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Coutinho LL, Femino EL, Gonzalez AL, Moffat RL, Heinz WF, Cheng RYS, Lockett SJ, Rangel MC, Ridnour LA, Wink DA. NOS2 and COX-2 Co-Expression Promotes Cancer Progression: A Potential Target for Developing Agents to Prevent or Treat Highly Aggressive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6103. [PMID: 38892290 PMCID: PMC11173351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116103] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) exert profound biological impacts dictated by their chemistry. Understanding their spatial distribution is essential for deciphering their roles in diverse biological processes. This review establishes a framework for the chemical biology of NO and RNS, exploring their dynamic reactions within the context of cancer. Concentration-dependent signaling reveals distinctive processes in cancer, with three levels of NO influencing oncogenic properties. In this context, NO plays a crucial role in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and immune suppression. Increased NOS2 expression correlates with poor survival across different tumors, including breast cancer. Additionally, NOS2 can crosstalk with the proinflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to promote cancer progression. NOS2 and COX-2 co-expression establishes a positive feed-forward loop, driving immunosuppression and metastasis in estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer. Spatial evaluation of NOS2 and COX-2 reveals orthogonal expression, suggesting the unique roles of these niches in the tumor microenvironment (TME). NOS2 and COX2 niche formation requires IFN-γ and cytokine-releasing cells. These niches contribute to poor clinical outcomes, emphasizing their role in cancer progression. Strategies to target these markers include direct inhibition, involving pan-inhibitors and selective inhibitors, as well as indirect approaches targeting their induction or downstream effectors. Compounds from cruciferous vegetables are potential candidates for NOS2 and COX-2 inhibition offering therapeutic applications. Thus, understanding the chemical biology of NO and RNS, their spatial distribution, and their implications in cancer progression provides valuable insights for developing targeted therapies and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro L. Coutinho
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (L.L.C.); (E.L.F.); (A.L.G.); (R.Y.S.C.)
- Center for Translational Research in Oncology, ICESP/HC, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Elise L. Femino
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (L.L.C.); (E.L.F.); (A.L.G.); (R.Y.S.C.)
| | - Ana L. Gonzalez
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (L.L.C.); (E.L.F.); (A.L.G.); (R.Y.S.C.)
| | - Rebecca L. Moffat
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - William F. Heinz
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (W.F.H.); (S.J.L.)
| | - Robert Y. S. Cheng
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (L.L.C.); (E.L.F.); (A.L.G.); (R.Y.S.C.)
| | - Stephen J. Lockett
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (W.F.H.); (S.J.L.)
| | - M. Cristina Rangel
- Center for Translational Research in Oncology, ICESP/HC, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Lisa A. Ridnour
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (L.L.C.); (E.L.F.); (A.L.G.); (R.Y.S.C.)
| | - David A. Wink
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (L.L.C.); (E.L.F.); (A.L.G.); (R.Y.S.C.)
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Cui Y, Man S, Tao J, Liu Y, Ma L, Guo L, Huang L, Liu C, Gao W. The lipid droplet in cancer: From being a tumor-supporting hallmark to clinical therapy. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14087. [PMID: 38247395 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Abnormal lipid metabolism, one of the hallmarks in cancer, has gradually emerged as a novel target for cancer treatment. As organelles that store and release excess lipids, lipid droplets (LDs) resemble "gears" and facilitate cancer development in the body. AIM This review discusses the life cycle of LDs, the relationship between abnormal LDs and cancer hallmarks, and the application of LDs in theragnostic and clinical contexts to provide a contemporary understanding of the role of LDs in cancer. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and SPORTDiscus. Retrieve and summarize clinical trials of drugs that target proteins associated with LD formation using the Clinical Trials website. Create a schematic diagram of lipid droplets in the tumor microenvironment using Adobe Illustrator. CONCLUSION As one of the top ten hallmarks of cancer, abnormal lipid metabolism caused by excessive generation of LDs interrelates with other hallmarks. The crosstalk between excessive LDs and intracellular free fatty acids (FFAs) promotes an inflammatory environment that supports tumor growth. Moreover, LDs contribute to cancer metastasis and cell death resistance in vivo. Statins, as HMGCR inhibitors, are promising to be the pioneering commercially available anti-cancer drugs that target LD formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiejing Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Lanping Guo
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luqi Huang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Changxiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Release Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research Co and Ltd., Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyuan Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Boeckmann L, Berner J, Kordt M, Lenz E, Schäfer M, Semmler ML, Frey A, Sagwal SK, Rebl H, Miebach L, Niessner F, Sawade M, Hein M, Ramer R, Grambow E, Seebauer C, von Woedtke T, Nebe B, Metelmann HR, Langer P, Hinz B, Vollmar B, Emmert S, Bekeschus S. Synergistic effect of cold gas plasma and experimental drug exposure exhibits skin cancer toxicity in vitro and in vivo. J Adv Res 2024; 57:181-196. [PMID: 37391038 PMCID: PMC10918357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Skin cancer is often fatal, which motivates new therapy avenues. Recent advances in cancer treatment are indicative of the importance of combination treatments in oncology. Previous studies have identified small molecule-based therapies and redox-based technologies, including photodynamic therapy or medical gas plasma, as promising candidates to target skin cancer. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify effective combinations of experimental small molecules with cold gas plasma for therapy in dermato-oncology. METHODS Promising drug candidates were identified after screening an in-house 155-compound library using 3D skin cancer spheroids and high content imaging. Combination effects of selected drugs and cold gas plasma were investigated with respect to oxidative stress, invasion, and viability. Drugs that had combined well with cold gas plasma were further investigated in vascularized tumor organoids in ovo and a xenograft mouse melanoma model in vivo. RESULTS The two chromone derivatives Sm837 and IS112 enhanced cold gas plasma-induced oxidative stress, including histone 2A.X phosphorylation, and further reduced proliferation and skin cancer cell viability. Combination treatments of tumor organoids grown in ovo confirmed the principal anti-cancer effect of the selected drugs. While one of the two compounds exerted severe toxicity in vivo, the other (Sm837) resulted in a significant synergistic anti-tumor toxicity at good tolerability. Principal component analysis of protein phosphorylation profiles confirmed profound combination treatment effects in contrast to the monotherapies. CONCLUSION We identified a novel compound that, combined with topical cold gas plasma-induced oxidative stress, represents a novel and promising treatment approach to target skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Boeckmann
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Julia Berner
- Department of Oral, Maxillofacial, and Plastic Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marcel Kordt
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Elea Lenz
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Mirijam Schäfer
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Semmler
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Anna Frey
- Institute for Chemistry, Rostock University, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Sagwal
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henrike Rebl
- Department of Cell Biology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Lea Miebach
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Felix Niessner
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marie Sawade
- Department of Cell Biology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Hein
- Institute for Chemistry, Rostock University, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert Ramer
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Eberhard Grambow
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Seebauer
- Department of Oral, Maxillofacial, and Plastic Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Barbara Nebe
- Department of Cell Biology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Hans-Robert Metelmann
- Department of Oral, Maxillofacial, and Plastic Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Peter Langer
- Institute for Chemistry, Rostock University, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Steffen Emmert
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), 17489 Greifswald, Germany.
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Wittig F, Koch F, Pannenberg L, Bekeschus S, Ramer R, Hinz B. β-Caryophyllene Inhibits Endothelial Tube Formation by Modulating the Secretome of Hypoxic Lung Cancer Cells-Possible Role of VEGF Downregulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:810. [PMID: 38255884 PMCID: PMC10815222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a bicyclic sesquiterpene that is a component of the essential oils of various spice and food plants, has been described as a selective CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist. In the present study, the effect of BCP on angiogenesis was investigated. It was found that conditioned media (CM) from BCP-treated hypoxic A549 lung cancer cells exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation induced by CM from vehicle-treated hypoxic A549 cells. There was an associated concentration-dependent decrease in the proangiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the CM, with both BCP inhibitory effects (tube formation, VEGF secretion) being CB2 receptor-dependent. A reduction of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) was furthermore detected. The antiangiogenic and VEGF-lowering properties of BCP were confirmed when CM from another lung cancer cell line, H358, were tested. When directly exposed to HUVECs, BCP showed no significant effect on tube formation, but at 10 µM, impaired VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) phosphorylation triggered by recombinant VEGF in a CB2 receptor-independent manner. In summary, BCP has a dual antiangiogenic effect on HUVECs, manifested in the inhibition of tube formation through modulation of the tumor cell secretome and additionally in the inhibition of VEGF-induced VEGFR2 activation. Because the CB2 agonist has no psychoactive properties, BCP should continue to be evaluated preclinically for further antitumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Wittig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.)
| | - Florian Koch
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.)
| | - Liza Pannenberg
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.)
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.)
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.)
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Doyuran DZ, Eronat Ö. The clinical and pathological significance of increased expression of the cannabinoid receptors CB-1R and CB-2R in patients with papillary thyroid carcinomas compared to benign thyroid lesions. Int J Biol Markers 2023; 38:233-242. [PMID: 37700679 DOI: 10.1177/03936155231200285] [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] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. Most papillary thyroid carcinoma patients enjoy excellent outcomes. However, in patients with biologically aggressive features, additional prognostic and predictive data may aid disease management. Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system including the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB-1R and CB-2R) during carcinogenesis has been extensively studied over the last few decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunohistochemically the expression levels of both receptors in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and benign diseases, and to compare these rates and the histopathologically and clinically prognostic features. METHODS The pathological materials and clinical data of 100 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and 40 with benign diseases were retrospectively re-evaluated. All tissues were immunohistochemically stained for CB-1R and CB-2R. The expression levels of CB-1R and CB-2R in papillary thyroid carcinomas, and benign lesions were recorded and compared with the pathological and clinical features. RESULTS The expression levels of both receptors were significantly higher in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients than in those with benign conditions (P = 0.001). CB-1R expression correlated with both extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.022) and capsular invasion (P = 0.001). CB-2R expression was associated with the risk group of the American Thyroid Association stratification system (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that increased cannabinoid receptor expression contributes to thyroid carcinogenesis. The CB-2R expression level could provide additional information aiding risk management. Furthermore, the CB-1R and CB-2R antibodies might increase the accuracy of papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis when combined with the papillary thyroid carcinoma biomarkers assayed after fine-needle aspiration of neoplastic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damla Zeynep Doyuran
- Institution of Forensic Medicine, Gaziantep Adli Tıp Grup Başkanlığı Pir Sultan Mah, Şehitkamil, Turkey
| | - Ömer Eronat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Şahinbey Training and Research Hospital, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Wendt F, Wittig F, Rupprecht A, Ramer R, Langer P, Emmert S, Frank M, Hinz B. A Thia-Analogous Indirubin N-Glycoside Disrupts Mitochondrial Function and Causes the Death of Human Melanoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2409. [PMID: 37830623 PMCID: PMC10572502 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192409] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer is the most common malignant disease worldwide and, therefore, also poses a challenge from a pharmacotherapeutic perspective. Derivatives of indirubin are an interesting option in this context. In the present study, the effects of 3-[3'-oxo-benzo[b]thiophen-2'-(Z)-ylidene]-1-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-oxindole (KD87), a thia-analogous indirubin N-glycoside, on the viability and mitochondrial properties of melanoma (A375) and squamous cell carcinoma cells (A431) of the skin were investigated. In both cell lines, KD87 caused decreased viability, the activation of caspases-3 and -7, and the inhibition of colony formation. At the mitochondrial level, a concentration-dependent decrease in both the basal and ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate and in the reserve capacity of oxidative respiration were registered in the presence of KD87. These changes were accompanied by morphological alterations in the mitochondria, a release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol and significant reductions in succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit B (SDHB, subunit of complex II) in A375 and A431 cells and NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit B8 (NDUFB8, subunit of complex I) in A375 cells. The effect of KD87 was accompanied by a significant upregulation of the enzyme heme oxygenase-1, whose inhibition led to a partial but significant reduction in the metabolic-activity-reducing effect of KD87. In summary, our data show a mitochondria-targeting effect of KD87 as part of the cytotoxic effect of this compound on skin cancer cells, which should be considered in future studies with this class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Wendt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Felix Wittig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Anne Rupprecht
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Peter Langer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Steffen Emmert
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Marcus Frank
- Electron Microscopy Centre, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Department Life, Light and Matter, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
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Wittig F, Pannenberg L, Schwarz R, Bekeschus S, Ramer R, Hinz B. Antiangiogenic Action of JZL184 on Endothelial Cells via Inhibition of VEGF Expression in Hypoxic Lung Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2332. [PMID: 37830546 PMCID: PMC10572003 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
JZL184, an inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and thus of the degradation of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), mediates various anticancer effects in preclinical studies. However, studies on the effect of this or other MAGL inhibitors under hypoxia, an important factor in tumor biology and response to cancer therapy, have not yet been performed in cancer cells. In the present study, the impact of the conditioned media (CM) of A549 and H358 lung cancer cells incubated with JZL184 under hypoxic conditions on the angiogenic properties of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was investigated. Treatment of HUVECs with CM derived from cancer cells cultured for 48 h under hypoxic conditions was associated with a substantial increase in migration and tube formation compared with unconditioned medium, which was inhibited when cancer cells were incubated with JZL184. In this process, JZL184 led to a significant increase in 2-AG levels in both cell lines. Analysis of a panel of proangiogenic factors revealed inhibition of hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by JZL184. Antiangiogenic and VEGF-lowering effects were also demonstrated for the MAGL inhibitor MJN110. Receptor antagonist experiments suggest partial involvement of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in the antiangiogenic and VEGF-lowering effects induced by JZL184. The functional importance of VEGF for angiogenesis in the selected system is supported by observations showing inhibition of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) phosphorylation in HUVECs by CM from hypoxic cancer cells treated with JZL184 or when hypoxic cancer cell-derived CM was spiked with a neutralizing VEGF antibody. On the other hand, JZL184 did not exert a direct effect on VEGFR2 activation induced by recombinant VEGF, so there seems to be no downstream effect on already released VEGF. In conclusion, these results reveal a novel mechanism of antiangiogenic action of JZL184 under conditions of hypoxic tumor-endothelial communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Wittig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Liza Pannenberg
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Rico Schwarz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
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Gruden E, Kienzl M, Hasenoehrl C, Sarsembayeva A, Ristic D, Schmid ST, Maitz K, Taschler U, Hahnefeld L, Gurke R, Thomas D, Kargl J, Schicho R. Tumor microenvironment-derived monoacylglycerol lipase provokes tumor-specific immune responses and lipid profiles. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2023; 196:102585. [PMID: 37573716 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2023.102585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
We recently described that monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) is present in the tumor microenvironment (TME), increasing tumor growth. In this study we compare the implications of MGL deficiency in the TME in different tumor types. We show that subcutaneous injection of KP (KrasLSL-G12D/p53fl/fl, mouse lung adenocarcinoma) or B16-F10 cells (mouse melanoma) induced tumor growth in MGL wild type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. MGL deficiency in the TME attenuated the growth of KP cell tumors whereas tumors from B16-F10 cells increased in size. Opposite immune cell profiles were detected between the two tumor types in MGL KO mice. In line with their anti-tumorigenic function, the number of CD8+ effector T cells and eosinophils increased in KP cell tumors of MGL KO vs. WT mice whereas their presence was reduced in B16-F10 cell tumors of MGL KO mice. Differences were seen in lipid profiles between the investigated tumor types. 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) content significantly increased in KP, but not B16-F10 cell tumors of MGL KO vs. WT mice while other endocannabinoid-related lipids remained unchanged. However, profiles of phospho- and lysophospholipids, sphingomyelins and fatty acids in KP cell tumors were clearly distinct to those measured in B16-F10 cell tumors. Our data indicate that TME-localized MGL impacts tumor growth, as well as levels of 2-AG and other lipids in a tumor specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Gruden
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Melanie Kienzl
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Carina Hasenoehrl
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Arailym Sarsembayeva
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Dusica Ristic
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Sophie Theresa Schmid
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Kathrin Maitz
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Ulrike Taschler
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lisa Hahnefeld
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Robert Gurke
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominique Thomas
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julia Kargl
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Schicho
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
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9
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Yan YC, Meng GX, Yang CC, Yang YF, Tan SY, Yan LJ, Ding ZN, Ma YL, Dong ZR, Li T. Diacylglycerol lipase alpha promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and induces lenvatinib resistance by enhancing YAP activity. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:404. [PMID: 37414748 PMCID: PMC10325985 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05919-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
As an important hydrolytic enzyme that yields 2-AG and free fatty acids, diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLA) is involved in exacerbating malignant phenotypes and cancer progression, but the role of the DAGLA/2-AG axis in HCC progression remains unclear. Here, we found that the upregulation of components of the DAGLA/2-AG axis in HCC samples is correlated with tumour stage and patient prognosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the DAGLA/2-AG axis promoted HCC progression by regulating cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Mechanistically, the DAGLA/2AG axis significantly inhibited LATS1 and YAP phosphorylation, promoted YAP nuclear translocation and activity, and ultimately led to TEAD2 upregulation and increased PHLDA2 expression, which could be enhanced by DAGLA/2AG-induced activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. More importantly, DAGLA induced resistance to lenvatinib therapy during HCC treatment. Our study demonstrates that inhibiting the DAGLA/2-AG axis could be a novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit HCC progression and enhance the therapeutic effects of TKIs, which warrant further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Guang-Xiao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Chun-Cheng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Ya-Fei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Si-Yu Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Zi-Niu Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Yun-Long Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China.
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China.
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10
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Wittig F, Henkel L, Prüser JL, Merkord J, Ramer R, Hinz B. Inhibition of Monoacylglycerol Lipase Decreases Angiogenic Features of Endothelial Cells via Release of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 from Lung Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:1757. [PMID: 37443791 PMCID: PMC10340590 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the well-described anticarcinogenic effects of endocannabinoids, the influence of the endocannabinoid system on tumor angiogenesis is still debated. In the present study, conditioned medium (CM) from A549 and H358 lung cancer cells treated with ascending concentrations of the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor JZL184 and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), a prominent MAGL substrate, caused a concentration-dependent reduction in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and tube formation compared with CM from vehicle-treated cancer cells. Comparative experiments with MAGL inhibitors JW651 and MJN110 showed the same results. On the other hand, the angiogenic properties of HUVECs were not significantly altered by direct stimulation with JZL184 or 2-AG or by exposure to CM of JZL184- or 2-AG-treated non-cancerous bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Inhibition of HUVEC migration and tube formation by CM of JZL184- and 2-AG-treated A549 cells was abolished in the presence of the CB1 antagonist AM-251. Increased release of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) from JZL184- or 2-AG-stimulated A549 or H358 cells was shown to exert an antiangiogenic effect on HUVECs, as confirmed by siRNA experiments. In addition, JZL184 caused a dose-dependent regression of A549 tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice, which was associated with a decreased number of CD31-positive cells and upregulation of TIMP-1-positive cells in xenograft tissue. In conclusion, our data suggest that elevation of 2-AG by MAGL inhibition leads to increased release of TIMP-1 from lung cancer cells, which mediates an antiangiogenic effect on endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.H.); (J.L.P.); (J.M.); (R.R.)
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11
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Zhao X, Amevor FK, Cui Z, Wan Y, Xue X, Peng C, Li Y. Steatosis in metabolic diseases: A focus on lipolysis and lipophagy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114311. [PMID: 36764133 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs), as part of lipids, are involved in cell membrane composition, cellular energy storage, and cell signaling. FAs can also be toxic when their concentrations inside and/or outside the cell exceed physiological levels, which is called "lipotoxicity", and steatosis is a form of lipotoxity. To facilitate the storage of large quantities of FAs in cells, they undergo a process called lipolysis or lipophagy. This review focuses on the effects of lipolytic enzymes including cytoplasmic "neutral" lipolysis, lysosomal "acid" lipolysis, and lipophagy. Moreover, the impact of related lipolytic enzymes on lipid metabolism homeostasis and energy conservation, as well as their role in lipid-related metabolic diseases. In addition, we describe how they affect lipid metabolism homeostasis and energy conservation in lipid-related metabolic diseases with a focus on hepatic steatosis and cancer and the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of AMPK/SIRTs/FOXOs, PI3K/Akt, PPARs/PGC-1α, MAPK/ERK1/2, TLR4/NF-κB, AMPK/mTOR/TFEB, Wnt/β-catenin through immune inflammation, oxidative stress and autophagy-related pathways. As well as the current application of lipolytic enzyme inhibitors (especially Monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) inhibitors) to provide new strategies for future exploration of metabolic programming in metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Felix Kwame Amevor
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Zhifu Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Yan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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12
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Tan Y, Pan J, Deng Z, Chen T, Xia J, Liu Z, Zou C, Qin B. Monoacylglycerol lipase regulates macrophage polarization and cancer progression in uveal melanoma and pan-cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1161960. [PMID: 37033945 PMCID: PMC10076602 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1161960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although lipid metabolism has been proven to play a key role in the development of cancer, its significance in uveal melanoma (UM) has not yet been elucidated in the available literature. Methods To identify the expression patterns of lipid metabolism in 80 UM patients from the TCGA database, 47 genes involved in lipid metabolism were analyzed. Consensus clustering revealed two distinct molecular groups. ESTIMATE, TIMER, and ssGSEA analyses were done to identify the differences between the two subgroups in tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune state. Using Cox regression and Lasso regression analysis, a risk model based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was developed. To validate the expression of monoacylglycerol lipase (MGLL) and immune infiltration in diverse malignancies, a pan-cancer cohort from the UCSC database was utilized. Next, a single-cell sequencing analysis on UM patients from the GEO data was used to characterize the lipid metabolism in TME and the role of MGLL in UM. Finally, in vitro investigations were utilized to study the involvement of MGLL in UM. Results Two molecular subgroups of UM patients have considerably varied survival rates. The majority of DEGs between the two subgroups were associated with immune-related pathways. Low immune scores, high tumor purity, a low number of immune infiltrating cells, and a comparatively low immunological state were associated with a more favorable prognosis. An examination of GO and KEGG data demonstrated that the risk model based on genes involved with lipid metabolism can accurately predict survival in patients with UM. It has been demonstrated that MGLL, a crucial gene in this paradigm, promotes the proliferation, invasion, and migration of UM cells. In addition, we discovered that MGLL is strongly expressed in macrophages, specifically M2 macrophages, which may play a function in the M2 polarization of macrophages and M2 macrophage activation in cancer cells. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the risk model based on lipid metabolism may be useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with UM. By promoting macrophage M2 polarization, MGLL contributes to the evolution of malignancy in UM, suggesting that it may be a therapeutic target for UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Tan
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juan Pan
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Jinan University (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenjun Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinquan Xia
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Jinan University (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziling Liu
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chang Zou
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Kong Hong, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Qin, ; Chang Zou,
| | - Bo Qin
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Qin, ; Chang Zou,
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13
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Zhou X, Huang F, Ma G, Wei W, Wu N, Liu Z. Dysregulated ceramides metabolism by fatty acid 2-hydroxylase exposes a metabolic vulnerability to target cancer metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:370. [PMID: 36274060 PMCID: PMC9588768 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01199-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas it is appreciated that cancer cells rewire lipid metabolism to survive and propagate, the roles of lipid metabolism in metastasis remain largely unknown. In this study, using esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as a pulmonary metastasis model, we find that the enzyme fatty acid 2-hydroxylase (FA2H), which catalyzes the hydroxylation of free fatty acids (FAs), is enriched in a subpopulation of ESCC cells with high metastatic potential, and that FA2H knockdown markedly mitigates metastatic lesions. Moreover, increased FA2H expression is positively associated with poor survival in patients with ESCC. Lipidomics analysis identifies that two dihydroceramides—Cer(d18:0/24:0) and Cer(d18:0/24:1)—are increased in FA2H-depleted metastasizing ESCC cells. Upon administration, Cer(d18:0/24:0) and Cer(d18:0/24:1) impair the formation of overt metastases in a mouse experimental metastasis model. Then, forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) and FA2H are found to be co-upregulated in metastatic ESCC cell populations and ESCC specimens, and FA2H expression is further experimentally verified to be transcriptionally induced by FOXC2, which is boosted per se by tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), a critical pro-metastasis cytokine in the tumour microenvironment, in metastasizing cells. Together, these results demonstrate that TNFα-FOXC2-FA2H is a novel signaling axis to promote metastasis, and its downstream dihydroceramide products could be promising drugs to intervene in metastasis.
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14
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Rupprecht A, Theisen U, Wendt F, Frank M, Hinz B. The Combination of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Suppresses Mitochondrial Respiration of Human Glioblastoma Cells via Downregulation of Specific Respiratory Chain Proteins. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133129. [PMID: 35804909 PMCID: PMC9265124 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid from Cannabis sativa L. that exhibits no psychoactivity and, like the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), shows anticancer effects in preclinical cell and animal models. Previous studies have indicated a stronger cancer-targeting effect when THC and CBD are combined. Here, we investigated how the combination of THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio affects glioblastoma cell survival. The compounds were found to synergistically enhance cell death, which was attributed to mitochondrial damage and disruption of energy metabolism. A detailed look at the mitochondrial electron transfer chain showed that THC/CBD selectively decreased certain subunits of complexes I and IV. These data highlight the fundamental changes in cellular energy metabolism when cancer cells are exposed to a mixture of cannabinoids and underscore the potential of combining cannabinoids in cancer treatment. Abstract Phytocannabinoids represent a promising approach in glioblastoma therapy. Previous work has shown that a combined treatment of glioblastoma cells with submaximal effective concentrations of psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) greatly increases cell death. In the present work, the glioblastoma cell lines U251MG and U138MG were used to investigate whether the combination of THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio is associated with a disruption of cellular energy metabolism, and whether this is caused by affecting mitochondrial respiration. Here, the combined administration of THC and CBD (2.5 µM each) led to an inhibition of oxygen consumption rate and energy metabolism. These effects were accompanied by morphological changes to the mitochondria, a release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol and a marked reduction in subunits of electron transport chain complexes I (NDUFA9, NDUFB8) and IV (COX2, COX4). Experiments with receptor antagonists and inhibitors showed that the degradation of NDUFA9 occurred independently of the activation of the cannabinoid receptors CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 and of usual degradation processes mediated via autophagy or the proteasomal system. In summary, the results describe a previously unknown mitochondria-targeting mechanism behind the toxic effect of THC and CBD on glioblastoma cells that should be considered in future cancer therapy, especially in combination strategies with other chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Rupprecht
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.R.); (U.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Ulrike Theisen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.R.); (U.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Franziska Wendt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.R.); (U.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Marcus Frank
- Electron Microscopy Centre, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Department Life, Light and Matter, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.R.); (U.T.); (F.W.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Hinz B, Ramer R. Cannabinoids as anticancer drugs: current status of preclinical research. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1-13. [PMID: 35277658 PMCID: PMC9276677 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractDrugs that target the endocannabinoid system are of interest as pharmacological options to combat cancer and to improve the life quality of cancer patients. From this perspective, cannabinoid compounds have been successfully tested as a systemic therapeutic option in a number of preclinical models over the past decades. As a result of these efforts, a large body of data suggests that the anticancer effects of cannabinoids are exerted at multiple levels of tumour progression via different signal transduction mechanisms. Accordingly, there is considerable evidence for cannabinoid-mediated inhibition of tumour cell proliferation, tumour invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis and chemoresistance, as well as induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Further studies showed that cannabinoids could be potential combination partners for established chemotherapeutic agents or other therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment. Research in recent years has yielded several compounds that exert promising effects on tumour cells and tissues in addition to the psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, such as the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol and inhibitors of endocannabinoid degradation. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the potential of cannabinoids as inhibitors of tumour growth and spread as demonstrated in preclinical studies.
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16
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Wang C, Li Z, Zhong L, Chen Y. Inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase restrains proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor growth and induces apoptosis in cervical cancer. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 48:456-466. [PMID: 34877750 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Cervical cancer is one of common diseases among women. There are limited therapies for patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer. This study sought to explore the role of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), an important metabolic enzyme, in cervical cancer progression. METHODS In in vitro experiments, MAGL expression was inhibited by si-MAGL or JZL184 in cervical cancer cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to measure the expression of target molecules. Proliferation of cervical cancer cells was assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle progression were evaluated by flow cytometry. The migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. The in vivo tumor growth was detected in nude mice. TUNEL was utilized to observe apoptotic cells in tumor tissues. RESULTS MAGL was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cells. Further, MAGL inhibition suppressed the growth of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, apoptosis and G1-phase cell cycle arrest were induced by MAGL knockdown. MAGL silencing-mediated upregulation of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and downregulation of Bcl-2 was responsible for triggering apoptosis. More importantly, the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells were restrained by MAGL depletion. CONCLUSIONS MAGL drives the progression of cervical cancer, which can be a promising candidate to identify effective therapy for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Gynecology and Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhoulei Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Linlin Zhong
- Department of Gynecology and Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Youguo Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Ramer R, Wittig F, Hinz B. The Endocannabinoid System as a Pharmacological Target for New Cancer Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225701. [PMID: 34830856 PMCID: PMC8616499 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cannabinoids have been shown to suppress tumour cell proliferation, tumour invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and to induce tumour cell apoptosis, autophagy and immune response. This review focuses on the current status of investigations on the impact of inhibitors of endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes on tumour growth and spread in preclinical oncology research. Abstract Despite the long history of cannabinoid use for medicinal and ritual purposes, an endogenous system of cannabinoid-controlled receptors, as well as their ligands and the enzymes that synthesise and degrade them, was only discovered in the 1990s. Since then, the endocannabinoid system has attracted widespread scientific interest regarding new pharmacological targets in cancer treatment among other reasons. Meanwhile, extensive preclinical studies have shown that cannabinoids have an inhibitory effect on tumour cell proliferation, tumour invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and induce tumour cell apoptosis and autophagy as well as immune response. Appropriate cannabinoid compounds could moreover be useful for cancer patients as potential combination partners with other chemotherapeutic agents to increase their efficacy while reducing unwanted side effects. In addition to the direct activation of cannabinoid receptors through the exogenous application of corresponding agonists, another strategy is to activate these receptors by increasing the endocannabinoid levels at the corresponding pathological hotspots. Indeed, a number of studies accordingly showed an inhibitory effect of blockers of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) on tumour development and spread. This review summarises the relevant preclinical studies with FAAH and MAGL inhibitors compared to studies with cannabinoids and provides an overview of the regulation of the endocannabinoid system in cancer.
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18
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On the Biomedical Properties of Endocannabinoid Degradation and Reuptake Inhibitors: Pre-clinical and Clinical Evidence. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:2072-2097. [PMID: 34741755 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00424-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of endogenous cannabinoids; components involved in their synthesis, transport, and degradation; and an expansive variety of cannabinoid receptors. Hypofunction or deregulation of the ECS is related to pathological conditions. Consequently, endogenous enhancement of endocannabinoid levels and/or regulation of their metabolism represent promising therapeutic approaches. Several major strategies have been suggested for the modulation of the ECS: (1) blocking endocannabinoids degradation, (2) inhibition of endocannabinoid cellular uptake, and (3) pharmacological modulation of cannabinoid receptors as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we focused in this review on degradation/reuptake inhibitors over cannabinoid receptor modulators in order to provide an updated synopsis of contemporary evidence advancing mechanisms of endocannabinoids as pharmacological tools with therapeutic properties for the treatment of several disorders. For this purpose, we revisited the available literature and reported the latest advances regarding the biomedical properties of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We also highlighted anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol reuptake inhibitors with promising results in pre-clinical studies using in vitro and animal models as an outlook for future research in clinical trials.
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Kienzl M, Hasenoehrl C, Maitz K, Sarsembayeva A, Taschler U, Valadez-Cosmes P, Kindler O, Ristic D, Raftopoulou S, Santiso A, Bärnthaler T, Brcic L, Hahnefeld L, Gurke R, Thomas D, Geisslinger G, Kargl J, Schicho R. Monoacylglycerol lipase deficiency in the tumor microenvironment slows tumor growth in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1965319. [PMID: 34527428 PMCID: PMC8437460 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1965319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) expressed in cancer cells influences cancer pathogenesis but the role of MGL in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is less known. Using a syngeneic tumor model with KP cells (KrasLSL-G12D/p53fl/fl; from mouse lung adenocarcinoma), we investigated whether TME-expressed MGL plays a role in tumor growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In sections of human and experimental NSCLC, MGL was found in tumor cells and various cells of the TME including macrophages and stromal cells. Mice treated with the MGL inhibitor JZL184 as well as MGL knock-out (KO) mice exhibited a lower tumor burden than the controls. The reduction in tumor growth was accompanied by an increased number of CD8+ T cells and eosinophils. Naïve CD8+ T cells showed a shift toward more effector cells in MGL KOs and an increased expression of granzyme-B and interferon-γ, indicative of enhanced tumoricidal activity. 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) was increased in tumors of MGL KO mice, and dose-dependently induced differentiation and migration of CD8+ T cells as well as migration and activation of eosinophils in vitro. Our results suggest that next to cancer cell-derived MGL, TME cells expressing MGL are responsible for maintaining a pro-tumorigenic environment in tumors of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Kienzl
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Carina Hasenoehrl
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Kathrin Maitz
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Arailym Sarsembayeva
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ulrike Taschler
- Institute Of Molecular Biosciences, University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Paulina Valadez-Cosmes
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Oliver Kindler
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Dusica Ristic
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sofia Raftopoulou
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ana Santiso
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Bärnthaler
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic And Research Institute Of Pathology, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lisa Hahnefeld
- Institute Of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Robert Gurke
- Institute Of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute For Translational Medicine And Pharmacology ITMP, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dominique Thomas
- Institute Of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Institute Of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute For Translational Medicine And Pharmacology ITMP, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Kargl
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Schicho
- Division Of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University Of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
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Nguyen NHK, Wu H, Tan H, Peng J, Rubnitz JE, Cao X, Pounds S, Lamba JK. Global Proteomic Profiling of Pediatric AML: A Pilot Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133161. [PMID: 34202615 PMCID: PMC8268478 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with several recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities. Despite genomics and transcriptomics profiling efforts to understand AML's heterogeneity, studies focused on the proteomic profiles associated with pediatric AML cytogenetic features remain limited. Furthermore, the majority of biological functions within cells are operated by proteins (i.e., enzymes) and most drugs target the proteome rather than the genome or transcriptome, thus, highlighting the significance of studying proteomics. Here, we present our results from a pilot study investigating global proteomic profiles of leukemic cells obtained at diagnosis from 16 pediatric AML patients using a robust TMT-LC/LC-MS/MS platform. The proteome profiles were compared among patients with or without core binding factor (CBF) translocation indicated by a t(8;21) or inv(16) cytogenetic abnormality, minimal residual disease status at the end of the first cycle of chemotherapy (MRD1), and in vitro chemosensitivity of leukemic cells to cytarabine (Ara-C LC50). Our results established proteomic differences between CBF and non-CBF AML subtypes, providing insights to AML subtypes physiology, and identified potential druggable proteome targets such as THY1 (CD90), NEBL, CTSF, COL2A1, CAT, MGLL (MAGL), MACROH2A2, CLIP2 (isoform 1 and 2), ANPEP (CD13), MMP14, and AK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam H. K. Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, Center for Pharmacogenomics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Huiyun Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (H.W.); (S.P.)
| | - Haiyan Tan
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (H.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Junmin Peng
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (H.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jeffrey E. Rubnitz
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Xueyuan Cao
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA;
| | - Stanley Pounds
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (H.W.); (S.P.)
| | - Jatinder K. Lamba
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, Center for Pharmacogenomics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-352-273-6425
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