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Habowski AN, Budagavi DP, Scherer SD, Aurora AB, Caligiuri G, Flynn WF, Langer EM, Brody JR, Sears RC, Foggetti G, Arnal Estape A, Nguyen DX, Politi KA, Shen X, Hsu DS, Peehl DM, Kurhanewicz J, Sriram R, Suarez M, Xiao S, Du Y, Li XN, Navone NM, Labanca E, Willey CD. Patient-Derived Models of Cancer in the NCI PDMC Consortium: Selection, Pitfalls, and Practical Recommendations. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:565. [PMID: 38339316 PMCID: PMC10854945 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
For over a century, early researchers sought to study biological organisms in a laboratory setting, leading to the generation of both in vitro and in vivo model systems. Patient-derived models of cancer (PDMCs) have more recently come to the forefront of preclinical cancer models and are even finding their way into clinical practice as part of functional precision medicine programs. The PDMC Consortium, supported by the Division of Cancer Biology in the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, seeks to understand the biological principles that govern the various PDMC behaviors, particularly in response to perturbagens, such as cancer therapeutics. Based on collective experience from the consortium groups, we provide insight regarding PDMCs established both in vitro and in vivo, with a focus on practical matters related to developing and maintaining key cancer models through a series of vignettes. Although every model has the potential to offer valuable insights, the choice of the right model should be guided by the research question. However, recognizing the inherent constraints in each model is crucial. Our objective here is to delineate the strengths and limitations of each model as established by individual vignettes. Further advances in PDMCs and the development of novel model systems will enable us to better understand human biology and improve the study of human pathology in the lab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber N. Habowski
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Long Island, NY 11724, USA; (A.N.H.); (D.P.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Deepthi P. Budagavi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Long Island, NY 11724, USA; (A.N.H.); (D.P.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Sandra D. Scherer
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Arin B. Aurora
- Children’s Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75235, USA;
| | - Giuseppina Caligiuri
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Long Island, NY 11724, USA; (A.N.H.); (D.P.B.); (G.C.)
| | | | - Ellen M. Langer
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Jonathan R. Brody
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Rosalie C. Sears
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | | | - Anna Arnal Estape
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Don X. Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (D.X.N.); (K.A.P.)
| | - Katerina A. Politi
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (D.X.N.); (K.A.P.)
| | - Xiling Shen
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA;
| | - David S. Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Donna M. Peehl
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; (D.M.P.); (J.K.); (R.S.)
| | - John Kurhanewicz
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; (D.M.P.); (J.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Renuka Sriram
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; (D.M.P.); (J.K.); (R.S.)
| | - Milagros Suarez
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (M.S.); (S.X.); (Y.D.); (X.-N.L.)
| | - Sophie Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (M.S.); (S.X.); (Y.D.); (X.-N.L.)
| | - Yuchen Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (M.S.); (S.X.); (Y.D.); (X.-N.L.)
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (M.S.); (S.X.); (Y.D.); (X.-N.L.)
| | - Nora M. Navone
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.M.N.)
| | - Estefania Labanca
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (N.M.N.)
| | - Christopher D. Willey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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Qin L, Berk M, Chung YM, Cui D, Zhu Z, Chakraborty AA, Sharifi N. Chronic hypoxia stabilizes 3βHSD1 via autophagy suppression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113575. [PMID: 38181788 PMCID: PMC10851248 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113575] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Progression of prostate cancer depends on androgen receptor, which is usually activated by androgens. Therefore, a mainstay treatment is androgen deprivation therapy. Unfortunately, despite initial treatment response, resistance nearly always develops, and disease progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which remains driven by non-gonadal androgens synthesized in prostate cancer tissues. 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-->4 isomerase 1 (3βHSD1) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in androgen synthesis. However, how 3βHSD1, especially the "adrenal-permissive" 3βHSD1(367T) that permits tumor synthesis of androgen from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), is regulated at the protein level is not well understood. Here, we investigate how hypoxia regulates 3βHSD1(367T) protein levels. Our results show that, in vitro, hypoxia stabilizes 3βHSD1 protein by suppressing autophagy. Autophagy inhibition promotes 3βHSD1-dependent tumor progression. Hypoxia represses transcription of autophagy-related (ATG) genes by decreasing histone acetylation. Inhibiting deacetylase (HDAC) restores ATG gene transcription under hypoxia. Therefore, HDAC inhibition may be a therapeutic target for hypoxic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Qin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Michael Berk
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Yoon-Mi Chung
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Di Cui
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Ziqi Zhu
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Abhishek A Chakraborty
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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3
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Zhao J, Sun Y, Ren L, Huang S, Zhang J. Antagonism of androgen receptor signaling by aloe-emodin. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 181:114092. [PMID: 37806336 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114092] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, androgen receptor (AR) signaling has been a key driver of both primary and recurrent prostate cancer. In this work, aloe-emodin was identified as a novel AR antagonist, effectively inhibiting AR signaling. Firstly, aloe-emodin can inhibit LNCaP cell growth by promoting apoptosis. Then, the results of Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR further confirmed that aloe-emodin modulated AR protein levels by promoting AR proteasomal degradation, and also inhibited the transcription of the AR downstream target genes, including PSA, KLK2, and TMPRSS2. Furthermore, the result of immunofluorescence showed that aloe-emodin prevented the nuclear translocation of AR. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation suggested that aloe-emodin combined with AR to form stable complexes, which might explain that aloe-emodin prevented the translocation of AR from the cytoplasm to the nucleus by affecting the ligand binding of AR. Therefore, aloe-emodin as a novel AR antagonist may play a crucial role in promoting cancer prevention or complementing pharmacological therapies in the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqi Zhao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yantong Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Li Ren
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Shuqing Huang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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Dai C, Dehm SM, Sharifi N. Targeting the Androgen Signaling Axis in Prostate Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:4267-4278. [PMID: 37429011 PMCID: PMC10852396 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the androgen receptor (AR) and AR-driven transcriptional programs is central to the pathophysiology of prostate cancer. Despite successful translational efforts in targeting AR, therapeutic resistance often occurs as a result of molecular alterations in the androgen signaling axis. The efficacy of next-generation AR-directed therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer has provided crucial clinical validation for the continued dependence on AR signaling and introduced a range of new treatment options for men with both castration-resistant and castration-sensitive disease. Despite this, however, metastatic prostate cancer largely remains an incurable disease, highlighting the need to better understand the diverse mechanisms by which tumors thwart AR-directed therapies, which may inform new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we revisit concepts in AR signaling and current understandings of AR signaling-dependent resistance mechanisms as well as the next frontier of AR targeting in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Dai
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Scott M. Dehm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
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5
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Cui D, Li J, Zhu Z, Berk M, Hardaway A, McManus J, Chung YM, Alyamani M, Valle S, Tiwari R, Han B, Goudarzi M, Willard B, Sharifi N. Cancer-associated fibroblast-secreted glucosamine alters the androgen biosynthesis program in prostate cancer via HSD3B1 upregulation. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e161913. [PMID: 37009898 PMCID: PMC10065083 DOI: 10.1172/jci161913] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
After androgen deprivation, prostate cancer frequently becomes castration resistant (CRPC), with intratumoral androgen production from extragonadal precursors that activate the androgen receptor pathway. 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (3βHSD1) is the rate-limiting enzyme for extragonadal androgen synthesis, which together lead to CRPC. Here, we show that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) increased epithelial 3βHSD1 expression, induced androgen synthesis, activated the androgen receptor, and induced CRPC. Unbiased metabolomics revealed that CAF-secreted glucosamine specifically induced 3βHSD1. CAFs induced higher GlcNAcylation in cancer cells and elevated expression of the transcription factor Elk1, which induced higher 3βHSD1 expression and activity. Elk1 genetic ablation in cancer epithelial cells suppressed CAF-induced androgen biosynthesis in vivo. In patient samples, multiplex fluorescent imaging showed that tumor cells expressed more 3βHSD1 and Elk1 in CAF-enriched areas compared with CAF-deficient areas. Our findings suggest that CAF-secreted glucosamine increases GlcNAcylation in prostate cancer cells, promoting Elk1-induced HSD3B1 transcription, which upregulates de novo intratumoral androgen synthesis to overcome castration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cui
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianneng Li
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ziqi Zhu
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Berk
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Aimalie Hardaway
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jeffrey McManus
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yoon-Mi Chung
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mohammad Alyamani
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shelley Valle
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ritika Tiwari
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bangmin Han
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Maryam Goudarzi
- Metabolomics Shared Laboratory Resource, Lerner Research Institute
| | - Belinda Willard
- Metabolomics Shared Laboratory Resource, Lerner Research Institute
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, and
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Preclinical models of prostate cancer - modelling androgen dependency and castration resistance in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00726-1. [PMID: 36788359 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00726-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is well known to be dependent on the androgen receptor (AR) for growth and survival. Thus, AR is the main pharmacological target to treat this disease. However, after an initially positive response to AR-targeting therapies, prostate cancer will eventually evolve to castration-resistant prostate cancer, which is often lethal. Tumour growth was initially thought to become androgen-independent following treatments; however, results from molecular studies have shown that most resistance mechanisms involve the reactivation of AR. Consequently, tumour cells become resistant to castration - the blockade of testicular androgens - and not independent of AR per se. However, confusion still remains on how to properly define preclinical models of prostate cancer, including cell lines. Most cell lines were isolated from patients for cell culture after evolution of the tumour to castration-resistant prostate cancer, but not all of these cell lines are described as castration resistant. Moreover, castration refers to the blockade of testosterone production by the testes; thus, even the concept of "castration" in vitro is questionable. To ensure maximal transfer of knowledge from scientific research to the clinic, understanding the limitations and advantages of preclinical models, as well as how these models recapitulate cancer cell androgen dependency and can be used to study castration resistance mechanisms, is essential.
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Michael P, Roversi G, Brown K, Sharifi N. Adrenal Steroids and Resistance to Hormonal Blockade of Prostate and Breast Cancer. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqac218. [PMID: 36580423 PMCID: PMC10091490 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer and breast cancer are sex-steroid-dependent diseases that are driven in major part by gonadal sex steroids. Testosterone (T) is converted to 5α-dihydrotestosterone, both of which stimulate the androgen receptor (AR) and prostate cancer progression. Estradiol is the major stimulus for estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and proliferation of ERα-expressing breast cancer. However, the human adrenal provides an alternative source for sex steroids. A number of different androgens are produced by the adrenals, the most abundant of which is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate. These precursor steroids are subject to metabolism by peripherally expressed enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of potent androgens and estrogens. In the case of prostate cancer, the regulation of one of these enzymatic steps occurs at least in part by way of a germline-encoded missense in 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (3βHSD1), which regulates potent androgen biosynthesis and clinical outcomes in men with advanced prostate cancer treated with gonadal T deprivation. The sex steroids that drive prostate cancer and breast cancer require a common set of enzymes for their generation. However, the pathways diverge once 3-keto, Δ4-androgens are generated and these steroids are either turned into potent androgens by steroid-5α-reductase, or into estrogens by aromatase. Alternative steroid receptors have also emerged as disease- and treatment-resistance modifiers, including a role for AR in breast cancer and glucocorticoid receptor both in breast and prostate cancer. In this review, we integrate the commonalities of adrenal steroid physiology that regulate both prostate and breast cancer while recognizing the clear distinctions between these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Michael
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | - Gustavo Roversi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | - Kristy Brown
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
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Peinetti N, Bilusic M, Burnstein KL. Is androgen receptor activity in metastatic prostate cancer a good biomarker for bipolar androgen therapy? J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e165357. [PMID: 36453547 PMCID: PMC9711867 DOI: 10.1172/jci165357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the longstanding treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PC) because androgen receptor (AR) is the key therapeutic vulnerability for this disease. Bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) - the rapid cycling of supraphysiologic androgen (SPA) and low serum testosterone levels - is an alternative concept, but not all patients respond and acquired resistance can occur. In this issue of the JCI, Sena et al. developed a gene signature indicative of high AR activity to predict patient response to BAT, including a decline in both serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and tumor volume. Preclinical models showed that AR-mediated suppression of MYC, known to drive PC, was associated with decreased cell growth following SPA treatment. Because BAT eventually leads to resistance, the authors tested cycling between SPA and AR antagonism in a patient-derived xenograft and observed a delay in tumor growth. These findings represent a major step toward the informed use of BAT for advanced PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahuel Peinetti
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Marijo Bilusic
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kerry L. Burnstein
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami, Florida, USA
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9
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Hardaway AL, Goudarzi M, Berk M, Chung YM, Zhang R, Li J, Klein E, Sharifi N. 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid Controls Androgen Reduction in Diverse Types of Human Epithelial Cells. Endocrinology 2022; 164:bqac191. [PMID: 36412122 PMCID: PMC9923800 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Androgens regulate broad physiologic and pathologic processes, including external genitalia development, prostate cancer progression, and anti-inflammatory effects in both cancer and asthma. In prostate cancer, several lines of evidence have implicated dietary and endogenous fatty acids in cell invasion, angiogenesis, and treatment resistance. However, the role of fatty acids in steroidogenesis and the mechanisms by which alterations in this pathway occur are not well understood. Here, we show that, of a panel of fatty acids tested, arachidonic acid and its specific metabolite 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) regulate androgen metabolism. Arachidonic acid is metabolized to 5-HETE and reduces androgens by inducing aldo-keto reductase (AKR) family members AKR1C2 and AKR1C3 expression in human prostate, breast, and lung epithelial cells. Finally, we provide evidence that these effects require the expression of the antioxidant response sensor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Our findings identify an interconnection between conventional fatty acid metabolism and steroid metabolism that has broad relevance to androgen physiology and inflammatory regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimalie L Hardaway
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Maryam Goudarzi
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Michael Berk
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Yoon-Mi Chung
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Renliang Zhang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jianneng Li
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Eric Klein
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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10
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Zhang H, Zhou Y, Xing Z, Sah RK, Hu J, Hu H. Androgen Metabolism and Response in Prostate Cancer Anti-Androgen Therapy Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113521. [PMID: 36362304 PMCID: PMC9655897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
All aspects of prostate cancer evolution are closely related to androgen levels and the status of the androgen receptor (AR). Almost all treatments target androgen metabolism pathways and AR, from castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC) to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Alterations in androgen metabolism and its response are one of the main reasons for prostate cancer drug resistance. In this review, we will introduce androgen metabolism, including how the androgen was synthesized, consumed, and responded to in healthy people and prostate cancer patients, and discuss how these alterations in androgen metabolism contribute to the resistance to anti-androgen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haozhe Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zengzhen Xing
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rajiv Kumar Sah
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Junqi Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hailiang Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0755-88018249
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11
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Shiota M, Endo S, Blas L, Fujimoto N, Eto M. Steroidogenesis in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Urol Oncol 2022; 41:240-251. [PMID: 36376200 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Castration resistance is in part attributable to aberrant activation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling by the intracrine activation of androgen precursors derived from adrenal glands. To overcome this, novel AR pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) that suppress androgen synthesis by CYP17 inhibition or AR activation by antiandrogen effects have been developed. However, primary or acquired resistance to these ARPIs occurs; in turn attributable, at least in part, to the maintained androgen milieu despite intensive suppression of AR signaling similar to castration resistance. In addition to the classical pathway to produce potent androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, the alternative pathway and the backdoor pathway which bypasses testosterone to produce dihydrotestosterone have been shown to play a role in intratumor steroidogenesis. Furthermore, the 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione pathway to produce the potent oxygenated androgens 11-ketotestosterone and 11-ketodihydrotestosterone has been suggested to be functional in prostate cancer. These steroidogenesis pathways produce potent androgens that promote tumor resistance to endocrine therapy including novel ARPIs. Here, we overview the current evidence on the pathological androgen milieu by altered metabolism and transport in prostate cancer, leading to resistance to endocrine therapy.
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12
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Qin L, Chung YM, Berk M, Naelitz B, Zhu Z, Klein E, Chakraborty AA, Sharifi N. Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Couples 3βHSD1 Enzyme and Cofactor Upregulation to Facilitate Androgen Biosynthesis and Hormone Therapy Resistance in Prostate Cancer. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2417-2430. [PMID: 35536859 PMCID: PMC9256813 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy suppresses tumor androgen receptor (AR) signaling by depleting circulating testosterone and is a mainstay treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Despite initial treatment response, castration-resistant prostate cancer nearly always develops and remains driven primarily by the androgen axis. Here we investigated how changes in oxygenation affect androgen synthesis. In prostate cancer cells, chronic hypoxia coupled to reoxygenation resulted in efficient metabolism of androgen precursors to produce androgens and activate AR. Hypoxia induced 3βHSD1, the rate-limiting androgen synthesis regulator, and reoxygenation replenished necessary cofactors, suggesting that hypoxia and reoxygenation both facilitate potent androgen synthesis. The EGLN1/VHL/HIF2α pathway induced 3βHSD1 expression through direct binding of HIF2α to the 5' regulatory region of HSD3B1 to promote transcription. Overexpression of HIF2α facilitated prostate cancer progression, which largely depended on 3βHSD1. Inhibition of HIF2α with the small-molecule PT2399 prevented prostate cancer cell proliferation. These results thus identify HIF2α as a regulator of androgen synthesis and potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Hypoxia followed by reoxygenation in prostate cancer drives androgen deprivation therapy resistance via increasing the rate-limiting enzyme and cofactors for androgen synthesis, revealing HIF2α as a therapeutic target to subvert resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Qin
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Yoon-Mi Chung
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Michael Berk
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Bryan Naelitz
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ziqi Zhu
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Eric Klein
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Abhishek A. Chakraborty
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Corresponding author: Nima Sharifi, Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, Telephone: 216 445-9750,
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13
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Berrehail Z, Boibessot C, Gris T, Joncas FH, Gaignier F, Guillemette C, Lacombe L, Fradet Y, Toren P. Sex steroid modulation of macrophages within the prostate tumor microenvironment. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL UROLOGY 2022; 10:98-110. [PMID: 35528461 PMCID: PMC9077148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of androgens and other sex steroids is known to influence the prognosis and progression of prostate cancer through different disease states. While androgens are generally regarded as immunosuppressive and estrogens as inflammatory, the specific influence of sex steroids on the immune microenvironment of prostate tumors remains incompletely understood. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, we evaluate the link between sex steroids and prostate cancer immune cells, particularly macrophages. Using in vitro and in vivo models, as well as ex vivo culture of patient prostate tissue, we evaluated the influence of androgen, estrogen, and progesterone on immune cells of the prostate microenvironment. RESULTS In vitro, we observed sex steroids induced indirect changes on prostate cancer cell proliferation via THP-1 derived macrophages, but no clear changes were induced using human monocyte derived macrophages. Comparing immunohistochemistry for immunosuppressive macrophage marker CD163 with concomitant circulating sex steroids from the same patients, we observed a correlation with higher dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-sulfate and estrone-sulfate levels associated with higher prostate CD163 expression. Similar relationships between DHEA and CD163 levels were observed in ex vivo cultured prostate biopsies. Finally, in a murine prostate cancer model of long-term sex steroids we observed significant differences in tumor growth in mice implanted with estrogen and DHEA diffusion tubes. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the complex influence of sex steroids on the immune cell composition of prostate tumors. Understanding this biology may help to further personalized therapy and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohra Berrehail
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Center, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Clovis Boibessot
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Center, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Typhaine Gris
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Center, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - France-Hélène Joncas
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Center, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fanny Gaignier
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Center, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chantal Guillemette
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Center, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louis Lacombe
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Center, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yves Fradet
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Center, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Toren
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research CenterQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Cancer Research Center, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université LavalQuebec City, Quebec, Canada
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14
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McSweeney S, Bergom HE, Prizment A, Halabi S, Sharifi N, Ryan C, Hwang J. Regulatory genes in the androgen production, uptake and conversion (APUC) pathway in advanced prostate cancer. ENDOCRINE ONCOLOGY (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2022; 2:R51-R64. [PMID: 37435458 PMCID: PMC10259352 DOI: 10.1530/eo-22-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway regulates the progression of prostate cancer (PC). Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients generally receive AR-targeted therapies (ART) or androgen-deprivation therapies (ADT) with the initial response; however, resistance is inevitably observed. Prior studies have shown activity and upregulation of a family of androgen production, uptake, and conversion - APUC genes - based on genomic analyses of patient germlines. Genetic variants of some APUC genes, such as the conversion gene, HSD3B1, predict response to second-generation androgen-targeted therapies. Studies have begun to elucidate the overall role of APUC genes, each with unique actionable enzymatic activity, in mCRPC patient outcomes. The current role and knowledge of the genetic and genomic features of APUC genes in advanced prostate cancer and beyond are discussed in this review. These studies inform of how interpreting behavior of APUC genes through genomic tools will impact the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean McSweeney
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hannah E Bergom
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anna Prizment
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Susan Halabi
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Charles Ryan
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Prostate Cancer Foundation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Justin Hwang
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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15
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Li J, Berk M, Alyamani M, Sabharwal N, Goins C, Alvarado J, Baratchian M, Zhu Z, Stauffer S, Klein EA, Sharifi N. Hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase blockade reverses prostate cancer drug resistance in xenograft models by glucocorticoid inactivation. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/595/eabe8226. [PMID: 34039740 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abe8226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer resistance to next-generation hormonal treatment with enzalutamide is a major problem and eventuates into disease lethality. Biologically active glucocorticoids that stimulate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) have an 11β-OH moiety, and resistant tumors exhibit loss of 11β-HSD2, the oxidative (11β-OH → 11-keto) enzyme that normally inactivates glucocorticoids, allowing elevated tumor glucocorticoids to drive resistance by stimulating GR. Here, we show that up-regulation of hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD) protein occurs in prostate cancer tissues of men treated with enzalutamide, human-derived cell lines, and patient-derived prostate tissues treated ex vivo with enzalutamide. Genetically silencing H6PD blocks NADPH generation, which inhibits the usual reductive directionality of 11β-HSD1, to effectively replace 11β-HSD2 function in human-derived cell line models, suppress the concentration of biologically active glucocorticoids in prostate cancer, and reverse enzalutamide resistance in mouse xenograft models. Similarly, pharmacologic blockade of H6PD with rucaparib normalizes tumor glucocorticoid metabolism in human cell lines and reinstates responsiveness to enzalutamide in mouse xenograft models. Our data show that blockade of H6PD, which is essential for glucocorticoid synthesis in humans, normalizes glucocorticoid metabolism and reverses enzalutamide resistance in mouse xenograft models. We credential H6PD as a pharmacologic vulnerability for treatment of next-generation androgen receptor antagonist-resistant prostate cancer by depleting tumor glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianneng Li
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Michael Berk
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mohammad Alyamani
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Navin Sabharwal
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Christopher Goins
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Joseph Alvarado
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mehdi Baratchian
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ziqi Zhu
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Shaun Stauffer
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Eric A Klein
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. .,Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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16
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Hou Z, Yang T, Mei Z, Zhang S, Gao Y, Chen X, Tan Q, Zhu X, Xu C, Lian J, Bian C, Liu Y, Le W, Hydyr N, Wu D, Chen L, Huang S, Li Z. Tracing steroidogenesis in prostate biopsy samples to unveil prostate tissue androgen metabolism characteristics and potential clinical application. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 210:105859. [PMID: 33677016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Androgens are essential for prostate cancer development. However, steroidogenesis has mainly been investigated in a limited number of prostate cancer cell lines, leading to varied conclusions and elusive clinical significance. Here, we established an ex vivo research platform with fresh biopsy samples transiently cultured with tritium- labelled androgens to trace steroidogenesis in prostate tissues and investigate its potential clinical application. DHEA was confirmed as the major precursor for androgen synthesis in the prostate. Significant amounts of oxidized DHEA and 5α-androstanedione were generated from DHEA in prostate biopsy samples. Prostatic steroidogenesis was independent of other clinical factors. Furthermore, prostatic steroidogenesis was suppressed after androgen deprivation therapy but increased upon treatment resistance, indicating that prostatic steroidogenesis was affected by clinical treatments. Overall, we provide an accessible research platform to characterize steroidogenesis in prostate tissue and indicate the correlation between prostatic steroidogenesis and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Zejie Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Si Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Qilong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xuyou Zhu
- Department of pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Chengdang Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jianpo Lian
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Cuidong Bian
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Wei Le
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Nazarov Hydyr
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Denglong Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Luonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shengsong Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| | - Zhenfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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17
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Hou Z, Huang S, Li Z. Androgens in prostate cancer: A tale that never ends. Cancer Lett 2021; 516:1-12. [PMID: 34052327 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Androgens play an essential role in prostate cancer. Clinical treatments that target steroidogenesis and the androgen receptor (AR) successfully postpone disease progression. Abiraterone and enzalutamide, the next-generation androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI), emphasize the function of the androgen-AR axis even in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, with the increased incidence in neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) showing resistance to ARPI, the importance of androgen-AR axis in further disease management remains elusive. Herein we review the steroidogenic pathways associated with different disease stages and discuss the potential targets for disease management after manifesting resistance to abiraterone and enzalutamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shengsong Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Zhenfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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18
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Abstract
Huggins and Hodges demonstrated the therapeutic effect of gonadal testosterone deprivation in the 1940s and therefore firmly established the concept that prostate cancer is a highly androgen-dependent disease. Since that time, hormonal therapy has undergone iterative advancement, from the types of gonadal testosterone deprivation to modalities that block the generation of adrenal and other extragonadal androgens, to those that directly bind and inhibit the androgen receptor (AR). The clinical states of prostate cancer are the product of a superimposition of these therapies with nonmetastatic advanced prostate cancer, as well as frankly metastatic disease. Today's standard of care for advanced prostate cancer includes gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (e.g., leuprolide), second-generation nonsteroidal AR antagonists (enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide) and the androgen biosynthesis inhibitor abiraterone. The purpose of this review is to provide an assessment of hormonal therapies for the various clinical states of prostate cancer. The advancement of today's standard of care will require an accounting of an individual's androgen physiology that also has recently recognized germline determinants of peripheral androgen metabolism, which include HSD3B1 inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Desai
- Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey M McManus
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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19
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Ivanova B, Spiteller M. Stochastic dynamic mass spectrometric quantification of steroids in mixture - Part II. Steroids 2020; 164:108750. [PMID: 33069721 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This paper deals with quantification of the following steroids in mixture: hydrocortisone (1), deoxycorticosterone (2), progesterone (3) and methyltestosterone (4) by means of mass spectrometry and implementing our innovative stochatic dynamic functional relationship between the analyte concentration in solution and the experimental variable intensity. The mass spectrometric data are correlated independently using chromatography. Chemometric analysis is carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojidarka Ivanova
- Lehrstuhl für Analytische Chemie, Institut für Umweltforschung, Fakultät für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Universität Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Straße 6, 44221 Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
| | - Michael Spiteller
- Lehrstuhl für Analytische Chemie, Institut für Umweltforschung, Fakultät für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Universität Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Straße 6, 44221 Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
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20
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Germain L, Lafront C, Beaudette J, Karthik Poluri RT, Weidmann C, Audet-Walsh É. Alternative splicing regulation by the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 202:105710. [PMID: 32534106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor that drives prostate cancer (PCa) by modulating the expression of thousands of genes to promote proliferation and survival and to reprogram metabolism. However, how AR activation controls alternative splicing is mostly unknown. Our objective was to define its role in the transcriptome-wide regulation of alternative splicing. Three human PCa models-LNCaP, LAPC4, and 22Rv1 cells-were treated with and without androgens, and RNA was purified for deep-sequencing analyses (RNA-seq). Several bioinformatic tools were then used to study alternative splicing. We demonstrate that in the absence of androgens, alternative splicing complexity is similar among AR-positive PCa cells, with 48 % of all transcripts having various levels of alternative splicing. We also describe alternative splicing differences among cell lines, such as specific splicing of AR, REST, TSC2, and CTBP1. Interestingly, AR activation changed the alternative splicing of thousands of genes in all the PCa cell lines tested. Overlap between AR-sensitive alternative splicing events revealed that genes linked to cell metabolism are major targets for this specific modulation. These genes encode metabolic enzymes such as the prostate-specific membrane antigen, encoded by FOLH1, and the malate dehydrogenase 1 (MDH1). Overall, our study presents a comprehensive analysis of the PCa cell transcriptome and its modulation by AR, revealing a significant enrichment of metabolic genes in this AR-dependent regulation of alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Germain
- Département de biochimie, microbiologie et bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Canada; Endocrinology - Nephrology Research Axis, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Canada
| | - Camille Lafront
- Endocrinology - Nephrology Research Axis, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Canada; Department of molecular medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jolyane Beaudette
- Endocrinology - Nephrology Research Axis, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Canada; Department of molecular medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Raghavendra Tejo Karthik Poluri
- Endocrinology - Nephrology Research Axis, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Canada; Department of molecular medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Cindy Weidmann
- Endocrinology - Nephrology Research Axis, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Canada
| | - Étienne Audet-Walsh
- Endocrinology - Nephrology Research Axis, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Canada; Department of molecular medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, G1V 0A6, Canada.
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21
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Shorning BY, Dass MS, Smalley MJ, Pearson HB. The PI3K-AKT-mTOR Pathway and Prostate Cancer: At the Crossroads of AR, MAPK, and WNT Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4507. [PMID: 32630372 PMCID: PMC7350257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a frequent event in prostate cancer that facilitates tumor formation, disease progression and therapeutic resistance. Recent discoveries indicate that the complex crosstalk between the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway and multiple interacting cell signaling cascades can further promote prostate cancer progression and influence the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to PI3K-AKT-mTOR-targeted therapies being explored in the clinic, as well as standard treatment approaches such as androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). However, the full extent of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling network during prostate tumorigenesis, invasive progression and disease recurrence remains to be determined. In this review, we outline the emerging diversity of the genetic alterations that lead to activated PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling in prostate cancer, and discuss new mechanistic insights into the interplay between the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway and several key interacting oncogenic signaling cascades that can cooperate to facilitate prostate cancer growth and drug-resistance, specifically the androgen receptor (AR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and WNT signaling cascades. Ultimately, deepening our understanding of the broader PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling network is crucial to aid patient stratification for PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway-directed therapies, and to discover new therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer that improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (B.Y.S.); (M.S.D.); (M.J.S.)
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Barnard M, Mostaghel EA, Auchus RJ, Storbeck KH. The role of adrenal derived androgens in castration resistant prostate cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 197:105506. [PMID: 31672619 PMCID: PMC7883395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains androgen dependant despite castrate levels of circulating testosterone following androgen deprivation therapy, the first line of treatment for advanced metstatic prostate cancer. CRPC is characterized by alterations in the expression levels of steroidgenic enzymes that enable the tumour to derive potent androgens from circulating adrenal androgen precursors. Intratumoral androgen biosynthesis leads to the localized production of both canonical androgens such as 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as less well characterized 11-oxygenated androgens, which until recently have been overlooked in the context of CRPC. In this review we discuss the contribution of both canonical and 11-oxygenated androgen precursors to the intratumoral androgen pool in CRPC. We present evidence that CRPC remains androgen dependent and discuss the alterations in steroidogenic enzyme expression and how these affect the various pathways to intratumoral androgen biosynthesis. Finally we summarize the current treatment strategies for targeting adrenal derived androgen biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Barnard
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Elahe A Mostaghel
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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Penning TM, Detlefsen AJ. Intracrinology-revisited and prostate cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 196:105499. [PMID: 31614208 PMCID: PMC6954292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The formation of steroid hormones in peripheral target tissues is referred to as their intracrine formation. This process occurs in hormone dependent malignancies such as prostate and breast cancer in which the disease can be either castrate resistant or occur post-menopausally, respectively. In these instances, the major precursor steroid of androgens and estrogens is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-SO4. This article reviews the major pathways by which adrenal steroids are converted to the potent male sex hormones, testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) and the discrete enzyme isoforms involved in castration resistant prostate cancer. Previous studies have mainly utilized radiotracers to investigate these pathways but have not used prevailing concentrations of precursors found in castrate male human serum. In addition, the full power of stable-isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry has not been applied routinely. Furthermore, it is clear that adaptive responses occur in the transporters and enzyme isoforms involved in response to androgen deprivation therapy that need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor M Penning
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, 421 Curie Blvd, 1350 BRBII/IIII, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6084, United States.
| | - Andrea J Detlefsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Kaipainen A, Zhang A, da Costa RMG, Lucas J, Marck B, Matsumoto AM, Morrissey C, True LD, Mostaghel EA, Nelson PS. Testosterone accumulation in prostate cancer cells is enhanced by facilitated diffusion. Prostate 2019; 79:1530-1542. [PMID: 31376206 PMCID: PMC6783279 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testosterone is a driver of prostate cancer (PC) growth via ligand-mediated activation of the androgen receptor (AR). Tumors that have escaped systemic androgen deprivation, castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC), have measurable intratumoral levels of testosterone, suggesting that a resistance mechanism still depends on androgen-simulated growth. However, AR activation requires an optimal intracellular concentration of androgens, a situation challenged by low circulating testosterone concentrations. Notably, PC cells may optimize their androgen levels by regulating the expression of steroid metabolism enzymes that convert androgen precursors into androgens. Here we propose that testosterone entry into the cell could be another control point. METHODS To determine whether testosterone enters cells via a transporter, we performed in vitro 3 H-testosterone uptake assays in androgen-dependent LNCaP and androgen and AR-independent PC3 cells. To determine if the uptake mechanism depended on a concentration gradient, we modified UGT2B17 levels in LNCaP cells and measured androgen levels by liquid-liquid extraction-mass spectrometry. We also analyzed CRPC metastases for expression of AKR1C3 to determine whether this enzyme that converts adrenal androgens to testosterone was present in the tumor stroma (microenvironment) in addition to its expression in the tumor epithelium. RESULTS Testosterone uptake followed a concentration gradient but unlike in passive diffusion, was saturable and temperature-dependent, thus suggesting facilitated transport. Suppression of UGT2B17 to abrogate a testosterone gradient reduced testosterone transport while overexpression of the enzyme enhanced it. The facilitated transport suggests a paracrine route of testosterone uptake for maintaining optimal intracellular levels. We found that AKR1C3 was expressed in the tumor microenvironment of CRPC metastases in addition to epithelial cells and the pattern of relative abundance of the enzyme in epithelium vs stroma varied substantially between the metastatic sites. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that in addition to testosterone transport and metabolism by tumor epithelium, testosterone could also be produced by components of the tumor microenvironment. Facilitated testosterone uptake by tumor cells supports a cell nonautonomous mechanism for testosterone signaling in CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arja Kaipainen
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ailin Zhang
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Rui M. Gil da Costa
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jared Lucas
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brett Marck
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108
| | - Alvin M. Matsumoto
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108
| | - Colm Morrissey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Lawrence D. True
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Elahe A. Mostaghel
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98104
| | - Peter S. Nelson
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98104
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Gonthier K, Poluri RTK, Audet-Walsh É. Functional genomic studies reveal the androgen receptor as a master regulator of cellular energy metabolism in prostate cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 191:105367. [PMID: 31051242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex-steroid hormones have been investigated for decades for their oncogenic properties in hormone-dependent cancers. The increasing body of knowledge on the biological actions of androgens in prostate cancer has led to the development of several targeted therapies that still represent the standard of care for cancer patients to this day. In the prostate, androgens promote cellular differentiation and proper tissue development. These hormones also promote the aberrant proliferation and survival of prostate cancer cells. Over the past few years, sequencing technologies for functional genomic analyses have rapidly expanded, revealing novel functions of sex-steroid hormone receptors other than their classic roles. In this article, we will focus on transcriptomic- and genomic-based evidence that demonstrates the importance of the androgen receptor signaling in the regulation of prostate cancer cell metabolism. This is significant because the reprogramming of cell metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. In fact, it is clear now that the androgen receptor contributes to the reprogramming of specific cellular metabolic pathways that promote tumor growth and disease progression, including aerobic glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, fatty acid ß-oxidation, and de novo lipid synthesis. Overall, beyond regulating development, differentiation, and proliferation, the androgen receptor is also a master regulator of cellular energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Gonthier
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Axe Endocrinologie - Néphrologie du Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer - Université Laval, Canada
| | - Raghavendra Tejo Karthik Poluri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Axe Endocrinologie - Néphrologie du Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer - Université Laval, Canada
| | - Étienne Audet-Walsh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Axe Endocrinologie - Néphrologie du Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer - Université Laval, Canada.
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26
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Wang Y, Zhang H, Jiang JM, Zheng D, Tan HS, Tang LM, Xu HX. Multiorgan toxicity induced by EtOH extract of Fructus Psoraleae in Wistar rats. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 58:152874. [PMID: 30889421 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fruits of Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fructus Psoraleae, FP) has a long history and a wide range of applications in the treatment of osteoporosis and leukoderma. Although it is well known that FP could cause hepatotoxicity and reproductive toxicity, less is known about its potential toxicity on multiple organs. PURPOSE This study aims to determine the multiorgan toxicity of EtOH extract of FP (EEFP) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms through a systematic evaluation in Wistar rats. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Wistar rats were orally administered with the EEFP at doses of 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 g/kg for 28 days. Histopathologic and clinicopathologic analyses were performed, and the hormone levels in serum and the mRNA levels of enzymes related to the production of steroid hormones in adrenal glands were detected. The area of each band of adrenal glands and the steroid levels in the adrenal glands were also measured. RESULTS After the treatment, both the histopathologic and clinicopathologic examination showed that EEFP caused liver, prostate, seminal vesicle and adrenal gland damage. Among the enzymes involved in the regulation of adrenal steroid hormone production, NET, VMAT2, and CYP11B1 were upregulated, while CYP17A1 was downregulated. Among the adrenal steroid hormones, COR and NE were upregulated, while levels of DHT and serum ACRH and CRH decreased. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that adrenal gland, prostate, and seminal vesicles could also be the target organs of FP-induced toxicity. Abnormal enzyme and hormone production related to the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis caused by the EEFP may be the potential toxic mechanism for changes in the adrenal gland and secondary sex organs of male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Jia-Ming Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Dan Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Hong-Sheng Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Li-Ming Tang
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Hong-Xi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
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Knuuttila M, Hämäläinen E, Poutanen M. Applying mass spectrometric methods to study androgen biosynthesis and metabolism in prostate cancer. J Mol Endocrinol 2019; 62:R255-R267. [PMID: 30917337 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent development of gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS) has provided novel tools to define sex steroid concentrations. These new methods overcome several of the problems associated with immunoassays for sex steroids. With the novel MS-based applications we are now able to measure small concentrations of the steroid hormones reliably and with high accuracy in both body fluids and tissue homogenates. The sensitivity of the tandem mass spectrometry assays allows us also for the first time to reliably measure picomolar or even femtomolar concentrations of estrogens and androgens. Furthermore, due to a high sensitivity and specificity of MS technology, we are also able to measure low concentrations of steroid hormones of interest in the presence of pharmacological concentration of other steroids and structurally closely related compounds. Both of these features are essential for multiple preclinical models for prostate cancer. The MS assays are also valuable for the simultaneous measurement of multiple steroids and their metabolites in small sample volumes in serum and tissue biopsies of prostate cancer patients before and after drug interventions. As a result, novel information about steroid hormone synthesis and metabolic pathways in prostate cancer has been obtained. In our recent studies, we have extensively applied a GC-MS/MS method to study androgen biosynthesis and metabolism in VCaP prostate cancer xenografts in mice. In the present review, we shortly summarize some of the benefits of the GC-MS/MS and novel LC-MS/MS assays, and provide examples of their use in defining novel mechanisms of androgen action in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Knuuttila
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Esa Hämäläinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and HUSLAB, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Storbeck KH, Mostaghel EA. Canonical and Noncanonical Androgen Metabolism and Activity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1210:239-277. [PMID: 31900912 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32656-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Androgens are critical drivers of prostate cancer. In this chapter we first discuss the canonical pathways of androgen metabolism and their alterations in prostate cancer progression, including the classical, backdoor and 5α-dione pathways, the role of pre-receptor DHT metabolism, and recent findings on oncogenic splicing of steroidogenic enzymes. Next, we discuss the activity and metabolism of non-canonical 11-oxygenated androgens that can activate wild-type AR and are less susceptible to glucuronidation and inactivation than the canonical androgens, thereby serving as an under-recognized reservoir of active ligands. We then discuss an emerging literature on the potential non-canonical role of androgen metabolizing enzymes in driving prostate cancer. We conclude by discussing the potential implications of these findings for prostate cancer progression, particularly in context of new agents such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, which target the AR-axis for prostate cancer therapy, including mechanisms of response and resistance and implications of these findings for future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Elahe A Mostaghel
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center S-182, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Toren P, Hoffman A, Ding K, Joncas FH, Turcotte V, Caron P, Pouliot F, Fradet Y, Lévesque É, Guillemette C, Klotz L. Serum Sex Steroids as Prognostic Biomarkers in Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Recurrent Prostate Cancer: A Post Hoc Analysis of the PR.7 Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:5305-5312. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-1187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Androgens have been implicated in prostate growth; however, the role of androgens in prostate cancer development is not clear. Furthermore, studies suggest a role for androgens in female-hormone-dependent cancers and common nonhormone dependent cancers. This study aims to review key studies and more recent studies of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and cancer risk. RECENT FINDINGS Epidemiological studies are reassuring as they have not associated endogenous androgens with prostate cancer risk. Intraprostatic regulation of DHT is becoming recognized as an important area of research to clarify the role of DHT in prostate cancer development. In females, further understanding of intracrine regulation of sex hormones and interactions between androgens and estrogens in influencing breast and endometrial cancer risk are required. Studies show a signal for DHT in modulating lung and colorectal cancer growth; however, research in this area is relatively scarce and further studies are required to clarify these associations. SUMMARY Although concerns of prostate cancer risk remain, there is also potential for androgens to modulate the growth and development of other common cancers. Further research is required as this may have clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi X Chan
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bu B Yeap
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Germline Variant in HSD3B1 (1245 A > C) and Response to Abiraterone Acetate Plus Prednisone in Men With New-Onset Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2018; 16:288-292. [PMID: 29674118 DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HSD3B1 gene encodes the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (3βHSD1), which catalyzes adrenal androgen precursors into dihydrotestosterone, the most potent androgen. Recently, the HSD3B1 (1245C) variant was shown to predict shorter duration of response to androgen deprivation therapy with medical or surgical castration in the setting of castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). The HSD3B1 (1245C) variant also predicts longer duration of response to ketoconazole in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We hypothesized that the HSD3B1 (1245C) variant predicts response to treatment with abiraterone acetate (AA) and can help personalize treatment in men with advanced prostate cancer. METHODS Clinical data and samples were from a prospectively maintained prostate cancer registry at the University of Utah. Genotyping was performed. The primary study end point was progression-free survival in first-line AA in men with metastatic CRPC. We performed prespecified multivariate analyses to assess the independent predictive value of HSD3B1 genotype on progression-free survival on AA. RESULTS Seventy-six men with metastatic CRPC treated with first-line AA were included. In multivariate analysis, the HSD3B1 (1245C) variant did not predict response to first-line AA. CONCLUSION The HSD3B1 (1245C) variant does not predict response to first-line AA in metastatic CRPC. This finding could be due to the ability of AA metabolites to act as both agonist (3-keto-5α-abiraterone) and antagonist (Δ4-abiraterone) on androgen signaling.
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Boibessot C, Toren P. Sex steroids in the tumor microenvironment and prostate cancer progression. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:R179-R196. [PMID: 29317479 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is uniquely dependent on androgens. Despite years of research on the relationship between androgens and prostate cancer, many questions remain as to the biological effects of androgens and other sex steroids during prostate cancer progression. This article reviews the clinical and basic research on the influence of sex steroids such as androgens, estrogens and progesterone within the prostate tumor microenvironment on the progression of prostate cancer. We review clinical studies to date evaluating serum sex steroids as prognostic biomarkers and discuss their respective biological effects within the prostate tumor microenvironment. We also review the link between genomic alterations and sex steroid levels within prostate tumors. Finally, we highlight the links between sex steroid levels and the function of the immune system within the tumor microenvironment. As the context of treatment of lethal prostate cancer evolves over time, an understanding of this underlying biology remains central to developing optimal treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clovis Boibessot
- Department of SurgeryLaval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Toren
- Department of SurgeryLaval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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