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Nucleoside transporters and immunosuppressive adenosine signaling in the tumor microenvironment: Potential therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108300. [PMID: 36283452 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine compartmentalization has a profound impact on immune cell function by regulating adenosine localization and, therefore, extracellular signaling capabilities, which suppresses immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment. Nucleoside transporters, responsible for the translocation and cellular compartmentalization of hydrophilic adenosine, represent an understudied yet crucial component of adenosine disposition in the tumor microenvironment. In this review article, we will summarize what is known regarding nucleoside transporter's function within the purinome in relation to currently devised points of intervention (i.e., ectonucleotidases, adenosine receptors) for cancer immunotherapy, alterations in nucleoside transporter expression reported in cancer, and potential avenues for targeting of nucleoside transporters for the desired modulation of adenosine compartmentalization and action. Further, we put forward that nucleoside transporters are an unexplored therapeutic opportunity, and modulation of nucleoside transport processes could attenuate the pathogenic buildup of immunosuppressive adenosine in solid tumors, particularly those enriched with nucleoside transport proteins.
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Walter M, Herr P. Re-Discovery of Pyrimidine Salvage as Target in Cancer Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040739. [PMID: 35203388 PMCID: PMC8870348 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleotides are synthesized through two distinct pathways: de novo synthesis and nucleoside salvage. Whereas the de novo pathway synthesizes nucleotides from amino acids and glucose, the salvage pathway recovers nucleosides or bases formed during DNA or RNA degradation. In contrast to high proliferating non-malignant cells, which are highly dependent on the de novo synthesis, cancer cells can switch to the nucleoside salvage pathways to maintain efficient DNA replication. Pyrimidine de novo synthesis remains the target of interest in cancer therapy and several inhibitors showed promising results in cancer cells and in vivo models. In the 1980s and 1990s, poor responses were however observed in clinical trials with several of the currently existing pyrimidine synthesis inhibitors. To overcome the observed limitations in clinical trials, targeting pyrimidine salvage alone or in combination with pyrimidine de novo inhibitors was suggested. Even though this approach showed initially promising results, it received fresh attention only recently. Here we discuss the re-discovery of targeting pyrimidine salvage pathways for DNA replication alone or in combination with inhibitors of pyrimidine de novo synthesis to overcome limitations of commonly used antimetabolites in various preclinical cancer models and clinical trials. We also highlight newly emerged targets in pyrimidine synthesis as well as pyrimidine salvage as a promising target in immunotherapy.
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Pastor-Anglada M, Pérez-Torras S. Emerging Roles of Nucleoside Transporters. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:606. [PMID: 29928232 PMCID: PMC5997781 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Since human Nucleoside Transporters (hNTs) were identified by their activity as transport systems, extensive work has been done to fully characterize them at the molecular and physiological level. Many efforts have been addressed to the identification of their selectivity for natural substrates and nucleoside analogs used to treat several diseases. hNTs belong to two different gene families, SLC28 and SLC29, encoding human Concentrative Nucleoside Transporters (hCNTs) and human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporters (hENTs), respectively. hCNTs and hENTs are integral membrane proteins, albeit structurally unrelated. Both families share common features as substrate selectivity and often tissue localization. This apparent biological redundancy may anticipate some different roles for hCNTs and hENTs in cell physiology. Thus, hENTs may have a major role in maintaining nucleoside homeostasis, whereas hCNTs could contribute to nucleoside sensing and signal transduction. In this sense, the ascription of hCNT1 to a transceptor reinforces this hypothesis. Moreover, some evidences could suggest a putative role of hCNT2 and hCNT3 as transceptors. The interacting proteins identified for hCNT2 suggest a link to energy metabolism. Moreover, the ability of hCNT2 and hCNT3 to transport adenosine links both proteins to purinergic signaling. On the other hand, the broad selectivity transporters hENTs have a crucial role in salvage pathways and purinergic signaling by means of nucleoside pools regulation. In particular, the two new hENT2 isoforms recently described together with hENT2 seem to be key elements controlling nucleoside and nucleotide pools for DNA synthesis. This review focuses on all these NTs functions beyond their mere translocation ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marçal Pastor-Anglada
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Pérez-Torras
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Section, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Urtasun N, Boces-Pascual C, Boix L, Bruix J, Pastor-Anglada M, Pérez-Torras S. Role of drug-dependent transporter modulation on the chemosensitivity of cholangiocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:90185-90196. [PMID: 29163820 PMCID: PMC5685741 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies with limited therapeutic options. Curative therapy is limited to surgery whereas chemotherapy treatments are the election option for unresectable or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. Cisplatin plus gemcitabine is the reference chemotherapy regimen, albeit the contribution to the median overall survival barely reaches one year. Drug transporters are undoubtedly a limiting step for drug bioavailability and have been clearly related to chemoresistance. Several members of the SoLute Carrier (SLC) superfamily involved in the uptake of anticancer drugs used to treat cholangiocarcinoma are downregulated in these tumors. This study shows the increase in the expression of specific drug transporters exerted by cisplatin treatment thereby enhancing their transport activity. Combination treatments of cisplatin with selected drugs as gemcitabine and sorafenib take in by these transporters at the desired combination schedule induced synergy. These data support the concept that proper administration pattern could favor treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Urtasun
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (MPET), Section Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Oncology Program, CIBER ehd, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Boces-Pascual
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (MPET), Section Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Loreto Boix
- Oncology Program, CIBER ehd, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica (FCRB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Oncology Program, CIBER ehd, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica (FCRB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marçal Pastor-Anglada
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (MPET), Section Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Oncology Program, CIBER ehd, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Pérez-Torras
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (MPET), Section Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Oncology Program, CIBER ehd, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Català A, Pastor-Anglada M, Caviedes-Cárdenas L, Malatesta R, Rives S, Vega-García N, Camós M, Fernández-Calotti P. FLT3 is implicated in cytarabine transport by human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 in pediatric acute leukemia. Oncotarget 2016; 7:49786-49799. [PMID: 27391351 PMCID: PMC5226548 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FLT3 abnormalities are negative prognostic markers in acute leukemia. Infant leukemias are a subgroup with frequent MLL (KMT2A) rearrangements, FLT3 overexpression and high sensitivity to cytarabine, but dismal prognosis. Cytarabine is transported into cells by Human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter-1 (hENT1, SLC29A1), but the mechanisms that regulate hENT1 in acute leukemia have been scarcely studied.We explored the expression and functional link between FLT3 and main cytarabine transporters in 50 pediatric patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and MLL rearrangement (ALL-MLL+) and other subtypes of leukemia, and in leukemia cell lines.A significant positive correlation was found between FLT3 and hENT1 expression in patients. Cytarabine uptake into cells was mediated mainly by hENT1, hENT2 and hCNT1. hENT1-mediated uptake of cytarabine was transiently abolished by the FLT3 inhibitor PKC412, and this effect was associated with decreased hENT1 mRNA and protein levels. Noticeably, the cytotoxicity of cytarabine was lower when cells were first exposed to FLT3 inhibitors (PKC412 or AC220), probably due to decreased hENT1 activity, but we observed a higher cytotoxic effect if FLT3 inhibitors were administered after cytarabine.FLT3 regulates hENT1 activity and thereby affects cytarabine cytotoxicity. The sequence of administration of cytarabine and FLT3 inhibitors is important to maintain their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Català
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Rare Diseases (CIBER ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (IRP-HSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marçal Pastor-Anglada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Barcelona, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
- Oncology Program, National Biomedical Research Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBER EHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (IRP-HSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Liska Caviedes-Cárdenas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Barcelona, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberta Malatesta
- Hematology Laboratory, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Rives
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Rare Diseases (CIBER ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (IRP-HSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nerea Vega-García
- Hematology Laboratory, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Camós
- National Biomedical Research Institute on Rare Diseases (CIBER ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hematology Laboratory, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (IRP-HSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Fernández-Calotti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Barcelona, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
- Oncology Program, National Biomedical Research Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBER EHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (IRP-HSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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Pastor-Anglada M, Pérez-Torras S. Nucleoside transporter proteins as biomarkers of drug responsiveness and drug targets. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:13. [PMID: 25713533 PMCID: PMC4322540 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleoside and nucleobase analogs are currently used in the treatment of solid tumors, lymphoproliferative diseases, viral infections such as hepatitis and AIDS, and some inflammatory diseases such as Crohn. Two gene families are implicated in the uptake of nucleosides and nucleoside analogs into cells, SCL28 and SLC29. The former encodes hCNT1, hCNT2, and hCNT3 proteins. They translocate nucleosides in a Na+ coupled manner with high affinity and some substrate selectivity, being hCNT1 and hCNT2 pyrimidine- and purine-preferring, respectively, and hCNT3 a broad selectivity transporter. SLC29 genes encode four members, being hENT1 and hENT2 the only two which are unequivocally implicated in the translocation of nucleosides and nucleobases (the latter mostly via hENT2) at the cell plasma membrane. Some nucleoside-derived drugs can also interact with and be translocated by members of the SLC22 gene family, particularly hOCT and hOAT proteins. Inter-individual differences in transporter function and perhaps, more importantly, altered expression associated with the disease itself might modulate the transporter profile of target cells, thereby determining drug bioavailability and action. Drug transporter pharmacology has been periodically reviewed. Thus, with this contribution we aim at providing a state-of-the-art overview of the clinical evidence generated so far supporting the concept that these membrane proteins can indeed be biomarkers suitable for diagnosis and/or prognosis. Last but not least, some of these transporter proteins can also be envisaged as drug targets, as long as they can show “transceptor” functions, in some cases related to their role as modulators of extracellular adenosine levels, thereby providing a functional link between P1 receptors and transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marçal Pastor-Anglada
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona Spain ; Oncology Program, CIBER ehd, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona Spain
| | - Sandra Pérez-Torras
- Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona Spain ; Oncology Program, CIBER ehd, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona Spain
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Young JD, Yao SYM, Baldwin JM, Cass CE, Baldwin SA. The human concentrative and equilibrative nucleoside transporter families, SLC28 and SLC29. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 34:529-47. [PMID: 23506887 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside transport in humans is mediated by members of two unrelated protein families, the SLC28 family of cation-linked concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNTs) and the SLC29 family of energy-independent, equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs). These families contain three and four members, respectively, which differ both in the stoichiometry of cation coupling and in permeant selectivity. Together, they play key roles in nucleoside and nucleobase uptake for salvage pathways of nucleotide synthesis. Moreover, they facilitate cellular uptake of several nucleoside and nucleobase drugs used in cancer chemotherapy and treatment of viral infections. Thus, the transporter content of target cells can represent a key determinant of the response to treatment. In addition, by regulating the concentration of adenosine available to cell surface receptors, nucleoside transporters modulate many physiological processes ranging from neurotransmission to cardiovascular activity. This review describes the molecular and functional properties of the two transporter families, with a particular focus on their physiological roles in humans and relevance to disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Young
- Membrane Protein Research Group, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H7.
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Mohelnikova-Duchonova B, Brynychova V, Hlavac V, Kocik M, Oliverius M, Hlavsa J, Honsova E, Mazanec J, Kala Z, Melichar B, Soucek P. The association between the expression of solute carrier transporters and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2013; 72:669-82. [PMID: 23934321 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-013-2246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of fourteen anticancer drug-relevant solute carrier transporters (SLCs) in pancreatic cancer in the context of clinical-pathological characteristics and the KRAS mutation status of tumors. METHODS Tumors and non-neoplastic pancreatic tissues were obtained from 32 histologically verified patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The transcript profile of SLCs was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. KRAS mutations in exon 2 were assessed by high-resolution melting analysis and confirmed by sequencing. RESULTS SLC22A3 and SLC22A18 were upregulated and SLC22A1, SLC22A2, SLC22A11, SLC28A1, SLC28A3 and SLC29A1 were downregulated when compared with non-neoplastic pancreatic tissues. Moreover, significantly lower levels of SLC22A1, SLC22A11 and SLC29A1 were found in tumors with angioinvasion. There was also a significantly higher transcript level of SLC28A1 in tumors with regional lymph nodes affected by metastasis. The study found that a high expression of SLC28A1 was significantly associated with poor overall survival in unselected patients. In contrast, a high expression of SLC22A3 or SLC29A3 was significantly associated with longer overall survival in patients treated with nucleoside analogs. Protein expression of SLC22A1, SLC22A3 and SLC29A3 in tumor tissues of patients with pancreatic carcinoma was observed by immunoblotting for the first time. Finally, SLC levels were not found to be associated with KRAS mutation status in exon 2. CONCLUSIONS This study identified a number of associations of transcript levels of SLCs with prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Concentrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hCNT1) promotes phenotypic changes relevant to tumor biology in a translocation-independent manner. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e648. [PMID: 23722537 PMCID: PMC3674379 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Nucleoside transporters (NTs) mediate the uptake of nucleosides and nucleobases across the plasma membrane, mostly for salvage purposes. The canonical NTs belong to two gene families, SLC29 and SLC28. The former encode equilibrative nucleoside transporter proteins (ENTs), which mediate the facilitative diffusion of natural nucleosides with broad selectivity, whereas the latter encode concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNTs), which are sodium-coupled and show high affinity for substrates with variable selectivity. These proteins are expressed in most cell types, exhibiting apparent functional redundancy. This might indicate that CNTs have specific roles in the physiology of the cell beyond nucleoside salvage. Here, we addressed this possibility using adenoviral vectors to restore tumor cell expression of hCNT1 or a polymorphic variant (hCNT1S546P) lacking nucleoside translocation ability. We found that hCNT1 restoration in pancreatic cancer cells significantly altered cell-cycle progression and phosphorylation status of key signal-transducing kinases, promoted poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase hyperactivation and cell death and reduced cell migration. Importantly, the translocation-defective transporter triggered these same effects on cell physiology. Moreover, this study also shows that restoration of hCNT1 expression is able to reduce tumor growth in a mouse model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. These data predict a novel role for a NT protein, hCNT1, which appears to be independent of its role as mediator of nucleoside uptake by cells. Thereby, hCNT1 fits the profile of a transceptor in a substrate translocation-independent manner and is likely to be relevant to tumor biology.
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Cao D, Ziemba A, McCabe J, Yan R, Wan L, Kim B, Gach M, Flynn S, Pizzorno G. Differential expression of uridine phosphorylase in tumors contributes to an improved fluoropyrimidine therapeutic activity. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 10:2330-9. [PMID: 21954436 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abrogation of uridine phosphorylase (UPase) leads to abnormalities in pyrimidine metabolism and host protection against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) toxicity. We elucidated the effects on the metabolism and antitumor efficacy of 5-FU and capecitabine (N(4)-pentyloxycarbonyl-5'-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine) in our UPase knockout (UPase(-/-)) model. Treatment with 5-FU (85 mg/kg) or capecitabine (1,000 mg/kg) five days a week for four weeks caused severe toxicity and structural damage to the intestines of wild-type (WT) mice, but not in UPase(-/-) animals. Capecitabine treatment resulted in a 70% decrease in blood cell counts of WT animals, with only a marginal effect in UPase(-/-) mice. UPase expressing colon 38 tumors implanted in UPase(-/-) mice revealed an improved therapeutic efficacy when treated with 5-FU and capecitabine because of the higher maximum tolerated dose for fluoropyrimidines achievable in UPase(-/-) mice. (19)F-MRS evaluation of capecitabine metabolism in tumors revealed similar activation of the prodrug in UPase(-/-) mice compared with WT. In WT mice, approximately 60% of capecitabine was transformed over three hours into its active metabolites, whereas 80% was transformed in tumors implanted in UPase(-/-) mice. In UPase(-/-) mice, prolonged retention of 5'dFUR allowed a proportional increase in tumor tissue. The similar presence of fluorinated catabolic species confirms that dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity was not altered in UPase(-/-) mice. Overall, these results indicate the importance of UPase in the activation of fluoropyrimidines, the effect of uridine in protecting normal tissues, and the role for tumor-specific modulation of the phosphorolytic activity in 5-FU or capecitabine-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deliang Cao
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Simmons/Cooper Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
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Bhutia YD, Hung SW, Patel B, Lovin D, Govindarajan R. CNT1 expression influences proliferation and chemosensitivity in drug-resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Res 2011; 71:1825-35. [PMID: 21343396 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-2736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Overcoming the inherent chemoresistance of pancreatic cancers remains a major goal of therapeutic investigations in this disease. In this study, we discovered a role for the human concentrative nucleoside transporter-1 (hCNT1; SLC28A1), a high-affinity pyrimidine nucleoside transporter, in determining the chemosensitivity of human pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine, the drug used presently as a standard of care. Compared with normal pancreas and pancreatic ductal epithelial cells, hCNT1 expression was frequently reduced in pancreatic tumors and tumor cell lines. In addition, hCNT1-mediated (3)H-gemcitabine transport was lower in pancreatic cancer cell lines and correlated with cytotoxic IC(50) estimations of gemcitabine. In contrast to gemcitabine-sensitive pancreatic cancer cell lines, MIA PaCa-2, a gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cell line, exhibited relatively restrictive, cell cycle-dependent hCNT1 expression and transport. hCNT1 translation was suppressed in the late G1-enriched MIA PaCa-2 cell population possibly in an miRNA-dependent manner, which corresponded with the lowest hCNT1-mediated gemcitabine transport during this phase. Although hCNT1 protein was induced during G1/S transition, increased hCNT1 trafficking resulted in maximal cell surface recruitment and transport-overshoot in the G2/M phase-enriched cell population. hCNT1 protein was directed predominantly to proteasomal or lysosomal degradation in S or G2/M phase MIA PaCa-2 cells, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of hCNT1 degradation moderately increased cell surface hCNT1 expression and cellular gemcitabine transport in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Constitutive hCNT1 expression reduced clonogenic survival of MIA PaCa-2 cells and steeply augmented gemcitabine transport and chemosensitization. In addition to supporting a putative tumor suppressor role for hCNT1, our findings identify hCNT1 as a potential candidate to render drug-resistant pancreatic cancer cells amenable to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzom D Bhutia
- Department of Phamaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
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Damaraju VL, Smith KM, Mowles D, Nowak I, Karpinski E, Young JD, Robins MJ, Cass CE. Interaction of fused-pyrimidine nucleoside analogs with human concentrative nucleoside transporters: High-affinity inhibitors of human concentrative nucleoside transporter 1. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 81:82-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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13
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Molina-Arcas M, Pastor-Anglada M. Role of Nucleoside Transporters in Nucleoside-Derived Drug Sensitivity. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2010; 29:335-46. [DOI: 10.1080/15257771003729823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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14
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Errasti-Murugarren E, Pastor-Anglada M. Drug transporter pharmacogenetics in nucleoside-based therapies. Pharmacogenomics 2010; 11:809-41. [PMID: 20504255 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.10.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This article focuses on the different types of transporter proteins that have been implicated in the influx and efflux of nucleoside-derived drugs currently used in the treatment of cancer, viral infections (i.e., AIDS) and other conditions, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Genetic variations in nucleoside-derived drug transporter proteins encoded by the gene families SLC15, SLC22, SLC28, SLC29, ABCB, ABCC and ABCG will be specifically considered. Variants known to affect biological function are summarized, with a particular emphasis on those for which clinical correlations have already been established. Given that relatively little is known regarding the genetic variability of the players involved in determining nucleoside-derived drug bioavailability, it is anticipated that major challenges will be faced in this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaitz Errasti-Murugarren
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network in the Subject Area of Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08071, Spain
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15
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Damaraju VL, Sawyer MB, Mackey JR, Young JD, Cass CE. Human nucleoside transporters: biomarkers for response to nucleoside drugs. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2010; 28:450-63. [PMID: 20183595 DOI: 10.1080/15257770903044499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This review describes recent advances in developing human nucleoside transporters (hNTs) as biomarkers to predict response to nucleoside analog drugs with clinical activity. Understanding processes that contribute to drug response or lack thereof will provide strategies to potentiate efficacy or avoid toxicities of nucleoside analog drugs. hNT abundance, evaluated by immunohistochemical methods, has shown promise as a predictive marker to assess clinical drug response that could be used to identify patients who would most likely benefit from nucleoside analog drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya L Damaraju
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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16
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Candelaria M, de la Cruz-Hernández E, Pérez-Cárdenas E, Trejo-Becerril C, Gutiérrez-Hernández O, Dueñas-González A. Pharmacogenetics and pharmacoepigenetics of gemcitabine. Med Oncol 2009; 27:1133-43. [PMID: 19902390 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-009-9349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gemcitabine (2',2'-difluoro 2'deoxycytidine, dFdC) is an analog of cytosine with distinctive pharmacological properties and a wide antitumor-activity spectrum. The pharmacological characteristics of gemcitabine are unique because two main classes of genes are essential for its antitumor effects: membrane transporter protein-coding genes, whose products are responsible for drug intracellular uptake, as well as enzyme-coding genes, which catalyze its activation and inactivation. The study of the pharmacogenetics and pharmacoepigenetics of these two gene classes is greatly required to optimize the drug's therapeutic use in cancer. This review aims to provide an update of genetic and epigenetic bases that may account for interindividual variation in therapeutic outcome exhibited by gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Candelaria
- Division of Clinical Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Mexico City, Mexico
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17
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Rius M, Stresemann C, Keller D, Brom M, Schirrmacher E, Keppler D, Lyko F. Human concentrative nucleoside transporter 1-mediated uptake of 5-azacytidine enhances DNA demethylation. Mol Cancer Ther 2009; 8:225-31. [PMID: 19139132 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-08-0743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The DNA methyltransferase inhibitors 5-azacytidine (5-azaCyd) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine have found increasing use for the treatment of myeloid leukemias and solid tumors. Both nucleoside analogues must be transported into cells and phosphorylated before they can be incorporated into DNA and inactivate DNA methyltransferases. The members of the human equilibrative and concentrative nucleoside transporter families mediate transport of natural nucleosides and some nucleoside analogues into cells. However, the molecular identity of the transport proteins responsible for mediating the uptake of 5-azanucleosides has remained unknown. To this end, we have generated a stably transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney strain II cell line expressing recombinant hCNT1. An antiserum directed against hCNT1 specifically detected the protein in the apical membrane of hCNT1-expressing Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Using [14C]5-azaCyd, we show here that hCNT1 mediated the Na+-dependent uptake of this drug with a Km value of 63 micromol/L. Na+-dependent transport of radiolabeled cytidine, uridine, and 5-fluoro-5'-deoxyuridine further showed the functionality of the transporter. hCNT1-expressing cells were significantly more sensitive to 5-azaCyd, and drug-dependent covalent trapping of DNA methyltransferase 1 was substantially more pronounced. Importantly, these results correlated with a significant sensitization of hCNT1-expressing cells toward the demethylating effects of 5-azaCyd and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. In conclusion, our study identifies 5-azaCyd as a novel substrate for hCNT1 and provides direct evidence that hCNT1 is involved in the DNA-demethylating effects of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rius
- Division of Tumor Biochemistry, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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18
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Pastor-Anglada M, Cano-Soldado P, Errasti-Murugarren E, Casado FJ. SLC28 genes and concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT) proteins. Xenobiotica 2008; 38:972-94. [PMID: 18668436 DOI: 10.1080/00498250802069096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The human concentrative nucleoside transporter (hCNT) protein family has three members, hCNT1, 2, and 3, encoded by SLC28A1, A2, and A3 genes, respectively. hCNT1 and hCNT2 translocate pyrimidine- and purine-nucleosides, respectively, by a sodium-dependent mechanism, whereas hCNT3 shows broad substrate selectivity and the unique ability of translocating nucleosides both in a sodium- and a proton-coupled manner. hCNT proteins are also responsible for the uptake of most nucleoside-derived antiviral and anticancer drugs. Thus, hCNTs are key pharmacological targets. This review focuses on several crucial aspects of hCNT biology and pharmacology: protein structure-function, structural determinants for transportability, pharmacogenetics of hCNT-encoding genes, role of hCNT proteins in nucleoside-based therapeutics, and finally hCNT physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pastor-Anglada
- Facultat de Biologia, Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Molina-Arcas M, Trigueros-Motos L, Casado FJ, Pastor-Anglada M. Physiological and pharmacological roles of nucleoside transporter proteins. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2008; 27:769-78. [PMID: 18600539 DOI: 10.1080/15257770802145819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside transporter proteins, CNT and ENT, encoded by gene families SLC28 and SLC29, respectively, mediate the uptake of natural nucleosides (among them adenosine) and are major routes of entry for a variety of nucleoside analogs used in anticancer and antiviral therapies. Expression of NT proteins is apparently redundant in most cell types, and the elucidation of their particular physiological roles still remains elusive. Moreover, transporter-mediated uptake of nucleoside-derived anticancer drugs is crucial for the pharmacogenomic response triggered by these molecules in tumor cells. This review focuses on recent data demonstrating that nucleoside transporters, particularly CNTs, can play physiological roles other than salvage, whereas particular NT isoforms can significantly contribute to the transcriptomic response triggered by nucleoside analogs in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Míriam Molina-Arcas
- Regulació dels Sistemes de Transport (RST), Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB) and CIBER (EHD), Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Errasti‐Murugarren E, Molina‐Arcas M, Casado FJ, Pastor‐Anglada M. A splice variant of the
SLC28A3
gene encodes a novel human concentrative nucleoside transporter‐3 (hCNT3) protein localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. FASEB J 2008; 23:172-82. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.08-113902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaitz Errasti‐Murugarren
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de BiologiaInstitut de Biomedicina, CIBER EHD, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Miriam Molina‐Arcas
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de BiologiaInstitut de Biomedicina, CIBER EHD, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Fco Javier Casado
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de BiologiaInstitut de Biomedicina, CIBER EHD, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Marcal Pastor‐Anglada
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de BiologiaInstitut de Biomedicina, CIBER EHD, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
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21
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Pérez-Torras S, García-Manteiga J, Mercadé E, Casado FJ, Carbó N, Pastor-Anglada M, Mazo A. Adenoviral-mediated overexpression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) enhances gemcitabine response in human pancreatic cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2008; 76:322-9. [PMID: 18589402 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2008.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Revised: 05/09/2008] [Accepted: 05/13/2008] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Nucleoside-derived anticancer agents must be transported across the plasma membrane as a preliminary step to their conversion into active drugs. Hence, modulation of a specific nucleoside transporter may affect bioavailability and contribute significantly to sensitizing tumor cells to these anticancer agents. We have generated and functionally characterized a new recombinant adenovirus (Ad-hENT1) that has allowed us to overexpress the equilibrative nucleoside transporter hENT1 and to analyze its effects in human pancreatic tumor cells. Overexpression of hENT1 is associated with changes in cell cycle profile, in a variable manner depending on the particular cell type, thus suggesting a metabolic link between hENT1-mediated transport processes and the enzymatic machinery responsible for intracellular nucleoside metabolism. When assayed in vivo in a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma xenograft, intratumoral Ad-hENT1 injection improved the therapeutic response to gemcitabine. In summary, hENT1 overexpression is associated with alterations in nucleoside enzymatic machinery and cell cycle progression in cultured cells and enhances gemcitabine action in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pérez-Torras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Compensatory effects of the human nucleoside transporters on the response to nucleoside-derived drugs in breast cancer MCF7 cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2008; 75:639-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2007.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2007] [Revised: 10/02/2007] [Accepted: 10/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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23
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Flanagan SA, Meckling KA. Nucleoside transporter expression and activity is regulated during granulocytic differentiation of NB4 cells in response to all-trans-retinoic acid. Leuk Res 2006; 31:955-68. [PMID: 17045336 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2006.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2006] [Revised: 09/08/2006] [Accepted: 09/09/2006] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
NB4 cells express multiple nucleoside transporters (NTs), including: hENT1 (es), and hENT2 (ei), and the CNT subtype referred to as, csg; a concentrative sensitive guanosine specific transporter. csg activity is a distinguishing feature of the NB4 cell line and its presence suggests a particular requirement of these cells for guanosine salvage. Proliferation and differentiation pathways determine, in part, the number of NTs in cells and tissues. In this study, all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced granulocytic differentiation of NB4 cells resulted in biphasic changes in guanosine transport. Transient increases in csg and es activity, the result of an increase in V(max) (pmol/muls) of both transporter systems, served as early markers of differentiation while expression of a fully differentiated phenotype was accompanied by a selective loss of csg activity and the return of es activity to that of proliferating cells. Intracellular incorporation of [(3)H]-guanosine decreased as cells matured despite increased transport rates and suggested a reduced intracellular requirement of NB4-granulocytes compared to their proliferating counterparts. Whether a loss of csg activity could serve to assess clinical response to differentiation therapies is not known. Nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR) binding sites within nuclear membrane (NM) preparations, suggested the presence of functional intracellular NTs. An increase in plasma membrane (PM) associated transporters coincided with the early increase in guanosine transport and a decrease in NBMPR binding to NM fractions and suggests that intracellular NTs may serve as a reserve pool for translocation to the (PM) when additional transport capacity is required. The modulation of transporters during differentiation could potentially regulate drug bioavailability and cytotoxicity and should be evaluated prior to combining differentiating agents with traditional nucleoside analogs in the treatment of APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl A Flanagan
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
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