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Jia S, Bode AM, Chen X, Luo X. Unlocking the potential: Targeting metabolic pathways in the tumor microenvironment for Cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189166. [PMID: 39111710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189166] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer incidence and mortality are increasing and impacting global life expectancy. Metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is intimately related to tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis and drug resistance. Tumor cells drive metabolic reprogramming of other cells in the TME through metabolic induction of cytokines and metabolites, and metabolic substrate competition. Consequently, this boosts tumor cell growth by providing metabolic support and facilitating immunosuppression and angiogenesis. The metabolic interplay in the TME presents potential therapeutic targets. Here, we focus on the metabolic reprogramming of four principal cell subsets in the TME: CAFs, TAMs, TILs and TECs, and their interaction with tumor cells. We also summarize medications and therapies targeting these cells' metabolic pathways, particularly in the context of immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Jia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Xue Chen
- Early Clinical Trial Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
| | - Xiangjian Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.
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2
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Hajaj E, Pozzi S, Erez A. From the Inside Out: Exposing the Roles of Urea Cycle Enzymes in Tumors and Their Micro and Macro Environments. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041538. [PMID: 37696657 PMCID: PMC10982720 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041538] [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: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Catabolic pathways change in anabolic diseases such as cancer to maintain metabolic homeostasis. The liver urea cycle (UC) is the main catabolic pathway for disposing excess nitrogen. Outside the liver, the UC enzymes are differentially expressed based on each tissue's needs for UC intermediates. In tumors, there are changes in the expression of UC enzymes selected for promoting tumorigenesis by increasing the availability of essential UC substrates and products. Consequently, there are compensatory changes in the expression of UC enzymes in the cells that compose the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, extrahepatic tumors induce changes in the expression of the liver UC, which contribute to the systemic manifestations of cancer, such as weight loss. Here, we review the multilayer changes in the expression of UC enzymes throughout carcinogenesis. Understanding the changes in UC expression in the tumor and its micro and macro environment can help identify biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis and vulnerabilities that can be targeted for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hajaj
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sabina Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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3
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Dai W, Mo W, Xu W, Han D, Xu X. Systematic analysis of glutamine metabolism family genes and exploration of the biological role of GPT in colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11811-11830. [PMID: 37851339 PMCID: PMC10683594 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy of the digestive system with high incidence rate and mortality, and reliable diagnostic and prognostic markers for CRC are still lacking. Glutamine metabolism is crucial to the occurrence and development of CRC. However, no research has systematically analyzed the biological role of glutamine metabolism-related genes (GMRGs) in CRC. METHODS We downloaded gene expression data and clinical data of CRC patients from the TCGA database. The UCSC database downloads pan-cancer gene expression data and prognosis data. Characteristic GMRGs were screened out using differential analysis and two types of machine learning (SVM-REF and RandomForest). Single-cell RNA-sequencing data from CRC patients were downloaded from GEO data. ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value. Kaplan-Meier method and univariate Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic value. The oncopredict package is used to calculate IC50 values for common drugs in CRC patients. RESULTS A total of 31 differentially expressed GMRGs were identified, 9 of which were identified as characteristic GMRGs. Further evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic value finally identified GPT as the most important GMRGs in CRC. scRNA-seq analysis revealed that GPT is almost exclusively expressed in epithelial cells. GPT expression is closely related to the tumor microenvironment and can effectively distinguish the sensitivity of different CRC patients to clinical drugs. In addition, pan-cancer analysis showed that GPT is an excellent diagnostic and prognostic marker for multiple cancers. CONCLUSIONS GPT is a reliable diagnostic, prognostic marker and therapeutic target in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Mo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqiang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Dengyu Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanfu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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4
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Zhong X, He Z, Yin L, Fan Y, Tong Y, Kang Y, Bi Q. Glutamine metabolism in tumor metastasis: Genes, mechanisms and the therapeutic targets. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20656. [PMID: 37829798 PMCID: PMC10565784 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20656] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells frequently change their metabolism from aerobic glycolysis to lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism to adapt to the malignant biological behaviours of infinite proliferation and distant metastasis. The significance of metabolic substances and patterns in tumour cell metastasis is becoming increasingly prominent. Tumour metastasis involves a series of significant steps such as the shedding of cancer cells from a primary tumour, resistance to apoptosis, and colonisation of metastatic sites. However, the role of glutamine in these processes remains unclear. This review summarises the key enzymes and transporters involved in glutamine metabolism that are related to the pathogenesis of malignant tumour metastasis. We also list the roles of glutamine in resisting oxidative stress and promoting immune escape. Finally, the significance of targeting glutamine metabolism in inhibiting tumour metastasis was proposed, research in this field improving our understanding of amino acid metabolism rewiring and simultaneously bringing about new and exciting therapeutic prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xugang Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zeju He
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Bi
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Medical College People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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5
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Zhao D, Qin J, An J, Zhang H, Li J, Wang H, Du R, He Y. Optimization of piggyBac Transposon System Electrotransfection in Sheep Fibroblasts. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:1585-1597. [PMID: 36705779 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00659-5] [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: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation is a non-viral mediated transfection technique, which has the advantages of being harmless, easy to operate, and less expensive. This transfection method can be used for almost all cell types and has gradually become the preferred transfection method for mammalian gene editing. However, further improvements are needed in electroporation efficiency. There is no universal standard electrotransfection step for different types of cells, and the inappropriate electroporation parameters will result in a low transfection efficiency and high cell mortality. Here, we systematically optimized the electrotransfection parameters of piggyBac transposon system into sheep fetal fibroblasts for the first time. We found that the cell transfection efficiency and cell viability could be improved by using traditional cell culture medium DMEM/F12 as an electroporation buffer, and simultaneously using the square-wave pulsing program of 200 V, 2 pulses, 20 ms length, and 20 μg DNA (3 μg/μL) in 4 mm cuvette, and the transfection efficiency and cell viability could eventually reach 78.0% and 40.9%, respectively. The purpose of this study is to provide a method reference and theoretical basis for the plasmid electrotransfection in mammal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipeng Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
- Center of Experiment Teaching, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Jie An
- College of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Junling Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Hejie Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Rong Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
| | - Yongming He
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
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Tang PW, Frisbie L, Hempel N, Coffman L. Insights into the tumor-stromal-immune cell metabolism cross talk in ovarian cancer. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C731-C749. [PMID: 37545409 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00588.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a constellation of abundant cellular components, extracellular matrix, and soluble factors. Soluble factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, structural proteins, extracellular vesicles, and metabolites, are critical means of noncontact cellular communication acting as messengers to convey pro- or antitumorigenic signals. Vast advancements have been made in our understanding of how cancer cells adapt their metabolism to meet environmental demands and utilize these adaptations to promote survival, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The stromal TME contribution to this metabolic rewiring has been relatively underexplored, particularly in ovarian cancer. Thus, metabolic activity alterations in the TME hold promise for further study and potential therapeutic exploitation. In this review, we focus on the cellular components of the TME with emphasis on 1) metabolic signatures of ovarian cancer; 2) understanding the stromal cell network and their metabolic cross talk with tumor cells; and 3) how stromal and tumor cell metabolites alter intratumoral immune cell metabolism and function. Together, these elements provide insight into the metabolic influence of the TME and emphasize the importance of understanding how metabolic performance drives cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla W Tang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Leonard Frisbie
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Nadine Hempel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Lan Coffman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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7
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Peña R. Inhibition of glutamine metabolism: acting on tumoral cells or on tumor microenvironment? Oncotarget 2023; 14:755-757. [PMID: 38958741 PMCID: PMC11221563 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Peña
- Correspondence to: Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Unitat Associada al CSIC, Barcelona 08003, Spain Raúl Peña, email
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Cai Y, Lv L, Lu T, Ding M, Yu Z, Chen X, Zhou X, Wang X. α-KG inhibits tumor growth of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by inducing ROS and TP53-mediated ferroptosis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:182. [PMID: 37308557 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01475-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of human malignancies. Dysregulation of glutamine metabolism is essential for tumorigenesis, microenvironment remodeling, and therapeutic resistance. Based on the untargeted metabolomics sequencing, we identified that the glutamine metabolic pathway was up-regulated in the serum of patients with primary DLBCL. High levels of glutamine were associated with inferior clinical outcomes, indicative of the prognostic value of glutamine in DLBCL. In contrast, the derivate of glutamine alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) was negatively correlated with the invasiveness features of DLBCL patients. Further, we found that treatment with the cell-permeable derivative of α-KG, known as DM-αKG, significantly suppressed tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and non-apoptotic cell death. Accumulation of a-KG promoted oxidative stress in double-hit lymphoma (DHL), which depended on malate dehydrogenase 1 (MDH1)-mediated 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) conversion. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributed to ferroptosis induction by promoting lipid peroxidation and TP53 activation. In particular, TP53 overexpression derived from oxidative DNA damage, further leading to the activation of ferroptosis-related pathways. Our study demonstrated the importance of glutamine metabolism in DLBCL progression and highlighted the potential application of α-KG as a novel therapeutic strategy for DHL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Cai
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Liemei Lv
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Tiange Lu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Mengfei Ding
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Zhuoya Yu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Xiangxiang Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 251006, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 251006, China.
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9
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Brichkina A, Polo P, Sharma SD, Visestamkul N, Lauth M. A Quick Guide to CAF Subtypes in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092614. [PMID: 37174079 PMCID: PMC10177377 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most desmoplastic malignancies and is characterized by an extensive deposition of extracellular matrix. The latter is provided by activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are abundant cells in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Many recent studies have made it clear that CAFs are not a singular cellular entity but represent a multitude of potentially dynamic subgroups that affect tumor biology at several levels. As mentioned before, CAFs significantly contribute to the fibrotic reaction and the biomechanical properties of the tumor, but they can also modulate the local immune environment and the response to targeted, chemo or radiotherapy. As the number of known and emerging CAF subgroups is steadily increasing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with these developments and to clearly discriminate the cellular subsets identified so far. This review aims to provide a helpful overview that enables readers to quickly familiarize themselves with field of CAF heterogeneity and to grasp the phenotypic, functional and therapeutic distinctions of the various stromal subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brichkina
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Pierfrancesco Polo
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Shrey Dharamvir Sharma
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Nico Visestamkul
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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10
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Niu N, Ye J, Hu Z, Zhang J, Wang Y. Regulative Roles of Metabolic Plasticity Caused by Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation and Glycolysis on the Initiation and Progression of Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087076. [PMID: 37108242 PMCID: PMC10139088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087076] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
One important feature of tumour development is the regulatory role of metabolic plasticity in maintaining the balance of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in cancer cells. In recent years, the transition and/or function of metabolic phenotypes between mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in tumour cells have been extensively studied. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the characteristics of metabolic plasticity (emphasizing their effects, such as immune escape, angiogenesis migration, invasiveness, heterogeneity, adhesion, and phenotypic properties of cancers, among others) on tumour progression, including the initiation and progression phases. Thus, this article provides an overall understanding of the influence of abnormal metabolic remodeling on malignant proliferation and pathophysiological changes in carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Niu
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Canghai Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jinfeng Ye
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Junbin Zhang
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Shenzhen Engineering Labortaory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Lihu Campus of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
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11
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Li S, Zeng H, Fan J, Wang F, Xu C, Li Y, Tu J, Nephew KP, Long X. Glutamine metabolism in breast cancer and possible therapeutic targets. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115464. [PMID: 36849062 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by metabolic reprogramming, which is a hot topic in tumor treatment research. Cancer cells alter metabolic pathways to promote their growth, and the common purpose of these altered metabolic pathways is to adapt the metabolic state to the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Most cancer cells in a state of nonhypoxia will increase the uptake of glucose and produce lactate, called the Warburg effect. Increased glucose consumption is used as a carbon source to support cell proliferation, including nucleotide, lipid and protein synthesis. In the Warburg effect, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity decreases, thereby disrupting the TCA cycle. In addition to glucose, glutamine is also an important nutrient for the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, an important carbon bank and nitrogen bank for the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, providing ribose, nonessential amino acids, citrate, and glycerin necessary for cancer cell growth and proliferation and compensating for the reduction in oxidative phosphorylation pathways in cancer cells caused by the Warburg effect. In human plasma, glutamine is the most abundant amino acid. Normal cells produce glutamine via glutamine synthase (GLS), but the glutamine synthesized by tumor cells is insufficient to meet their high growth needs, resulting in a "glutamine-dependent phenomenon." Most cancers have an increased glutamine demand, including breast cancer. Metabolic reprogramming not only enables tumor cells to maintain the reduction-oxidation (redox) balance and commit resources to biosynthesis but also establishes heterogeneous metabolic phenotypes of tumor cells that are distinct from those of nontumor cells. Thus, targeting the metabolic differences between tumor and nontumor cells may be a promising and novel anticancer strategy. Glutamine metabolic compartments have emerged as promising candidates, especially in TNBC and drug-resistant breast cancer. In this review, the latest discoveries of breast cancer and glutamine metabolism are discussed, novel treatment methods based on amino acid transporters and glutaminase are discussed, and the relationship between glutamine metabolism and breast cancer metastasis, drug resistance, tumor immunity and ferroptosis are explained, which provides new ideas for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junli Fan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fubing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yirong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Xinghua Long
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Zeng F, Carrasco G, Li B, Sophocleous A, Idris AI. TRAF6 as a potential target in advanced breast cancer: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and bioinformatics validation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4646. [PMID: 36944688 PMCID: PMC10029787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31557-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
TRAF6 has emerged as a key regulator of breast cancer (BCa). However, the TRAF family constitutes of seven members that exhibit distinct and overlapping functions. To explore which TRAF represents a potential druggable target for BCa treatment, we searched Medline, Web of Science and Scopus for relevant studies from inception to June 27, 2021. We identified 14 in vitro, 11 in vivo and 4 human articles. A meta-analysis of pharmacological studies showed that in vitro inhibition of TRAF2/4 (mean difference (MD): - 57.49, 95% CI: - 66.95, - 48.02, P < 0.00001) or TRAF6 (standard(Std.)MD: - 4.01, 95% CI: - 5.75, - 2.27, P < 0.00001) is associated with reduction in BCa cell migration. Consistently, inhibition of TRAF2/4 (MD: - 51.08, 95% CI: - 64.23, - 37.94, P < 0.00001) and TRAF6 (Std.MD: - 2.80, 95% CI: - 4.26, - 1.34, P = 0.0002) is associated with reduced BCa cell invasion, whereas TRAF2/4 inhibition (MD: - 40.54, 95% CI: - 52.83, - 28.26, P < 0.00001) is associated with reduced BCa cell adhesion. Interestingly, only inhibition of TRAF6 (MD: - 21.46, 95% CI: - 30.40, - 12.51, P < 0.00001) is associated with reduced cell growth. In animal models of BCa, administration of pharmacological inhibitors of TRAF2/4 (Std.MD: - 3.36, 95% CI: - 4.53, - 2.18, P < 0.00001) or TRAF6 (Std.MD: - 4.15, 95% CI: - 6.06, - 2.24, P < 0.0001) in mice is associated with reduction in tumour burden. In contrast, TRAF6 inhibitors (MD: - 2.42, 95% CI: - 3.70, - 1.14, P = 0.0002) reduced BCa metastasis. In BCa patients, high expression of TRAF6 (Hazard Ratio: 1.01, CI: 1.01, 1.01, P < 0.00001) is associated with poor survival rate. Bioinformatics validation of clinical and pathway and process enrichment analysis in BCa patients confirmed that gain/amplification of TRAF6 is associated with secondary BCa in bone (P = 0.0079), and poor survival rate (P < 0.05). Overall, TRAF6 inhibitors show promise in the treatment of metastatic BCa. However, low study number and scarcity of evidence from animal and human studies may limit the translation of present findings into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feier Zeng
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Giovana Carrasco
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Boya Li
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Antonia Sophocleous
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Street, 1516, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Aymen I Idris
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.
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13
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Wang Z, Wu X, Chen HN, Wang K. Amino acid metabolic reprogramming in tumor metastatic colonization. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1123192. [PMID: 36998464 PMCID: PMC10043324 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1123192] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is considered as the major cause of cancer death. Cancer cells can be released from primary tumors into the circulation and then colonize in distant organs. How cancer cells acquire the ability to colonize in distant organs has always been the focus of tumor biology. To enable survival and growth in the new environment, metastases commonly reprogram their metabolic states and therefore display different metabolic properties and preferences compared with the primary lesions. For different microenvironments in various colonization sites, cancer cells must transfer to specific metabolic states to colonize in different distant organs, which provides the possibility of evaluating metastasis tendency by tumor metabolic states. Amino acids provide crucial precursors for many biosynthesis and play an essential role in cancer metastasis. Evidence has proved the hyperactivation of several amino acid biosynthetic pathways in metastatic cancer cells, including glutamine, serine, glycine, branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), proline, and asparagine metabolism. The reprogramming of amino acid metabolism can orchestrate energy supply, redox homeostasis, and other metabolism-associated pathways during cancer metastasis. Here, we review the role and function of amino acid metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells colonizing in common metastatic organs, including lung, liver, brain, peritoneum, and bone. In addition, we summarize the current biomarker identification and drug development of cancer metastasis under the amino acid metabolism reprogramming, and discuss the possibility and prospect of targeting organ-specific metastasis for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Wang
- Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyun Wu
- West China School of Basic Medical Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Ning Chen
- Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kui Wang
- West China School of Basic Medical Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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14
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Jiang S, Feng R, Tian Z, Zhou J, Zhang W. Metabolic dialogs between B cells and the tumor microenvironment: Implications for anticancer immunity. Cancer Lett 2023; 556:216076. [PMID: 36724837 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Immunometabolism, a branch of biology describing the link between immunity and metabolism, is an emerging topic in cancer immunology. It is currently well accepted that B cells and tertiary lymph structures formed by them are associated with favorable outcomes when patients undergo cancer immunotherapy. Understanding the determinants of B-cell fate and function in cancer patients is necessary for improving cancer immunotherapy. Accumulating evidence points to the tumor microenvironment being a critical metabolic hurdle to an efficient antitumor B-cell response. At the same time, several B-cell-derived metabolites have recently been reported to inhibit anticancer immunity. In this literature review, key B-cell immunometabolism studies and the metabolic life of B cells were summarized. Then, we discussed the intrinsic metabolic pathways of B cells themselves and how the tumor microenvironment and B cells in tumors metabolically influence each other. Finally, we pointed out key questions to provide some inspiration for further study of the role of B-cell immunometabolism in the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jiang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ranran Feng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ziying Tian
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jieyu Zhou
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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15
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Sun H, Zhang C, Zheng Y, Liu C, Wang X, Cong X. Glutamine deficiency promotes recurrence and metastasis in colorectal cancer through enhancing epithelial–mesenchymal transition. J Transl Med 2022; 20:330. [PMID: 35869517 PMCID: PMC9308325 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and plays a vital role in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell metabolism. However, limited studies have investigated the clinical and prognostic significance of preoperative serum glutamine levels in patients with colorectal cancer, and the underlying mechanism has not been explored.
Methods
A total of 121 newly diagnosed CRC patients between 2012 and 2016 were enrolled in this study. Serum glutamine levels were detected, and their associations with clinicopathological characteristics, systemic inflammation markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prognosis were analysed. In addition, the effect of glutamine depletion on recurrence and metastasis was examined in SW480 and DLD1 human CRC cell lines, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers were detected to reveal the possible mechanism.
Results
A decreased preoperative serum level of glutamine was associated with a higher T-class and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). A higher serum level of glutamine correlated with a lower CEA level (r = − 0.25, P = 0.02). Low glutamine levels were correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that serum glutamine was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (P = 0.018), and a nomogram predicting the probability of 1-, 3- and 5-year DFS after radical surgery was built. In addition, glutamine deficiency promoted the migration and invasion of CRC cells. E-cadherin, a vital marker of EMT, was decreased, and EMT transcription factors, including zeb1and zeb2, were upregulated in this process.
Conclusions
This study elucidated that preoperative serum glutamine is an independent prognostic biomarker to predict CRC progression and suggested that glutamine deprivation might promote migration and invasion in CRC cells by inducing the EMT process.
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16
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Reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts by apoptotic cancer cells inhibits lung metastasis via Notch1-WISP-1 signaling. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1373-1391. [PMID: 36241874 PMCID: PMC9708692 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00930-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The interplay between apoptotic cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment modulates cancer progression and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in promoting these events through paracrine communication. Here, we demonstrate that conditioned medium (CM) from lung CAFs exposed to apoptotic cancer cells suppresses TGF-β1-induced migration and invasion of cancer cells and CAFs. Direct exposure of CAFs to apoptotic 344SQ cells (ApoSQ) inhibited CAF migration and invasion and the expression of CAF activation markers. Enhanced secretion of Wnt-induced signaling protein 1 (WISP-1) by CAFs exposed to ApoSQ was required for these antimigratory and anti-invasive effects. Pharmacological inhibition of Notch1 activation or siRNA-mediated Notch1 silencing prevented WISP-1 production by CAFs and reversed the antimigratory and anti-invasive effects. Enhanced expression of the Notch ligand delta-like protein 1 on the surface of ultraviolet-irradiated apoptotic lung cancer cells triggered Notch1-WISP-1 signaling. Phosphatidylserine receptor brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1)-Rac1 signaling, which facilitated efferocytosis by CAFs, participated in crosstalk with Notch1 signaling for optimal production of WISP-1. In addition, a single injection of ApoSQ enhanced WISP-1 production, suppressed the expression of CAF activation markers in isolated Thy1+ CAFs, and inhibited lung metastasis in syngeneic immunocompetent mice via Notch1 signaling. Treatment with CM from CAFs exposed to ApoSQ suppressed tumor growth and lung metastasis, whereas treatment with WISP-1-immunodepleted CM from CAFs exposed to ApoSQ reversed the antitumorigenic and antimetastatic effects. Therefore, treatment with CM from CAFs exposed to apoptotic lung cancer cells could be therapeutically applied to suppress CAF activation, thereby preventing cancer progression and metastasis.
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17
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Fang Z, Meng Q, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Zhao Y, Yu X, Shi S. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts: recent advances and future perspectives. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 43:3-41. [PMID: 36424360 PMCID: PMC9859735 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Well-known signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, Wnt, Hippo, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, as well as transcription factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), P53, Snail, and Twist, constitute complex regulatory networks in the TME to modulate the formation, activation, heterogeneity, metabolic characteristics and malignant phenotype of CAFs. Activated CAFs remodel the TME and influence the malignant biological processes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptional and secretory characteristics, and this modulation partially depends on the regulation of signaling cascades. The results of preclinical and clinical trials indicated that therapies targeting signaling pathways in CAFs demonstrated promising efficacy but were also accompanied by some failures (e.g., NCT01130142 and NCT01064622). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling cascades in CAFs might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the development of more efficient and safer stroma-targeted cancer therapies. Here, we review recent advances in studies of signaling pathways in CAFs and briefly discuss some future perspectives on CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
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18
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Claiborne MD, Leone R. Differential glutamine metabolism in the tumor microenvironment – studies in diversity and heterogeneity: A mini-review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1011191. [PMID: 36203456 PMCID: PMC9531032 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1011191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased glutamine metabolism is a hallmark of many cancer types. In recent years, our understanding of the distinct and diverse metabolic pathways through which glutamine can be utilized has grown more refined. Additionally, the different metabolic requirements of the diverse array of cell types within the tumor microenvironment complicate the strategy of targeting any particular glutamine pathway as cancer therapy. In this Mini-Review, we discuss recent advances in further clarifying the cellular fate of glutamine through different metabolic pathways. We further discuss potential promising strategies which exploit the different requirements of cells in the tumor microenvironment as it pertains to glutamine metabolism in an attempt to suppress cancer growth and enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Claiborne
- Department of Medicine, Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Robert Leone
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert Leone,
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19
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Shi X, Yang J, Deng S, Xu H, Wu D, Zeng Q, Wang S, Hu T, Wu F, Zhou H. TGF-β signaling in the tumor metabolic microenvironment and targeted therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:135. [PMID: 36115986 PMCID: PMC9482317 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01349-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractTransforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling has a paradoxical role in cancer progression, and it acts as a tumor suppressor in the early stages but a tumor promoter in the late stages of cancer. Once cancer cells are generated, TGF-β signaling is responsible for the orchestration of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and supports cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, recurrence, and therapy resistance. These progressive behaviors are driven by an “engine” of the metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Recent studies have revealed that TGF-β signaling regulates cancer metabolic reprogramming and is a metabolic driver in the tumor metabolic microenvironment (TMME). Intriguingly, TGF-β ligands act as an “endocrine” cytokine and influence host metabolism. Therefore, having insight into the role of TGF-β signaling in the TMME is instrumental for acknowledging its wide range of effects and designing new cancer treatment strategies. Herein, we try to illustrate the concise definition of TMME based on the published literature. Then, we review the metabolic reprogramming in the TMME and elaborate on the contribution of TGF-β to metabolic rewiring at the cellular (intracellular), tissular (intercellular), and organismal (cancer-host) levels. Furthermore, we propose three potential applications of targeting TGF-β-dependent mechanism reprogramming, paving the way for TGF-β-related antitumor therapy from the perspective of metabolism.
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20
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Zhu Y, Li X, Wang L, Hong X, Yang J. Metabolic reprogramming and crosstalk of cancer-related fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:988295. [PMID: 36046791 PMCID: PMC9421293 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.988295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is notorious that cancer cells alter their metabolism to adjust to harsh environments of hypoxia and nutritional starvation. Metabolic reprogramming most often occurs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). TME is defined as the cellular environment in which the tumor resides. This includes surrounding blood vessels, fibroblasts, immune cells, signaling molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is increasingly recognized that cancer cells, fibroblasts and immune cells within TME can regulate tumor progression through metabolic reprogramming. As the most significant proportion of cells among all the stromal cells that constitute TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression. Multitudinous studies have shown that CAFs participate in and promote tumor metabolic reprogramming and exert regulatory effects via the dysregulation of metabolic pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that curbing the substance exchange between CAFs and tumor cells can dramatically restrain tumor growth. Emerging studies suggest that CAFs within the TME have emerged as important determinants of metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming also occurs in the metabolic pattern of immune cells. In the meanwhile, immune cell phenotype and functions are metabolically regulated. Notably, immune cell functions influenced by metabolic programs may ultimately lead to alterations in tumor immunity. Despite the fact that multiple previous researches have been devoted to studying the interplays between different cells in the tumor microenvironment, the complicated relationship between CAFs and immune cells and implications of metabolic reprogramming remains unknown and requires further investigation. In this review, we discuss our current comprehension of metabolic reprogramming of CAFs and immune cells (mainly glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism) and crosstalk between them that induces immune responses, and we also highlight their contributions to tumorigenesis and progression. Furthermore, we underscore potential therapeutic opportunities arising from metabolism dysregulation and metabolic crosstalk, focusing on strategies targeting CAFs and immune cell metabolic crosstalk in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwei Hong
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
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21
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Liu X, Wang J, Xu X, Zhu H, Man K, Zhang J. SDF-1 Functionalized Hydrogel Microcarriers for Skin Flap Repair. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3576-3588. [PMID: 35899941 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Critically sized skin flaps used to treat skin defects often suffer from necrosis due to insufficient blood supply. Hence there is an urgent need to improve the survival rate of skin flaps by promoting local angiogenesis. The delivery of growth factor loaded microcarriers have shown promise in enhancing defect repair, however, their rapid clearance from the defect site limits their regenerative potential. Thus, it is critical to develop microcarriers which can promote the sustained release of bioactive factors to effectively stimulate tissue repair. This study aimed to develop a stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) loaded microcarrier coated with Matrigel (MC@SDF-1@Mat) to promote skin flap repair. SEM imaging showed that the surface of the microcarrier was coated by a porous Matrigel film. The drug release experiment showed that the Matrigel-coated microcarriers enhanced the sustained release of the model drug methylene blue when compared to uncoated group. MC@SDF-1@Mat significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVECs via CCK-8, wound healing assay, and tube formation assay, respectively. Moreover, the murine random skin flap model was further established and treated. It was found that the flap necrosis area in the MC@SDF-1@Mat treated group was significantly reduced. H&E and Masson staining showed the histological structure and collagen organization exhibited a normal phenotype in the MC@SDF-1@Mat treated group. Additionally, CD31 immunohistochemical analysis showed that the MC@SDF-1@Mat treated group exhibited the greatest degree of neovascularization. In conclusion, our SDF-1 functionalized gelatin-based hydrogel microcarrier has potential clinical applications in promoting skin flap repair and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Technology in Stomatology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523710, P.R. China
| | - Jinsi Wang
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Technology in Stomatology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523710, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Xu
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Technology in Stomatology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523710, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Technology in Stomatology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523710, P.R. China
| | - Kenny Man
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Technology in Stomatology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523710, P.R. China
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22
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Banik A, Sharma R, Chauhan A, Singh S. Cutting the umbilical cord: Cancer stem cell-targeted therapeutics. Life Sci 2022; 299:120502. [PMID: 35351466 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120502] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are a notoriously quiescent subpopulation of cells within heterogeneous tumors exhibiting self-renewal, differentiation and drug-resistant capabilities leading to tumor relapse. Heterogeneous cell populations in tumor microenvironment develop an elaborate network of signalling and factors supporting the CSC population within a niche. Identification of specific biomarkers for CSCs facilitates their isolation. CSCs demonstrate abilities that bypass immune surveillance, exhibit resistance to therapy, and induce cancer recurrence while promoting altered metabolism of the bulk tumor, thereby encouraging metastasis. The fight against cancer is prone to relapse without discussing the issue of CSCs, making it imperative for encapsulation of current studies. In this review, we provide extensive knowledge of recent therapeutics developed that target CSCs via multiple signalling cascades, altered metabolism and the tumor microenvironment. Thorough understanding of the functioning of CSCs, their interaction with different cells in the tumor microenvironment as well as current gaps in knowledge are addressed. We present possible strategies to disrupt the cellular and molecular interplay within the tumor microenvironment and make it less conducive for CSCs, which may aid in their eradication with subsequently better treatment outcomes. In conclusion, we discuss a brief yet functional idea of emerging concepts in CSC biology to develop efficient therapeutics acting on cancer recurrence and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Banik
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Chinna Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Rishika Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - Akansha Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Sandhya Singh
- Amity Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India.
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23
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Molecular sensors for detection of tumor-stroma crosstalk. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 154:47-91. [PMID: 35459472 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In most solid tumors, malignant cells coexist with non-cancerous host tissue comprised of a variety of extracellular matrix components and cell types, notably fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. It is becoming increasingly evident that the non-cancerous host tissue, often referred to as the tumor stroma or the tumor microenvironment, wields tremendous influence in the proliferation, survival, and metastatic ability of cancer cells. The tumor stroma has an active biological role in the transmission of signals, such as growth factors and chemokines that activate oncogenic signaling pathways by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Moreover, the constituents of the stroma define the mechanical properties and the physical features of solid tumors, which influence cancer progression and response to therapy. Inspired by the emerging importance of tumor-stroma crosstalk and oncogenic physical forces, numerous biosensors, or advanced imaging and analysis techniques have been developed and applied to investigate complex and challenging questions in cancer research. These techniques facilitate measurements and biological readouts at scales ranging from subcellular to tissue-level with unprecedented level of spatial and temporal precision. Here we examine the application of biosensor technology for studying the complex and dynamic multiscale interactions of the tumor-host system.
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Han L, Seward C, Leone G, Ostrowski MC. Origin, activation and heterogeneity of fibroblasts associated with pancreas and breast cancers. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 154:169-201. [PMID: 35459469 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pancreas and breast cancers both contain abundant stromal components within the tumor tissues. A prominent cell type within the stroma is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play critical and complex roles establishing the tumor microenvironment to either promote or prevent tumor progression. Recently, complex genetic models and single cell-based techniques have provided emerging insights on the precise functions and cellular heterogeneity of CAFs. The transformation of normal fibroblasts into CAFs is a key event during tumor initiation and progression. Such coordination between tumor cells and fibroblasts plays an important role in cancer development. Reprograming fibroblasts is currently being explored for therapeutic benefits. In this review, we will discuss recent literature shedding light on the tissues of origin, activation mechanisms, and heterogeneity of CAFs comparing pancreas and breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
| | - Cara Seward
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Gustavo Leone
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Medical college of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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Sung JY, Cheong JH. New Immunometabolic Strategy Based on Cell Type-Specific Metabolic Reprogramming in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Cells 2022; 11:768. [PMID: 35269390 PMCID: PMC8909366 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunometabolism is an emerging discipline in cancer immunotherapy. Tumor tissues are heterogeneous and influenced by metabolic reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). In the TIME, multiple cell types interact, and the tumor and immune cells compete for limited nutrients, resulting in altered anticancer immunity. Therefore, metabolic reprogramming of individual cell types may influence the outcomes of immunotherapy. Understanding the metabolic competition for access to limited nutrients between tumor cells and immune cells could reveal the breadth and complexity of the TIME and aid in developing novel therapeutic approaches for cancer. In this review, we highlight that, when cells compete for nutrients, the prevailing cell type gains certain advantages over other cell types; for instance, if tumor cells prevail against immune cells for nutrients, the former gains immune resistance. Thus, a strategy is needed to selectively suppress such resistant tumor cells. Although challenging, the concept of cell type-specific metabolic pathway inhibition is a potent new strategy in anticancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yong Sung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Cheong
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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Poon S, Ailles LE. Modeling the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Cell Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:962. [PMID: 35205707 PMCID: PMC8870277 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The major cause of cancer-related deaths can be attributed to the metastatic spread of tumor cells-a dynamic and complex multi-step process beginning with tumor cells acquiring an invasive phenotype to allow them to travel through the blood and lymphatic vessels to ultimately seed at a secondary site. Over the years, various in vitro models have been used to characterize specific steps in the cascade to collectively begin providing a clearer picture of the puzzle of metastasis. With the discovery of the TME's supporting role in activating tumor cell invasion and metastasis, these models have evolved in parallel to accommodate features of the TME and to observe its interactions with tumor cells. In particular, CAFs that reside in reactive tumor stroma have been shown to play a substantial pro-invasive role through their matrix-modifying functions; accordingly, this warranted further investigation with the development and use of invasion assays that could include these stromal cells. This review explores the growing toolbox of assays used to study tumor cell invasion, from the simple beginnings of a tumor cell and extracellular matrix set-up to the advent of models that aim to more closely recapitulate the interplay between tumor cells, CAFs and the extracellular matrix. These models will prove to be invaluable tools to help tease out the intricacies of tumor cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Poon
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada;
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Laurie E. Ailles
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada;
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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Jia W, Liang S, Cheng B, Ling C. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Value of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763519. [PMID: 34868982 PMCID: PMC8636329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis are the main reasons for the high mortality of liver cancer, which involve the interaction of tumor stromal cells and malignant cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major constituents of tumor stromal cells affecting tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The heterogeneous properties and sources of CAFs make both tumor-supporting and tumor-suppression effects possible. The mechanisms for CAFs in supporting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression can be categorized into upregulated aggressiveness and stemness, transformed metabolism toward glycolysis and glutamine reductive carboxylation, polarized tumor immunity toward immune escape of HCC cells, and increased angiogenesis. The tumor-suppressive effect of fibroblasts highlights the functional heterogenicity of CAF populations and provides new insights into tumor–stromal interplay mechanisms. In this review, we introduced several key inflammatory signaling pathways in the transformation of CAFs from normal stromal cells and the heterogeneous biofunctions of activated CAFs. In view of the pleiotropic regulation properties of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and heterogeneous effects of CAFs, we also introduced the application and values of TCM in the treatment of HCC through targeting CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changquan Ling
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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28
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Bao L, Xu T, Lu X, Huang P, Pan Z, Ge M. Metabolic Reprogramming of Thyroid Cancer Cells and Crosstalk in Their Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:773028. [PMID: 34926283 PMCID: PMC8674491 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.773028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism differs significantly between tumor and normal cells. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and metabolic interplay in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are important for tumor formation and progression. Tumor cells show changes in both catabolism and anabolism. Altered aerobic glycolysis, known as the Warburg effect, is a well-recognized characteristic of tumor cell energy metabolism. Compared with normal cells, tumor cells consume more glucose and glutamine. The enhanced anabolism in tumor cells includes de novo lipid synthesis as well as protein and nucleic acid synthesis. Although these forms of energy supply are uneconomical, they are required for the functioning of cancer cells, including those in thyroid cancer (TC). Increasing attention has recently focused on alterations of the TME. Understanding the metabolic changes governing the intricate relationship between TC cells and the TME may provide novel ideas for the treatment of TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Bao
- Second Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical School, Hangzhou, China
- ENT-Head & Neck Surgery Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xixuan Lu
- ENT-Head & Neck Surgery Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zongfu Pan
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minghua Ge
- ENT-Head & Neck Surgery Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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Li X, Zhu H, Sun W, Yang X, Nie Q, Fang X. Role of glutamine and its metabolite ammonia in crosstalk of cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:479. [PMID: 34503536 PMCID: PMC8427881 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant cells in the tumor microenvironment, play an indispensable role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and metabolism. The limitations of traditional treatments can be partly attributed to the lack of understanding of the role of the tumor stroma. For this reason, CAF targeting is gradually gaining attention, and many studies are trying to overcome the limitations of tumor treatment with CAF as a breakthrough. Glutamine (GLN) has been called a “nitrogen reservoir” for cancer cells because of its role in supporting anabolic processes such as fuel proliferation and nucleotide synthesis, but ammonia is a byproduct of the metabolism of GLN and other nitrogenous compounds. Moreover, in some studies, GLN has been reported as a fundamental nitrogen source that can support tumor biomass. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on the role of GLN and ammonia in the crosstalk between CAFs and cancer cells as well as the potential therapeutic implications of nitrogen metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixuan Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingru Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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Li Z, Sun C, Qin Z. Metabolic reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts and its effect on cancer cell reprogramming. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:8322-8336. [PMID: 34373744 PMCID: PMC8343997 DOI: 10.7150/thno.62378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are well-known for adapting their metabolism to maintain high proliferation rates and survive in unfavorable environments with low oxygen and nutritional deficiency. Metabolic reprogramming most commonly arises from the tumor microenvironment (TME). The events of metabolic pathways include the Warburg effect, shift in Krebs cycle metabolites, and increase rate of oxidative phosphorylation that provides the energy for the development and invasion of cancer cells. The TME and shift in tumor metabolism shows a close relationship through bidirectional signaling pathways between the stromal and tumor cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main type of stromal cells in the TME and consist of a heterogeneous and plastic population that play key roles in tumor growth and metastatic capacity. Emerging evidence suggests that CAFs act as major regulators in shaping tumor metabolism especially through the dysregulation of several metabolic pathways, including glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. The arrangement of these metabolic switches is believed to shape distinct CAF behavior and change tumor cell behavior by the CAFs. The crosstalk between cancer cells and CAFs is associated with cell metabolic reprogramming that contributes to cancer cell growth, progression, and evasion from cancer therapies. But the mechanism and process of this interaction remain unclear. This review aimed to highlight the metabolic couplings between tumor cells and CAFs. We reviewed the recent literature supporting an important role of CAFs in the regulation of cancer cell metabolism, and the relevant pathways, which may serve as targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Akt Isoforms: A Family Affair in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143445. [PMID: 34298660 PMCID: PMC8306188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women in the United States. The Akt signaling pathway is deregulated in approximately 70% of patients with breast cancer. While targeting Akt is an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of breast cancer, there are several members in the Akt family that play distinct roles in breast cancer. However, the function of Akt isoforms depends on many factors. This review analyzes current progress on the isoform-specific functions of Akt isoforms in breast cancer. Abstract Akt, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), belongs to the AGC family of protein kinases. It acts downstream of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and regulates diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell survival, metabolism, tumor growth and metastasis. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in breast cancer and plays an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. There are three closely related members in the Akt family, namely Akt1(PKBα), Akt2(PKBβ) and Akt3(PKBγ). Although Akt isoforms share similar structures, they exhibit redundant, distinct as well as opposite functions. While the Akt signaling pathway is an important target for cancer therapy, an understanding of the isoform-specific function of Akt is critical to effectively target this pathway. However, our perception regarding how Akt isoforms contribute to the genesis and progression of breast cancer changes as we gain new knowledge. The purpose of this review article is to analyze current literatures on distinct functions of Akt isoforms in breast cancer.
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Garcia JH, Jain S, Aghi MK. Metabolic Drivers of Invasion in Glioblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:683276. [PMID: 34277624 PMCID: PMC8281286 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.683276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a primary malignant brain tumor with a median survival under 2 years. The poor prognosis glioblastoma caries is largely due to cellular invasion, which enables escape from resection, and drives inevitable recurrence. While most studies to date have focused on pathways that enhance the invasiveness of tumor cells in the brain microenvironment as the primary driving forces behind GBM’s ability to invade adjacent tissues, more recent studies have identified a role for adaptations in cellular metabolism in GBM invasion. Metabolic reprogramming allows invasive cells to generate the energy necessary for colonizing surrounding brain tissue and adapt to new microenvironments with unique nutrient and oxygen availability. Historically, enhanced glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen (the Warburg effect) has dominated glioblastoma research with respect to tumor metabolism. More recent global profiling experiments, however, have identified roles for lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism in tumor growth and invasion. A thorough understanding of the metabolic traits that define invasive GBM cells may provide novel therapeutic targets for this devastating disease. In this review, we focus on metabolic alterations that have been characterized in glioblastoma, the dynamic nature of tumor metabolism and how it is shaped by interaction with the brain microenvironment, and how metabolic reprogramming generates vulnerabilities that may be ripe for exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Garcia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Saket Jain
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Manish K Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Cava C, Sabetian S, Castiglioni I. Patient-Specific Network for Personalized Breast Cancer Therapy with Multi-Omics Data. ENTROPY 2021; 23:e23020225. [PMID: 33670375 PMCID: PMC7918754 DOI: 10.3390/e23020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of new computational approaches that are able to design the correct personalized drugs is the crucial therapeutic issue in cancer research. However, tumor heterogeneity is the main obstacle to developing patient-specific single drugs or combinations of drugs that already exist in clinics. In this study, we developed a computational approach that integrates copy number alteration, gene expression, and a protein interaction network of 73 basal breast cancer samples. 2509 prognostic genes harboring a copy number alteration were identified using survival analysis, and a protein–protein interaction network considering the direct interactions was created. Each patient was described by a specific combination of seven altered hub proteins that fully characterize the 73 basal breast cancer patients. We suggested the optimal combination therapy for each patient considering drug–protein interactions. Our approach is able to confirm well-known cancer related genes and suggest novel potential drug target genes. In conclusion, we presented a new computational approach in breast cancer to deal with the intra-tumor heterogeneity towards personalized cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cava
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Via F.Cervi 93, Segrate, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Soudabeh Sabetian
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran;
| | - Isabella Castiglioni
- Department of Physics “Giuseppe Occhialini”, University of Milan-Bicocca Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 20126 Milan, Italy;
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Karta J, Bossicard Y, Kotzamanis K, Dolznig H, Letellier E. Mapping the Metabolic Networks of Tumor Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Cells 2021; 10:304. [PMID: 33540679 PMCID: PMC7912987 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism is considered to be the core of all cellular activity. Thus, extensive studies of metabolic processes are ongoing in various fields of biology, including cancer research. Cancer cells are known to adapt their metabolism to sustain high proliferation rates and survive in unfavorable environments with low oxygen and nutrient concentrations. Hence, targeting cancer cell metabolism is a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer research. However, cancers consist not only of genetically altered tumor cells but are interwoven with endothelial cells, immune cells and fibroblasts, which together with the extracellular matrix (ECM) constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are linked to poor prognosis in different cancer types, are one important component of the TME. CAFs play a significant role in reprogramming the metabolic landscape of tumor cells, but how, and in what manner, this interaction takes place remains rather unclear. This review aims to highlight the metabolic landscape of tumor cells and CAFs, including their recently identified subtypes, in different tumor types. In addition, we discuss various in vitro and in vivo metabolic techniques as well as different in silico computational tools that can be used to identify and characterize CAF-tumor cell interactions. Finally, we provide our view on how mapping the complex metabolic networks of stromal-tumor metabolism will help in finding novel metabolic targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Karta
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belval, Luxembourg; (J.K.); (Y.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Ysaline Bossicard
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belval, Luxembourg; (J.K.); (Y.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Kotzamanis
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belval, Luxembourg; (J.K.); (Y.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Helmut Dolznig
- Tumor Stroma Interaction Group, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belval, Luxembourg; (J.K.); (Y.B.); (K.K.)
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