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Yuan Q, Yin L, He J, Zeng Q, Liang Y, Shen Y, Zu X. Metabolism of asparagine in the physiological state and cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:163. [PMID: 38448969 PMCID: PMC10916255 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Asparagine, an important amino acid in mammals, is produced in several organs and is widely used for the production of other nutrients such as glucose, proteins, lipids, and nucleotides. Asparagine has also been reported to play a vital role in the development of cancer cells. Although several types of cancer cells can synthesise asparagine alone, their synthesis levels are insufficient to meet their requirements. These cells must rely on the supply of exogenous asparagine, which is why asparagine is considered a semi-essential amino acid. Therefore, nutritional inhibition by targeting asparagine is often considered as an anti-cancer strategy and has shown success in the treatment of leukaemia. However, asparagine limitation alone does not achieve an ideal therapeutic effect because of stress responses that upregulate asparagine synthase (ASNS) to meet the requirements for asparagine in cancer cells. Various cancer cells initiate different reprogramming processes in response to the deficiency of asparagine. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the asparagine metabolism in cancers. This review primarily discusses the physiological role of asparagine and the current progress in the field of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Yuan
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Liyang Yin
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qiting Zeng
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yuxin Liang
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yingying Shen
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
| | - Xuyu Zu
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
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Tomar MS, Kumar A, Shrivastava A. Mitochondrial metabolism as a dynamic regulatory hub to malignant transformation and anti-cancer drug resistance. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 694:149382. [PMID: 38128382 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Glycolysis is the fundamental cellular process that permits cancer cells to convert energy and grow anaerobically. Recent developments in molecular biology have made it evident that mitochondrial respiration is critical to tumor growth and treatment response. As the principal organelle of cellular energy conversion, mitochondria can rapidly alter cellular metabolic processes, thereby fueling malignancies and contributing to treatment resistance. This review emphasizes the significance of mitochondrial biogenesis, turnover, DNA copy number, and mutations in bioenergetic system regulation. Tumorigenesis requires an intricate cascade of metabolic pathways that includes rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, supply of intermediate metabolites of the TCA cycle through amino acids, and the interaction between mitochondria and lipid metabolism. Cancer recurrence or resistance to therapy often results from the cooperation of several cellular defense mechanisms, most of which are connected to mitochondria. Many clinical trials are underway to assess the effectiveness of inhibiting mitochondrial respiration as a potential cancer therapeutic. We aim to summarize innovative strategies and therapeutic targets by conducting a comprehensive review of recent studies on the relationship between mitochondrial metabolism, tumor development and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manendra Singh Tomar
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal, Saket Nagar, Bhopal, 462020, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh Shrivastava
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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3
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Ueda S, Tanaka T, Hirosuna K, Miyamoto S, Murakami H, Nishie R, Tsuchihashi H, Toji A, Morita N, Hashida S, Daimon A, Terada S, Maruoka H, Kogata Y, Taniguchi K, Komura K, Ohmichi M. Consistency between Primary Uterine Corpus Malignancies and Their Corresponding Patient-Derived Xenograft Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1486. [PMID: 38338763 PMCID: PMC10855170 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031486] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models retain the characteristics of tumors and are useful tools for personalized therapy and translational research. In this study, we aimed to establish PDX models for uterine corpus malignancies (UC-PDX) and analyze their similarities. Tissue fragments obtained from 92 patients with uterine corpus malignancies were transplanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to compare tumors of patients with PDX tumors. DNA and RNA sequencing were performed to validate the genetic profile. Furthermore, the RNA in extracellular vesicles (EVs) extracted from primary and PDX tumors was analyzed. Among the 92 cases, 52 UC-PDX models were established, with a success rate of 56.5%. The success rate depended on tumor histology and staging. The pathological and immunohistochemical features of primary and PDX tumors were similar. DNA sequencing revealed similarities in gene mutations between the primary and PDX tumors. RNA sequencing showed similarities in gene expressions between primary and PDX tumors. Furthermore, the RNA profiles of the EVs obtained from primary and PDX tumors were similar. As UC-PDX retained the pathological and immunohistochemical features and gene profiles of primary tumors, they may provide a platform for developing personalized medicine and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Ueda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Tomohito Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
- Center for Medical Research & Development, Division of Translational Research, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (K.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Kensuke Hirosuna
- Department of Regenerative Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikatachou, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Okayama, Japan;
| | - Shunsuke Miyamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
- Center for Medical Research & Development, Division of Translational Research, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (K.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Hikaru Murakami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Ruri Nishie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Hiromitsu Tsuchihashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Akihiko Toji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Natsuko Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Sousuke Hashida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Atsushi Daimon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Shinichi Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Hiroshi Maruoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Yuhei Kogata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
| | - Kohei Taniguchi
- Center for Medical Research & Development, Division of Translational Research, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (K.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Kazumasa Komura
- Center for Medical Research & Development, Division of Translational Research, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (K.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Masahide Ohmichi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki 569-8686, Osaka, Japan; (S.U.); (S.M.); (H.M.); (R.N.); (H.T.); (A.T.); (N.M.); (S.H.); (A.D.); (S.T.); (H.M.); (Y.K.); (M.O.)
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Li B, Ming H, Qin S, Zhou L, Huang Z, Jin P, Peng L, Luo M, Zhang T, Wang K, Liu R, Liou Y, Nice EC, Jiang J, Huang C. HSPA8 Activates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling to Facilitate BRAF V600E Colorectal Cancer Progression by CMA-Mediated CAV1 Degradation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306535. [PMID: 37973552 PMCID: PMC10797426 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BRAF V600E attracts wide attention in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) as stratifying and predicting a refractory classification of CRC. Recent evidence indicates that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is broadly activated and participates in the refractoriness of BRAF V600E CRC, but the underlying molecular mechanism needs to be elucidated. Here, heat shock 70 kDa protein 8 (HSPA8), an essential regulator in chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), is identified as a potential therapeutic target for advanced BRAF V600E CRC. These results show that HSPA8 is transcriptionally upregulated in BRAF V600E CRC, which promotes CMA-dependent degradation of caveolin-1 (CAV1) to release β-catenin into the nucleus and thus activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, contributing to metastasis and progression of BRAF V600E CRC. Of note, HSPA8 directly interacts with the KIFSN motif on CAV1, the interaction can be enhanced by p38 MAPK-mediated CAV1 S168 phosphorylation. Furthermore, pharmacological targeting HSPA8 by VER155008 exhibits synergistic effects with BRAF inhibitors on CRC mouse models. In summary, these findings discover the important role of the HSPA8/CAV1/β-catenin axis in the development of refractory BRAF V600E CRC and highlight HSPA8 as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Hui Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Ping Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Liyuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Maochao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Kui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and ManagementWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041P. R. China
| | - Yih‐Cherng Liou
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of ScienceNational University of SingaporeSingapore117543Singapore
- Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingapore117573Singapore
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVIC3800Australia
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041P. R. China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic MedicineSichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041P. R. China
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Sun Z, Zhang Q, Lv J, Sun Y, Feng Z, Zhang M, Zhang F, Xia C, Gao Y, Zhang Z, Zuo YF, Ren SY. High expression of NOLC1 as an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with colorectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15697-15712. [PMID: 37670166 PMCID: PMC10620263 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05297-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a phosphorylated protein, NOLC1 is mainly located in the nucleus and is highly expressed in a variety of tumors, participating in the regulation of cell proliferation and aging. This study further investigated the role of NOLC1 in colorectal cancer tumors, aiming to provide sufficient scientific evidence for the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer. METHODS We used TCGA, GEO, TNMplot, GEPIA, and other databases to explore the expression level of NOLC1 in colorectal cancer patients, as well as the correlation between the clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer patients and their expression, and conducted the prognostic analysis. Immunohistofluorescence (IHF) staining verified the analytical results. Subsequently, KEGG and GO enrichment analysis was used to identify the potential molecular mechanism of NOLC1 promoting the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. The influence of NOLC1 expression on the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer patients was further investigated using the TIMER database. GDSC database analysis was used to screen out possible anti-colorectal cancer drugs against NOLC1. Finally, we demonstrated the effect of NOLC1 on the activity and migration of colorectal cancer cells by Edu Cell proliferation assay and Wound Healing assay in vitro. RESULTS Our results suggest that NOLC1 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer, and that overexpression of NOLC1 is associated with relevant clinical features. NOLC1, as an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients, can lead to a poor prognosis of colorectal cancer. In addition, NOLC1 may be associated with MCM10, HELLS, NOC3L, and other genes through participating in Wnt signaling pathways and jointly regulate the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer under the influence of the tumor microenvironment and many other influencing factors. Related to NOLC1: Selumetinib, Imatinib, and targeted drugs such as Lapatinib have potential value in the clinical application of colorectal cancer. NOLC1 enhances the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS High expression of NOLC1 as an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with colorectal cancer. NOLC1 enhances the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm the role of NOLC1 in the development and progression of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Qianshi Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jinjuan Lv
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Diagnostic Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuzhu Sun
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Diagnostic Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhen Feng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Mengyan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Diagnostic Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Feifan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Cong Xia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yina Gao
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Diagnostic Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Diagnostic Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yun-Fei Zuo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Laboratory Diagnostic Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Shuang-Yi Ren
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China.
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Luo Z, Eichinger KM, Zhang A, Li S. Targeting cancer metabolic pathways for improving chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 575:216396. [PMID: 37739209 PMCID: PMC10591810 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent discoveries in cancer metabolism have revealed promising metabolic targets to modulate cancer progression, drug response, and anti-cancer immunity. Combination therapy, consisting of metabolic inhibitors and chemotherapeutic or immunotherapeutic agents, offers new opportunities for improved cancer therapy. However, it also presents challenges due to the complexity of cancer metabolic pathways and the metabolic interactions between tumor cells and immune cells. Many studies have been published demonstrating potential synergy between novel inhibitors of metabolism and chemo/immunotherapy, yet our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited. Here, we review the current strategies of altering the metabolic pathways of cancer to improve the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy. We also note the need to differentiate the effect of metabolic inhibition on cancer cells and immune cells and highlight nanotechnology as an emerging solution. Improving our understanding of the complexity of the metabolic pathways in different cell populations and the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy will aid in the discovery of novel strategies that effectively restrict cancer growth and augment the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyi Luo
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Anju Zhang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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7
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Loxha L, Ibrahim NK, Stasche AS, Cinar B, Dolgner T, Niessen J, Schreek S, Fehlhaber B, Forster M, Stanulla M, Hinze L. GSK3α Regulates Temporally Dynamic Changes in Ribosomal Proteins upon Amino Acid Starvation in Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13260. [PMID: 37686063 PMCID: PMC10488213 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713260] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acid availability is crucial for cancer cells' survivability. Leukemia and colorectal cancer cells have been shown to resist asparagine depletion by utilizing GSK3-dependent proteasomal degradation, termed the Wnt-dependent stabilization of proteins (Wnt/STOP), to replenish their amino acid pool. The inhibition of GSK3α halts the sourcing of amino acids, which subsequently leads to cancer cell vulnerability toward asparaginase therapy. However, resistance toward GSK3α-mediated protein breakdown can occur, whose underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we set out to define the mechanisms driving dependence toward this degradation machinery upon asparagine starvation in cancer cells. We show the independence of known stress response pathways including the integrated stress response mediated with GCN2. Additionally, we demonstrate the independence of changes in cell cycle progression and expression levels of the asparagine-synthesizing enzyme ASNS. Instead, RNA sequencing revealed that GSK3α inhibition and asparagine starvation leads to the temporally dynamic downregulation of distinct ribosomal proteins, which have been shown to display anti-proliferative functions. Using a CRISPR/Cas9 viability screen, we demonstrate that the downregulation of these specific ribosomal proteins can rescue cell death upon GSK3α inhibition and asparagine starvation. Thus, our findings suggest the vital role of the previously unrecognized regulation of ribosomal proteins in bridging GSK3α activity and tolerance of asparagine starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorent Loxha
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Nurul Khalida Ibrahim
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Anna Sophie Stasche
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Büsra Cinar
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Tim Dolgner
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Julia Niessen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Sabine Schreek
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Beate Fehlhaber
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael Forster
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Martin Stanulla
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Laura Hinze
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (L.L.); (N.K.I.); (A.S.S.); (B.C.); (T.D.); (J.N.); (S.S.); (B.F.); (M.S.)
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8
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Wang H, Qiu Y, Zhang H, Chang N, Hu Y, Chen J, Hu R, Liao P, Li Z, Yang Y, Cen Q, Ding X, Li M, Xie X, Li Y. Histone acetylation by HBO1 (KAT7) activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling to promote leukemogenesis in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:498. [PMID: 37542030 PMCID: PMC10403501 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06019-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is an aggressive hematological disorder with a dismal prognosis. The dysregulation of histone acetylation is of great significance in the pathogenesis and progression of B-ALL. Regarded as a fundamental acetyltransferase gene, the role of HBO1 (lysine acetyltransferase 7/KAT7) in B-ALL has not been investigated. Herein, we found that HBO1 expression was elevated in human B-ALL cells and associated with poor disease-free survival. Strikingly, HBO1 knockdown inhibited viability, proliferation, and G1-S cycle progression in B-ALL cells, while provoking apoptosis. In contrast, ectopic overexpression of HBO1 enhanced cell viability and proliferation but inhibited apoptotic activation. The results of in vivo experiments also certificated the inhibitory effect of HBO1 knockdown on tumor growth. Mechanistically, HBO1 acetylated histone H3K14, H4K8, and H4K12, followed by upregulating CTNNB1 expression, resulting in activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, a novel small molecule inhibitor of HBO1, WM-3835, potently inhibited the progression of B-ALL. Our data identified HBO1 as an efficacious regulator of CTNNB1 with therapeutic potential in B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Yingqi Qiu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Honghao Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China.
| | - Ning Chang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Yuxing Hu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Jianyu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Peiyun Liao
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Zhongwei Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Yulu Yang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Qingyan Cen
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Xiangyang Ding
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Meifang Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoling Xie
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China.
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, P. R. China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510005, P. R. China.
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9
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Zhou Q, Li L, Sha F, Lei Y, Tian X, Chen L, Chen Y, Liu H, Guo Y. PTTG1 Reprograms Asparagine Metabolism to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression. Cancer Res 2023; 83:2372-2386. [PMID: 37159932 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-3561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and has a poor prognosis. Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) is highly expressed in HCC, suggesting it could play an important role in hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Here, we evaluated the impact of PTTG1 deficiency on HCC development using a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model and a hepatitis B virus (HBV) regulatory X protein (HBx)-induced spontaneous HCC mouse model. PTTG1 deficiency significantly suppressed DEN- and HBx-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Mechanistically, PTTG1 promoted asparagine synthetase (ASNS) transcription by binding to its promoter, and asparagine (Asn) levels were correspondingly increased. The elevated levels of Asn subsequently activated the mTOR pathway to facilitate HCC progression. In addition, asparaginase treatment reversed the proliferation induced by PTTG1 overexpression. Furthermore, HBx promoted ASNS and Asn metabolism by upregulating PTTG1 expression. Overall, PTTG1 is involved in the reprogramming of Asn metabolism to promote HCC progression and may serve as a therapeutic and diagnostic target for HCC. SIGNIFICANCE PTTG1 is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and increases asparagine production to stimulate mTOR activity and promote tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Leijia Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Feifei Sha
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yiming Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuan Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lingjun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huiling Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yunwei Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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10
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Jiménez-Alonso JJ, López-Lázaro M. Dietary Manipulation of Amino Acids for Cancer Therapy. Nutrients 2023; 15:2879. [PMID: 37447206 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells cannot proliferate and survive unless they obtain sufficient levels of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids (AAs). Unlike normal cells, cancer cells have genetic and metabolic alterations that may limit their capacity to obtain adequate levels of the 20 AAs in challenging metabolic environments. However, since normal diets provide all AAs at relatively constant levels and ratios, these potentially lethal genetic and metabolic defects are eventually harmless to cancer cells. If we temporarily replace the normal diet of cancer patients with artificial diets in which the levels of specific AAs are manipulated, cancer cells may be unable to proliferate and survive. This article reviews in vivo studies that have evaluated the antitumor activity of diets restricted in or supplemented with the 20 proteinogenic AAs, individually and in combination. It also reviews our recent studies that show that manipulating the levels of several AAs simultaneously can lead to marked survival improvements in mice with metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel López-Lázaro
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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11
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Liu Y, Wu W, Cai C, Zhang H, Shen H, Han Y. Patient-derived xenograft models in cancer therapy: technologies and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:160. [PMID: 37045827 PMCID: PMC10097874 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, in which tumor tissues from patients are implanted into immunocompromised or humanized mice, have shown superiority in recapitulating the characteristics of cancer, such as the spatial structure of cancer and the intratumor heterogeneity of cancer. Moreover, PDX models retain the genomic features of patients across different stages, subtypes, and diversified treatment backgrounds. Optimized PDX engraftment procedures and modern technologies such as multi-omics and deep learning have enabled a more comprehensive depiction of the PDX molecular landscape and boosted the utilization of PDX models. These irreplaceable advantages make PDX models an ideal choice in cancer treatment studies, such as preclinical trials of novel drugs, validating novel drug combinations, screening drug-sensitive patients, and exploring drug resistance mechanisms. In this review, we gave an overview of the history of PDX models and the process of PDX model establishment. Subsequently, the review presents the strengths and weaknesses of PDX models and highlights the integration of novel technologies in PDX model research. Finally, we delineated the broad application of PDX models in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China
| | - Changjing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China.
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China.
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12
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Chen HP, Chen CI, Liu KW, Chen TJ, Tian YF, Kuo YH, Li WS, Tsai HH, Wu LC, Yeh CF, Li CF, Chou CL, Lai HY. High SLC28A2 expression endows an inferior survival for rectal cancer patients managed by neoadjuvant CCRT. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 239:154158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Shen X, Jain A, Aladelokun O, Yan H, Gilbride A, Ferrucci LM, Lu L, Khan SA, Johnson CH. Asparagine, colorectal cancer, and the role of sex, genes, microbes, and diet: A narrative review. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:958666. [PMID: 36090030 PMCID: PMC9453556 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.958666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Asparagine (Asn) and enzymes that catalyze the metabolism of Asn have been linked to the regulation and propagation of colorectal cancer (CRC). Increased Asn and asparagine synthetase (ASNS) expression, both contribute to CRC progression and metastasis. In contradistinction, L-asparaginase (ASNase) which breaks down Asn, exhibits an anti-tumor effect. Metabolic pathways such as KRAS/PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signaling and high SOX12 expression can positively regulate endogenous Asn production. Conversely, the tumor suppressor, TP53, negatively impacts ASNS, thus limiting Asn synthesis and reducing tumor burden. Asn abundance can be altered by factors extrinsic to the cancer cell such as diet, the microbiome, and therapeutic use of ASNase. Recent studies have shown that sex-related factors can also influence the regulation of Asn, and high Asn production results in poorer prognosis for female CRC patients but not males. In this narrative review, we critically review studies that have examined endogenous and exogenous modulators of Asn bioavailability and summarize the key metabolic networks that regulate Asn metabolism. We also provide new hypotheses regarding sex-related influences on Asn, including the involvement of the sex-steroid hormone estrogen and estrogen receptors. Further, we hypothesize that sex-specific factors that influence Asn metabolism can influence clinical outcomes in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Shen
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Oladimeji Aladelokun
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Austin Gilbride
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Leah M. Ferrucci
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sajid A. Khan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States,*Correspondence: Sajid A. Khan, ; Caroline H. Johnson,
| | - Caroline H. Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States,*Correspondence: Sajid A. Khan, ; Caroline H. Johnson,
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14
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Apavaloaei A, Hesnard L, Hardy MP, Benabdallah B, Ehx G, Thériault C, Laverdure JP, Durette C, Lanoix J, Courcelles M, Noronha N, Chauhan KD, Lemieux S, Beauséjour C, Bhatia M, Thibault P, Perreault C. Induced pluripotent stem cells display a distinct set of MHC I-associated peptides shared by human cancers. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111241. [PMID: 35977509 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous reports showed that mouse vaccination with pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) induces durable anti-tumor immune responses via T cell recognition of some elusive oncofetal epitopes. We characterize the MHC I-associated peptide (MAP) repertoire of human induced PSCs (iPSCs) using proteogenomics. Our analyses reveal a set of 46 pluripotency-associated MAPs (paMAPs) absent from the transcriptome of normal tissues and adult stem cells but expressed in PSCs and multiple adult cancers. These paMAPs derive from coding and allegedly non-coding (48%) transcripts involved in pluripotency maintenance, and their expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas samples correlates with source gene hypomethylation and genomic aberrations common across cancer types. We find that several of these paMAPs were immunogenic. However, paMAP expression in tumors coincides with activation of pathways instrumental in immune evasion (WNT, TGF-β, and CDK4/6). We propose that currently available inhibitors of these pathways could synergize with immune targeting of paMAPs for the treatment of poorly differentiated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Apavaloaei
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Leslie Hesnard
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Hardy
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Gregory Ehx
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Catherine Thériault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Laverdure
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Chantal Durette
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Joël Lanoix
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mathieu Courcelles
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nandita Noronha
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Kapil Dev Chauhan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Sébastien Lemieux
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Christian Beauséjour
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mick Bhatia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Claude Perreault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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15
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Wang Z, Huang C, Wu J, Zhang H, Shao Y, Fu Z. Analysis of the Prognostic Significance and Immune Infiltration of the Amino Acid Metabolism-Related Genes in Colon Adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:951461. [PMID: 36035152 PMCID: PMC9399353 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.951461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolization is verified to be a part in the progression of cancer. However, genes related to the amino acid metabolism have not been identified in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). A systematic prognostic model of COAD becomes a pressing need. Among genes related to the amino acid metabolism, RIMKLB, ASPG, TH, MTAP, AZIN2, PSMB2, HDC, ACMSD, and PSMA8 were identified to construct a risk model. Kaplan–Meier (K–M) analyses demonstrated that the high-risk group achieved a poor prognosis. Area under the respective ROC (AUC) values indicated the robustness of the model. To highlight its clinical value, multivariate Cox was used to obtain the optimal variables to construct a nomogram. A higher tumor mutation burden was observed in the high-risk group. However, the low-risk group had a stronger immune infiltration. Seven molecular subtypes were found by consensus cluster. Twenty-two hub genes were identified related to the ESTIMATE score using WGCNA. In brief, our research constructed a stable prognostic model related to the amino acid metabolism in COAD, revealing its connection to the immune microenvironment. The model guided the outcome of COAD and the direction of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenling Wang
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changzhi Huang
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingyu Wu
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongqiang Zhang
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Shao
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zan Fu
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zan Fu,
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16
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Supramolecular assembly of GSK3α as a cellular response to amino acid starvation. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2858-2870.e8. [PMID: 35732190 PMCID: PMC9357031 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.05.025] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The tolerance of amino acid starvation is fundamental to robust cellular fitness. Asparagine depletion is lethal to some cancer cells, a vulnerability that can be exploited clinically. We report that resistance to asparagine starvation is uniquely dependent on an N-terminal low-complexity domain of GSK3α, which its paralog GSK3β lacks. In response to depletion of specific amino acids, including asparagine, leucine, and valine, this domain mediates supramolecular assembly of GSK3α with ubiquitin-proteasome system components in spatially sequestered cytoplasmic bodies. This effect is independent of mTORC1 or GCN2. In normal cells, GSK3α promotes survival during essential amino acid starvation. In human leukemia, GSK3α body formation predicts asparaginase resistance, and sensitivity to asparaginase combined with a GSK3α inhibitor. We propose that GSK3α body formation provides a cellular mechanism to maximize the catalytic efficiency of proteasomal protein degradation in response to amino acid starvation, an adaptive response co-opted by cancer cells for asparaginase resistance.
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17
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Franco CN, Noe MM, Albrecht LV. Metabolism and Endocrine Disorders: What Wnt Wrong? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:887037. [PMID: 35600583 PMCID: PMC9120667 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.887037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental question in cell biology underlies how nutrients are regenerated to maintain and renew tissues. Physiologically, the canonical Wnt signaling is a vital pathway for cell growth, tissue remodeling, and organ formation; pathologically, Wnt signaling contributes to the development of myriad human diseases such as cancer. Despite being the focus of intense research, how Wnt intersects with the metabolic networks to promote tissue growth and remodeling has remained mysterious. Our understanding of metabolism has been revolutionized by technological advances in the fields of chemical biology, metabolomics, and live microscopy that have now made it possible to visualize and manipulate metabolism in living cells and tissues. The application of these toolsets to innovative model systems have propelled the Wnt field into new realms at the forefront answering the most pressing paradigms of cell metabolism in health and disease states. Elucidating the basis of Wnt signaling and metabolism in a cell-type and tissue-specific manner will provide a powerful base of knowledge for both basic biomedical fields and clinician scientists, and has the promise to generate new, transformative therapies in disease and even processes of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina N. Franco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - May M. Noe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Lauren V. Albrecht
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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18
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Van Trimpont M, Peeters E, De Visser Y, Schalk AM, Mondelaers V, De Moerloose B, Lavie A, Lammens T, Goossens S, Van Vlierberghe P. Novel Insights on the Use of L-Asparaginase as an Efficient and Safe Anti-Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040902. [PMID: 35205650 PMCID: PMC8870365 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) therapy is key for achieving the very high cure rate of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), yet its use is mostly confined to this indication. One main reason preventing the expansion of today’s FDA-approved L-ASNases to solid cancers is their high toxicity and side effects, which become especially challenging in adult patients. The design of optimized L-ASNase molecules provides opportunities to overcome these unwanted toxicities. An additional challenge to broader application of L-ASNases is how cells can counter the pharmacological effect of this drug and the identification of L-ASNases resistance mechanisms. In this review, we discuss recent insights into L-ASNase adverse effects, resistance mechanisms, and how novel L-ASNase variants and drug combinations can expand its clinical applicability, with a focus on both hematological and solid tumors. Abstract L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase) is an enzyme that hydrolyses the amino acid asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Systemic administration of bacterial L-ASNase is successfully used to lower the bioavailability of this non-essential amino acid and to eradicate rapidly proliferating cancer cells with a high demand for exogenous asparagine. Currently, it is a cornerstone drug in the treatment of the most common pediatric cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Since these lymphoblasts lack the expression of asparagine synthetase (ASNS), these cells depend on the uptake of extracellular asparagine for survival. Interestingly, recent reports have illustrated that L-ASNase may also have clinical potential for the treatment of other aggressive subtypes of hematological or solid cancers. However, immunogenic and other severe adverse side effects limit optimal clinical use and often lead to treatment discontinuation. The design of optimized and novel L-ASNase formulations provides opportunities to overcome these limitations. In addition, identification of multiple L-ASNase resistance mechanisms, including ASNS promoter reactivation and desensitization, has fueled research into promising novel drug combinations to overcome chemoresistance. In this review, we discuss recent insights into L-ASNase adverse effects, resistance both in hematological and solid tumors, and how novel L-ASNase variants and drug combinations can expand its clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Van Trimpont
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Peeters
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yanti De Visser
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amanda M. Schalk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Veerle Mondelaers
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arnon Lavie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.L.)
- The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Tim Lammens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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19
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Shen X, Cai Y, Lu L, Huang H, Yan H, Paty PB, Muca E, Ahuja N, Zhang Y, Johnson CH, Khan SA. Asparagine Metabolism in Tumors Is Linked to Poor Survival in Females with Colorectal Cancer: A Cohort Study. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020164. [PMID: 35208238 PMCID: PMC8875032 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between the sex-specific differences in tumor metabolome and colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis has never been studied and represents an opportunity to improve patient outcomes. This study examines the link between tumor metabolome and prognosis by sex for CRC patients. Using untargeted metabolomics analysis, abundances of 91 metabolites were obtained from primary tumor tissues from 197 patients (N = 95 females, N = 102 males) after surgical colectomy for stage I-III CRC. Cox Proportional hazard (PH) regression models estimated the associations between tumor metabolome and 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), and their interactions with sex. Eleven metabolites had significant sex differences in their associations with 5-year OS, and five metabolites for 5-year RFS. The metabolites asparagine and serine had sex interactions for both OS and RFS. Furthermore, in the asparagine synthetase (ASNS)-catalyzed asparagine synthesis pathway, asparagine was associated with substantially poorer OS (HR (95% CI): 6.39 (1.78–22.91)) and RFS (HR (95% CI): 4.36 (1.39–13.68)) for female patients only. Similar prognostic disadvantages in females were seen in lysophospholipid and polyamine synthesis. Unique metabolite profiles indicated that increased asparagine synthesis was associated with poorer prognosis for females only, providing insight into precision medicine for CRC treatment stratified by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Shen
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (X.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Yuping Cai
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (Y.C.); (H.H.); (H.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (X.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Huang Huang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (Y.C.); (H.H.); (H.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (Y.C.); (H.H.); (H.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Philip B. Paty
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; (P.B.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Engjel Muca
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; (P.B.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Nita Ahuja
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Yawei Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (Y.C.); (H.H.); (H.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Caroline H. Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (Y.C.); (H.H.); (H.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: (C.H.J.); (S.A.K.)
| | - Sajid A. Khan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
- Correspondence: (C.H.J.); (S.A.K.)
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20
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Zhang J, Li Q, Sun Q, Wang B, Cui Y, Lou C, Yao Y, Zhang Y. Epigenetic modifications inhibit the expression of MARVELD1 and in turn tumorigenesis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in pan-cancer. J Cancer 2022; 13:225-242. [PMID: 34976185 PMCID: PMC8692698 DOI: 10.7150/jca.63608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MARVEL domain-containing 1 (MARVELD1) is one of the MARVEL domain-containing proteins. Expression of MARVELD1 in tumor and non-tumor tissues, the relationship between its expression and cancer prognosis, and upstream regulation of MARVELD1 were examined using pan-cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. MARVELD1 expression was significantly downregulated in tissues used for pan-cancer analysis compared to that in normal tissues. Low expression of MARVELD1 was associated with poor disease outcomes in pan-cancer. Colon cancer patients with low expression of MARVELD1 had worse progression free survival and overall survival than those with high expression levels in our cohort. Hypermethylation and histone modification in the MARVELD1 promoter locus synergistically affected its expression in pan-cancer. The function of MARVELD1 in colon cancer remains to be studied. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that MARVELD1 may modulate processes associated with inhibition of tumorigenesis in colon cancer. Both upstream transcription factors and downstream functional enrichment of MARVELD1 were related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Overexpression of MARVELD1 inhibited the expression of β-catenin and its entry into the nucleus. MARVELD1 also inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells. With Wnt/β-catenin activator LiCl treatment, rescue experiments demonstrated that the role of MARVELD1 in colon cancer progression was dependent on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These results indicate that MARVELD1 acts as a tumor suppressor and inhibits tumorigenesis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qinliang Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bojun Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Changjie Lou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yuanfei Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yanqiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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21
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Zhu Y, Gu L, Lin X, Zhang J, Tang Y, Zhou X, Lu B, Lin X, Liu C, Prochownik EV, Li Y. Ceramide-mediated gut dysbiosis enhances cholesterol esterification and promotes colorectal tumorigenesis in mice. JCI Insight 2021; 7:150607. [PMID: 34914638 PMCID: PMC8855812 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) severely threatens human health and life span. An effective therapeutic strategy has not been established because we do not clearly know its pathogenesis. Here, we report that ceramide and sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1) have roles in both spontaneous and chemical-induced intestinal cancers. We first found that miRNA-148a deficiency dramatically increased mouse gut dysbiosis through upregulating ceramide synthase 5 (Cers5) expression, which promoted ceramide synthesis afterward. The newly generated ceramide further promoted both azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate–induced (AOM/DSS-induced) and ApcMin/+ spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis via increasing mouse gut dysbiosis. Meanwhile, increased level of ceramide correlated with the significant enhancements of both β-catenin activity and colorectal tumorigenesis in a TLR4-dependent fashion. Next, we found a direct binding of β-catenin to SOAT1 promoter to activate transcriptional expression of SOAT1, which further induced cholesterol esterification and colorectal tumorigenesis. In human patients with CRC, the same CERS5/TLR4/β-catenin/SOAT1 axis was also found to be dysregulated. Finally, the SOAT1 inhibitor (avasimibe) showed significant levels of therapeutic effects on both AOM/DSS-induced and ApcMin/+ spontaneous intestinal cancer. Our study clarified that ceramide promoted CRC development through increasing gut dysbiosis, further resulting in the increase of cholesterol esterification in a SOAT1-dependent way. Treatment with avasimibe to specifically decrease cholesterol esterification could be considered as a clinical strategy for effective CRC therapy in a future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Zhu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Gu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Lin
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinmiao Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Tang
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingjun Lu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingrong Lin
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, United States of America
| | - Youjun Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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22
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Parsons MJ, Tammela T, Dow LE. WNT as a Driver and Dependency in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:2413-2429. [PMID: 34518209 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The WNT signaling pathway is a critical regulator of development and adult tissue homeostasis and becomes dysregulated in many cancer types. Although hyperactivation of WNT signaling is common, the type and frequency of genetic WNT pathway alterations can vary dramatically between different cancers, highlighting possible cancer-specific mechanisms for WNT-driven disease. In this review, we discuss how WNT pathway disruption contributes to tumorigenesis in different organs and how WNT affects the tumor cell and immune microenvironment. Finally, we describe recent and ongoing efforts to target oncogenic WNT signaling as a therapeutic strategy. SIGNIFICANCE: WNT signaling is a fundamental regulator of tissue homeostasis and oncogenic driver in many cancer types. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of WNT signaling in cancer, particularly the complexities of WNT activation in distinct cancer types, its role in immune evasion, and the challenge of targeting the WNT pathway as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie J Parsons
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tuomas Tammela
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York. .,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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23
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Tanaka T, Nishie R, Ueda S, Miyamoto S, Hashida S, Konishi H, Terada S, Kogata Y, Sasaki H, Tsunetoh S, Taniguchi K, Komura K, Ohmichi M. Patient-Derived Xenograft Models in Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9369. [PMID: 34502278 PMCID: PMC8431521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models have been a focus of attention because they closely resemble the tumor features of patients and retain the molecular and histological features of diseases. They are promising tools for translational research. In the current systematic review, we identify publications on PDX models of cervical cancer (CC-PDX) with descriptions of main methodological characteristics and outcomes to identify the most suitable method for CC-PDX. METHODS We searched on PubMed to identify articles reporting CC-PDX. Briefly, the main inclusion criterion for papers was description of PDX created with fragments obtained from human cervical cancer specimens, and the exclusion criterion was the creation of xenograft with established cell lines. RESULTS After the search process, 10 studies were found and included in the systematic review. Among 98 donor patients, 61 CC-PDX were established, and the overall success rate was 62.2%. The success rate in each article ranged from 0% to 75% and was higher when using severe immunodeficient mice such as severe combined immunodeficient (SCID), nonobese diabetic (NOD) SCID, and NOD SCID gamma (NSG) mice than nude mice. Subrenal capsule implantation led to a higher engraftment rate than orthotopic and subcutaneous implantation. Fragments with a size of 1-3 mm3 were suitable for CC-PDX. No relationship was found between the engraftment rate and characteristics of the tumor and donor patient, including histology, staging, and metastasis. The latency period varied from 10 days to 12 months. Most studies showed a strong similarity in pathological and immunohistochemical features between the original tumor and the PDX model. CONCLUSION Severe immunodeficient mice and subrenal capsule implantation led to a higher engraftment rate; however, orthotopic and subcutaneous implantation were alternatives. When using nude mice, subrenal implantation may be better. Fragments with a size of 1-3 mm3 were suitable for CC-PDX. Few reports have been published about CC-PDX; the results were not confirmed because of the small sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohito Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
- Translational Research Program, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (K.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Ruri Nishie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Shoko Ueda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Shunsuke Miyamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Sousuke Hashida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Hiromi Konishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Shinichi Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Yuhei Kogata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Hiroshi Sasaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Satoshi Tsunetoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
| | - Kohei Taniguchi
- Translational Research Program, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (K.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Kazumasa Komura
- Translational Research Program, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (K.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Masahide Ohmichi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Educational Foundation of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan; (R.N.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.H.); (H.K.); (S.T.); (Y.K.); (H.S.); (S.T.); (M.O.)
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24
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Abstract
Wnt signaling has multiple functions beyond the transcriptional effects of β-catenin stabilization. We review recent investigations that uncover new cell physiological effects through the regulation of Wnt receptor endocytosis, Wnt-induced stabilization of proteins (Wnt-STOP), macropinocytosis, increase in lysosomal activity, and metabolic changes. Many of these growth-promoting effects of canonical Wnt occur within minutes and are independent of new protein synthesis. A key element is the sequestration of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inside multivesicular bodies and lysosomes. Twenty percent of human proteins contain consecutive GSK3 phosphorylation motifs, which in the absence of Wnt can form phosphodegrons for polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Wnt signaling by either the pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 or the loss of tumor-suppressor proteins, such as adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and Axin1, increases lysosomal acidification, anabolic metabolites, and macropinocytosis, which is normally repressed by the GSK3-Axin1-APC destruction complex. The combination of these cell physiological effects drives cell growth. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, Volume 37 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren V Albrecht
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1662, USA;
| | - Nydia Tejeda-Muñoz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1662, USA;
| | - Edward M De Robertis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1662, USA;
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25
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Lubkowski J, Wlodawer A. Structural and biochemical properties of L-asparaginase. FEBS J 2021; 288:4183-4209. [PMID: 34060231 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
l-Asparaginase (a hydrolase converting l-asparagine to l-aspartic acid) was the first enzyme to be used in clinical practice as an anticancer agent after its approval in 1978 as a component of a treatment protocol for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Structural and biochemical properties of l-asparaginases have been extensively investigated during the last half-century, providing an accurate structural description of the enzyme isolated from a variety of sources, as well as clarifying the mechanism of its activity. This review provides a critical assessment of the current state of knowledge of primarily structural, but also selected biochemical properties of 'bacterial-type' l-asparaginases from different organisms. The most extensively studied members of this enzyme family are l-asparaginases highly homologous to one of the two enzymes from Escherichia coli (usually referred to as EcAI and EcAII). Members of this enzyme family, although often called bacterial-type l-asparaginases, have been also identified in such divergent organisms as archaea or eukarya. Over 100 structural models of l-asparaginases have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank during the last 30 years. One of the prime achievements of structure-centered approaches was the elucidation of the details of the mechanism of enzymatic action of this unique hydrolase that utilizes a side chain of threonine as the primary nucleophile. The molecular basis of other important properties of these enzymes, such as their substrate specificity, is still being evaluated. Results of structural and mechanistic studies of l-asparaginases are being utilized in efforts to improve the clinical properties of this important anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Lubkowski
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Wlodawer
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
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Jiang J, Batra S, Zhang J. Asparagine: A Metabolite to Be Targeted in Cancers. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11060402. [PMID: 34205460 PMCID: PMC8234323 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11060402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acids play central roles in cancer progression beyond their function as building blocks for protein synthesis. Thus, targeting amino acid acquisition and utilization has been proved to be therapeutically beneficial in various pre-clinical models. In this regard, depletion of circulating asparagine, a nonessential amino acid, by L-asparaginase has been used in treating pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for decades. Of interest, unlike most solid tumor cells, ALL cells lack the ability to synthesize their own asparagine de novo effectively. However, only until recently, growing evidence suggests that solid tumor cells strive to acquire adequate amounts of asparagine to support tumor progression. This process is subjected to the regulation at various levels, including oncogenic signal, tumor-niche interaction, intratumor heterogeneity and dietary accessibility. We will review the literature on L-asparaginase-based therapy as well as recent understanding of asparagine metabolism in solid tumor progression, with the hope of shedding light into a broader cancer therapeutic strategy by perturbing its acquisition and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Sandeep Batra
- Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health; Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ji Zhang
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University; Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (J.Z.)
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Abstract
Colorectal cancer has served as a genetic and biological paradigm for the evolution of solid tumors, and these insights have illuminated early detection, risk stratification, prevention, and treatment principles. Employing the hallmarks of cancer framework, we provide a conceptual framework to understand how genetic alterations in colorectal cancer drive cancer cell biology properties and shape the heterotypic interactions across cells in the tumor microenvironment. This review details research advances pertaining to the genetics and biology of colorectal cancer, emerging concepts gleaned from immune and single-cell profiling, and critical advances and remaining knowledge gaps influencing the development of effective therapies for this cancer that remains a major public health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiexi Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Xingdi Ma
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Deepavali Chakravarti
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Shabnam Shalapour
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Rizzo G, Bertotti A, Leto SM, Vetrano S. Patient-derived tumor models: a more suitable tool for pre-clinical studies in colorectal cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:178. [PMID: 34074330 PMCID: PMC8168319 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01970-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), despite the advances in screening and surveillance, remains the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. The biological inadequacy of pre-clinical models to fully recapitulate the multifactorial etiology and the complexity of tumor microenvironment and human CRC's genetic heterogeneity has limited cancer treatment development. This has led to the development of Patient-derived models able to phenocopy as much as possible the original inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity of CRC, reflecting the tumor microenvironment's cellular interactions. Implantation of patient tissue into immunodeficient mice hosts and the culture of tumor organoids have allowed advances in cancer biology and metastasis. This review highlights the advantages and limits of Patient-derived models as innovative and valuable pre-clinical tools to study progression and metastasis of CRC, develop novel therapeutic strategies by creating a drug screening platform, and predict the efficacy of clinical response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCs, Candiolo, 10060, Torino, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, 10060, Torino, Italy
| | - Simonetta Maria Leto
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCs, Candiolo, 10060, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Vetrano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini, Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy.
- IBD Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
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29
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Colozza G, Koo BK. Wnt/β-catenin signaling: Structure, assembly and endocytosis of the signalosome. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:199-218. [PMID: 33619734 PMCID: PMC8251975 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is an ancient pathway that regulates key aspects of embryonic development, cell differentiation, proliferation, and adult stem cell homeostasis. Work from different laboratories has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the Wnt pathway, including structural details of ligand–receptor interactions. One key aspect that has emerged from multiple studies is that endocytosis of the receptor complex plays a crucial role in fine‐tuning Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Endocytosis is a key process involved in both activation as well as attenuation of Wnt signaling, but how this is regulated is still poorly understood. Importantly, recent findings show that Wnt also regulates central metabolic pathways such as the acquisition of nutrients through actin‐driven endocytic mechanisms. In this review, we propose that the Wnt pathway displays diverse characteristics that go beyond the regulation of gene expression, through a connection with the endocytic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Colozza
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Bon-Kyoung Koo
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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30
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The metabolic importance of the overlooked asparaginase II pathway. Anal Biochem 2020; 644:114084. [PMID: 33347861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.114084] [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: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The asparaginase II pathway consists of an asparagine transaminase [l-asparagine + α-keto acid ⇆ α-ketosuccinamate + l-amino acid] coupled to ω-amidase [α-ketosuccinamate + H2O → oxaloacetate + NH4+]. The net reaction is: l-asparagine + α-keto acid + H2O → oxaloacetate + l-amino acid + NH4+. Thus, in the presence of a suitable α-keto acid substrate, the asparaginase II pathway generates anaplerotic oxaloacetate at the expense of readily dispensable asparagine. Several studies have shown that the asparaginase II pathway is important in photorespiration in plants. However, since its discovery in rat tissues in the 1950s, this pathway has been almost completely ignored as a conduit for asparagine metabolism in mammals. Several mammalian transaminases can catalyze transamination of asparagine, one of which - alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase type 1 (AGT1) - is important in glyoxylate metabolism. Glyoxylate is a precursor of oxalate which, in the form of its calcium salt, is a major contributor to the formation of kidney stones. Thus, transamination of glyoxylate with asparagine may be physiologically important for the removal of potentially toxic glyoxylate. Asparaginase has been the mainstay treatment for certain childhood leukemias. We suggest that an inhibitor of ω-amidase may potentiate the therapeutic benefits of asparaginase treatment.
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Kleeman SO, Leedham SJ. Not All Wnt Activation Is Equal: Ligand-Dependent versus Ligand-Independent Wnt Activation in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3355. [PMID: 33202731 PMCID: PMC7697568 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is ubiquitously activated in colorectal tumors and driver mutations are identified in genes such as APC, CTNNB1, RNF43 and R-spondin (RSPO2/3). Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and CTNNB1 mutations lead to downstream constitutive activation (ligand-independent), while RNF43 and RSPO mutations require exogenous Wnt ligand to activate signaling (ligand-dependent). Here, we present evidence that these mutations are not equivalent and that ligand-dependent and ligand-independent tumors differ in terms of underlying Wnt biology, molecular pathogenesis, morphology and prognosis. These non-overlapping characteristics can be harnessed to develop biomarkers and targeted treatments for ligand-dependent tumors, including porcupine inhibitors, anti-RSPO3 antibodies and asparaginase. There is emerging evidence that these therapies may synergize with immunotherapy in ligand-dependent tumors. In summary, we propose that ligand-dependent tumors are an underappreciated separate disease entity in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam O. Kleeman
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA;
- Intestinal Stem Cell Biology Lab, Wellcome Trust Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Simon J. Leedham
- Intestinal Stem Cell Biology Lab, Wellcome Trust Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
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Davidsen K, Sullivan LB. Free Asparagine or Die: Cancer Cells Require Proteasomal Protein Breakdown to Survive Asparagine Depletion. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:1632-1634. [PMID: 33139341 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The chemotherapeutic enzyme asparaginase depletes systemic asparagine to kill cancers; however, its efficacy thus far is limited to a subset of leukemias. Hinze and colleagues identify that inhibiting proteasomal release of asparagine can sensitize colorectal cancers to asparagine depletion, providing a potential avenue to repurpose asparaginase for treatment of solid tumors.See related article by Hinze et al., p. 1690.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Davidsen
- Human Biology & Basic Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lucas B Sullivan
- Human Biology & Basic Sciences Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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