1
|
Singh D, Qiu Z, Jonathan SM, Fa P, Thomas H, Chandra BP, Cai S, Wang JJ, Yan C, Zhang X, Venere M, Li Z, Sizemore ST, Wang QE, Zhang J. PP2A B55α Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Via Regulation of Slug Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Lett 2024:217110. [PMID: 38986733 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
PP2A B55α, encoded by PPP2R2A, acts as a regulatory subunit of the serine/threonine phosphatase PP2A. Despite a frequent loss of heterozygosity of PPP2R2A in cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), research on PP2A B55α's functions remains limited and controversial. To investigate the biological roles of PP2A B55α, we conducted bulk RNA-sequencing to assess the impact of PPP2R2A knockdown using two shRNAs in a NSCLC cell line. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of the RNA-sequencing data revealed significant enrichment of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, with SNAI2 (the gene encoding Slug) emerging as one of the top candidates. Our findings demonstrate that PP2A B55α suppresses EMT, as PPP2R2A deficiency through knockdown or homozygous or hemizygous depletion promotes EMT and metastatic behavior in NSCLC cells, as evidenced by changes in EMT biomarkers, invasion and migration abilities, as well as metastasis in a tail vein assay. Mechanistically, PP2A B55α inhibits EMT by downregulating SNAI2 expression via the GSK3β-β-catenin pathway. Importantly, PPP2R2A deficiency also slows cell proliferation by disrupting DNA replication, particularly in PPP2R2A-/- cells. Furthermore, PPP2R2A deficiency, especially PPP2R2A-/- cells, leads to an increase in the cancer stem cell population, which correlates with enhanced resistance to chemotherapy. Overall, the decrease in PP2A B55α levels due to hemizygous/homozygous depletion heightens EMT and the metastatic or stemness/drug resistance potential of NSCLC cells despite their proliferation disadvantage. Our study highlights the significance of PP2A B55α in EMT and metastasis and suggests that targeting EMT/stemness could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating PPP2R2A-deficient NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Singh
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Zhaojun Qiu
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Spehar M Jonathan
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Pengyan Fa
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Hannah Thomas
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - B Prasad Chandra
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Shurui Cai
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jing J Wang
- The Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Chunhong Yan
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University
| | - Monica Venere
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States; The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio-43210, United States
| | - Steven T Sizemore
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Qi-En Wang
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Junran Zhang
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States; The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Metabolism.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li G, Chen L, Bai H, Zhang L, Wang J, Li W. Depletion of squalene epoxidase in synergy with glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibitor RSL3 overcomes oxidative stress resistance in lung squamous cell carcinoma. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2024; 7:pbae011. [PMID: 38779359 PMCID: PMC11109822 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) lacks effective targeted therapies and has a poor prognosis. Disruption of squalene epoxidase (SQLE) has been implicated in metabolic disorders and cancer. However, the role of SQLE as a monooxygenase involved in oxidative stress remains unclear. Methods We analyzed the expression and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and LUSC samples from GEO and TCGA databases. The proliferative activity of the tumors after intervention of SQLE was verified by cell and animal experiments. JC-1 assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot were used to show changes in apoptosis after intervention of SQLE. Flow cytometry and fluorescence assay of ROS levels were used to indicate oxidative stress status. Results We investigated the unique role of SQLE expression in the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of LUSC. Knockdown of SQLE or treatment with the SQLE inhibitor terbinafine can suppress the proliferation of LUSC cells by inducing apoptosis and reactive oxygen species accumulation. However, depletion of SQLE also results in the impairment of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis resistance such as upregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4. Therefore, prevention of SQLE in synergy with glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibitor RSL3 effectively mitigates the proliferation and growth of LUSC. Conclusion Our study indicates that the low expression of SQLE employs adaptive survival through regulating the balance of apoptosis and ferroptosis resistance. In future, the combinational therapy of targeting SQLE and ferroptosis could be a promising approach in treating LUSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Translational Research on Lung Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hua Bai
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Translational Research on Lung Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Wang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Translational Research on Lung Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China
- The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Prasad CB, Oo A, Liu Y, Qiu Z, Zhong Y, Li N, Singh D, Xin X, Cho YJ, Li Z, Zhang X, Yan C, Zheng Q, Wang QE, Guo D, Kim B, Zhang J. The thioredoxin system determines CHK1 inhibitor sensitivity via redox-mediated regulation of ribonucleotide reductase activity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4667. [PMID: 38821952 PMCID: PMC11143221 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48076-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is critical for cell survival under replication stress (RS). CHK1 inhibitors (CHK1i's) in combination with chemotherapy have shown promising results in preclinical studies but have displayed minimal efficacy with substantial toxicity in clinical trials. To explore combinatorial strategies that can overcome these limitations, we perform an unbiased high-throughput screen in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line and identify thioredoxin1 (Trx1), a major component of the mammalian antioxidant-system, as a determinant of CHK1i sensitivity. We establish a role for redox recycling of RRM1, the larger subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), and a depletion of the deoxynucleotide pool in this Trx1-mediated CHK1i sensitivity. Further, the TrxR inhibitor auranofin, an approved anti-rheumatoid arthritis drug, shows a synergistic interaction with CHK1i via interruption of the deoxynucleotide pool. Together, we show a pharmacological combination to treat NSCLC that relies on a redox regulatory link between the Trx system and mammalian RNR activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Bhushan Prasad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Adrian Oo
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Zhaojun Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Yaogang Zhong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Cancer Metabolism, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Na Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Deepika Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Xiwen Xin
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Young-Jae Cho
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Chunhong Yan
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Qingfei Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Cancer Metabolism, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Qi-En Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Deliang Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Cancer Metabolism, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Baek Kim
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Junran Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Cancer Metabolism, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu Q, Zhang Y, Li H, Gao H, Zhou Y, Luo D, Shan Z, Yang Y, Weng J, Li Q, Yang W, Li X. Squalene epoxidase promotes the chemoresistance of colorectal cancer via (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene-activated NF-κB. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:278. [PMID: 38762737 PMCID: PMC11102232 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01649-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While de novo cholesterol biosynthesis plays a crucial role in chemotherapy resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC), the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. METHODS We conducted cell proliferation assays on CRC cells with or without depletion of squalene epoxidase (SQLE), with or without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was utilized to explore the impact of SQLE on the chemosensitivity of CRC to 5-FU. RNA-sequencing analysis and immunoblotting analysis were performed to clarify the mechanism. We further explore the effect of SQLE depletion on the ubiquitin of NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) and (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene on the binding of IκBα to beta-transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (BTRC) by using immunoprecipitation assay. In addition, a cohort of 272 CRC patients were selected for our clinical analyses. RESULTS Mechanistically, (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene promotes IκBα degradation and subsequent NF-κB activation by enhancing the interaction between BTRC and IκBα. Activated NF-κB upregulates the expression of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), sustains tumor cell survival after 5-FU treatment and promotes 5-FU resistance of CRC in vivo. Notably, the treatment of terbinafine, an inhibitor of SQLE commonly used as antifungal drug in clinic, enhances the sensitivity of CRC to 5-FU in vivo. Additionally, the expression of SQLE is associated with the prognosis of human CRC patients with 5-FU-based chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Thus, our finding not only demonstrates a new role of SQLE in chemoresistance of CRC, but also reveals a novel mechanism of (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene-dependent NF-κB activation, implicating the combined potential of terbinafine for 5-FU-based CRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajuan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Huimin Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dakui Luo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zezhi Shan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyong Weng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingguo Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinxiang Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coates HW, Nguyen TB, Du X, Olzomer EM, Farrell R, Byrne FL, Yang H, Brown AJ. The constitutively active form of a key cholesterol synthesis enzyme is lipid droplet-localized and upregulated in endometrial cancer tissues. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107232. [PMID: 38537696 PMCID: PMC11061744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107232] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is essential for both normal cell viability and cancer cell proliferation. Aberrant activity of squalene monooxygenase (SM, also known as squalene epoxidase), the rate-limiting enzyme of the committed cholesterol synthesis pathway, is accordingly implicated in a growing list of cancers. We previously reported that hypoxia triggers the truncation of SM to a constitutively active form, thus preserving sterol synthesis during oxygen shortfalls. Here, we show SM truncation is upregulated and correlates with the magnitude of hypoxia in endometrial cancer tissues, supporting the in vivo relevance of our earlier work. To further investigate the pathophysiological consequences of SM truncation, we examined its lipid droplet-localized pool using complementary immunofluorescence and cell fractionation approaches and found that it exclusively comprises the truncated enzyme. This partitioning is facilitated by the loss of an endoplasmic reticulum-embedded region at the SM N terminus, whereas the catalytic domain containing membrane-associated C-terminal helices is spared. Moreover, we determined multiple amphipathic helices contribute to the lipid droplet localization of truncated SM. Taken together, our results expand on the striking differences between the two forms of SM and suggest upregulated truncation may contribute to SM-related oncogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hudson W Coates
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tina B Nguyen
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ximing Du
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ellen M Olzomer
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rhonda Farrell
- Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Prince of Wales Private Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frances L Byrne
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hongyuan Yang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J Brown
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu Y, Wang Z, Jin H, Cui L, Huo B, Xie C, Li J, Ding H, Zhang H, Xiong W, Li M, Zhang H, Guo H, Li C, Wang T, Wang X, He W, Wang Z, Bei JX, Huang P, Liu J, Xia X. Squalene-epoxidase-catalyzed 24(S),25-epoxycholesterol synthesis promotes trained-immunity-mediated antitumor activity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114094. [PMID: 38613784 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114094] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The importance of trained immunity in antitumor immunity has been increasingly recognized, but the underlying metabolic regulation mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we find that squalene epoxidase (SQLE), a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, is required for β-glucan-induced trained immunity in macrophages and ensuing antitumor activity. Unexpectedly, the shunt pathway, but not the classical cholesterol synthesis pathway, catalyzed by SQLE, is required for trained immunity induction. Specifically, 24(S),25-epoxycholesterol (24(S),25-EC), the shunt pathway metabolite, activates liver X receptor and increases chromatin accessibility to evoke innate immune memory. Meanwhile, SQLE-induced reactive oxygen species accumulation stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor 1α protein for metabolic switching into glycolysis. Hence, our findings identify 24(S),25-EC as a key metabolite for trained immunity and provide important insights into how SQLE regulates trained-immunity-mediated antitumor activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zifeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Huan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lei Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Bitao Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chunyuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jiahui Li
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, P.R. China
| | - Honglu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Huanling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Mengyun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China; College of Life Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chunwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenzhuo He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China; VIP Region, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zining Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Xin Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Metabolic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jinyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Metabolic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang L, Cao Z, Hong Y, He H, Chen L, Yu Z, Gao Y. Squalene Epoxidase: Its Regulations and Links with Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3874. [PMID: 38612682 PMCID: PMC11011400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is a key enzyme in the mevalonate-cholesterol pathway that plays a critical role in cellular physiological processes. It converts squalene to 2,3-epoxysqualene and catalyzes the first oxygenation step in the pathway. Recently, intensive efforts have been made to extend the current knowledge of SQLE in cancers through functional and mechanistic studies. However, the underlying mechanisms and the role of SQLE in cancers have not been fully elucidated yet. In this review, we retrospected current knowledge of SQLE as a rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate-cholesterol pathway, while shedding light on its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker, and revealed its therapeutic values in cancers. We showed that SQLE is regulated at different levels and is involved in the crosstalk with iron-dependent cell death. Particularly, we systemically reviewed the research findings on the role of SQLE in different cancers. Finally, we discussed the therapeutic implications of SQLE inhibitors and summarized their potential clinical values. Overall, this review discussed the multifaceted mechanisms that involve SQLE to present a vivid panorama of SQLE in cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuheng Hong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Haihua He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Leifeng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhentao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xiao Q, Xia M, Tang W, Zhao H, Chen Y, Zhong J. The lipid metabolism remodeling: A hurdle in breast cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216512. [PMID: 38036043 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216512] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Lipids, as one of the three primary energy sources, provide energy for all cellular life activities. Lipids are also known to be involved in the formation of cell membranes and play an important role as signaling molecules in the intracellular and microenvironment. Tumor cells actively or passively remodel lipid metabolism, using the function of lipids in various important cellular life activities to evade therapeutic attack. Breast cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, which is partly due to therapeutic resistance. It is necessary to fully elucidate the formation and mechanisms of chemoresistance to improve breast cancer patient survival rates. Altered lipid metabolism has been observed in breast cancer with therapeutic resistance, indicating that targeting lipid reprogramming is a promising anticancer strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xiao
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China; Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Min Xia
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Weijian Tang
- Queen Mary School of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, PR China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Yajun Chen
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
| | - Jing Zhong
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China; Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hong Y, Zhang L, Lin W, Yang Y, Cao Z, Feng X, Yu Z, Gao Y. Transcriptome Sequencing Unveils a Molecular-Stratification-Predicting Prognosis of Sarcoma Associated with Lipid Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1643. [PMID: 38338920 PMCID: PMC10855378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031643] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are heterogeneous connective tissue malignancies that have been historically categorized into soft tissue and bone cancers. Although multimodal therapies are implemented, many sarcoma subtypes are still difficult to treat. Lipids play vital roles in cellular activities; however, ectopic levels of lipid metabolites have an impact on tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Thus, precision therapies targeting lipid metabolism in sarcoma need to be explored. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of molecular stratification based on lipid metabolism-associated genes (LMAGs) using both public datasets and the data of patients in our cohort and constructed a novel prognostic model consisting of squalene epoxidase (SQLE) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). We first integrated information on gene expression profile and survival outcomes to divide TCGA sarcoma patients into high- and low-risk subgroups and further revealed the prognosis value of the metabolic signature and immune infiltration of patients in both groups, thus proposing various therapeutic recommendations for sarcoma. We observed that the low-risk sarcoma patients in the TCGA-SARC cohort were characterized by high proportions of immune cells and increased expression of immune checkpoint genes. Subsequently, this lipid metabolic signature was validated in four external independent sarcoma datasets including the CHCAMS cohort. Notably, SQLE, a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, was identified as a potential therapeutic target for sarcoma. Knockdown of SQLE substantially inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation while promoting the apoptosis of sarcoma cells. Terbinafine, an inhibitor of SQLE, displayed similar tumor suppression capacity in vitro. The prognostic predictive model and the potential drug target SQLE might serve as valuable hints for further in-depth biological, diagnostic, and therapeutic exploration of sarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Hong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Weihao Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yannan Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xiaoli Feng
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhentao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guo T, Zhang X, Chen S, Wang X, Wang X. Targeting lipid biosynthesis on the basis of conventional treatments for clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A promising therapeutic approach. Life Sci 2024; 336:122329. [PMID: 38052321 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
A variety of cancer cells exhibit dysregulated lipid metabolism, characterized by excessive intracellular lipid accumulation, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most typical disease with these characteristics. As the most common malignancy of all renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), ccRCC is typically characterized by a large accumulation of lipids and glycogen in the cytoplasm and a nucleus that is squeezed by the accumulated lipid droplets and localized to the marginal areas within the cytoplasm. This lipid accumulation has been found to be critically involved in the maintenance of malignant features observed in various cancers. Firstly, it maintains the persistent proliferative and metastasis properties of cancer cells. Secondly, it acts as a buffer against lipid peroxidation, preventing lipid peroxidation-induced ferroptosis. Moreover, lipids can diminish the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiotherapy. As ccRCC is a type of cancer with high lipid synthesis, targeting lipid synthesis-related genes in cancer cells may be a promising therapeutic modality for single treatment or in combination with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. This may revolutionize the choice of treatment modality for ccRCC patients. In this review, we concentrate on the current status and progress of research on lipid biosynthesis in ccRCC and the potential applications of targeting lipid synthesis to treat ccRCC. At last, we propose perspective and future research directions for targeting inhibition of lipid biosynthesis in combination with conventional therapeutic approaches for the treatment of ccRCC, which will help to evolve the therapeutic model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuanjie Guo
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinchao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siteng Chen
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu X, Lv M, Zhang W, Zhan Q. Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism in cancer progression. Oncogene 2023; 42:3289-3302. [PMID: 37773204 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02836-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol homeostasis has been implicated in the regulation of cellular and body metabolism. Hence, deregulated cholesterol homeostasis leads to the development of many diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. Recent studies have unveiled the connection between abnormal cholesterol metabolism and cancer development. Cholesterol homeostasis at the cellular level dynamically circulates between synthesis, influx, efflux, and esterification. Any dysregulation of this dynamic process disrupts cholesterol homeostasis and its derivatives, which potentially contributes to tumor progression. There is also evidence that cancer-related signals, which promote malignant progression, also regulate cholesterol metabolism. Here, we described the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and cancer hallmarks, with particular focus on the molecular mechanisms, and the anticancer drugs that target cholesterol metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mengzhu Lv
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Qimin Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
- Soochow University Cancer Institute, Suzhou, 215127, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhao X, Guo B, Sun W, Yu J, Cui L. Targeting Squalene Epoxidase Confers Metabolic Vulnerability and Overcomes Chemoresistance in HNSCC. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206878. [PMID: 37490552 PMCID: PMC10520660 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Cisplatin resistance poses a substantial hurdle in effectively treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Utilizing multiple tumor models and examining an internal HNSCC cohort, squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is pinpointed as a key driver of chemoresistance and tumorigenesis, operating through a cholesterol-dependent pathway. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis reveals that SQLE is essential for maintaining c-Myc transcriptional activity by stabilizing the c-Myc protein and averting its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Mechanistic investigation demonstrates that SQLE inhibition diminishes Akt's binding affinity to lipid rafts via a cholesterol-dependent process, subsequently deactivating lipid raft-localized Akt, reducing GSK-3β phosphorylation at S9, and increasing c-Myc phosphorylation at T58, ultimately leading to c-Myc destabilization. Importantly, employing an Sqle conditional knockout mouse model, SQLE's critical role in HNSCC initiation and progression is established. The preclinical findings demonstrate the potent synergistic effects of combining terbinafine and cisplatin in arresting tumor growth. These discoveries not only provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of SQLE-mediated cisplatin resistance and tumorigenesis in HNSCC but also propose a promising therapeutic avenue for HNSCC patients unresponsive to conventional cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Zhao
- Stomatological HospitalSchool of StomatologySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510280China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Dentistrythe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China
| | - Wenjuan Sun
- Department of StomatologyThe Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Jinhua Yu
- Department of EndodonticsJiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of StomatologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing210029China
| | - Li Cui
- Stomatological HospitalSchool of StomatologySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510280China
- Division of Oral Biology and MedicineSchool of DentistryUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCA90095USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xu R, Song J, Ruze R, Chen Y, Yin X, Wang C, Zhao Y. SQLE promotes pancreatic cancer growth by attenuating ER stress and activating lipid rafts-regulated Src/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:497. [PMID: 37542052 PMCID: PMC10403582 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05987-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC), a highly lethal malignancy, commonly exhibits metabolic reprogramming that results in therapeutic vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the impacts of aberrant cholesterol metabolism on PC development and progression remain elusive. In this study, we found that squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is a crucial mediator of cholesterol metabolism in PC growth. We observed a profound upregulation of SQLE in PC tissues, and its high expression was correlated with poor patient outcomes. Our functional experiments demonstrated that SQLE facilitated cell proliferation, induced cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis in vitro, while promoting tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, SQLE was found to have a dual role. First, its inhibition led to squalene accumulation-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent apoptosis. Second, it enhanced de novo cholesterol biosynthesis and maintained lipid raft stability, thereby activating the Src/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Significantly, employing SQLE inhibitors effectively suppressed PC cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth. In summary, this study reveals SQLE as a novel oncogene that promotes PC growth by mitigating ER stress and activating lipid raft-regulated Src/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, highlighting the potential of SQLE as a therapeutic target for PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
| | - Jianlu Song
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
| | - Rexiati Ruze
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
| | - Xinpeng Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China
| | - Chengcheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China.
- Medical Science Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100023, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang Y, Wang W, Wei W, Xia L, Gao S, Zeng W, Liu S, Zhou J. Regulation of Ethanol Assimilation for Efficient Accumulation of Squalene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:6389-6397. [PMID: 37052370 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Squalene is a triterpene that can be obtained from fish and plant oils. It is important in cosmetics and vaccines and is a precursor for many high-value terpenes and steroids. In order to increase squalene accumulation, the mevalonate pathway was systematically enhanced. Accumulation of squalene tended to increase when ethanol was added as a carbon source during fermentation, but a high concentration of ethanol affected both the strain growth and accumulation of products. By overexpressing the key trehalose synthesis gene TPS1 and the heat shock protein gene HSP104, the content of trehalose by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) was enhanced, and stress caused by ethanol was relieved. The OD600 value of the modified S. cerevisiae strain was increased by 80.2%, its ethanol tolerance was increased to 30 g/L, and it retained excellent activity with 50 g/L ethanol. After optimizing the fermentation conditions, the squalene titer in a 5 L bioreactor reached 27.3 g/L and the squalene content was 650 mg/g dry cell weight, the highest squalene production parameters reported to date for a microorganism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunliang Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Rd, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weigao Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Wenqian Wei
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Rd, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Xia
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Rd, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Song Gao
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Rd, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weizhu Zeng
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Rd, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Song Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Rd, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Rd, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Qiao S, Jiang Y, Li N, Zhu X. The kinesin light chain-2, a target of mRNA stabilizing protein HuR, inhibits p53 protein phosphorylation to promote radioresistance in NSCLC. Thorac Cancer 2023. [PMID: 37055376 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radioresistance hinders radiotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer. Kinesin light chain-2 (KLC2) has been found to be upregulated in lung cancer and also to be associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of KLC2 on radiosensitivity in lung cancer. METHODS The radioresistant role of KLC2 was determined by colony formation, neutral comet assay, and γH2AX immunofluorescent staining assay. We further verified the function of KLC2 in a xenograft tumor model. The downstream of KLC2 was identified through gene set enrichment analysis and validated by western blot. Finally, we analyzed clinical data from the TCGA database to reveal the upstream transcription factor of KLC2, which was validated by RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. RESULTS Here, we found that downregulation of KLC2 could significantly reduce colony formation, increase γH2AX level, and double-stranded DNA breaks in vitro. Meanwhile, overexpressed KLC2 significantly increased the proportion of the S phase in lung cancer cells. KLC2 knockdown could activate P53 pathway, and ultimately promoting radiosensitivity. The mRNA of KLC2 was observed to bind with Hu-antigen R (HuR). The mRNA and protein expression of KLC2 in lung cancer cells was significantly reduced when combined with siRNA-HuR. Interestingly, KLC2 overexpression significantly increased the expression of HuR in lung cancer cells. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results indicated that HuR-KLC2 forms a positive feedback loop, which decreases the phosphorylation of p53 and thereby weaken the radiosensitivity of lung cancer cells. Our findings highlight the potential prognosis and therapeutic target value of KLC2 in lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simiao Qiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ye Z, Ai X, Yang K, Yang Z, Fei F, Liao X, Qiu Z, Gimple RC, Yuan H, Huang H, Gong Y, Xiao C, Yue J, Huang L, Saulnier O, Wang W, Zhang P, Dai L, Wang X, Wang X, Ahn YH, You C, Xu J, Wan X, Taylor MD, Zhao L, Rich JN, Zhou S. Targeting Microglial Metabolic Rewiring Synergizes with Immune-Checkpoint Blockade Therapy for Glioblastoma. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:974-1001. [PMID: 36649564 PMCID: PMC10073346 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) constitutes the most lethal primary brain tumor for which immunotherapy has provided limited benefit. The unique brain immune landscape is reflected in a complex tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in GBM. Here, single-cell sequencing of the GBM TIME revealed that microglia were under severe oxidative stress, which induced nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 (NR4A2)-dependent transcriptional activity in microglia. Heterozygous Nr4a2 (Nr4a2+/-) or CX3CR1+ myeloid cell-specific Nr4a2 (Nr4a2fl/flCx3cr1Cre) genetic targeting reshaped microglia plasticity in vivo by reducing alternatively activated microglia and enhancing antigen presentation capacity for CD8+ T cells in GBM. In microglia, NR4A2 activated squalene monooxygenase (SQLE) to dysregulate cholesterol homeostasis. Pharmacologic NR4A2 inhibition attenuated the protumorigenic TIME, and targeting the NR4A2 or SQLE enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of immune-checkpoint blockade in vivo. Collectively, oxidative stress promotes tumor growth through NR4A2-SQLE activity in microglia, informing novel immune therapy paradigms in brain cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Metabolic reprogramming of microglia in GBM informs synergistic vulnerabilities for immune-checkpoint blockade therapy in this immunologically cold brain tumor. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 799.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zengpanpan Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolin Ai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Kailin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zhengnan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Fan Fei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoling Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Zhixin Qiu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan C. Gimple
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Huairui Yuan
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hao Huang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yanqiu Gong
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of General Practice, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Chaoxin Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Jing Yue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Olivier Saulnier
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Peidong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of General Practice, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, SAR, P. R. China
| | - Xiuxing Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Young Ha Ahn
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chao You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wan
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael D. Taylor
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Linjie Zhao
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeremy N. Rich
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liu X, Song J, Liu H, Sun Z, Ren H, Luo J. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Could Predict the Prognosis of Cervical Cancer and Regulate the Occurrence of Radiation Mucositis. Dose Response 2023; 21:15593258231173199. [PMID: 37197387 PMCID: PMC10184221 DOI: 10.1177/15593258231173199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important cellular organelle, and ER dysfunction has an important impact on a variety of biological processes. In this study, we explored the role of ER stress in cervical cancer by establishing a prognostic model related to ER stress. This study included 309 samples from the TCGA database and 15 pairs of RNA sequencing data before and after radiotherapy. ER stress characteristics were obtained by the LASSO regression model. The prognostic value of risk characteristics was analyzed by Cox regression, Kaplan‒Meier, and ROC curves. The effects of radiation and radiation mucositis on ER stress were evaluated. We found that ER stress-related genes were differentially expressed in cervical cancer and could predict its prognosis. The LASSO regression model suggested that risk genes had a strong ability to predict prognosis. In addition, the regression suggests that the low-risk group may benefit from immunotherapy. Cox regression analysis showed that FOXRED2 and N staging could be independent factors affecting prognosis. ERN1 was significantly affected by radiation and may be related to the occurrence of radiation mucositis. In conclusion, ER stress activation might have a high value in the treatment and prognosis of cervical cancer and has good clinical prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jing Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Sun
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Huiwen Ren
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Judong Luo
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhao W, Li G, Zhang Q, Chen M, He L, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Fan M, Liang Y, Zhang W, Zeng F, Deng F. Cardiac glycoside neriifolin exerts anti-cancer activity in prostate cancer cells by attenuating DNA damage repair through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 209:115453. [PMID: 36792037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men. Patients with recurrent disease initially respond to androgen-deprivation therapy, but the tumor eventually progresses into castration-resistant PCa. Thus, new therapeutic approaches for PCa resistance to current treatments are urgently needed. Here, we report that cardiac glycoside neriifolin suppresses the malignancy of cancer cells via increasing DNA damage and apoptosis through activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in prostate cancers. We found that cardiac glycoside neriifolin markedly inhibited the cell growth and induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Transcriptome sequence analysis revealed that neriifolin significantly induced DNA damage and double strand breaks (DSBs), validated with attenuation expression of genes in DSBs repair and increasing phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) foci formation, a quantitative marker of DSBs. Moreover, we found that neriifolin also activated ERS, evidenced by upregulation and activation of ERS related proteins, including eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) as well as downregulation of CCAATenhancerbinding protein alpha (C/EBP-α), a transcriptional factor that forms heterodimers with CHOP. In addition, neriifolin treatment dramatically inhibited the by tumor growth, which were reversed by CHOP loss or overexpression of C/EBP-α in nude mice. Mechanistically, neriifolin suppressed the tumor growth by increasing DNA damage and apoptosis through CHOP-C/EBP-α signaling axis of ERS in prostate cancers. Taken together, these results suggest that cardiac glycoside neriifolin may be a potential tumor-specific chemotherapeutic agent in prostate cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanlu Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guihuan Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qianbing Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Meixuan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lijun He
- Department of Nursing, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 501515, China
| | - Zhicong Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510900, China
| | - Yihe Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mingming Fan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yanling Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510900, China
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Fangyin Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510900, China.
| | - Fan Deng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bao X, Liu X, Wu Q, Ye F, Shi Z, Xu D, Zhang J, Dou Z, Huang G, Zhang H, Sun C. Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant MitoQ-Mediated Autophagy: A Novel Strategy for Precise Radiation Protection. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020453. [PMID: 36830013 PMCID: PMC9952602 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020453] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the most effective cancer treatments. However, successful radiation protection for normal tissue is a clinical challenge. Our previous study observed that MitoQ, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, was adsorbed to the inner mitochondrial membrane and remained the cationic moiety in the intermembrane space. The positive charges in MitoQ restrained the activity of respiratory chain complexes and decreased proton production. Therefore, a pseudo-mitochondrial membrane potential (PMMP) was developed via maintenance of exogenous positive charges. This study identified that PMMP constructed by MitoQ could effectively inhibit mitochondrial respiration within normal cells, disrupt energy metabolism, and activate adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling to induce autophagy. As such, it could not lead to starvation-induced autophagy among tumor cells due to the different energy phenotypes between normal and tumor cells (normal cells depend on mitochondrial respiration for energy supply, while tumor cells rely on aerobic glycolysis). Therefore, we successfully protected the normal cells from radiation-induced damage without affecting the tumor-killing efficacy of radiation by utilizing selective autophagy. MitoQ-constructed PMMP provides a new therapeutic strategy for specific radiation protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingting Bao
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou 516000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Xiongxiong Liu
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Qingfeng Wu
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou 516000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou 516000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Zhihui Dou
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou 516000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Guomin Huang
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou 516000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou 516000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Correspondence: (H.Z.); (C.S.); Tel.: +86-(931)-519-6126 (H.Z.); +86-(931)-519-6027 (C.S.)
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou 516000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Correspondence: (H.Z.); (C.S.); Tel.: +86-(931)-519-6126 (H.Z.); +86-(931)-519-6027 (C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Coates HW, Capell-Hattam IM, Olzomer EM, Du X, Farrell R, Yang H, Byrne FL, Brown AJ. Hypoxia truncates and constitutively activates the key cholesterol synthesis enzyme squalene monooxygenase. eLife 2023; 12:82843. [PMID: 36655986 PMCID: PMC9851614 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol synthesis is both energy- and oxygen-intensive, yet relatively little is known of the regulatory effects of hypoxia on pathway enzymes. We previously showed that the rate-limiting and first oxygen-dependent enzyme of the committed cholesterol synthesis pathway, squalene monooxygenase (SM), can undergo partial proteasomal degradation that renders it constitutively active. Here, we show hypoxia is a physiological trigger for this truncation, which occurs through a two-part mechanism: (1) increased targeting of SM to the proteasome via stabilization of the E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCHF6 and (2) accumulation of the SM substrate, squalene, which impedes the complete degradation of SM and liberates its truncated form. This preserves SM activity and downstream pathway flux during hypoxia. These results uncover a feedforward mechanism that allows SM to accommodate fluctuating substrate levels and may contribute to its widely reported oncogenic properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hudson W Coates
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | | | - Ellen M Olzomer
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Ximing Du
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Rhonda Farrell
- Prince of Wales Private HospitalRandwickAustralia
- Chris O’Brien LifehouseCamperdownAustralia
| | - Hongyuan Yang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Frances L Byrne
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Andrew J Brown
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
The interaction between polyphyllin I and SQLE protein induces hepatotoxicity through SREBP-2/HMGCR/SQLE/LSS pathway. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:39-54. [PMID: 36820075 PMCID: PMC9937801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyphyllin I (PPI) and polyphyllin II (PII) are the main active substances in the Paris polyphylla. However, liver toxicity of these compounds has impeded their clinical application and the potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this work, we found that PPI and PII exposure could induce significant hepatotoxicity in human liver cell line L-02 and zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the proteomic analysis in L-02 cells and transcriptome in zebrafish indicated that the hepatotoxicity of PPI and PII was associated with the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway disorders, which were alleviated by the cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor lovastatin. Additionally, 3-hydroxy-3-methy-lglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR) and squalene epoxidase (SQLE), the two rate-limiting enzymes in the cholesterol synthesis, selected as the potential targets, were confirmed by the molecular docking, the overexpression, and knockdown of HMGCR or SQLE with siRNA. Finally, the pull-down and surface plasmon resonance technology revealed that PPI could directly bind with SQLE but not with HMGCR. Collectively, these data demonstrated that PPI-induced hepatotoxicity resulted from the direct binding with SQLE protein and impaired the sterol-regulatory element binding protein 2/HMGCR/SQLE/lanosterol synthase pathways, thus disturbing the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The findings of this research can contribute to a better understanding of the key role of SQLE as a potential target in drug-induced hepatotoxicity and provide a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of drug toxic effects with similar structures in the future.
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang Y, Qin Y, Li D, Yang Y. A risk prediction model mediated by genes of APOD/APOC1/SQLE associates with prognosis in cervical cancer. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:534. [PMID: 36536343 PMCID: PMC9764686 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. Due to the high heterogeneity of cervical cancer accelerating cancer progression, it is necessary to identify new prognostic markers and treatment regimens for cervical cancer to improve patients' survival rates. We purpose to construct and verify a risk prediction model for cervical cancer patients. Based on the analysis of data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), differences of genes in normal and cancer samples were analyzed and then used analysis of WGCNA along with consistent clustering to construct single-factor + multi-factor risk models. After regression analysis, the target genes were obtained as prognostic genes and prognostic risk models were constructed, and the validity of the risk model was confirmed using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier curve. Subsequently, the above model was verified on the GSE44001 data validation followed by independent prognostic analysis. Enrichment analysis was conducted by grouping the high and low risks of the model. In addition, differences in immune analysis (immune infiltration, immunotherapy), drug sensitivity, and other levels were counted by the high and low risks groups. In our study, three prognostic genes including APOD, APOC1, and SQLE were obtained, and a risk model was constructed along with validation based on the above-mentioned analysis. According to the model, immune correlation and immunotherapy analyses were carried out, which will provide a theoretical basis and reference value for the exploration and treatment of cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhang
- grid.413458.f0000 0000 9330 9891Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guizhou, 550000 Guizhou Province China
| | - Yuankun Qin
- grid.413458.f0000 0000 9330 9891Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, 550025 Guizhou Province, China
| | - Danqing Li
- grid.413458.f0000 0000 9330 9891Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guizhou, 550000 Guizhou Province China
| | - Yingjie Yang
- grid.413458.f0000 0000 9330 9891Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guizhou, 550000 Guizhou Province China ,grid.413458.f0000 0000 9330 9891Guizhou Medical University, No.9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550001 China ,grid.413458.f0000 0000 9330 9891Tthe Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.1 Beijing West Road, Guiyang, 550000 Guizhou Province China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
An Update on the General Features of Breast Cancer in Male Patients—A Literature Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071554. [PMID: 35885460 PMCID: PMC9323942 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Male breast cancers are uncommon, as men account for less than 1 percent of all breast carcinomas. Among the predisposing risk factors for male breast cancer, the following appear to be significant: (a) breast/chest radiation exposure, (b) estrogen use, diseases associated with hyper-estrogenism, such as cirrhosis or Klinefelter syndrome, and (c) family health history. Furthermore, there are clear familial tendencies, with a higher incidence among men who have a large number of female relatives with breast cancer and (d) major inheritance susceptibility. Moreover, in families with BRCA mutations, there is an increased risk of male breast cancer, although the risk appears to be greater with inherited BRCA2 mutations than with inherited BRCA1 mutations. Due to diagnostic delays, male breast cancer is more likely to present at an advanced stage. A core biopsy or a fine needle aspiration must be performed to confirm suspicious findings. Infiltrating ductal cancer is the most prevalent form of male breast cancer, while invasive lobular carcinoma is extremely uncommon. Male breast cancer is almost always positive for hormone receptors. A worse prognosis is associated with a more advanced stage at diagnosis for men with breast cancer. Randomized controlled trials which recruit both female and male patients should be developed in order to gain more consistent data on the optimal clinical approach.
Collapse
|
24
|
Genome doubling causes double trouble. Nature 2022; 604:44-45. [PMID: 35354975 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-00849-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|