1
|
Yan Y, Li S, Su L, Tang X, Chen X, Gu X, Yang G, Chi H, Huang S. Mitochondrial inhibitors: a new horizon in breast cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1421905. [PMID: 39027328 PMCID: PMC11254633 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1421905] [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: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, due to resistance to standard therapies such as endocrine therapy, anti-HER2 therapy and chemotherapy, continues to pose a major health challenge. A growing body of research emphasizes the heterogeneity and plasticity of metabolism in breast cancer. Because differences in subtypes exhibit a bias toward metabolic pathways, targeting mitochondrial inhibitors shows great potential as stand-alone or adjuvant cancer therapies. Multiple therapeutic candidates are currently in various stages of preclinical studies and clinical openings. However, specific inhibitors have been shown to face multiple challenges (e.g., single metabolic therapies, mitochondrial structure and enzymes, etc.), and combining with standard therapies or targeting multiple metabolic pathways may be necessary. In this paper, we review the critical role of mitochondrial metabolic functions, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, in metabolic reprogramming of breast cancer cells. In addition, we outline the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on metabolic pathways in different subtypes of breast cancer and mitochondrial inhibitors targeting different metabolic pathways, aiming to provide additional ideas for the development of mitochondrial inhibitors and to improve the efficacy of existing therapies for breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Yan
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Sijie Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lanqian Su
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinrui Tang
- Paediatrics Department, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Biology Department, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shangke Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shen H, Wang H, Mo J, Zhang J, Xu C, Sun F, Ou X, Zhu X, Du L, Ju H, Ye R, Shi G, Kwok RT, Lam JW, Sun J, Zhang T, Ning S, Tang BZ. Unrestricted molecular motions enable mild photothermy for recurrence-resistant FLASH antitumor radiotherapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 37:299-312. [PMID: 38694765 PMCID: PMC11061705 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.03.024] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrahigh dose-rate (FLASH) radiotherapy is an emerging technology with excellent therapeutic effects and low biological toxicity. However, tumor recurrence largely impede the effectiveness of FLASH therapy. Overcoming tumor recurrence is crucial for practical FLASH applications. Here, we prepared an agarose-based thermosensitive hydrogel containing a mild photothermal agent (TPE-BBT) and a glutaminase inhibitor (CB-839). Within nanoparticles, TPE-BBT exhibits aggregation-induced emission peaked at 900 nm, while the unrestricted molecular motions endow TPE-BBT with a mild photothermy generation ability. The balanced photothermal effect and photoluminescence are ideal for phototheranostics. Upon 660-nm laser irradiation, the temperature-rising effect softens and hydrolyzes the hydrogel to release TPE-BBT and CB-839 into the tumor site for concurrent mild photothermal therapy and chemotherapy, jointly inhibiting homologous recombination repair of DNA. The enhanced FLASH radiotherapy efficiently kills the tumor tissue without recurrence and obvious systematic toxicity. This work deciphers the unrestricted molecular motions in bright organic fluorophores as a source of photothermy, and provides novel recurrence-resistant radiotherapy without adverse side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanchen Shen
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongbin Wang
- The Second Ward of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Jianlan Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jianyu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Changhuo Xu
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Feiyi Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinwen Ou
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinyan Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lidong Du
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Huaqiang Ju
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruquan Ye
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guangfu Shi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ryan T.K. Kwok
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jacky W.Y. Lam
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianwei Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tianfu Zhang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shipeng Ning
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), Guangdong, 518172, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang J, Chen M, Yang Y, Liu Z, Guo W, Xiang P, Zeng Z, Wang D, Xiong W. Amino acid metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment and its implication for cancer therapy. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38946173 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Amino acids are essential building blocks for proteins, crucial energy sources for cell survival, and key signaling molecules supporting the resistant growth of tumor cells. In tumor cells, amino acid metabolic reprogramming is characterized by the enhanced uptake of amino acids as well as their aberrant synthesis, breakdown, and transport, leading to immune evasion and malignant progression of tumor cells. This article reviews the altered amino acid metabolism in tumor cells and its impact on tumor microenvironment, and also provides an overview of the current clinical applications of amino acid metabolism. Innovative drugs targeting amino acid metabolism hold great promise for precision and personalized cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingjian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wanni Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pingjuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Loftus AW, Zarei M, Kakish H, Hajihassani O, Hue JJ, Boutros C, Graor HJ, Nakazzi F, Bahlibi T, Winter JM, Rothermel LD. Therapeutic implications of the metabolic changes associated with BRAF inhibition in melanoma. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102795. [PMID: 38972133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102795] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma metabolism can be reprogrammed by activating BRAF mutations. These mutations are present in up to 50% of cutaneous melanomas, with the most common being V600E. BRAF mutations augment glycolysis to promote macromolecular synthesis and proliferation. Prior to the development of targeted anti-BRAF therapies, these mutations were associated with accelerated clinical disease in the metastatic setting. Combination BRAF and MEK inhibition is a first line treatment option for locally advanced or metastatic melanoma harboring targetable BRAF mutations. This therapy shows excellent response rates but these responses are not durable, with almost all patients developing resistance. When BRAF mutated melanoma cells are inhibited with targeted therapies the metabolism of those cells also changes. These cells rely less on glycolysis for energy production, and instead shift to a mitochondrial phenotype with upregulated TCA cycle activity and oxidative phosphorylation. An increased dependence on glutamine utilization is exhibited to support TCA cycle substrates in this metabolic rewiring of BRAF mutated melanoma. Herein we describe the relevant core metabolic pathways modulated by BRAF inhibition. These adaptive pathways represent vulnerabilities that could be targeted to overcome resistance to BRAF inhibitors. This review evaluates current and future therapeutic strategies that target metabolic reprogramming in melanoma cells, particularly in response to BRAF inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Loftus
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Mehrdad Zarei
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hanna Kakish
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Omid Hajihassani
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan J Hue
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Christina Boutros
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Hallie J Graor
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Faith Nakazzi
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tsegaw Bahlibi
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jordan M Winter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Luke D Rothermel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu YL, Xiang Z, Zhang BY, Zou YW, Chen GL, Yin L, Shi YL, Xu LL, Bi J, Wang Q. APOA5 alleviates reactive oxygen species to promote oxaliplatin resistance in PIK3CA-mutated colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9410-9436. [PMID: 38848145 PMCID: PMC11210231 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Although platinum-based chemotherapy is the frontline regimen for colorectal cancer (CRC), drug resistance remains a major challenge affecting its therapeutic efficiency. However, there is limited research on the correlation between chemotherapy resistance and lipid metabolism, including PIK3CA mutant tumors. In this present study, we found that PIK3CA-E545K mutation attenuated cell apoptosis and increased the cell viability of CRC with L-OHP treatment in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PIK3CA-E545K mutation promoted the nuclear accumulation of SREBP1, which promoted the transcription of Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5). APOA5 activated the PPARγ signaling pathway to alleviate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production following L-OHP treatment, which contributed to cell survival of CRC cells. Moreover, APOA5 overexpression enhanced the stemness-related traits of CRC cells. Increased APOA5 expression was associated with PIK3CA mutation in tumor specimens and poor response to first-line chemotherapy, which was an independent detrimental factor for chemotherapy sensitivity in CRC patients. Taken together, this study indicated that PIK3CA-E545K mutation promoted L-OHP resistance by upregulating APOA5 transcription in CRC, which could be a potent target for improving L-OHP chemotherapeutic efficiency. Our study shed light to improve chemotherapy sensitivity through nutrient management in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lin Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250023, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan 250023, China
| | - Zhuo Xiang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250023, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan 250023, China
| | - Bo-Ya Zhang
- China Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yu-Wei Zou
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Gui-Lai Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250023, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan 250023, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250023, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan 250023, China
| | - Yan-Long Shi
- Department of Oncology, 960 Hospital of People’s Liberation Army, Jinan 250031, China
| | - Li-Li Xu
- Department of Pathology, Navy 971 People’s Liberation Army Hospital, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jingwang Bi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250023, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan 250023, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250023, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan 250023, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lu W, Cui J, Wang W, Hu Q, Xue Y, Liu X, Gong T, Lu Y, Ma H, Yang X, Feng B, Wang Q, Zhang N, Xu Y, Liu M, Nussinov R, Cheng F, Ji H, Huang J. PPIA dictates NRF2 stability to promote lung cancer progression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4703. [PMID: 38830868 PMCID: PMC11148020 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48364-4] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) hyperactivation has been established as an oncogenic driver in a variety of human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, despite massive efforts, no specific therapy is currently available to target NRF2 hyperactivation. Here, we identify peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) is required for NRF2 protein stability. Ablation of PPIA promotes NRF2 protein degradation and blocks NRF2-driven growth in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, PPIA physically binds to NRF2 and blocks the access of ubiquitin/Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) to NRF2, thus preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Our X-ray co-crystal structure reveals that PPIA directly interacts with a NRF2 interdomain linker via a trans-proline 174-harboring hydrophobic sequence. We further demonstrate that an FDA-approved drug, cyclosporin A (CsA), impairs the interaction of NRF2 with PPIA, inducing NRF2 ubiquitination and degradation. Interestingly, CsA interrupts glutamine metabolism mediated by the NRF2/KLF5/SLC1A5 pathway, consequently suppressing the growth of NRF2-hyperactivated NSCLC cells. CsA and a glutaminase inhibitor combination therapy significantly retard tumor progression in NSCLC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models with NRF2 hyperactivation. Our study demonstrates that targeting NRF2 protein stability is an actionable therapeutic approach to treat NRF2-hyperactivated NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiayan Cui
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanyan Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Gong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiping Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Naixia Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Miyamoto R, Takigawa H, Yuge R, Shimizu D, Ariyoshi M, Otani R, Tsuboi A, Tanaka H, Yamashita K, Hiyama Y, Urabe Y, Ishikawa A, Sentani K, Oka S. Analysis of anti-tumor effect and mechanism of GLS1 inhibitor CB-839 in colorectal cancer using a stroma-abundant tumor model. Exp Mol Pathol 2024; 137:104896. [PMID: 38703552 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutaminase 1 (GLS1), a key enzyme in glutamine metabolism in cancer cells, acts as a tumor promoter and could be a potential therapeutic target. CB-839, a GLS1-specific inhibitor, was developed recently. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the anti-tumor effects and mechanism of action of CB-839 in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS Using the UCSC Xena public database, we evaluated GLS1 expression in various cancers. Immunostaining for GLS1 was performed on 154 surgically resected human CRC specimens. Subsequently, we examined the GLS1 mRNA expression levels in eight CRC cell lines and evaluated the association between GLS1 expression and CB-839 efficacy. To create a reproducible CRC model with abundant stroma and an allogeneic immune response, we co-transplanted CT26 and stem cells into BALB/c mice and treated them with CB-839. Finally, RNA sequencing of mouse tumors was performed. RESULTS Database analysis showed higher GLS1 expression in CRC tissues than in normal colon tissues. Clinical samples from 114 of the 154 patients with CRC showed positive GLS1 expression. GLS1 expression in clinical CRC tissues correlated with vascular invasion. CB-839 treatment inhibited cancer cell proliferation depending on GLS1 expression in vitro and inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in the CRC mouse model. RNA sequencing revealed that CB-839 treatment inhibited stromal activation, tumor growth, migration, and angiogenesis. These findings were validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments and clinical specimen analysis. CONCLUSIONS GLS1 expression in CRC plays important roles in tumor progression. CB-839 has inhibitory effects on cancer proliferation and the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Takigawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Ryo Yuge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Misa Ariyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Rina Otani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Tsuboi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hidenori Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ken Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hiyama
- Clinical Research Center in Hiroshima, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuji Urabe
- Department of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akira Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sentani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shiro Oka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lu HJ, Guo D, Wei QQ. Potential of Neuroinflammation-Modulating Strategies in Tuberculous Meningitis: Targeting Microglia. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1255-1276. [PMID: 37196131 PMCID: PMC11081169 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe complication of tuberculosis (TB) and is associated with high rates of disability and mortality. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the infectious agent of TB, disseminates from the respiratory epithelium, breaks through the blood-brain barrier, and establishes a primary infection in the meninges. Microglia are the core of the immune network in the central nervous system (CNS) and interact with glial cells and neurons to fight against harmful pathogens and maintain homeostasis in the brain through pleiotropic functions. However, M. tb directly infects microglia and resides in them as the primary host for bacillus infections. Largely, microglial activation slows disease progression. The non-productive inflammatory response that initiates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines may be neurotoxic and aggravate tissue injuries based on damages caused by M. tb. Host-directed therapy (HDT) is an emerging strategy for modulating host immune responses against diverse diseases. Recent studies have shown that HDT can control neuroinflammation in TBM and act as an adjunct therapy to antibiotic treatment. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of microglia in TBM and potential host-directed TB therapies that target microglia to treat TBM. We also discuss the limitations of applying each HDT and suggest a course of action for the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Jun Lu
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Daji Guo
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian-Qi Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital of Tibet Military Command, Xizang, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Masci D, Puxeddu M, Silvestri R, La Regina G. Metabolic Rewiring in Cancer: Small Molecule Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2024; 29:2110. [PMID: 38731601 PMCID: PMC11085455 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in cellular metabolism, such as dysregulation in glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and glutaminolysis in response to hypoxic and low-nutrient conditions within the tumor microenvironment, are well-recognized hallmarks of cancer. Therefore, understanding the interplay between aerobic glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and glutaminolysis is crucial for developing effective metabolism-based therapies for cancer, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this regard, the present review explores the complex field of metabolic reprogramming in tumorigenesis and progression, providing insights into the current landscape of small molecule inhibitors targeting tumorigenic metabolic pathways and their implications for CRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (R.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Strefeler A, Blanco-Fernandez J, Jourdain AA. Nucleosides are overlooked fuels in central carbon metabolism. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:290-299. [PMID: 38423899 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.01.013] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
From our daily nutrition and synthesis within cells, nucleosides enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body and tissues. Nucleosides and nucleotides are classically viewed as precursors of nucleic acids, but recently they have emerged as a novel energy source for central carbon metabolism. Through catabolism by nucleoside phosphorylases, the ribose sugar group is released and can provide substrates for lower steps in glycolysis. In environments with limited glucose, such as at sites of infection or in the tumor microenvironment (TME), cells can use, and may even require, this alternative energy source. Here, we discuss the implications of these new findings in health and disease and speculate on the potential new roles of nucleosides and nucleic acids in energy metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Strefeler
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, CP51, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Joan Blanco-Fernandez
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, CP51, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Alexis A Jourdain
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, CP51, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Han X, Wang D, Yang L, Wang N, Shen J, Wang J, Zhang L, Chen L, Gao S, Zong WX, Wang Y. Activation of polyamine catabolism promotes glutamine metabolism and creates a targetable vulnerability in lung cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319429121. [PMID: 38513095 PMCID: PMC10990097 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319429121] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyamines are a class of small polycationic alkylamines that play essential roles in both normal and cancer cell growth. Polyamine metabolism is frequently dysregulated and considered a therapeutic target in cancer. However, targeting polyamine metabolism as monotherapy often exhibits limited efficacy, and the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we report that activation of polyamine catabolism promotes glutamine metabolism, leading to a targetable vulnerability in lung cancer. Genetic and pharmacological activation of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), the rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine catabolism, enhances the conversion of glutamine to glutamate and subsequent glutathione (GSH) synthesis. This metabolic rewiring ameliorates oxidative stress to support lung cancer cell proliferation and survival. Simultaneous glutamine limitation and SAT1 activation result in ROS accumulation, growth inhibition, and cell death. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of either one of glutamine transport, glutaminase, or GSH biosynthesis in combination with activation of polyamine catabolism synergistically suppresses lung cancer cell growth and xenograft tumor formation. Together, this study unveils a previously unappreciated functional interconnection between polyamine catabolism and glutamine metabolism and establishes cotargeting strategies as potential therapeutics in lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinlu Han
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Deyu Wang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Liao Yang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Bio-med Big Data Center, Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianliang Shen
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Jinghan Wang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Li Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Shenglan Gao
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Wei-Xing Zong
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Yongbo Wang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
- Minhang Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fan Y, Xue H, Li Z, Huo M, Gao H, Guan X. Exploiting the Achilles' heel of cancer: disrupting glutamine metabolism for effective cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1345522. [PMID: 38510646 PMCID: PMC10952006 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1345522] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells have adapted to rapid tumor growth and evade immune attack by reprogramming their metabolic pathways. Glutamine is an important nitrogen resource for synthesizing amino acids and nucleotides and an important carbon source in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and lipid biosynthesis pathway. In this review, we summarize the significant role of glutamine metabolism in tumor development and highlight the vulnerabilities of targeting glutamine metabolism for effective therapy. In particular, we review the reported drugs targeting glutaminase and glutamine uptake for efficient cancer treatment. Moreover, we discuss the current clinical test about targeting glutamine metabolism and the prospective direction of drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Han Xue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingge Huo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongxia Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
| | - Xingang Guan
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mousset A, Albrengues J. NETs unleashed: neutrophil extracellular traps boost chemotherapy against colorectal cancer. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e178344. [PMID: 38426501 PMCID: PMC10904039 DOI: 10.1172/jci178344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy, which primarily acts on cancer cells, can influence the tumor microenvironment and the recruitment and behavior of stromal cells. In this issue of the JCI, Li et al. explored the potent anticancer effect of the combination of a glutaminase inhibitor (CB-839) and 5-FU against PIK3CA-mutant colorectal cancer tumors. This chemotherapy treatment strongly induced the recruitment of neutrophils that formed neutrophil extracellular traps in cancer, which actively killed cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. This study substantially advances our understanding of the multifaceted role of neutrophils and NETs in the outcome of anticancer treatment.
Collapse
|
14
|
Li X, Zhang HS. Amino acid metabolism, redox balance and epigenetic regulation in cancer. FEBS J 2024; 291:412-429. [PMID: 37129434 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16803] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids act as versatile nutrients driving cell growth and survival, especially in cancer cells. Amino acid metabolism comprises numerous metabolic networks and is closely linked with intracellular redox balance and epigenetic regulation. Reprogrammed amino acid metabolism has been recognized as a ubiquitous feature in tumour cells. This review outlines the metabolism of several primary amino acids in cancer cells and highlights the pivotal role of amino acid metabolism in sustaining redox homeostasis and regulating epigenetic modification in response to oxidative and genetic stress in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Du W, Tu S, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Liu W, Xiong K, Zhou F, Li N, Zhang R, Yu J, Li M, Xiang W, Qian K, Wang G, Xiao Y, Wang X, Ju L. UPP1 enhances bladder cancer progression and gemcitabine resistance through AKT. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1389-1409. [PMID: 38385072 PMCID: PMC10878145 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
UPP1, a crucial pyrimidine metabolism-related enzyme, catalyzes the reversible phosphorylation of uridine to uracil and ribose-1-phosphate. However, the effects of UPP1 in bladder cancer (BLCA) have not been elucidated. AKT, which is activated mainly through dual phosphorylation (Thr308 and Ser473), promotes tumorigenesis by phosphorylating downstream substrates. This study demonstrated that UPP1 promotes BLCA cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and gemcitabine resistance by activating the AKT signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, UPP1 promoted AKT activation by facilitating the binding of AKT to PDK1 and PDK2 and the recruitment of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate to AKT. Moreover, the beneficial effects of UPP1 on BLCA tumorigenesis were mitigated upon UPP1 mutation with Arg94 or MK2206 treatment (AKT-specific inhibitor). AKT overexpression or SC79 (AKT-specific activator) treatment restored tumor malignancy and drug resistance. Thus, this study revealed that UPP1 is a crucial oncogene and a potential therapeutic target for BLCA and that UPP1 activates the AKT signaling pathway and enhances tumorigenesis and drug resistance to gemcitabine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation and Nephrosis, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Sheng Tu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenxiu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Euler Technology, ZGC Life Sciences Park, Beijing, China
- Center for Quantitative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Urology, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kangping Xiong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fenfang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, SunYat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Renjie Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingtian Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wan Xiang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiyu Qian
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingao Ju
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li Y, Wu S, Zhao Y, Dinh T, Jiang D, Selfridge JE, Myers G, Wang Y, Zhao X, Tomchuck S, Dubyak G, Lee RT, Estfan B, Shapiro M, Kamath S, Mohamed A, Huang SCC, Huang AY, Conlon R, Krishnamurthi S, Eads J, Willis JE, Khorana AA, Bajor D, Wang Z. Neutrophil extracellular traps induced by chemotherapy inhibit tumor growth in murine models of colorectal cancer. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e175031. [PMID: 38194275 PMCID: PMC10904055 DOI: 10.1172/jci175031] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a web-like structure of cytosolic and granule proteins assembled on decondensed chromatin, kill pathogens and cause tissue damage in diseases. Whether NETs can kill cancer cells is unexplored. Here, we report that a combination of glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 and 5-FU inhibited the growth of PIK3CA-mutant colorectal cancers (CRCs) in xenograft, syngeneic, and genetically engineered mouse models in part through NETs. Disruption of NETs by either DNase I treatment or depletion of neutrophils in CRCs attenuated the efficacy of the drug combination. Moreover, NETs were present in tumor biopsies from patients treated with the drug combination in a phase II clinical trial. Increased NET levels in tumors were associated with longer progression-free survival. Mechanistically, the drug combination induced the expression of IL-8 preferentially in PIK3CA-mutant CRCs to attract neutrophils into the tumors. Further, the drug combination increased the levels of ROS in neutrophils, thereby inducing NETs. Cathepsin G (CTSG), a serine protease localized in NETs, entered CRC cells through the RAGE cell surface protein. The internalized CTSG cleaved 14-3-3 proteins, released BAX, and triggered apoptosis in CRC cells. Thus, our studies illuminate a previously unrecognized mechanism by which chemotherapy-induced NETs kill cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yamu Li
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Sulin Wu
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Department of Medical Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. USA
| | - Yiqing Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Trang Dinh
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Dongxu Jiang
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - J. Eva Selfridge
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Yuxiang Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | - George Dubyak
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. USA
| | - Richard T. Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bassam Estfan
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Marc Shapiro
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Suneel Kamath
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Amr Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Eads
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Alok A. Khorana
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - David Bajor
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Zhenghe Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li X, Peng X, Li Y, Wei S, He G, Liu J, Li X, Yang S, Li D, Lin W, Fang J, Yang L, Li H. Glutamine addiction in tumor cell: oncogene regulation and clinical treatment. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:12. [PMID: 38172980 PMCID: PMC10763057 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
After undergoing metabolic reprogramming, tumor cells consume additional glutamine to produce amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, and other substances to facilitate their unlimited proliferation. As such, the metabolism of glutamine is intricately linked to the survival and progression of cancer cells. Consequently, targeting the glutamine metabolism presents a promising strategy to inhibit growth of tumor cell and cancer development. This review describes glutamine uptake, metabolism, and transport in tumor cells and its pivotal role in biosynthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides, and more. Furthermore, we have also summarized the impact of oncogenes like C-MYC, KRAS, HIF, and p53 on the regulation of glutamine metabolism and the mechanisms through which glutamine triggers mTORC1 activation. In addition, role of different anti-cancer agents in targeting glutamine metabolism has been described and their prospective applications are assessed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shibo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Guangpeng He
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Dai Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Weikai Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jianjun Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Luo Z, Eichinger KM, Zhang A, Li S. Targeting cancer metabolic pathways for improving chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 575:216396. [PMID: 37739209 PMCID: PMC10591810 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent discoveries in cancer metabolism have revealed promising metabolic targets to modulate cancer progression, drug response, and anti-cancer immunity. Combination therapy, consisting of metabolic inhibitors and chemotherapeutic or immunotherapeutic agents, offers new opportunities for improved cancer therapy. However, it also presents challenges due to the complexity of cancer metabolic pathways and the metabolic interactions between tumor cells and immune cells. Many studies have been published demonstrating potential synergy between novel inhibitors of metabolism and chemo/immunotherapy, yet our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited. Here, we review the current strategies of altering the metabolic pathways of cancer to improve the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy. We also note the need to differentiate the effect of metabolic inhibition on cancer cells and immune cells and highlight nanotechnology as an emerging solution. Improving our understanding of the complexity of the metabolic pathways in different cell populations and the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy will aid in the discovery of novel strategies that effectively restrict cancer growth and augment the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyi Luo
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Anju Zhang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Holt AK, Najumudeen AK, Collard TJ, Li H, Millett LM, Hoskin AJ, Legge DN, Mortensson EMH, Flanagan DJ, Jones N, Kollareddy M, Timms P, Hitchings MD, Cronin J, Sansom OJ, Williams AC, Vincent EE. Aspirin reprogrammes colorectal cancer cell metabolism and sensitises to glutaminase inhibition. Cancer Metab 2023; 11:18. [PMID: 37858256 PMCID: PMC10588174 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-023-00318-y] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To support proliferation and survival within a challenging microenvironment, cancer cells must reprogramme their metabolism. As such, targeting cancer cell metabolism is a promising therapeutic avenue. However, identifying tractable nodes of metabolic vulnerability in cancer cells is challenging due to their metabolic plasticity. Identification of effective treatment combinations to counter this is an active area of research. Aspirin has a well-established role in cancer prevention, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC), although the mechanisms are not fully understood. METHODS We generated a model to investigate the impact of long-term (52 weeks) aspirin exposure on CRC cells, which has allowed us comprehensively characterise the metabolic impact of long-term aspirin exposure (2-4mM for 52 weeks) using proteomics, Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analysis and Stable Isotope Labelling (SIL). Using this information, we were able to identify nodes of metabolic vulnerability for further targeting, investigating the impact of combining aspirin with metabolic inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We show that aspirin regulates several enzymes and transporters of central carbon metabolism and results in a reduction in glutaminolysis and a concomitant increase in glucose metabolism, demonstrating reprogramming of nutrient utilisation. We show that aspirin causes likely compensatory changes that render the cells sensitive to the glutaminase 1 (GLS1) inhibitor-CB-839. Of note given the clinical interest, treatment with CB-839 alone had little effect on CRC cell growth or survival. However, in combination with aspirin, CB-839 inhibited CRC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and, importantly, reduced crypt proliferation in Apcfl/fl mice in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results show that aspirin leads to significant metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer cells and raises the possibility that aspirin could significantly increase the efficacy of metabolic cancer therapies in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Holt
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK
| | - Arafath K Najumudeen
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tracey J Collard
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK
| | - Hao Li
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Ashley J Hoskin
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK
| | - Danny N Legge
- School of Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Eleanor M H Mortensson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK
| | | | - Nicholas Jones
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Madhu Kollareddy
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK
| | - Penny Timms
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK
| | - Matthew D Hitchings
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - James Cronin
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Ann C Williams
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK
| | - Emma E Vincent
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Oakfield House, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang B, Pei J, Xu S, Liu J, Yu J. System analysis based on glutamine catabolic-related enzymes identifies GPT2 as a novel immunotherapy target for lung adenocarcinoma. Comput Biol Med 2023; 165:107415. [PMID: 37657356 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, targeting glutamine metabolism has gained attention as a promising therapeutic approach. Glutamine catabolic-related enzymes play a crucial role in modulating glutamine metabolism and influencing immune responses in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). However, current literature on the function of glutamine catabolic enzymes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is limited. METHODS We validated the glutamine dependency of LUAD cells in vitro, followed by transcriptome data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with transcriptome and single-cell data analysis utilized to explore the role of such genes within the tumor immune microenvironment. We performed employed subcutaneous injection of lewis lung carcinoma cells in C57BL/6 mice to confirm the role of candidate genes in tumor growth and anti-tumor immunity. RESULTS Our study revealed that glutamine is essential for the growth of LUAD cells. Subsequently, we identified four DEGs - glutamate pyruvate transaminase 1 (GPT1), glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1 (GOT1), and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2 (GOT2) - in LUAD patients, which were highly expressed in tumor tissue and associated with an immunosuppressive TME. Single-cell sequencing analysis detected high expression levels of GOT1 and GOT2 in immune and stromal cell subpopulations, while GPT1 and GPT2 showed relatively lower expression. Based on the lower immune score and lower expression in immune and stromal cells, we validated the role of GPT2 in vivo for modulating the TME and tumor growth. Inhibition of GPT2 resulted in suppressed tumor growth and increased the expression of CD4 and CD8. Additionally, GPT2 inhibitors induced a stronger antitumor immunity when used in combination with anti-programmed cell death ligand 1. CONCLUSION This study is the first to show the critical role of glutamine catabolic-related enzymes in the TME, and identified GPT2 as a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting tumor growth and improving anti-tumour immune responses for LUAD. Additional studies will be required to define the roles glutamine catabolic-related enzymes play in LUAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan, Shandong, China; Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinli Pei
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan, Shandong, China; Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengnan Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan, Shandong, China; Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan, Shandong, China; Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan, Shandong, China; Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ahmed S, Mahony CB, Torres A, Murillo-Saich J, Kemble S, Cedeno M, John P, Bhatti A, Croft AP, Guma M. Dual inhibition of glycolysis and glutaminolysis for synergistic therapy of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:176. [PMID: 37730663 PMCID: PMC10510293 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis (RAFLS) exhibit a pathological aberration of glycolysis and glutaminolysis. Henceforth, we aimed to investigate if dual inhibition of these pathways by phytobiological compound c28MS has the potential of synergistic therapy for arthritis by targeting both glucose and glutamine metabolism. METHODS The presence of HK2 and GLS across various cell types and associated gene expression in human synovial cells and a murine model of arthritis was evaluated by scRNA-seq. The metabolic profiling of RAFLS cells was done using H1-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy under glycolytic and glutaminolytic inhibitory conditions by incubating with 3-bromopyruvate, CB839, or dual inhibitor c28MS. FLS functional analysis was conducted under similar conditions. ELISA was employed for the quantification of IL-6, CCL2, and MMP3. K/BxN sera was administered to mice to induce arthritis for in vivo arthritis experiments. RESULTS scRNA-seq analysis revealed that many fibroblasts expressed Hk2 along with Gls with several genes including Ptgs2, Hif1a, Timp1, Cxcl5, and Plod2 only associated with double-positive fibroblasts, suggesting that dual inhibition can be an attractive target for fibroblasts. Metabolomic and functional analysis revealed that c28MS decreased the aggressive behavior of RAFLS by targeting both upregulated glycolysis and glutaminolysis. c28MS administered in vivo significantly decreased the severity of arthritis in the K/BxN model. CONCLUSION Our findings imply that dual inhibition of glycolysis and glutaminolysis could be an effective approach for the treatment of RA. It also suggests that targeting more than one metabolic pathway can be a novel treatment approach in non-cancer diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanzay Ahmed
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christopher B Mahony
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alyssa Torres
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Murillo-Saich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samuel Kemble
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Martha Cedeno
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Peter John
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Attya Bhatti
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Adam P Croft
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Monica Guma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ling ZN, Jiang YF, Ru JN, Lu JH, Ding B, Wu J. Amino acid metabolism in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:345. [PMID: 37699892 PMCID: PMC10497558 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01569-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein synthesis. They are structural elements and energy sources of cells necessary for normal cell growth, differentiation and function. Amino acid metabolism disorders have been linked with a number of pathological conditions, including metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases, and cancer. In the case of tumors, alterations in amino acid metabolism can be used not only as clinical indicators of cancer progression but also as therapeutic strategies. Since the growth and development of tumors depend on the intake of foreign amino acids, more and more studies have targeted the metabolism of tumor-related amino acids to selectively kill tumor cells. Furthermore, immune-related studies have confirmed that amino acid metabolism regulates the function of effector T cells and regulatory T cells, affecting the function of immune cells. Therefore, studying amino acid metabolism associated with disease and identifying targets in amino acid metabolic pathways may be helpful for disease treatment. This article mainly focuses on the research of amino acid metabolism in tumor-oriented diseases, and reviews the research and clinical research progress of metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases and immune-related diseases related to amino acid metabolism, in order to provide theoretical basis for targeted therapy of amino acid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Nan Ling
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P.R. China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Fan Jiang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P.R. China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Nan Ru
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P.R. China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Hua Lu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P.R. China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Bo Ding
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P.R. China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Jian Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P.R. China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
He K, Wang Z, Luo M, Li B, Ding N, Li L, He B, Wang H, Cao J, Huang C, Yang J, Chen HN. Metastasis organotropism in colorectal cancer: advancing toward innovative therapies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:612. [PMID: 37689664 PMCID: PMC10493031 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04460-5] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Distant metastasis remains a leading cause of mortality among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Organotropism, referring to the propensity of metastasis to target specific organs, is a well-documented phenomenon in CRC, with the liver, lungs, and peritoneum being preferred sites. Prior to establishing premetastatic niches within host organs, CRC cells secrete substances that promote metastatic organotropism. Given the pivotal role of organotropism in CRC metastasis, a comprehensive understanding of its molecular underpinnings is crucial for biomarker-based diagnosis, innovative treatment development, and ultimately, improved patient outcomes. In this review, we focus on metabolic reprogramming, tumor-derived exosomes, the immune system, and cancer cell-organ interactions to outline the molecular mechanisms of CRC organotropic metastasis. Furthermore, we consider the prospect of targeting metastatic organotropism for CRC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhihan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Maochao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ning Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Lei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Bo He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Han Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiangjun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China.
| | - Hai-Ning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hu X, Ma Z, Xu B, Li S, Yao Z, Liang B, Wang J, Liao W, Lin L, Wang C, Zheng S, Wu Q, Huang Q, Yu L, Wang F, Shi M. Glutamine metabolic microenvironment drives M2 macrophage polarization to mediate trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive gastric cancer. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:909-937. [PMID: 37434399 PMCID: PMC10397568 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12459] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trastuzumab is a first-line targeted therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive gastric cancer. However, the inevitable occurrence of acquired trastuzumab resistance limits the drug benefit, and there is currently no effective reversal measure. Existing researches on the mechanism of trastuzumab resistance mainly focused on tumor cells themselves, while the understanding of the mechanisms of environment-mediated drug resistance is relatively lacking. This study aimed to further explore the mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance to identify strategies to promote survival in these patients. METHODS Trastuzumab-sensitive and trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive tumor tissues and cells were collected for transcriptome sequencing. Bioinformatics were used to analyze cell subtypes, metabolic pathways, and molecular signaling pathways. Changes in microenvironmental indicators (such as macrophage, angiogenesis, and metabolism) were verified by immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. Finally, a multi-scale agent-based model (ABM) was constructed. The effects of combination treatment were further validated in nude mice to verify these effects predicted by the ABM. RESULTS Based on transcriptome sequencing, molecular biology, and in vivo experiments, we found that the level of glutamine metabolism in trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive cells was increased, and glutaminase 1 (GLS1) was significantly overexpressed. Meanwhile, tumor-derived GLS1 microvesicles drove M2 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, angiogenesis promoted trastuzumab resistance. IHC showed high glutamine metabolism, M2 macrophage polarization, and angiogenesis in trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive tumor tissues from patients and nude mice. Mechanistically, the cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) promoted GLS1 expression in tumor cells by activating nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 and drove GLS1 microvesicle secretion through IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1). Based on the ABM and in vivo experiments, we confirmed that the combination of anti-glutamine metabolism, anti-angiogenesis, and pro-M1 polarization therapy had the best effect in reversing trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that tumor cells secrete GLS1 microvesicles via CDC42 to promote glutamine metabolism, M2 macrophage polarization, and pro-angiogenic function of macrophages, leading to acquired trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive gastric cancer. A combination of anti-glutamine metabolism, anti-angiogenesis, and pro-M1 polarization therapy may provide a new insight into reversing trastuzumab resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingbin Hu
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Zhenfeng Ma
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Beibei Xu
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Shulong Li
- School of Biomedical EngineeringSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Zhiqi Yao
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Bishan Liang
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Chunling Wang
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Siting Zheng
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Qijing Wu
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Qiong Huang
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Le Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Fenghua Wang
- Department of Medical OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Min Shi
- Department of OncologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lengauer F, Geisslinger F, Gabriel A, von Schwarzenberg K, Vollmar AM, Bartel K. A metabolic shift toward glycolysis enables cancer cells to maintain survival upon concomitant glutamine deprivation and V-ATPase inhibition. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1124678. [PMID: 37255933 PMCID: PMC10225586 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1124678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely known that most cancer cells display an increased reliance on glutaminolysis to sustain proliferation and survival. Combining glutamine deprivation with additional anti-cancer therapies is an intensively investigated approach to increase therapeutic effectiveness. In this study, we examined a combination of glutamine deprivation by starvation or pharmacological tools, with the anti-cancer agent archazolid, an inhibitor of the lysosomal V-ATPase. We show that glutamine deprivation leads to lysosomal acidification and induction of pro-survival autophagy, which could be prevented by archazolid. Surprisingly, a combination of glutamine deprivation with archazolid did not lead to synergistic induction of cell death or reduction in proliferation. Investigating the underlying mechanisms revealed elevated expression and activity of amino acid transporters SLC1A5, SLC38A1 upon starvation, whereas archazolid had no additional effect. Furthermore, we found that the export of lysosomal glutamine derived from exogenous sources plays no role in the phenotype as knock-down of SLC38A7, the lysosomal glutamine exporter, could not increase V-ATPase inhibition-induced cell death or reduce proliferation. Analysis of the cellular metabolic phenotype revealed that glutamine deprivation led to a significant increase in glycolytic activity, indicated by an elevated glycolytic capacity and reserve, when V-ATPase function was inhibited concomitantly. This was confirmed by increased glutamine uptake, augmented lactate production, and an increase in hexokinase activity. Our study, therefore, provides evidence, that glutamine deprivation induces autophagy, which can be prevented by simultaneous inhibition of V-ATPase function. However, this does not lead to a therapeutic benefit, as cells are able to circumvent cell death and growth inhibition by a metabolic shift toward glycolysis.
Collapse
|
26
|
Controlling the confounding effect of metabolic gene expression to identify actual metabolite targets in microsatellite instability cancers. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:18. [PMID: 36879264 PMCID: PMC9990231 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00465-9] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metabolome is the best representation of cancer phenotypes. Gene expression can be considered a confounding covariate affecting metabolite levels. Data integration across metabolomics and genomics to establish the biological relevance of cancer metabolism is challenging. This study aimed to eliminate the confounding effect of metabolic gene expression to reflect actual metabolite levels in microsatellite instability (MSI) cancers. METHODS In this study, we propose a new strategy using covariate-adjusted tensor classification in high dimensions (CATCH) models to integrate metabolite and metabolic gene expression data to classify MSI and microsatellite stability (MSS) cancers. We used datasets from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) phase II project and treated metabolomic data as tensor predictors and data on gene expression of metabolic enzymes as confounding covariates. RESULTS The CATCH model performed well, with high accuracy (0.82), sensitivity (0.66), specificity (0.88), precision (0.65), and F1 score (0.65). Seven metabolite features adjusted for metabolic gene expression, namely, 3-phosphoglycerate, 6-phosphogluconate, cholesterol ester, lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), phosphatidylcholine, reduced glutathione, and sarcosine, were found in MSI cancers. Only one metabolite, Hippurate, was present in MSS cancers. The gene expression of phosphofructokinase 1 (PFKP), which is involved in the glycolytic pathway, was related to 3-phosphoglycerate. ALDH4A1 and GPT2 were associated with sarcosine. LPE was associated with the expression of CHPT1, which is involved in lipid metabolism. The glycolysis, nucleotide, glutamate, and lipid metabolic pathways were enriched in MSI cancers. CONCLUSIONS We propose an effective CATCH model for predicting MSI cancer status. By controlling the confounding effect of metabolic gene expression, we identified cancer metabolic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In addition, we provided the possible biology and genetics of MSI cancer metabolism.
Collapse
|
27
|
The PIK3CA-E545K-SIRT4 signaling axis reduces radiosensitivity by promoting glutamine metabolism in cervical cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 556:216064. [PMID: 36646410 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216064] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The mutation of glutamic acid 545 to lysine (E545K) in PIK3CA, as the most common missense mutation of this gene in various cancer types, is frequently observed in cervical cancer and has been shown to reduce cervical cancer radiosensitivity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we implicate the alterations of glutamine metabolism in PIK3CA-E545K-mediated radioresistance of cervical cancer. Specifically, PIK3CA mutation negatively regulated the expression of SIRT4 via the epigenetic regulator EP300 independently of the canonical mTORC1 pathway. PIK3CA-E545K-induced SIRT4 downregulation promoted cell proliferation, migration, and radiation-induced DNA repair and apoptosis, while SIRT4 overexpression reversed the radioresistance phenotype mediated by PIK3CA mutation. Mechanistically, SIRT4 modulated glutamine metabolism and thus cellular apoptosis by negatively regulating a glutamate pyruvate transaminase GPT1. Moreover, the PI3K inhibitor BYL719, but not mTOR inhibitors, exerted remarkable synergistic effects with radiotherapy by inhibiting glutamine metabolism in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, this study reveals the role of PIK3CA-E545K-SIRT4 axis in regulating glutamine metabolism and the radioresistance in cervical cancer, which provides a necessary preliminary basis for clinical research of PI3K inhibitors as radiosensitizing agents.
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang J, Zou S, Fang L. Metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer: regulatory networks and therapy. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:25. [PMID: 36755301 PMCID: PMC9906896 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-00977-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
With high prevalence and mortality, together with metabolic reprogramming, colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Metabolic reprogramming gives tumors the capacity for long-term cell proliferation, making it a distinguishing feature of cancer. Energy and intermediate metabolites produced by metabolic reprogramming fuel the rapid growth of cancer cells. Aberrant metabolic enzyme-mediated tumor metabolism is regulated at multiple levels. Notably, tumor metabolism is affected by nutrient levels, cell interactions, and transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. Understanding the crosstalk between metabolic enzymes and colorectal carcinogenesis factors is particularly important to advance research for targeted cancer therapy strategies via the investigation into the aberrant regulation of metabolic pathways. Hence, the abnormal roles and regulation of metabolic enzymes in recent years are reviewed in this paper, which provides an overview of targeted inhibitors for targeting metabolic enzymes in colorectal cancer that have been identified through tumor research or clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jieping Zhang
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuanchun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, 510655 Guangdong China ,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, 510655 China
| | - Shaomin Zou
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuanchun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, 510655 Guangdong China ,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, 510655 China
| | - Lekun Fang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuanchun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Anderson R, Pladna KM, Schramm NJ, Wheeler FB, Kridel S, Pardee TS. Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Inhibition Leads to Decreased Glycolysis, Increased Reliance on Gluconeogenesis and Alternative Sources of Acetyl-CoA in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020484. [PMID: 36672433 PMCID: PMC9857304 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive disease characterized by poor outcomes and therapy resistance. Devimistat is a novel agent that inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH). A phase III clinical trial in AML patients combining devimistat and chemotherapy was terminated for futility, suggesting AML cells were able to circumvent the metabolic inhibition of devimistat. The means by which AML cells resist PDH inhibition is unknown. AML cell lines treated with devimistat or deleted for the essential PDH subunit, PDHA, showed a decrease in glycolysis and decreased glucose uptake due to a reduction of the glucose transporter GLUT1 and hexokinase II. Both devimistat-treated and PDHA knockout cells displayed increased sensitivity to 2-deoxyglucose, demonstrating reliance on residual glycolysis. The rate limiting gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (PCK2) was significantly upregulated in devimistat-treated cells, and its inhibition increased sensitivity to devimistat. The gluconeogenic amino acids glutamine and asparagine protected AML cells from devimistat. Non-glycolytic sources of acetyl-CoA were also important with fatty acid oxidation, ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) and acyl-CoA synthetase short chain family member 2 (ACSS2) contributing to resistance. Finally, devimistat reduced fatty acid synthase (FASN) activity. Taken together, this suggests that AML cells compensate for PDH and glycolysis inhibition by gluconeogenesis for maintenance of essential glycolytic intermediates and fatty acid oxidation, ACLY and ACSS2 for non-glycolytic production of acetyl-CoA. Strategies to target these escape pathways should be explored in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Anderson
- Section on Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Kristin M. Pladna
- Section on Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Nathaniel J. Schramm
- Section on Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Frances B. Wheeler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Steven Kridel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Timothy S. Pardee
- Section on Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cranbury, NJ 08512, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-336-716-5847; Fax: +1-336-716-5687
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhou R, Choi H, Cao J, Pantel A, Gupta M, Lee HS, Mankoff D. 18F-Fluciclovine PET Imaging of Glutaminase Inhibition in Breast Cancer Models. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:131-136. [PMID: 35772960 PMCID: PMC9841257 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.122.264152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) avidly metabolize glutamine as a feature of their malignant phenotype. The conversion of glutamine to glutamate by the glutaminase enzyme represents the first and rate-limiting step of this pathway and a target for drug development. Indeed, a novel glutaminase inhibitor (GLSi) has been developed and tested in clinical trials but with limited success, suggesting the potential for a biomarker to select patients who could benefit from this novel therapy. Here, we studied a nonmetabolized amino acid analog, 18F-fluciclovine, as a PET imaging biomarker for detecting the pharmacodynamic response to GLSi. Methods: Uptake of 18F-fluciclovine into human breast cancer cells was studied in the presence and absence of inhibitors of glutamine transporters and GLSi. To allow 18F-fluciclovine PET to be performed on mice, citrate in the tracer formulation is replaced by phosphate-buffered saline. Mice bearing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) xenografts (HCC38, HCC1806, and MBA-MD-231) and estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer xenografts (MCF-7) were imaged with dynamic PET at baseline and after a 2-d treatment of GLSi (CB839) or vehicle. Kinetic analysis suggested reversible uptake of the tracer, and the distribution volume (VD) of 18F-fluciclovine was estimated by Logan plot analysis. Results: Our data showed that cellular uptake of 18F-fluciclovine is mediated by glutamine transporters. A significant increase in VD was observed after CB839 treatment in TNBC models exhibiting high glutaminase activity (HCC38 and HCC1806) but not in TNBC or MCF-7 exhibiting low glutaminase. Changes in VD were corroborated with changes in GLS activity measured in tumors treated with CB839 versus vehicle, as well as with changes in VD of 18F-(2S,R4)-fluoroglutamine, which we previously validated as a measure of cellular glutamine pool size. A moderate, albeit significant, decrease in 18F-FDG PET signal was observed in HCC1806 tumors after CB839 treatment. Conclusion: 18F-fluciclovine PET has potential to serve as a clinically translatable pharmacodynamic biomarker of GLSi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhou
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David Mankoff
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ni R, Li Z, Li L, Peng D, Ming Y, Li L, Liu Y. Rethinking glutamine metabolism and the regulation of glutamine addiction by oncogenes in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1143798. [PMID: 36959802 PMCID: PMC10029103 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1143798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamine, the most abundant non-essential amino acid in human blood, is crucial for cancer cell growth and cancer progression. Glutamine mainly functions as a carbon and nitrogen source for biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and redox homeostasis maintenance in cancer cells. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism is a notable metabolic characteristic of cancer cells. Some carcinogen-driven cancers exhibit a marked dependence on glutamine, also known as glutamine addiction, which has rendered the glutamine metabolic pathway a breakpoint in cancer therapeutics. However, some cancer cells can adapt to the glutamine unavailability by reprogramming metabolism, thus limiting the success of this therapeutic approach. Given the complexity of metabolic networks and the limited impact of inhibiting glutamine metabolism alone, the combination of glutamine metabolism inhibition and other therapeutic methods may outperform corresponding monotherapies in the treatment of cancers. This review summarizes the uptake, transport, and metabolic characteristics of glutamine, as well as the regulation of glutamine dependence by some important oncogenes in various cancers to emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, we discuss a glutamine metabolic pathway, the glutaminase II pathway, that has been substantially overlooked. Finally, we discuss the applicability of polytherapeutic strategies targeting glutamine metabolism to provide a new perspective on cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ni
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Peng
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Ming
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of pharmacy, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Li, ; Yao Liu,
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Li, ; Yao Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kao TW, Chuang YC, Lee HL, Kuo CC, Shen YA. Therapeutic Targeting of Glutaminolysis as a Novel Strategy to Combat Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315296. [PMID: 36499623 PMCID: PMC9737183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the ability to self-renew and are the primary driving force behind cancer metastatic dissemination and the preeminent hurdle to cancer treatment. As opposed to differentiated, non-malignant tumor offspring, CSCs have sophisticated metabolic patterns that, depending on the kind of cancer, rely mostly on the oxidation of major fuel substrates such as glucose, glutamine, and fatty acids for survival. Glutaminolysis is a series of metabolic reactions that convert glutamine to glutamate and, eventually, α-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle that provides biosynthetic building blocks. These building blocks are mostly utilized in the synthesis of macromolecules and antioxidants for redox homeostasis. A recent study revealed the cellular and molecular interconnections between glutamine and cancer stemness in the cell. Researchers have increasingly focused on glutamine catabolism in their attempt to discover an effective therapy for cancer stem cells. Targeting catalytic enzymes in glutaminolysis, such as glutaminase (GLS), is achievable with small molecule inhibitors, some of which are in early-phase clinical trials and have promising safety profiles. This review summarizes the current findings in glutaminolysis of CSCs and focuses on novel cancer therapies that target glutaminolysis in CSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Wan Kao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chen Chuang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Lun Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Kuo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yao-An Shen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cooper AJL, Dorai T, Pinto JT, Denton TT. α-Ketoglutaramate-A key metabolite contributing to glutamine addiction in cancer cells. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1035335. [PMID: 36404951 PMCID: PMC9671947 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1035335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J. L. Cooper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Thambi Dorai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Urology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - John T. Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Travis T. Denton
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, United States
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, United States
- Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Reprogramming T-Cell Metabolism for Better Anti-Tumor Immunity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193103. [PMID: 36231064 PMCID: PMC9562038 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells play central roles in the anti-tumor immunity, whose activation and differentiation are profoundly regulated by intrinsic metabolic reprogramming. Emerging evidence has revealed that metabolic processes of T cells are generally altered by tumor cells or tumor released factors, leading to crippled anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, better understanding of T cell metabolic mechanism is crucial in developing the next generation of T cell-based anti-tumor immunotherapeutics. In this review, we discuss how metabolic pathways affect T cells to exert their anti-tumor effects and how to remodel the metabolic programs to improve T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses. We emphasize that glycolysis, carboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, cholesterol metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism work together to tune tumor-reactive T-cell activation and proliferation.
Collapse
|
35
|
Peng X, Zheng T, Guo Y, Zhu Y. Amino acid metabolism genes associated with immunotherapy responses and clinical prognosis of colorectal cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:955705. [PMID: 35992263 PMCID: PMC9388734 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.955705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on amino acid metabolism-related genes (AAMRGs), this study aimed at screening out key prognosis-related genes and finding the underlying correlation between the amino acid metabolism and tumor immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer. A total of 448 amino acid metabolism-related genes were obtained from MsigDB. The risk signature was built based on differential expression genes, univariate Cox, and LASSO analyses with 403 patients’ data downloaded from the TCGA database. Survival analysis and independence tests were performed to confirm the validity of the risk signature. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), tumor mutation burden (TMB), the score of tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE), the immunophenoscore obtained from The Cancer Immunome Atlas database, and the IC50 of drugs were used to find the relationship among the risk signature, immune status, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity of colorectal cancer. We identified five amino acid metabolism-related genes for the construction of the risk signature, including ENOPH1, ACAT1, ALDH4A1, FAS, and ASPG. The low-risk group was significantly associated with a better prognosis (p < 0.0001). In the entire set, the area under the curve (AUC) for 1, 3, and 5 years was 0.717, 0.734, and 0.764, respectively. We also discovered that the low-risk subgroup was related to more activity of immune cells, had higher expression of some immune checkpoints, and was more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. ssGSEA revealed that except the processes of glutamine histidine, lysine, tyrosine, and L-phenylalanine metabolism, the other amino acid metabolism pathways were more active in the samples with the low risk scores, whereas the activities of synthesis and transportation of most amino acids were similar. Hedgehog signaling, WNT/β-catenin signaling, mitotic, notch signaling, and TGF-β signaling were the top five pathways positively associated with the risk score. To sum up, AAMRGs were associated with the immune microenvironment of CRC patients and could be applied as biomarkers to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Peng
- The First Clinical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting Zheng
- Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co, Ltd, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Guo
- The First Clinical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zhu, ; Yong Guo,
| | - Ying Zhu
- The First Clinical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zhu, ; Yong Guo,
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hall DCN, Benndorf RA. Aspirin sensitivity of PIK3CA-mutated Colorectal Cancer: potential mechanisms revisited. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:393. [PMID: 35780223 PMCID: PMC9250486 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04430-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PIK3CA mutations are amongst the most prevalent somatic mutations in cancer and are associated with resistance to first-line treatment along with low survival rates in a variety of malignancies. There is evidence that patients carrying PIK3CA mutations may benefit from treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, particularly in the setting of colorectal cancer. In this regard, it has been clarified that Class IA Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), whose catalytic subunit p110α is encoded by the PIK3CA gene, are involved in signal transduction that regulates cell cycle, cell growth, and metabolism and, if disturbed, induces carcinogenic effects. Although PI3K is associated with pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and signaling, and COX-2 is among the best-studied targets of aspirin, the mechanisms behind this clinically relevant phenomenon are still unclear. Indeed, there is further evidence that the protective, anti-carcinogenic effect of aspirin in this setting may be mediated in a COX-independent manner. However, until now the understanding of aspirin's prostaglandin-independent mode of action is poor. This review will provide an overview of the current literature on this topic and aims to analyze possible mechanisms and targets behind the aspirin sensitivity of PIK3CA-mutated cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniella C N Hall
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Nuclear translocation of p85β promotes tumorigenesis of PIK3CA helical domain mutant cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1974. [PMID: 35418124 PMCID: PMC9007954 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29585-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PI3Ks consist of p110 catalytic subunits and p85 regulatory subunits. PIK3CA, encoding p110α, is frequently mutated in human cancers. Most PIK3CA mutations are clustered in the helical domain or the kinase domain. Here, we report that p85β disassociates from p110α helical domain mutant protein and translocates into the nucleus through a nuclear localization sequence (NLS). Nuclear p85β recruits deubiquitinase USP7 to stabilize EZH1 and EZH2 and enhances H3K27 trimethylation. Knockout of p85β or p85β NLS mutant reduces the growth of tumors harboring a PIK3CA helical domain mutation. Our studies illuminate a novel mechanism by which PIK3CA helical domain mutations exert their oncogenic function. Finally, a combination of Alpelisib, a p110α-specific inhibitor, and an EZH inhibitor, Tazemetostat, induces regression of xenograft tumors harboring a PIK3CA helical domain mutation, but not tumors with either a WT PIK3CA or a PIK3CA kinase domain mutation, suggesting that the drug combination could be an effective therapeutic approach for PIK3CA helical domain mutant tumors. The mechanisms behind the oncogenic role of the PIK3CA helical domain mutant is poorly understood. Here, the authors show that its oncogenic function depends on the release of p85β from mutated p110α, its translocation to the nucleus and the consequent increased activity of EZH proteins.
Collapse
|
38
|
Yoshikawa S, Nagao M, Toh R, Shinohara M, Iino T, Irino Y, Nishimori M, Tanaka H, Satomi-Kobayashi S, Ishida T, Hirata KI. Inhibition of glutaminase 1-mediated glutaminolysis improves pathological cardiac remodeling. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H749-H761. [PMID: 35275762 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00692.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in cardiac metabolism are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). We recently reported that glutamine-dependent anaplerosis, termed glutaminolysis, was activated by H2O2 stimulation in rat cardiomyocytes, which seemed to be an adaptive response by which cardiomyocytes survive acute stress. However, the molecular mechanisms and fundamental roles of glutaminolysis in the pathophysiology of the failing heart are still unknown. Here, we treated wild-type mice (C57BL/6J) and rat neonatal cardiomyocytes (RNCMs) and fibroblasts (RNCFs) with angiotensin II (Ang II) to induce pathological cardiac remodeling. Glutaminase 1 (GLS1), a rate-limiting glutaminolysis enzyme, was significantly increased in Ang II-induced mouse hearts, RNCMs and RNCFs. Unexpectedly, a GLS1 inhibitor attenuated Ang II-induced left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis in the mice, and gene knockdown and pharmacological perturbation of GLS1 suppressed hypertrophy and the proliferation of RNCMs and RNCFs, respectively. Using mass spectrometry (MS)-based stable isotope tracing with 13C-labeled glutamine, we observed glutamine metabolic flux in Ang II-treated RNCMs and RNCFs. The incorporation of 13C atoms into tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates and their derivatives was markedly enhanced in both cell types, indicating the activation of glutaminolysis in hypertrophied heart. Notably, GLS1 inhibition reduced the production of glutamine-derived aspartate and citrate, which are required for the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and lipids, possibly contributing to the suppression of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. The findings of the present study reveal that GLS1-mediated upregulation of glutaminolysis leads to maladaptive cardiac remodeling. Inhibition of this anaplerotic pathway could be a novel therapeutic approach for HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Yoshikawa
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Manabu Nagao
- Division of Evidence-based Laboratory Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Ryuji Toh
- Division of Evidence-based Laboratory Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masakazu Shinohara
- Division of Epidemiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; The Integrated Center for Mass Spectrometry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takuya Iino
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Irino
- Division of Evidence-based Laboratory Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Makoto Nishimori
- Division of Epidemiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Tanaka
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Seimi Satomi-Kobayashi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Ishida
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Hirata
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Evidence-based Laboratory Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chen G, Li Y, Miao Y, Liu B. Recent developments on bismuth oxyhalide-based functional nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:5809-5830. [DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01182d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Multifunctional bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX, X = F, Cl, Br, and I) nanomaterials have great potential advantages in medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Pure BiOX nanomaterials have some limitations such as...
Collapse
|
40
|
PET/MR Imaging of a Lung Metastasis Model of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma with (2S,4R)-4-[ 18F]Fluoroglutamine. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:959-972. [PMID: 35732988 PMCID: PMC9681699 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-022-01747-9] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metabolic reprogramming plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Currently, positron emission tomography (PET) reporters are not used clinically to visualize altered glutamine metabolism in ccRCC, which greatly hinders detection, staging, and real-time therapeutic assessment. We sought to determine if (2S,4R)-4-[18F]fluoroglutamine ([18F]FGln) could be used to interrogate altered glutamine metabolism in ccRCC lesions in the lung. PROCEDURES We generated a novel ccRCC lung lesion model using the ccRCC cell line UMRC3 stably transfected with GFP and luciferase constructs. This cell line was used for characterization of [18F]FGln uptake and retention by transport analysis in cell culture and by PET/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in animal models. Tumor growth in animal models was monitored using bioluminescence (BLI) and MRI. After necropsy, UMRC3 tumor growth in lung tissue was verified by fluorescence imaging and histology. RESULTS In UMRC3 cells, [18F]FGln cell uptake was twofold higher than cell uptake in normal kidney HEK293 cells. Tracer cell uptake was reduced by 60-90% in the presence of excess glutamine in the media and by 20-50% upon treatment with V-9302, an inhibitor of the major glutamine transporter alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2). Furthermore, in UMRC3 cells, [18F]FGln cell uptake was reduced by siRNA knockdown of ASCT2 to levels obtained by the addition of excess exogenous glutamine. Conversely, [18F]FGln cellular uptake was increased in the presence of the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839. Using simultaneous PET/MRI for visualization, retention of [18F]FGln in vivo in ccRCC lung tumors was 1.5-fold greater than normal lung tissue and twofold greater than muscle. In ccRCC lung tumors, [18F]FGln retention did not change significantly upon treatment with CB-839. CONCLUSIONS We report one of the first direct orthotopic mouse models of ccRCC lung lesions. Using PET/MR imaging, lung tumors were easily discerned from normal tissue. Higher uptake of [18F]FGln was observed in a ccRCC cell line and lung lesions compared to HEK293 cells and normal lung tissue, respectively. [18F]FGln cell uptake was modulated by exogenous glutamine, V-9302, siRNA knockdown of ASCT2, and CB-839. Interestingly, in a pilot therapeutic study with CB-839, we observed no difference in treated tumors relative to untreated controls. This was in contrast with cellular studies, where CB-839 increased glutamine uptake.
Collapse
|
41
|
Hon KW, Zainal Abidin SA, Othman I, Naidu R. The Crosstalk Between Signaling Pathways and Cancer Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:768861. [PMID: 34887764 PMCID: PMC8650587 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.768861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. Metabolic reprogramming represents an important cancer hallmark in CRC. Reprogramming core metabolic pathways in cancer cells, such as glycolysis, glutaminolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and lipid metabolism, is essential to increase energy production and biosynthesis of precursors required to support tumor initiation and progression. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that activation of oncogenes and loss of tumor suppressor genes regulate metabolic reprogramming through the downstream signaling pathways. Protein kinases, such as AKT and c-MYC, are the integral components that facilitate the crosstalk between signaling pathways and metabolic pathways in CRC. This review provides an insight into the crosstalk between signaling pathways and metabolic reprogramming in CRC. Targeting CRC metabolism could open a new avenue for developing CRC therapy by discovering metabolic inhibitors and repurposing protein kinase inhibitors/monoclonal antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rakesh Naidu
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Elbanna M, Chowdhury NN, Rhome R, Fishel ML. Clinical and Preclinical Outcomes of Combining Targeted Therapy With Radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:749496. [PMID: 34733787 PMCID: PMC8558533 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.749496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of precision medicine, radiation medicine is currently focused on the precise delivery of highly conformal radiation treatments. However, the tremendous developments in targeted therapy are yet to fulfill their full promise and arguably have the potential to dramatically enhance the radiation therapeutic ratio. The increased ability to molecularly profile tumors both at diagnosis and at relapse and the co-incident progress in the field of radiogenomics could potentially pave the way for a more personalized approach to radiation treatment in contrast to the current ‘‘one size fits all’’ paradigm. Few clinical trials to date have shown an improved clinical outcome when combining targeted agents with radiation therapy, however, most have failed to show benefit, which is arguably due to limited preclinical data. Several key molecular pathways could theoretically enhance therapeutic effect of radiation when rationally targeted either by directly enhancing tumor cell kill or indirectly through the abscopal effect of radiation when combined with novel immunotherapies. The timing of combining molecular targeted therapy with radiation is also important to determine and could greatly affect the outcome depending on which pathway is being inhibited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- May Elbanna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nayela N Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ryan Rhome
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Melissa L Fishel
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Pediatrics and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Epova EY, Shevelev AB, Shurubor YI, Cooper AJL, Biryukova YK, Bogdanova ES, Tyno YY, Lebedeva AA, Krasnikov BF. A novel efficient producer of human ω-amidase (Nit2) in Escherichia coli. Anal Biochem 2021; 632:114332. [PMID: 34391728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114332] [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: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nit2/ω-amidase catalyzes the hydrolysis of α-ketoglutaramate (KGM, the α-keto acid analogue of glutamine) to α-ketoglutarate and ammonia. The enzyme also catalyzes the amide hydrolysis of monoamides of 4- and 5-C-dicarboxylates, including α-ketosuccinamate (KSM, the α-keto acid analogue of asparagine) and succinamate (SM). Here we describe an inexpensive procedure for high-yield expression of human Nit2 (hNit2) in Escherichia coli and purification of the expressed protein. This work includes: 1) the design of a genetic construct (pQE-Nit22) obtained from the previously described construct (pQE-Nit2) by replacing rare codons within an 81 bp-long DNA fragment "preferred" by E. coli near the translation initiation site; 2) methods for producing and maintaining the pQE-Nit22 construct; 3) purification of recombinant hNit2; and 4) activity measurements of the purified enzyme with KGM and SM. Important features of the hNit2 gene within the pQE-Nit22 construct are: 1) optimized codon composition, 2) the presence of an N-terminus His6 tag immediately after the initiating codon ATG (Met) that permits efficient purification of the end-product on a Ni-NTA-agarose column. We anticipate that the availability of high yield hNit2/ω-amidase will be helpful in elucidating the normal and pathological roles of this enzyme and in the design of specific inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Yu Epova
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexei B Shevelev
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Arthur J L Cooper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Yulia K Biryukova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S Bogdanova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yaroslav Ya Tyno
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Lebedeva
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris F Krasnikov
- Centre for Strategic Planning of FMBA of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Iorio M, Umesh Ganesh N, De Luise M, Porcelli AM, Gasparre G, Kurelac I. The Neglected Liaison: Targeting Cancer Cell Metabolic Reprogramming Modifies the Composition of Non-Malignant Populations of the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215447. [PMID: 34771610 PMCID: PMC8582418 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215447] [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: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a well-known hallmark of cancer, whereby the development of drugs that target cancer cell metabolism is gaining momentum. However, when establishing preclinical studies and clinical trials, it is often neglected that a tumor mass is a complex system in which cancer cells coexist and interact with several types of microenvironment populations, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts and immune cells. We are just starting to understand how such populations are affected by the metabolic changes occurring in a transformed cell and little is known about the impact of metabolism-targeting drugs on the non-malignant tumor components. Here we provide a general overview of the links between cancer cell metabolism and tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly focusing on the emerging literature reporting TME-specific effects of metabolic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Iorio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.I.); (N.U.G.); (M.D.L.); (G.G.)
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Centro Studi e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nikkitha Umesh Ganesh
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.I.); (N.U.G.); (M.D.L.); (G.G.)
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Centro Studi e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica De Luise
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.I.); (N.U.G.); (M.D.L.); (G.G.)
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Centro Studi e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Centro Studi e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center of Industrial Research (CIRI) Life Science and Health Technologies, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gasparre
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.I.); (N.U.G.); (M.D.L.); (G.G.)
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Centro Studi e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ivana Kurelac
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.I.); (N.U.G.); (M.D.L.); (G.G.)
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Centro Studi e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-2088-418
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhong C, Wu K, Wang S, Long Z, Yang T, Zhong W, Tan X, Wang Z, Li C, Lu J, Mao X. Autophagy-related circRNA evaluation reveals hsa_circ_0001747 as a potential favorable prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence in patients with prostate cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:726. [PMID: 34294687 PMCID: PMC8298711 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04015-w] [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: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common high-incidence malignancy in men, some of whom develop biochemical recurrence (BCR) in the advanced stage. However, there are currently no accurate prognostic indicators of BCR in PCa. The aim of our study was to identify an autophagy-related circular RNA prognostic factor of BCR for patients with PCa. In this study, immunochemistry revealed that the classic autophagy marker MAP1LC3B was positively correlated with Gleason score. Least absolute shrinkage and selector operator regression were conducted to develop a novel prognostic model with tenfold cross-validation and an L1 penalty. Five autophagy-related circRNA signatures were included in the prognostic model. Patients with PCa were ultimately divided into high- and low-risk groups, based on the median risk score. Patients with PCa, who had a high risk score, were more likely to develop BCR in a shorter period of time. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that the risk score was an independent variable for predicting BCR in PCa. In addition, a prognostic nomogram integrated with the risk score and numerous clinicopathological parameters was developed to accurately predict 3- and 5-year BCR of patients with PCa. Finally, the hsa_circ_0001747 signature was selected for further experimental verification in vitro and in vivo, which showed that downregulated hsa_circ_0001747 might facilitate PCa via augmenting autophagy. Our findings indicate that the autophagy-related circRNA signature hsa_circ_0001747 may serve as a promising indicator for BCR prediction in patients with PCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfan Zhong
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaihui Wu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zining Long
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Taowei Yang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibo Zhong
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Tan
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Chuanyin Li
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jianming Lu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiangming Mao
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Metabolic Reprogramming of Colorectal Cancer Cells and the Microenvironment: Implication for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126262. [PMID: 34200820 PMCID: PMC8230539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed carcinomas and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Metabolic reprogramming, a hallmark of cancer, is closely related to the initiation and progression of carcinomas, including CRC. Accumulating evidence shows that activation of oncogenic pathways and loss of tumor suppressor genes regulate the metabolic reprogramming that is mainly involved in glycolysis, glutaminolysis, one-carbon metabolism and lipid metabolism. The abnormal metabolic program provides tumor cells with abundant energy, nutrients and redox requirements to support their malignant growth and metastasis, which is accompanied by impaired metabolic flexibility in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. The metabolic crosstalk between the tumor cells, the components of the TME and the intestinal microbiota further facilitates CRC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis and leads to therapy resistance. Hence, to target the dysregulated tumor metabolism, the TME and the gut microbiota, novel preventive and therapeutic applications are required. In this review, the dysregulation of metabolic programs, molecular pathways, the TME and the intestinal microbiota in CRC is addressed. Possible therapeutic strategies, including metabolic inhibition and immune therapy in CRC, as well as modulation of the aberrant intestinal microbiota, are discussed.
Collapse
|
47
|
Chen PR, Lucas CG, Spate LD, Prather RS. Glutaminolysis is involved in the activation of mTORC1 in in vitro-produced porcine embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:490-499. [PMID: 34075648 PMCID: PMC8361685 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Glutamine supplementation to porcine embryo culture medium improves development, increases leucine consumption, and enhances mitochondrial activity. In cancer cells, glutamine has been implicated in the activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) to support rapid proliferation. The objective of this study was to determine if glutamine metabolism, known as glutaminolysis, was involved in mTORC1 activation in porcine embryos. Culture with 3.75 mM GlutaMAX improved development to the blastocyst stage compared to culture with 1 mM GlutaMAX, and culture with 0 mM GlutaMAX decreased development compared to all groups with GlutaMAX. Ratios of phosphorylated to total MTOR were increased when embryos were cultured with 3.75 or 10 mM GlutaMAX, which was enhanced by the absence of leucine, but ratios for RPS6K were unchanged. As another indicator of mTORC1 activation, colocalization of MTOR and a lysosomal marker was increased in embryos cultured with 3.75 or 10 mM GlutaMAX in the absence of leucine. Culturing embryos with glutaminase inhibitors decreased development and the ratio of phosphorylated to total MTOR, indicating reduced activation of the complex. Therefore, glutaminolysis is involved in the activation of mTORC1 in porcine embryos, but further studies are needed to characterize downstream effects on development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula R Chen
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Caroline G Lucas
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Lee D Spate
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Moldovan OL, Rusu A, Tanase C, Vari CE. Glutamate - A multifaceted molecule: Endogenous neurotransmitter, controversial food additive, design compound for anti-cancer drugs. A critical appraisal. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 153:112290. [PMID: 34023459 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112290] [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: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
One of the most widely used flavour enhancers in the food industry is monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG consumption has been on an upward trend, worrying in terms of potential toxic effects. This review is focused on the long-term toxicity of MSG and the experimental evidence that supports it. The article's primary purpose was to survey recently published data regarding the consumption of MSG within safe limits. The administered doses in animal models are very varied and have given rise to controversy. Also, the paper comprises pathways to lower MSG toxicity and highlight other underexploited biological effects, as anti-cancer potential. The administration of MSG, combined with various compounds, has been shown benefit against toxic effects. Several recent studies have identified a possible mechanism that recommends MSG and some derivatives as potential anti-cancer agents. New anti-cancer compounds based on the glutamic acid structure must be studied and further exploited. International regulations require harmonization of safe doses of MSG based on current scientific studies. Replacing MSG with other umami flavour enhancers may be a safer alternative for human health in the future. The biological consequences of MSG consumption or therapeutical administration have not been fully deciphered yet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Octavia-Laura Moldovan
- Medicine and Pharmacy Doctoral School, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142, Târgu Mureș, Romania.
| | - Aura Rusu
- Pharmaceutical and Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142, Târgu Mureș, Romania.
| | - Corneliu Tanase
- Pharmaceutical Botany Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142, Târgu Mureș, Romania.
| | - Camil-Eugen Vari
- Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142, Târgu Mureș, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Hamada S, Matsumoto R, Tanaka Y, Taguchi K, Yamamoto M, Masamune A. Nrf2 Activation Sensitizes K-Ras Mutant Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Glutaminase Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1870. [PMID: 33672789 PMCID: PMC7918355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains intractable owing to the lack of effective therapy for unresectable cases. Activating mutations of K-ras are frequently found in pancreatic cancers, but these have not yet been targeted by cancer therapies. The Keap1-Nrf2 system plays a crucial role in mediating the oxidative stress response, which also contributes to cancer progression. Nrf2 activation reprograms the metabolic profile to promote the proliferation of cancer cells. A recent report suggested that K-ras- and Nrf2-active lung cancer cells are sensitive to glutamine depletion. This finding led to the recognition of glutaminase inhibitors as novel anticancer agents. In the current study, we used murine pancreatic cancer tissues driven by mutant K-ras and p53 to establish cell lines expressing constitutively activated Nrf2. Genetic or pharmacological Nrf2 activation in cells via Keap1 deletion or Nrf2 activation sensitized cells to glutaminase inhibition. This phenomenon was confirmed to be dependent on K-ras activation in human pancreatic cancer cell lines harboring mutant K-ras, i.e., Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2 in response to DEM pretreatment. This phenomenon was not observed in BxPC3 cells harboring wildtype K-ras. These results indicate the possibility of employing Nrf2 activation and glutaminase inhibition as novel therapeutic interventions for K-ras mutant pancreatic cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Hamada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; (R.M.); (Y.T.); (A.M.)
| | - Ryotaro Matsumoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; (R.M.); (Y.T.); (A.M.)
| | - Yu Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; (R.M.); (Y.T.); (A.M.)
| | - Keiko Taguchi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; (K.T.); (M.Y.)
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; (K.T.); (M.Y.)
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; (R.M.); (Y.T.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wang Z, Liu F, Fan N, Zhou C, Li D, Macvicar T, Dong Q, Bruns CJ, Zhao Y. Targeting Glutaminolysis: New Perspectives to Understand Cancer Development and Novel Strategies for Potential Target Therapies. Front Oncol 2020; 10:589508. [PMID: 33194749 PMCID: PMC7649373 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.589508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism rewiring is an important hallmark of cancers. Being one of the most abundant free amino acids in the human blood, glutamine supports bioenergetics and biosynthesis, tumor growth, and the production of antioxidants through glutaminolysis in cancers. In glutamine dependent cancer cells, more than half of the tricarboxylic/critic acid (TCA) metabolites are derived from glutamine. Glutaminolysis controls the process of converting glutamine into TCA cycle metabolites through the regulation of multiple enzymes, among which the glutaminase shows the importance as the very first step in this process. Targeting glutaminolysis via glutaminase inhibition emerges as a promising strategy to disrupt cancer metabolism and tumor progression. Here, we review the regulation of glutaminase and the role of glutaminase in cancer metabolism and metastasis. Furthermore, we highlight the glutaminase inhibitor based metabolic therapy strategy and their potential applications in clinical scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhefang Wang
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fanyu Liu
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ningbo Fan
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Chenghui Zhou
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Macvicar
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Qiongzhu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|