas
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Philip N. Tsichlis
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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14
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Jiménez-Alonso JJ, López-Lázaro M. Dietary Manipulation of Amino Acids for Cancer Therapy. Nutrients 2023; 15:2879. [PMID: 37447206 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells cannot proliferate and survive unless they obtain sufficient levels of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids (AAs). Unlike normal cells, cancer cells have genetic and metabolic alterations that may limit their capacity to obtain adequate levels of the 20 AAs in challenging metabolic environments. However, since normal diets provide all AAs at relatively constant levels and ratios, these potentially lethal genetic and metabolic defects are eventually harmless to cancer cells. If we temporarily replace the normal diet of cancer patients with artificial diets in which the levels of specific AAs are manipulated, cancer cells may be unable to proliferate and survive. This article reviews in vivo studies that have evaluated the antitumor activity of diets restricted in or supplemented with the 20 proteinogenic AAs, individually and in combination. It also reviews our recent studies that show that manipulating the levels of several AAs simultaneously can lead to marked survival improvements in mice with metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel López-Lázaro
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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15
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Kumar N, Rachagani S, Natarajan G, Crook A, Gopal T, Rajamanickam V, Kaushal JB, Nagabhishek SN, Powers R, Batra SK, Saraswathi V. Histidine Enhances the Anticancer Effect of Gemcitabine against Pancreatic Cancer via Disruption of Amino Acid Homeostasis and Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092593. [PMID: 37174059 PMCID: PMC10177467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the severe toxicity posed by chemotherapeutic drugs, adjuvant nutritional intervention has gained increased attention in the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PC). Amino acid (AA) metabolism is aberrantly regulated in PC and circulating histidine (His) levels are low in PC patients. We hypothesized that His uptake and/or metabolism is dysregulated in PC and that combining His with gemcitabine (Gem), a drug used in the treatment of PC, will enhance the anti-cancer effects of Gem. We performed in vitro and in vivo studies to determine the anticancer effect of the combination of His and Gem against lethal PC. We demonstrate that circulating His levels are low in both human subjects and genetically engineered mice exhibiting pancreatic tumors. Interestingly, the expression of histidine ammonia lyase, an enzyme involved in His catabolism, is higher in PC compared to normal subjects. His + Gem exerts a more potent cytotoxic effect in PC cells compared to individual treatments. His treatment results in a profound increase in His accumulation, accompanied by a depletion of a number of AAs, promoting cancer cell survival and/or glutathione (GSH) synthesis. His but not Gem increases hydrogen peroxide and depletes cellular GSH. Supplementation with GSH protects cells against His + Gem-induced cytotoxicity. Further, our in vivo studies demonstrate that His + Gem potently reduced tumor mass and improved mouse survival. Taken together, our data suggest that PC cells exhibit an aberrant His uptake/accumulation which, in turn, leads to oxidative stress and depletion of AA pool, thereby enhancing the anticancer effect of Gem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Kumar
- The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Gopalakrishnan Natarajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Alexandra Crook
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Thiyagarajan Gopal
- The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Vinothkumar Rajamanickam
- The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Jyoti B Kaushal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sirpu N Nagabhishek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Robert Powers
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Viswanathan Saraswathi
- The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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16
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Tang N, Chen P, Zhao C, Liu P, Tan L, Song C, Qiu X, Liao Y, Liu X, Luo T, Sun Y, Ding C. Newcastle Disease Virus Manipulates Mitochondrial MTHFD2-Mediated Nucleotide Metabolism for Virus Replication. J Virol 2023; 97:e0001623. [PMID: 36794935 PMCID: PMC10062132 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00016-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses require host cell metabolic reprogramming to satisfy their replication demands; however, the mechanism by which the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) remodels nucleotide metabolism to support self-replication remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that NDV relies on the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (oxPPP) and the folate-mediated one-carbon metabolic pathway to support replication. In concert with [1,2-13C2] glucose metabolic flow, NDV used oxPPP to promote pentose phosphate synthesis and to increase antioxidant NADPH production. Metabolic flux experiments using [2,3,3-2H] serine revealed that NDV increased one-carbon (1C) unit synthesis flux through the mitochondrial 1C pathway. Interestingly, methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD2) was upregulated as a compensatory mechanism for insufficient serine availability. Unexpectedly, direct knockdown of enzymes in the one-carbon metabolic pathway, except for cytosolic MTHFD1, significantly inhibited NDV replication. Specific complementation rescue experiments on small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown further revealed that only a knockdown of MTHFD2 strongly restrained NDV replication and was rescued by formate and extracellular nucleotides. These findings indicated that NDV replication relies on MTHFD2 to maintain nucleotide availability. Notably, nuclear MTHFD2 expression was increased during NDV infection and could represent a pathway by which NDV steals nucleotides from the nucleus. Collectively, these data reveal that NDV replication is regulated by the c-Myc-mediated 1C metabolic pathway and that the mechanism of nucleotide synthesis for viral replication is regulated by MTHFD2. IMPORTANCE Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a dominant vector for vaccine and gene therapy that accommodates foreign genes well but can only infect mammalian cells that have undergone cancerous transformation. Understanding the remodeling of nucleotide metabolic pathways in host cells by NDV proliferation provides a new perspective for the precise use of NDV as a vector or in antiviral research. In this study, we demonstrated that NDV replication is strictly dependent on pathways involved in redox homeostasis in the nucleotide synthesis pathway, including the oxPPP and the mitochondrial one-carbon pathway. Further investigation revealed the potential involvement of NDV replication-dependent nucleotide availability in promoting MTHFD2 nuclear localization. Our findings highlight the differential dependence of NDV on enzymes for one-carbon metabolism, and the unique mechanism of action of MTHFD2 in viral replication, thereby providing a novel target for antiviral or oncolytic virus therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Tang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology and Animal Infectious Diseases, College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Avian Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Pingyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Changrun Zhao
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology and Animal Infectious Diseases, College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Panrao Liu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lei Tan
- Department of Avian Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Cuiping Song
- Department of Avian Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xusheng Qiu
- Department of Avian Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Ying Liao
- Department of Avian Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiufan Liu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Tingrong Luo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology and Animal Infectious Diseases, College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- Department of Avian Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Chan Ding
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology and Animal Infectious Diseases, College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Avian Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
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17
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Jiménez-Alonso JJ, Guillén-Mancina E, Calderón-Montaño JM, Jiménez-González V, Díaz-Ortega P, Burgos-Morón E, López-Lázaro M. Artificial Diets with Altered Levels of Sulfur Amino Acids Induce Anticancer Activity in Mice with Metastatic Colon Cancer, Ovarian Cancer and Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054587. [PMID: 36902018 PMCID: PMC10003419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfur-containing amino acids methionine (Met), cysteine (Cys) and taurine (Tau) are common dietary constituents with important cellular roles. Met restriction is already known to exert in vivo anticancer activity. However, since Met is a precursor of Cys and Cys produces Tau, the role of Cys and Tau in the anticancer activity of Met-restricted diets is poorly understood. In this work, we screened the in vivo anticancer activity of several Met-deficient artificial diets supplemented with Cys, Tau or both. Diet B1 (6% casein, 2.5% leucine, 0.2% Cys and 1% lipids) and diet B2B (6% casein, 5% glutamine, 2.5% leucine, 0.2% Tau and 1% lipids) showed the highest activity and were selected for further studies. Both diets induced marked anticancer activity in two animal models of metastatic colon cancer, which were established by injecting CT26.WT murine colon cancer cells in the tail vein or peritoneum of immunocompetent BALB/cAnNRj mice. Diets B1 and B2B also increased survival of mice with disseminated ovarian cancer (intraperitoneal ID8 Tp53-/- cells in C57BL/6JRj mice) and renal cell carcinoma (intraperitoneal Renca cells in BALB/cAnNRj mice). The high activity of diet B1 in mice with metastatic colon cancer may be useful in colon cancer therapy.
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18
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Padinharayil H, Rai V, George A. Mitochondrial Metabolism in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: From Mechanism-Based Perspectives to Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041070. [PMID: 36831413 PMCID: PMC9954550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the fourteenth most common malignancy, is a major contributor to cancer-related death with the utmost case fatality rate among all malignancies. Functional mitochondria, regardless of their complex ecosystem relative to normal cells, are essential in PDAC progression. Tumor cells' potential to produce ATP as energy, despite retaining the redox potential optimum, and allocating materials for biosynthetic activities that are crucial for cell growth, survival, and proliferation, are assisted by mitochondria. The polyclonal tumor cells with different metabolic profiles may add to carcinogenesis through inter-metabolic coupling. Cancer cells frequently possess alterations in the mitochondrial genome, although they do not hinder metabolism; alternatively, they change bioenergetics. This can further impart retrograde signaling, educate cell signaling, epigenetic modifications, chromatin structures, and transcription machinery, and ultimately satisfy cancer cellular and nuclear demands. To maximize the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor cells remodel nearby stromal cells and extracellular matrix. These changes initiate polyclonality, which is crucial for growth, stress response, and metastasis. Here, we evaluate all the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways drawn by mitochondria in carcinogenesis, emphasizing the perspectives of mitochondrial metabolism in PDAC progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiza Padinharayil
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680005, Kerala, India
| | - Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766-1854, USA
| | - Alex George
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680005, Kerala, India
- Correspondence:
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Onohuean H, Onohuean FE, Igbinoba SI, Ezeonwumelu JOC, Agu PC, Ifie JE, Deusdedit T, Aja PM. Elucidation of chemical profiles and molecular targets of Mondia whitei leave fractions bioactive as novel therapeutics: an in vitro and in silico assay. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:170. [PMID: 36574159 PMCID: PMC9794650 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00440-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mondia whitei root is often used in Africa as a local therapeutic agent for libido enhancement. The fractions of the M. whitei leaves (MWL) lack chemical characterization of their bioactive components and possible molecular targets. We characterized and investigated its molecular target as therapeutic agents in an in vitro and in silico assay. Mineral compositions, antioxidant, and GC-MS characterization were studied. The cytotoxicity effect was measured on HeLa and HT-29 cells by MTT assay. In silico potential inhibitors of Cathepsin B (CathB) as a cancer biomarker were determined. RESULTS The flame photometry produced marked Na+ and K+. GC-MS revealed eighteen bioactive components. The fractions (chloroformic 47.00, ethanolic 45.52, and aqueous 40.13) of MWL caused a higher inhibition ratio compared to standards. The MWL showed a significant cytotoxic effect on the treated cell lines at concentrations of 150 and 200 μg/ml and 100, 150, and 200 μg/ml for HT-29 and HeLa cells, respectively. Ten bioactives (MWL 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, and 18) showed potential inhibition of CathB with binding affinities of -4.40 to -8.3 Kcal/Mol. However, MWL 4, 9, 14, and 17 which have higher binding affinities (-6.7, -7.1, -8.2, and -8.3, respectively) than the standard inhibitor (-6.5) were the lead molecules. CONCLUSION These chemical profiles and potential molecular targets unraveled in this study propose that MWL has a promising anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Onohuean
- grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Biomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine, and Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda ,grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Biopharmaceutics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Fanny Eseohe Onohuean
- grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Biomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine, and Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Sharon Iyobor Igbinoba
- grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Biomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine, and Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda ,grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Biopharmaceutics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda ,grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Obiezu Chukwujekwu Ezeonwumelu
- grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Biomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine, and Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda ,grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Peter Chinedu Agu
- grid.412141.30000 0001 2033 5930Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Josiah Eseoghene Ifie
- grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tusubira Deusdedit
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Sciences and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- grid.412141.30000 0001 2033 5930Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria ,grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda ,grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Sciences and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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20
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Islam A, Shaukat Z, Hussain R, Gregory SL. One-Carbon and Polyamine Metabolism as Cancer Therapy Targets. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121902. [PMID: 36551330 PMCID: PMC9775183 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metabolic reprogramming is essential for maintaining cancer cell survival and rapid replication. A common target of this metabolic reprogramming is one-carbon metabolism which is notable for its function in DNA synthesis, protein and DNA methylation, and antioxidant production. Polyamines are a key output of one-carbon metabolism with widespread effects on gene expression and signaling. As a result of these functions, one-carbon and polyamine metabolism have recently drawn a lot of interest for their part in cancer malignancy. Therapeutic inhibitors that target one-carbon and polyamine metabolism have thus been trialed as anticancer medications. The significance and future possibilities of one-carbon and polyamine metabolism as a target in cancer therapy are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anowarul Islam
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | - Zeeshan Shaukat
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | - Rashid Hussain
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | - Stephen L. Gregory
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-0466987583
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21
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Chen S, Zhang S, Feng W, Li J, Yuan Y, Li W, Wang Z, Yang Y, Liu Y. Serine and glycine metabolism-related gene expression signature stratifies immune profiles of brain gliomas, and predicts prognosis and responses to immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1072253. [PMID: 36467068 PMCID: PMC9712738 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1072253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most lethal cancers and causes more than 200,000 deaths every year. Immunotherapy was an inspiring therapy for multiple cancers but failed in glioma treatment. The importance of serine and glycine and their metabolism has been well-recognized in the physiology of immune cells and microenvironment in multiple cancers. However, their correlation with prognosis, immune cells, and immune microenvironment of glioma remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the expression pattern of serine and glycine metabolism-related genes (SGMGs) and clinicopathological features, prognosis, and tumor microenvironment in glioma based on comprehensive analyses of multiple public datasets and our cohort. According to the expression of SGMGs, we conducted the consensus clustering analysis to stratify all patients into four clusters with remarkably distinctive clinicopathological features, prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and immune microenvironment. Subsequently, a serine and glycine metabolism-related genes signature (SGMRS) was constructed based on five critical SGMGs in glioma to stratify patients into SGMRS high- and low-risk groups and tested for its prognostic value. Higher SGMRS expressed genes associated with the synthesis of serine and glycine at higher levels and manifested poorer prognosis. Besides, we confirmed that SGMRS was an independent prognostic factor and constructed nomograms with satisfactory prognosis prediction performance based on SGMRS and other factors. Analyzing the relationship between SGMRS and immune landscape, we found that higher SGMRS correlated with 'hotter' immunological phenotype and more immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, the expression levels of multiple immunotherapy-related targets, including PD-1, PD-L1, and B7-H3, were positively correlated with SGMRS, which was validated by the better predicted response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In conclusion, our study explored the relationships between the expression pattern of SGMGs and tumor features and created novel models to predict the prognosis of glioma patients. The correlation of SGMRS with immune cells and microenvironment in gliomas suggested an essential role of serine and glycine metabolism in reforming immune cells and microenvironment. Finally, the results of our study endorsed the potential application of SGMRS to guide the selection of immunotherapy for gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siliang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wentao Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junhong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunbo Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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22
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Advances in Understanding of Metabolism of B-Cell Lymphoma: Implications for Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225552. [PMID: 36428647 PMCID: PMC9688663 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been significant recent advances in the understanding of the role of metabolism in normal and malignant B-cell biology. Previous research has focused on the role of MYC and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and how these interact with B-cell receptor signaling and hypoxia to regulate glycolysis, glutaminolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and related metabolic pathways in germinal centers. Many of the commonest forms of lymphoma arise from germinal center B-cells, reflecting the physiological attenuation of normal DNA damage checkpoints to facilitate somatic hypermutation of the immunoglobulin genes. As a result, these lymphomas can inherit the metabolic state of their cell-of-origin. There is increasing interest in the potential of targeting metabolic pathways for anti-cancer therapy. Some metabolic inhibitors such as methotrexate have been used to treat lymphoma for decades, with several new agents being recently licensed such as inhibitors of phosphoinositide-3-kinase. Several other inhibitors are in development including those blocking mTOR, glutaminase, OXPHOS and monocarboxylate transporters. In addition, recent work has highlighted the importance of the interaction between diet and cancer, with particular focus on dietary modifications that restrict carbohydrates and specific amino acids. This article will review the current state of this field and discuss future developments.
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23
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Falcone M, Uribe AH, Papalazarou V, Newman AC, Athineos D, Stevenson K, Sauvé CEG, Gao Y, Kim JK, Del Latto M, Kierstead M, Wu C, Smith JJ, Romesser PB, Chalmers AJ, Blyth K, Maddocks ODK. Sensitisation of cancer cells to radiotherapy by serine and glycine starvation. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1773-1786. [PMID: 36115879 PMCID: PMC9643498 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01965-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular metabolism is an integral component of cellular adaptation to stress, playing a pivotal role in the resistance of cancer cells to various treatment modalities, including radiotherapy. In response to radiotherapy, cancer cells engage antioxidant and DNA repair mechanisms which mitigate and remove DNA damage, facilitating cancer cell survival. Given the reliance of these resistance mechanisms on amino acid metabolism, we hypothesised that controlling the exogenous availability of the non-essential amino acids serine and glycine would radiosensitise cancer cells. METHODS We exposed colorectal, breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines/organoids to radiation in vitro and in vivo in the presence and absence of exogenous serine and glycine. We performed phenotypic assays for DNA damage, cell cycle, ROS levels and cell death, combined with a high-resolution untargeted LCMS metabolomics and RNA-Seq. RESULTS Serine and glycine restriction sensitised a range of cancer cell lines, patient-derived organoids and syngeneic mouse tumour models to radiotherapy. Comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of central carbon metabolism revealed that amino acid restriction impacted not only antioxidant response and nucleotide synthesis but had a marked inhibitory effect on the TCA cycle. CONCLUSION Dietary restriction of serine and glycine is a viable radio-sensitisation strategy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Falcone
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Huerta Uribe
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vasileios Papalazarou
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alice C Newman
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Katrina Stevenson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Yajing Gao
- Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jin K Kim
- Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Del Latto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Maria Kierstead
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Chao Wu
- Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - J Joshua Smith
- Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Paul B Romesser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Early Drug Development Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Anthony J Chalmers
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Oliver D K Maddocks
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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24
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Kumar R, Mishra A, Gautam P, Feroz Z, Vijayaraghavalu S, Likos EM, Shukla GC, Kumar M. Metabolic Pathways, Enzymes, and Metabolites: Opportunities in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5268. [PMID: 36358687 PMCID: PMC9656396 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming enables cancer cells to proliferate and produce tumor biomass under a nutrient-deficient microenvironment and the stress of metabolic waste. A cancer cell adeptly undergoes a variety of adaptations in metabolic pathways and differential expression of metabolic enzyme genes. Metabolic adaptation is mainly determined by the physiological demands of the cancer cell of origin and the host tissue. Numerous metabolic regulators that assist cancer cell proliferation include uncontrolled anabolism/catabolism of glucose metabolism, fatty acids, amino acids metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, tumor suppressor genes, microRNAs, and many regulatory enzymes and genes. Using this paradigm, we review the current understanding of metabolic reprogramming in tumors and discuss the new strategies of cancer metabolomics that can be tapped into for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, UP, India
| | - Anurag Mishra
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, UP, India
| | - Priyanka Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, UP, India
| | - Zainab Feroz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, UP, India
| | | | - Eviania M. Likos
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Girish C. Shukla
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Munish Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, UP, India
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25
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Jiménez-Alonso JJ, Guillén-Mancina E, Calderón-Montaño JM, Jiménez-González V, Díaz-Ortega P, Burgos-Morón E, López-Lázaro M. Artificial Diets Based on Selective Amino Acid Restriction versus Capecitabine in Mice with Metastatic Colon Cancer. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163378. [PMID: 36014884 PMCID: PMC9412877 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapies are needed to improve the low survival rates of patients with metastatic colon cancer. Evidence suggests that amino acid (AA) restriction can be used to target the altered metabolism of cancer cells. In this work, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of selective AA restriction in colon cancer. After observing anticancer activity in vitro, we prepared several artificial diets and evaluated their anticancer activity in two challenging animal models of metastatic colon cancer. These models were established by injecting CT26.WT murine colon cancer cells in the peritoneum (peritoneal dissemination) or in the tail vein (pulmonary metastases) of immunocompetent BALB/cAnNRj mice. Capecitabine, which is a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colon cancer, was also evaluated in these models. Mice fed diet TC1 (a diet lacking 10 AAs) and diet TC5 (a diet with 6% casein, 5% glutamine, and 2.5% leucine) lived longer than untreated mice in both models; several mice survived the treatment. Diet TC5 was better than several cycles of capecitabine in both cancer models. Cysteine supplementation blocked the activity of diets TC1 and TC5, but cysteine restriction was not sufficient for activity. Our results indicated that artificial diets based on selective AA restriction have therapeutic potential for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emilio Guillén-Mancina
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Jiménez-González
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Patricia Díaz-Ortega
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Estefanía Burgos-Morón
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Miguel López-Lázaro
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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26
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Li Y, Gappy S, Liu X, Sassalos T, Zhou T, Hsu A, Zhang A, Edwards PA, Gao H, Qiao X. Metformin suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitreous of diabetes patients and human retinal vascular endothelium. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268451. [PMID: 35802672 PMCID: PMC9269956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a traditional anti-hyperglycemic medication that has recently been shown to benefit vascular complications of diabetes via an anti-inflammatory mechanism other than glycemic control. This study aims to test the hypothesis that metformin suppresses diabetic retinopathy (DR) associated intraocular inflammation. Human vitreous from control and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients with or without long-term metformin treatment (> 5 years) were collected for multiple inflammatory cytokines measurements with a cytokine array kit. The vast majority of the measurable cytokines in PDR vitreous has a lower level in metformin group than non-metformin group. Although the p values are not significant due to a relatively small sample size and large deviations, the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the mean difference between the two groups shows some difference in the true values should not be neglected. Using quantitative ELISA, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule -1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein -1 (MCP-1) presented with significantly lower concentrations in metformin group versus non-metformin group. Metformin group also has significantly less up-regulated cytokines and diminished positive correlations among the cytokines when compared to non-metformin group. Possible role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in metformin’s anti-inflammatory effects were studied in human retinal vascular endothelial cells (hRVECs) cultured in normal glucose (NG) and high glucose (HG) conditions. Metformin inhibited HG-induced ICAM-1, IL-8, and MCP-1 via AMPK activation, whereas pharmacological AMPK inhibition had no effect on its inhibition of NF-κB p65, sICAM-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Metformin-induced suppression of the inflammatory cytokines could also be mediated through its direct inhibition of NF-κB, independent of AMPK pathway. This is a proof-of-concept study that found metformin treatment was associated with reduced inflammatory responses in vitreous of diabetes patients and retinal vascular endothelial cells, supporting the rationale for using metformin to treat DR at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Shawn Gappy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Xiuli Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Therese Sassalos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Tongrong Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrew Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Alice Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Paul A. Edwards
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Hua Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Xiaoxi Qiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
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27
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Krstic J, Schindlmaier K, Prokesch A. Combination strategies to target metabolic flexibility in cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 373:159-197. [PMID: 36283766 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutically interfering with metabolic pathways has great merit to curtail tumor growth because the demand for copious amounts of energy for growth-supporting biomass production is common to all cancer entities. A major impediment to a straight implementation of metabolic cancer therapy is the metabolic flexibility and plasticity of cancer cells (and their microenvironment) resulting in therapy resistance and evasion. Metabolic combination therapies, therefore, are promising as they are designed to target several energetic routes simultaneously and thereby diminish the availability of alternative substrates. Thus, dietary restrictions, specific nutrient limitations, and/or pharmacological interventions impinging on metabolic pathways can be combined to improve cancer treatment efficacy, to overcome therapy resistance, or even act as a preventive measure. Here, we review the most recent developments in metabolic combination therapies particularly highlighting in vivo reports of synergistic effects and available clinical data. We close with identifying the challenges of the field (metabolic tumor heterogeneity, immune cell interactions, inter-patient variabilities) and suggest a "metabo-typing" strategy to tailor evidence-based metabolic combination therapies to the energetic requirements of the tumors and the patient's nutritional habits and status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Krstic
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism & Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Schindlmaier
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Prokesch
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism & Aging, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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28
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Mullen PJ, Christofk HR. The Metabolic Relationship Between Viral Infection and Cancer. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-070120-090423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are fundamental tools in cancer research. They were used to discover the first oncogenes in the 1970s, and they are now being modified for use as antitumor therapeutics. Key to both of these oncogenic and oncolytic properties is the ability of viruses to rewire host cell metabolism. In this review, we describe how viral oncogenes alter metabolism to increase the synthesis of macromolecules necessary for both viral replication and tumor growth. We then describe how understanding the specific metabolic requirements of virus-infected cells can help guide strategies to improve the efficacy of oncolytic viruses, and we highlight immunometabolism and tumor microenvironment research that could also increase the therapeutic benefits of oncolytic viruses. We also describe how studies describing the therapeutic effects of dietary nutrient restriction in cancer can suggest new avenues for research into antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Mullen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Heather R. Christofk
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Eli and Edythe Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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29
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An amino acid-defined diet impairs tumour growth in mice by promoting endoplasmic reticulum stress and mTOR inhibition. Mol Metab 2022; 60:101478. [PMID: 35367410 PMCID: PMC9014392 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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30
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Metformin increases the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells by destabilizing NRF2. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:114981. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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31
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Janku F, Beom SH, Moon YW, Kim TW, Shin YG, Yim DS, Kim GM, Kim HS, Kim SY, Cheong JH, Lee YW, Geiger B, Yoo S, Thurston A, Welsch D, Rudoltz MS, Rha SY. First-in-human study of IM156, a novel potent biguanide oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:1001-1010. [PMID: 35802288 PMCID: PMC9395488 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01277-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical models suggest anticancer activity of IM156, a novel biguanide mitochondrial protein complex 1 inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). This first-in-human dose-escalation study enrolled patients with refractory advanced solid tumors to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Eligible patients received oral IM156 every other day (QOD) or daily (QD) and were assessed for safety, dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), pharmacokinetics, and preliminary signals of efficacy. 22 patients with advanced cancers (gastric, n = 8; colorectal, n = 3; ovarian, n = 3; other, n = 8) received IM156 100 to 1,200 mg either QOD or QD. There were no DLTs. However, 1,200 mg QD was not well tolerated due to nausea; 800 mg QD was determined as the RP2D. The most frequent treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) were nausea (n = 15; 68%), diarrhea (n = 10; 46%), emesis (n = 9; 41%), fatigue (n = 4; 18%) and abdominal pain, constipation, and blood lactate increased (n = 2 each; 9%). Grade 3 nausea (n = 3; 14%) was the only grade ≥ 3 TRAE. Plasma exposures increased dose proportionally; mean Day 27 area under the curve (AUC<sub>0-24</sub>) values were higher following QD administration compared to the respective QOD regimen. Stable disease (SD), observed in 7 (32%) patients (confirmed in 2 [9%]), was the best response. To our knowledge, this is the first phase 1 study of an OXPHOS inhibitor that established a RP2D for further clinical development in cancer. Observed AEs of IM156 were manageable and SD was the best response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Janku
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Seung-Hoon Beom
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Song-Dang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong Wha Moon
- grid.452398.10000 0004 0570 1076Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Tae Won Kim
- grid.267370.70000 0004 0533 4667Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young G. Shin
- grid.254230.20000 0001 0722 6377Institute of Drug Research and Development, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Dong-Seok Yim
- grid.411947.e0000 0004 0470 4224Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gun Min Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Song-Dang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyo Song Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Song-Dang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Young Kim
- grid.267370.70000 0004 0533 4667Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Cheong
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Song-Dang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Barb Geiger
- ImmunoMet Therapeutics, Inc, Houston, TX USA
| | - Sanghee Yoo
- ImmunoMet Therapeutics, Inc, Houston, TX USA
| | | | - Dean Welsch
- ImmunoMet Therapeutics, Inc, Houston, TX USA
| | | | - Sun Young Rha
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Song-Dang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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32
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Itoyama R, Yasuda-Yoshihara N, Kitamura F, Yasuda T, Bu L, Yonemura A, Uchihara T, Arima K, Hu X, Jun Z, Okamoto Y, Akiyama T, Yamashita K, Nakao Y, Yusa T, Kitano Y, Higashi T, Miyata T, Imai K, Hayashi H, Yamashita YI, Mikawa T, Kondoh H, Baba H, Ishimoto T. Metabolic shift to serine biosynthesis through 3-PG accumulation and PHGDH induction promotes tumor growth in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 523:29-42. [PMID: 34508795 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells craftily adapt their energy metabolism to their microenvironment. Nutrient deprivation due to hypovascularity and fibrosis is a major characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); thus, PDAC cells must produce energy intrinsically. However, the enhancement of energy production via activating Kras mutations is insufficient to explain the metabolic rewiring of PDAC cells. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the metabolic shift in PDAC cells under serine starvation. Amino acid analysis revealed that the concentrations of all essential amino acids and most nonessential amino acids were decreased in the blood of PDAC patients. In addition, the plasma serine concentration was significantly higher in PDAC patients with PHGDH-high tumors than in those with PHGDH-low tumors. Although the growth and tumorigenesis of PK-59 cells with PHGDH promoter hypermethylation were significantly decreased by serine starvation, these activities were maintained in PDAC cell lines with PHGDH promoter hypomethylation by serine biosynthesis through PHGDH induction. In fact, DNA methylation analysis by pyrosequencing revealed that the methylation status of the PHGDH promoter was inversely correlated with the PHGDH expression level in human PDAC tissues. In addition to PHGDH induction by serine starvation, PDAC cells showed enhanced serine biosynthesis under serine starvation through 3-PG accumulation via PGAM1 knockdown, resulting in enhanced PDAC cell growth and tumor growth. However, PHGDH knockdown efficiently suppressed PDAC cell growth and tumor growth under serine starvation. These findings provide evidence that targeting the serine biosynthesis pathway by inhibiting PHGDH is a potent therapeutic approach to eliminate PDAC cells in nutrient-deprived microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumi Itoyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Noriko Yasuda-Yoshihara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Fumimasa Kitamura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tadahito Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Luke Bu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yonemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Uchihara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kota Arima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Xichen Hu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Zhang Jun
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takahiko Akiyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kohei Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yosuke Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yusa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Kitano
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takaaki Higashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Miyata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Katsunori Imai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yo-Ichi Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takumi Mikawa
- Geriatric Unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kondoh
- Geriatric Unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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Metformin inhibits human non-small cell lung cancer by regulating AMPK-CEBPB-PDL1 signaling pathway. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1733-1746. [PMID: 34837101 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03116-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Metformin has been found to have inhibitory effects on a variety of tumors. However, its effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. We demonstrated that metformin could inhibit the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. RNA transcriptome sequencing revealed that PDL1 was significantly downregulated in both cell types following treatment with metformin (P < 0.001). Jaspar analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that CEBPB could directly bind the promoter region of PDL1. Western blotting showed that protein expression of the isoforms CEBPB-LAP*, CEBPB-LAP, and CEBPB-LIP was significantly upregulated and the LIP/LAP ratio was increased. Gene chip analysis showed that PDL1 was significantly upregulated in A549-CEBPB-LAP cells and significantly downregulated in A549-CEBPB-LIP cells (P < 0.05) compared with CEBPB-NC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that CEBPB-LAP overexpression could promote transcription of PDL1 and CEBPB-LIP overexpression could inhibit the process. Functional assays showed that the changes in CEBPB isoforms affected the function of NSCLC cells. Western blotting showed that metformin could regulate the function of NSCLC cells via AMPK-CEBPB-PDL1 signaling. Animal experiments showed that tumor growth was significantly inhibited by metformin, and atezolizumab and metformin had a synergistic effect on tumor growth. A total of 1247 patients were retrospectively analyzed, including 166 and 1081 patients in metformin and control groups, respectively. The positive rate of PDL1 was lower than that of the control group (HR = 0.338, 95% CI = 0.235-0.487; P < 0.001). In conclusion, metformin inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells and played an anti-tumor role in an AMPK-CEBPB-PDL1 signaling-dependent manner.
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The impact of physiological metabolite levels on serine uptake, synthesis and utilization in cancer cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6176. [PMID: 34702840 PMCID: PMC8548528 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26395-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine is a non-essential amino acid that is critical for tumour proliferation and depletion of circulating serine results in reduced tumour growth and increased survival in various cancer models. While many cancer cells cultured in a standard tissue culture medium depend on exogenous serine for optimal growth, here we report that these cells are less sensitive to serine/glycine depletion in medium containing physiological levels of metabolites. The lower requirement for exogenous serine under these culture conditions reflects both increased de novo serine synthesis and the use of hypoxanthine (not present in the standard medium) to support purine synthesis. Limiting serine availability leads to increased uptake of extracellular hypoxanthine, sparing available serine for other pathways such as glutathione synthesis. Taken together these results improve our understanding of serine metabolism in physiologically relevant nutrient conditions and allow us to predict interventions that may enhance the therapeutic response to dietary serine/glycine limitation. Cancer cells in culture are often grown in media conditions containing unphysiological metabolite levels. Here, the authors grow cells under physiological metabolite levels to further understand the reliance of cells on serine and find that when grown under these conditions the cells are less sensitive to serine withdrawal.
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35
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Endosomal trafficking and DNA damage checkpoint kinases dictate survival to replication stress by regulating amino acid uptake and protein synthesis. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2607-2622.e6. [PMID: 34534458 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Atg6Beclin 1 mediates autophagy and endosomal trafficking. We investigated how Atg6 influences replication stress. Combining genetic, genomic, metabolomic, and proteomic approaches, we found that the Vps34-Vps15-Atg6Beclin 1-Vps38UVRAG-phosphatydilinositol-3 phosphate (PtdIns(3)P) axis sensitizes cells to replication stress by favoring the degradation of plasma membrane amino acid (AA) transporters via endosomal trafficking and ESCRT proteins, while the PtdIns(3)P phosphatases Ymr1 and Inp53 promote survival to replication stress by reversing this process. An impaired AA uptake triggers activation of Gcn2, which attenuates protein synthesis by phosphorylating eIF2α. Mec1Atr-Rad53Chk1/Chk2 activation during replication stress further hinders translation efficiency by counteracting eIF2α dephosphorylation through Glc7PP1. AA shortage-induced hyperphosphorylation of eIF2α inhibits the synthesis of 65 stress response proteins, thus resulting in cell sensitization to replication stress, while TORC1 promotes cell survival. Our findings reveal an integrated network mediated by endosomal trafficking, translational control pathways, and checkpoint kinases linking AA availability to the response to replication stress.
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36
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Jiang J, Li B, He W, Huang C. Dietary serine supplementation: Friend or foe? Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 61:12-20. [PMID: 34547701 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Serine lies at a critical node in biological processes involved in supplying intermediates for redox homeostasis, nucleotide, or lipid biosynthesis and one-carbon metabolism-coupled methyl donor production. Recently, dietary serine supplementation has been reported to modulate cellular serine levels and ameliorate neurological abnormalities induced by serine deficiency. Moreover, growing evidence showed that serine supplementation also alleviates fatty liver, encephalopathy, diabetes mellitus, and related complications, indicating the possibility of serine supplementation as a complementary therapeutic option. However, considering the serine addiction observed in tumorigenesis and tumor development, limitations may exist regarding the application of dietary serine supplementation in patients with cancer. Here, we assess recent research toward the mechanistic understanding of serine supplementation in various diseases to improve our cognition on modulating serine levels in different patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, Chengdu, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Chongqing, Chengdu, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, PR China.
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Postler TS, Peng V, Bhatt DM, Ghosh S. Metformin selectively dampens the acute inflammatory response through an AMPK-dependent mechanism. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18721. [PMID: 34548527 PMCID: PMC8455559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a first-line drug in the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to its antigluconeogenic and insulin-sensitizing properties, metformin has emerged as a potent inhibitor of the chronic inflammatory response of macrophages. In particular, metformin treatment has been shown to reduce expression of interleukin (IL-) 1β during long-term exposure to the pro-inflammatory stimulus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which decreases the levels of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1-α, and through enhanced expression of IL-10. However, the effect of metformin on the acute inflammatory response, before significant levels of ROS accumulate in the cell, has not been explored. Here, we show that metformin alters the acute inflammatory response through its activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), but independently of HIF1-α and IL-10, in primary macrophages and two macrophage-like cell lines. Thus, metformin changes the acute and the chronic inflammatory response through fundamentally distinct mechanisms. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis reveals that metformin pretreatment affects the levels of a large yet selective subset of inflammatory genes, dampening the response to short-term LPS exposure and affecting a wide range of pathways and biological functions. Taken together, these findings reveal an unexpected complexity in the anti-inflammatory properties of this widely used drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Postler
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Vincent Peng
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Dev M Bhatt
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Amgen Research Oncology and Inflammation, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Sankar Ghosh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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38
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Metformin Is a Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP)-Competitive Inhibitor of SHMT2. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164009. [PMID: 34439169 PMCID: PMC8393646 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The mitochondrial enzyme serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT2), which converts serine into glycine and generates 1C units for cell growth, is one of the most consistently overexpressed metabolic enzymes in cancer. Here, we reveal that the anti-diabetic biguanide metformin operates as a novel class of non-catalytic SHMT2 inhibitor that disrupts the pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent SHMT2 oligomerization process and ultimately SHMT2 activity. As SHMT2 inhibitors have not yet reached the clinic, these findings may aid the rational design of PLP-competitive SHMT2 inhibitors based on the biguanide skeleton of metformin. Abstract The anticancer actions of the biguanide metformin involve the functioning of the serine/glycine one-carbon metabolic network. We report that metformin directly and specifically targets the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT2). In vitro competitive binding assays with human recombinant SHMT1 and SHMT2 isoforms revealed that metformin preferentially inhibits SHMT2 activity by a non-catalytic mechanism. Computational docking coupled with molecular dynamics simulation predicted that metformin could occupy the cofactor pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) cavity and destabilize the formation of catalytically active SHMT2 oligomers. Differential scanning fluorimetry-based biophysical screening confirmed that metformin diminishes the capacity of PLP to promote the conversion of SHMT2 from an inactive, open state to a highly ordered, catalytically competent closed state. CRISPR/Cas9-based disruption of SHMT2, but not of SHMT1, prevented metformin from inhibiting total SHMT activity in cancer cell lines. Isotope tracing studies in SHMT1 knock-out cells confirmed that metformin decreased the SHMT2-channeled serine-to-formate flux and restricted the formate utilization in thymidylate synthesis upon overexpression of the metformin-unresponsive yeast equivalent of mitochondrial complex I (mCI). While maintaining its capacity to inhibit mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, metformin lost its cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity in SHMT2-null cancer cells unable to produce energy-rich NADH or FADH2 molecules from tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) metabolites. As currently available SHMT2 inhibitors have not yet reached the clinic, our current data establishing the structural and mechanistic bases of metformin as a small-molecule, PLP-competitive inhibitor of the SHMT2 activating oligomerization should benefit future discovery of biguanide skeleton-based novel SHMT2 inhibitors in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Glenny EM, Coleman MF, Giles ED, Wellberg EA, Hursting SD. Designing Relevant Preclinical Rodent Models for Studying Links Between Nutrition, Obesity, Metabolism, and Cancer. Annu Rev Nutr 2021; 41:253-282. [PMID: 34357792 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-120420-032437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Diet and nutrition are intricately related to cancer prevention, growth, and treatment response. Preclinical rodent models are a cornerstone to biomedical research and remain instrumental in our understanding of the relationship between cancer and diet and in the development of effective therapeutics. However, the success rate of translating promising findings from the bench to the bedside is suboptimal. Well-designed rodent models will be crucial to improving the impact basic science has on clinical treatment options. This review discusses essential experimental factors to consider when designing a preclinical cancer model with an emphasis on incorporating these models into studies interrogating diet, nutrition, and metabolism. The aims of this review are to (a) provide insight into relevant considerations when designing cancer models for obesity, nutrition, and metabolism research; (b) identify common pitfalls when selecting a rodent model; and (c) discuss strengths and limitations of available preclinical models. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 41 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Glenny
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA;
| | - Michael F Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA;
| | - Erin D Giles
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Wellberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA
| | - Stephen D Hursting
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA; .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.,Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081, USA
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40
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Yang R, Ying G, Li B. Potential of electron transfer and its application in dictating routes of biochemical processes associated with metabolic reprogramming. Front Med 2021; 15:679-692. [PMID: 34302614 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-021-0866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming, such as abnormal utilization of glucose, addiction to glutamine, and increased de-novo lipid synthesis, extensively occurs in proliferating cancer cells, but the underneath rationale has remained to be elucidated. Based on the concept of the degree of reduction of a compound, we have recently proposed a calculation termed as potential of electron transfer (PET), which is used to characterize the degree of electron redistribution coupled with metabolic transformations. When this calculation is combined with the assumed model of electron balance in a cellular context, the enforced selective reprogramming could be predicted by examining the net changes of the PET values associated with the biochemical pathways in anaerobic metabolism. Some interesting properties of PET in cancer cells were also discussed, and the model was extended to uncover the chemical nature underlying aerobic glycolysis that essentially results from energy requirement and electron balance. Enabling electron transfer could drive metabolic reprogramming in cancer metabolism. Therefore, the concept and model established on electron transfer could guide the treatment strategies of tumors and future studies on cellular metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghui Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Guoguang Ying
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China.
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Binghui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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41
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Schmidt DR, Patel R, Kirsch DG, Lewis CA, Vander Heiden MG, Locasale JW. Metabolomics in cancer research and emerging applications in clinical oncology. CA Cancer J Clin 2021; 71:333-358. [PMID: 33982817 PMCID: PMC8298088 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has myriad effects on metabolism that include both rewiring of intracellular metabolism to enable cancer cells to proliferate inappropriately and adapt to the tumor microenvironment, and changes in normal tissue metabolism. With the recognition that fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography imaging is an important tool for the management of many cancers, other metabolites in biological samples have been in the spotlight for cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. Metabolomics is the global analysis of small molecule metabolites that like other -omics technologies can provide critical information about the cancer state that are otherwise not apparent. Here, the authors review how cancer and cancer therapies interact with metabolism at the cellular and systemic levels. An overview of metabolomics is provided with a focus on currently available technologies and how they have been applied in the clinical and translational research setting. The authors also discuss how metabolomics could be further leveraged in the future to improve the management of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Schmidt
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rutulkumar Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - David G. Kirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708 USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Caroline A. Lewis
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Matthew G. Vander Heiden
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jason W. Locasale
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
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STAT1 potentiates oxidative stress revealing a targetable vulnerability that increases phenformin efficacy in breast cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3299. [PMID: 34083537 PMCID: PMC8175605 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23396-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioenergetic perturbations driving neoplastic growth increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), requiring a compensatory increase in ROS scavengers to limit oxidative stress. Intervention strategies that simultaneously induce energetic and oxidative stress therefore have therapeutic potential. Phenformin is a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor that induces bioenergetic stress. We now demonstrate that inflammatory mediators, including IFNγ and polyIC, potentiate the cytotoxicity of phenformin by inducing a parallel increase in oxidative stress through STAT1-dependent mechanisms. Indeed, STAT1 signaling downregulates NQO1, a key ROS scavenger, in many breast cancer models. Moreover, genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of NQO1 using β-lapachone (an NQO1 bioactivatable drug) increases oxidative stress to selectively sensitize breast cancer models, including patient derived xenografts of HER2+ and triple negative disease, to the tumoricidal effects of phenformin. We provide evidence that therapies targeting ROS scavengers increase the anti-neoplastic efficacy of mitochondrial complex I inhibitors in breast cancer. Complex I inhibition induces oxidative stress leading to cancer cell cytotoxicity. Here, the authors show, in breast cancer models, that inflammatory mediators can potentiate complex I inhibitor phenformin cytotoxicity through STAT1-mediated downregulation of the reactive oxygen species scavenger NQO1.
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43
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Zarou MM, Vazquez A, Vignir Helgason G. Folate metabolism: a re-emerging therapeutic target in haematological cancers. Leukemia 2021; 35:1539-1551. [PMID: 33707653 PMCID: PMC8179844 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01189-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Folate-mediated one carbon (1C) metabolism supports a series of processes that are essential for the cell. Through a number of interlinked reactions happening in the cytosol and mitochondria of the cell, folate metabolism contributes to de novo purine and thymidylate synthesis, to the methionine cycle and redox defence. Targeting the folate metabolism gave rise to modern chemotherapy, through the introduction of antifolates to treat paediatric leukaemia. Since then, antifolates, such as methotrexate and pralatrexate have been used to treat a series of blood cancers in clinic. However, traditional antifolates have many deleterious side effects in normal proliferating tissue, highlighting the urgent need for novel strategies to more selectively target 1C metabolism. Notably, mitochondrial 1C enzymes have been shown to be significantly upregulated in various cancers, making them attractive targets for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents. In this article, we present a detailed overview of folate-mediated 1C metabolism, its importance on cellular level and discuss how targeting folate metabolism has been exploited in blood cancers. Additionally, we explore possible therapeutic strategies that could overcome the limitations of traditional antifolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M Zarou
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alexei Vazquez
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.
| | - G Vignir Helgason
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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Sun L, Zhang H, Gao P. Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications on the path to cancer. Protein Cell 2021; 13:877-919. [PMID: 34050894 PMCID: PMC9243210 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-021-00846-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring and epigenetic remodeling, which are closely linked and reciprocally regulate each other, are among the well-known cancer hallmarks. Recent evidence suggests that many metabolites serve as substrates or cofactors of chromatin-modifying enzymes as a consequence of the translocation or spatial regionalization of enzymes or metabolites. Various metabolic alterations and epigenetic modifications also reportedly drive immune escape or impede immunosurveillance within certain contexts, playing important roles in tumor progression. In this review, we focus on how metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells and immune cells reshapes epigenetic alterations, in particular the acetylation and methylation of histone proteins and DNA. We also discuss other eminent metabolic modifications such as, succinylation, hydroxybutyrylation, and lactylation, and update the current advances in metabolism- and epigenetic modification-based therapeutic prospects in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linchong Sun
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Huafeng Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China. .,CAS Centre for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Ping Gao
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China.
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Meyer FB, Goebel S, Spangel SB, Leovsky C, Hoelzer D, Thierbach R. Metformin alters therapeutic effects in the BALB/c tumor therapy model. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:629. [PMID: 34044797 PMCID: PMC8161985 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite considerable medical proceedings, cancer is still a leading cause of death. Major problems for tumor therapy are chemoresistance as well as toxic side effects. In recent years, the additional treatment with the antidiabetic drug metformin during chemotherapy showed promising results in some cases. The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro tumor therapy model in order to further investigate the potential of a combined chemotherapy with metformin. METHODS Cytotoxic effects of a combined treatment on BALB/c fibroblasts were proven by the resazurin assay. Based on the BALB/c cell transformation assay, the BALB/c tumor therapy model was established successfully with four different and widely used chemotherapeutics from different categories. Namely, Doxorubicin as a type-II isomerase inhibitor, Docetaxel as a spindle toxin, Mitomycin C as an alkylating agent and 5-Fluorouracil as an antimetabolite. Moreover, glucose consumption in the medium supernatant was measured and protein expressions were determined by Western Blotting. RESULTS Initial tests for the combined treatment with metformin indicated unexpected results as metformin could partly mitigate the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agents. These results were further confirmed as metformin induced resistance to some of the drugs when applied simultaneously in the tumor therapy model. Mechanistically, an increased glucose consumption was observed in non-transformed cells as well as in the mixed population of malignant transformed cell foci and non-transformed monolayer cells, suggesting that metformin could also increase glucose consumption in transformed cells. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study suggests a cautious use of metformin during chemotherapy. Moreover, the BALB/c tumor therapy model offers a potent tool for further mechanistic studies of drug-drug interactions during cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix B Meyer
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - Sophie Goebel
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - Sonja B Spangel
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - Christiane Leovsky
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - Doerte Hoelzer
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany
| | - René Thierbach
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Abteilung Humanernährung, Jena, Germany.
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Zhao H, Swanson KD, Zheng B. Therapeutic Repurposing of Biguanides in Cancer. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:714-730. [PMID: 33865798 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biguanides are a class of antidiabetic drugs that includes phenformin and metformin; however, the former was withdrawn from approval in many countries due to its toxicity. Findings from retrospective epidemiological studies in diabetic populations and preclinical laboratory models have demonstrated that biguanides possess antitumor activities that suggest their repurposing for cancer prevention and treatment. However, a better understanding of how these biguanides behave as antitumor agents is needed to guide their improved applications in cancer therapy, spurring increased interest in their pharmacology. Here, we present evidence for proposed mechanisms of action related to their antitumor activity, including their effects on central carbon metabolism in cancer cells and immune-modulating activity, and then review progress on biguanide repurposing in cancer therapeutics and the possible re-evaluation of phenformin as a cancer therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Zhao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Kenneth D Swanson
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bin Zheng
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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Linking Serine/Glycine Metabolism to Radiotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061191. [PMID: 33801846 PMCID: PMC8002185 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hyperactivation of the de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis across different cancer types and its critical contribution in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance indicate the relevance of serine/glycine metabolism-targeted therapies as therapeutic intervention in cancer. In this review, we specifically focus on the contribution of the de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis pathway to radioresistance. We provide a future perspective on how de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis inhibition and serine-free diets may improve the outcome of radiotherapy. Future research in this field is needed to better understand serine/glycine metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells in response to radiation and the influence of this pathway in the tumor microenvironment, which may provide the rationale for the optimal combination therapies. Abstract The activation of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis in a subset of tumors has been described as a major contributor to tumor pathogenesis, poor outcome, and treatment resistance. Amplifications and mutations of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis enzymes can trigger pathway activation; however, a large group of cancers displays serine/glycine pathway overexpression induced by oncogenic drivers and unknown regulatory mechanisms. A better understanding of the regulatory network of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis activation in cancer might be essential to unveil opportunities to target tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance. In the current review, we describe how the activation of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis in cancer is linked to treatment resistance and its implications in the clinic. To our knowledge, only a few studies have identified this pathway as metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells in response to radiation therapy. We propose an important contribution of de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis pathway activation to radioresistance by being involved in cancer cell viability and proliferation, maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and redox homeostasis under hypoxia and nutrient-deprived conditions. Current approaches for inhibition of the de novo serine/glycine biosynthesis pathway provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention, which in combination with radiotherapy might be a promising strategy for tumor control and ultimately eradication. Further research is needed to gain molecular and mechanistic insight into the activation of this pathway in response to radiation therapy and to design sophisticated stratification methods to select patients that might benefit from serine/glycine metabolism-targeted therapies in combination with radiotherapy.
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48
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Liang L, Sun F, Wang H, Hu Z. Metabolomics, metabolic flux analysis and cancer pharmacology. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 224:107827. [PMID: 33662451 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer and increasing evidence suggests that reprogrammed cell metabolism supports tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and drug resistance. Understanding metabolic dysregulation may provide therapeutic targets and facilitate drug research and development for cancer therapy. Metabolomics enables the high-throughput characterization of a large scale of small molecule metabolites in cells, tissues and biofluids, while metabolic flux analysis (MFA) tracks dynamic metabolic activities using stable isotope tracer methods. Recent advances in metabolomics and MFA technologies make them powerful tools for metabolic profiling and characterizing metabolic activities in health and disease, especially in cancer research. In this review, we introduce recent advances in metabolomics and MFA analytical technologies, and provide the first comprehensive summary of the most commonly used isotope tracing methods. In addition, we highlight how metabolomics and MFA are applied in cancer pharmacology studies particularly for discovering targetable metabolic vulnerabilities, understanding the mechanisms of drug action and drug resistance, exploring potential strategies with dietary intervention, identifying cancer biomarkers, as well as enabling precision treatment with pharmacometabolomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfan Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences; Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fei Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences; Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Zeping Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences; Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Hewton KG, Johal AS, Parker SJ. Transporters at the Interface between Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Amino Acid Metabolism. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11020112. [PMID: 33669382 PMCID: PMC7920303 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are central organelles that coordinate a vast array of metabolic and biologic functions important for cellular health. Amino acids are intricately linked to the bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and homeostatic function of the mitochondrion and require specific transporters to facilitate their import, export, and exchange across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here we review key cellular metabolic outputs of eukaryotic mitochondrial amino acid metabolism and discuss both known and unknown transporters involved. Furthermore, we discuss how utilization of compartmentalized amino acid metabolism functions in disease and physiological contexts. We examine how improved methods to study mitochondrial metabolism, define organelle metabolite composition, and visualize cellular gradients allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how transporters facilitate compartmentalized metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeley G. Hewton
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
| | - Amritpal S. Johal
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
| | - Seth J. Parker
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-875-3121
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50
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Li RN, Zhu ZD, Zheng Y, Lv YH, Tian XE, Wu D, Wang YJ, Zeng WX. Metformin improves boar sperm quality via 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase-mediated energy metabolism in vitro. Zool Res 2021; 41:527-538. [PMID: 32738111 PMCID: PMC7475019 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm are specialized cells that require adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to support their function. Maintaining sperm energy homeostasis in vitro is vitally important to improve the efficacy of boar sperm preservation. Metformin can activate 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to improve metabolic flexibility and maintain energy homeostasis. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether metformin can improve boar sperm quality through AMPK mediation of energy metabolism. Sperm motility parameters, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ATP content, glucose uptake, and lactate efflux were analyzed. Localization and expression levels of AMPK and phospho-Thr172-AMPK (p-AMPK) were also detected by immunofluorescence and western blotting. We found that metformin treatment significantly increased sperm motility parameters, ΔΨm, and ATP content during storage at 17 °C. Moreover, results showed that AMPK was localized at the acrosomal region, connecting piece, and midpiece of sperm and p-AMPK was distributed at the post-acrosomal region, connecting piece, and midpiece. When sperm were incubated with metformin for 4 h at 37 °C, sperm motility parameters, ΔΨm, ATP content, p-AMPK, glucose uptake, and lactate efflux all significantly increased, whereas the addition of Compound C treatment, an inhibitor of AMPK, counteracted these positive effects. Together, our results suggest that metformin promotes AMPK activation, which contributes to the maintenance of energy hemostasis and mitochondrial activity, thereby maintaining boar sperm functionality and improving the efficacy of semen preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Nan Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zhen-Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ying-Hua Lv
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiu-E Tian
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611100, China
| | - Yong-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
| | - Wen-Xian Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China. E-mail:
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