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Magkouta SF, Vaitsi PC, Iliopoulou MP, Pappas AG, Kosti CN, Psarra K, Kalomenidis IT. MTH1 Inhibition Alleviates Immune Suppression and Enhances the Efficacy of Anti-PD-L1 Immunotherapy in Experimental Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4962. [PMID: 37894329 PMCID: PMC10605650 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MTH1 protects tumor cells and their supporting endothelium from lethal DNA damage triggered by oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment, thus promoting tumor growth. The impact of MTH1 on the tumor-related immune compartment remains unknown. We hypothesized that MTH1 regulates immune fitness and therefore enhances the activity of currently used immunotherapeutic regimens. METHODS Our hypotheses were validated in two syngeneic murine mesothelioma models using the clinically relevant MTH1 inhibitor, karonudib. We also examined the effect of combined MTH1 and PD-L1 blockade in mesothelioma progression, focusing on the main immune players. RESULTS Karonudib administration enhances M1 macrophage polarization, stimulates CD8 expansion and promotes the activation of DC and T cells. Combined administration of PD-L1 and MTH1 inhibitors impairs mesothelioma tumor growth and mesothelioma-associated pleural effusion accumulation more effectively compared to each monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Combined MTH1 and PD-L1 inhibition holds promise for the successful clinical management of mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia F. Magkouta
- “Marianthi Simou Laboratory”, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 10676 Athens, Greece; (P.C.V.); (M.P.I.); (A.G.P.); (C.N.K.); (I.T.K.)
| | - Photene C. Vaitsi
- “Marianthi Simou Laboratory”, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 10676 Athens, Greece; (P.C.V.); (M.P.I.); (A.G.P.); (C.N.K.); (I.T.K.)
| | - Marianthi P. Iliopoulou
- “Marianthi Simou Laboratory”, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 10676 Athens, Greece; (P.C.V.); (M.P.I.); (A.G.P.); (C.N.K.); (I.T.K.)
| | - Apostolos G. Pappas
- “Marianthi Simou Laboratory”, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 10676 Athens, Greece; (P.C.V.); (M.P.I.); (A.G.P.); (C.N.K.); (I.T.K.)
| | - Chrysavgi N. Kosti
- “Marianthi Simou Laboratory”, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 10676 Athens, Greece; (P.C.V.); (M.P.I.); (A.G.P.); (C.N.K.); (I.T.K.)
| | - Katherina Psarra
- Department of Immunology-Histocompatibility, Evangelismos Hospital, 10675 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ioannis T. Kalomenidis
- “Marianthi Simou Laboratory”, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 10676 Athens, Greece; (P.C.V.); (M.P.I.); (A.G.P.); (C.N.K.); (I.T.K.)
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2
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miR-4478 Accelerates Nucleus Pulposus Cells Apoptosis Induced by Oxidative Stress by Targeting MTH1. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2023; 48:E54-E69. [PMID: 36130054 PMCID: PMC9897280 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low back pain is the leading cause of disability in the elderly population and is strongly associated with intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD). However, the precise molecular mechanisms regulating IVDD remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of differentially expressed miRNAs in the pathogenesis of IVDD. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed miRNA microarray datasets to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in IVDD progression and conducted quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis to further confirm the differential expression of miR-4478 in nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues of patients diagnosed with IVDD. Using public databases of miRNA-mRNA interactions, we predicted the target genes of miR-4478, and subsequent flow cytometry and western blot analyses demonstrated the effect of MTH1 in H 2 O 2 -induced nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) apoptosis. Finally, miR-4478 inhibitor was injected into NP tissues of the IVDD mouse model to explore the effect of miR-4478 in vivo. RESULTS miR-4478 was upregulated in NP tissues from IVDD patients. Silencing of miR-4478 inhibits H 2 O 2 -induced NPCs apoptosis. MTH1 was identified as a target gene for miR-4478, and miR-4478 regulates H 2 O 2 -induced NPCs apoptosis by modulating MTH1. In addition, downregulation of miR-4478 alleviated IVDD in a mouse model. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our study provides evidence that miR-4478 may aggravate IVDD through its target gene MTH1 by accelerating oxidative stress in NPCs and demonstrates that miR-4478 has therapeutic potential in IVDD treatment.
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Kosti CN, Vaitsi PC, Pappas AG, Iliopoulou MP, Psarra KK, Magkouta SF, Kalomenidis IT. CSF1/CSF1R signaling mediates malignant pleural effusion formation. JCI Insight 2022; 7:155300. [PMID: 35315360 PMCID: PMC8986064 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is an incurable common manifestation of many malignancies. Its formation is orchestrated by complex interactions among tumor cells, inflammatory cells, and the vasculature. Tumor-associated macrophages present the dominant inflammatory population of MPE, and M2 macrophage numbers account for dismal prognosis. M2 polarization is known to be triggered by CSF1/CSF1 receptor (CSF1R) signaling. We hypothesized that CSF1R+ M2 macrophages favor MPE formation and could be therapeutically targeted to limit MPE. We generated mice with CSF1R-deficient macrophages and induced lung and colon adenocarcinoma–associated MPE. We also examined the therapeutic potential of a clinically relevant CSF1R inhibitor (BLZ945) in lung and colon adenocarcinoma–induced experimental MPE. We showed that CSF1R+ macrophages promoted pleural fluid accumulation by enhancing vascular permeability, destabilizing tumor vessels, and favoring immune suppression. We also showed that CSF1R inhibition limited MPE in vivo by reducing vascular permeability and neoangiogenesis and impeding tumor progression. This was because apart from macrophages, CSF1R signals in cancer-associated fibroblasts leading to macrophage inflammatory protein 2 secretion triggered the manifestation of suppressive and angiogenic properties in macrophages upon CXCR2 paracrine activation. Pharmacological targeting of the CSF1/CSF1R axis can therefore be a vital strategy for limiting MPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysavgi N Kosti
- Marianthi Simou Laboratory, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Photene C Vaitsi
- Marianthi Simou Laboratory, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos G Pappas
- Marianthi Simou Laboratory, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianthi P Iliopoulou
- Marianthi Simou Laboratory, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katherina K Psarra
- Department of Immunology - Histocompatibility, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Sophia F Magkouta
- Marianthi Simou Laboratory, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis T Kalomenidis
- Marianthi Simou Laboratory, 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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4
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Karsten S, Fiskesund R, Zhang XM, Marttila P, Sanjiv K, Pham T, Rasti A, Bräutigam L, Almlöf I, Marcusson-Ståhl M, Sandman C, Platzack B, Harris RA, Kalderén C, Cederbrant K, Helleday T, Warpman Berglund U. MTH1 as a target to alleviate T cell driven diseases by selective suppression of activated T cells. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:246-261. [PMID: 34453118 PMCID: PMC8738733 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00854-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-driven diseases account for considerable morbidity and disability globally and there is an urgent need for new targeted therapies. Both cancer cells and activated T cells have an altered redox balance, and up-regulate the DNA repair protein MTH1 that sanitizes the oxidized nucleotide pool to avoid DNA damage and cell death. Herein we suggest that the up-regulation of MTH1 in activated T cells correlates with their redox status, but occurs before the ROS levels increase, challenging the established conception of MTH1 increasing as a direct response to an increased ROS status. We also propose a heterogeneity in MTH1 levels among activated T cells, where a smaller subset of activated T cells does not up-regulate MTH1 despite activation and proliferation. The study suggests that the vast majority of activated T cells have high MTH1 levels and are sensitive to the MTH1 inhibitor TH1579 (Karonudib) via induction of DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. TH1579 further drives the surviving cells to the MTH1low phenotype with altered redox status. TH1579 does not affect resting T cells, as opposed to the established immunosuppressor Azathioprine, and no sensitivity among other major immune cell types regarding their function can be observed. Finally, we demonstrate a therapeutic effect in a murine model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In conclusion, we show proof of concept of the existence of MTH1high and MTH1low activated T cells, and that MTH1 inhibition by TH1579 selectively suppresses pro-inflammatory activated T cells. Thus, MTH1 inhibition by TH1579 may serve as a novel treatment option against autoreactive T cells in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Karsten
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roland Fiskesund
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Xing-Mei Zhang
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petra Marttila
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kumar Sanjiv
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Therese Pham
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Azita Rasti
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Bräutigam
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Comparative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Almlöf
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maritha Marcusson-Ståhl
- grid.450998.90000000106922258RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Unit for Chemical and Pharmaceutical safety, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Carolina Sandman
- grid.450998.90000000106922258RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Unit for Chemical and Pharmaceutical safety, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Björn Platzack
- grid.450998.90000000106922258RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Unit for Chemical and Pharmaceutical safety, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Robert A. Harris
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Kalderén
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Cederbrant
- grid.450998.90000000106922258RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Unit for Chemical and Pharmaceutical safety, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Thomas Helleday
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Weston Park Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ulrika Warpman Berglund
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,Oxcia AB, Stockholm, Sweden
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Okazaki Y. Asbestos‐induced mesothelial injury and carcinogenesis: Involvement of iron and reactive oxygen species. Pathol Int 2021; 72:83-95. [DOI: 10.1111/pin.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasumasa Okazaki
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Showa‐Ku Nagoya Japan
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Bialkowski K, Szpila A. Specific 8-oxo-dGTPase activity of MTH1 (NUDT1) protein as a quantitative marker and prognostic factor in human colorectal cancer. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 176:257-264. [PMID: 34624481 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The MTH1 (NUDT1) gene, because it is frequently upregulated in many types of human cancers, has been considered a general marker of carcinogenesis for over two decades. The MTH1 protein hydrolyzes the oxidized mutagenic DNA precursor, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-triphosphate (8-oxo-dGTP), to the corresponding 5'-monophosphate and inorganic pyrophosphate. This prevents its incorporation into DNA by DNA polymerases and protects cells from the accumulation of 8-oxo-dGTP-induced point mutations. Elevated MTH1 mRNA and protein in many types of human cancer indicate a worse prognosis. However, the enzymatic activity of MTH1 has remained largely uninvestigated in this context. Therefore, we have set out to determine the specific 8-oxo-dGTPase activity of MTH1 in 57 pairs of human colorectal cancers (CRC) and adjacent cancer-free tissues (CFCF). The goal was to ascertain the potential for measuring this enzymatic activity as a way to differentiate cancerous from non-cancerous specimens of the intestine, as well as defining its capabilities as a prognostic value for disease-free survival. We found that 79% of CRC tumors exhibited a higher MTH1 activity than did CFCF, with a significant 1.6-fold increase in overall median value (p < 1E-6). The 8-oxo-dGTPase in both tissues was proportional to the corresponding levels of MTH1 protein, as assayed by Western blotting. Activity higher than the ROC-optimized threshold (AUC = 0.71) indicated cancerous tissue, with a 54% sensitivity and an 83% specificity. Postoperative fate followed for up to 100 months showed that higher 8-oxo-dGTPase, in either the CFCF or the CRC tumor, clearly lowered the probability of a relapse-free survival, although borderline statistical significance (p < 0.05) was crossed only for the CFCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Bialkowski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Anna Szpila
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Molinaro C, Martoriati A, Cailliau K. Proteins from the DNA Damage Response: Regulation, Dysfunction, and Anticancer Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3819. [PMID: 34359720 PMCID: PMC8345162 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells respond to genotoxic stress through a series of complex protein pathways called DNA damage response (DDR). These monitoring mechanisms ensure the maintenance and the transfer of a correct genome to daughter cells through a selection of DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and programmed cell death processes. Canonical or non-canonical DDRs are highly organized and controlled to play crucial roles in genome stability and diversity. When altered or mutated, the proteins in these complex networks lead to many diseases that share common features, and to tumor formation. In recent years, technological advances have made it possible to benefit from the principles and mechanisms of DDR to target and eliminate cancer cells. These new types of treatments are adapted to the different types of tumor sensitivity and could benefit from a combination of therapies to ensure maximal efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katia Cailliau
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France; (C.M.); (A.M.)
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CSF1/CSF1R Axis Blockade Limits Mesothelioma and Enhances Efficiency of Anti-PDL1 Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112546. [PMID: 34067348 PMCID: PMC8196870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary CSF1/CSF1R signaling mediates tumor-associated macrophages recruitment and M2 polarization. M2 TAMs are dominant immune populations infiltrating mesothelioma tumors. We evaluated the role of CSF1/CSF1R axis blockade in tumor-infiltrating immune subsets. We also examined the effect of combined anti-CSF1R and anti-PDL1 treatment in mesothelioma progression. We show that CSF1R inhibition impedes mesothelioma progression, abrogates infiltration of TAMs, facilitates an M1 anti-tumor phenotype and activates tumor dendritic and CD8+ T cells. We also show that this inhibitor was able to significantly improve the effectiveness of anti-PDL1 immunotherapy. Abstract Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF1)/Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor 1 (CSF1R) signaling orchestrates tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) recruitment and polarization towards a pro-tumor M2 phenotype, the dominant phenotype of TAMs infiltrating mesothelioma tumors. We hypothesized that CSF1/CSF1R inhibition would halt mesothelioma growth by targeting immunosuppressive M2 macrophages and unleashing efficient T cell responses. We also hypothesized that CSF1/CSF1R blockade would enhance the efficacy of a PDL1 inhibitor which directly activates CD8+ cells. We tested a clinically relevant CSF1R inhibitor (BLZ945) in mesothelioma treatment using syngeneic murine models. We evaluated the role of CSF1/CSF1R axis blockade in tumor-infiltrating immune subsets. We examined the effect of combined anti-CSF1R and anti-PDL1 treatment in mesothelioma progression. CSF1R inhibition impedes mesothelioma progression, abrogates infiltration of TAMs, facilitates an M1 anti-tumor phenotype and activates tumor dendritic and CD8+ T cells. CSF1R inhibition triggers a compensatory PD-1/PDL1 upregulation in tumor and immune cells. Combined CSF1R inhibitor with an anti-PDL1 agent was more effective in retarding mesothelioma growth compared to each monotherapy. In experimental mesotheliomas, CSF1R inhibition abrogates tumor progression by limiting suppressive myeloid populations and enhancing CD8+ cell activation and acts synergistically with anti-PDL1.
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10
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Vitry G, Paulin R, Grobs Y, Lampron MC, Shimauchi T, Lemay SE, Tremblay E, Habbout K, Awada C, Bourgeois A, Nadeau V, Paradis R, Breuils-Bonnet S, Roux-Dalvai F, Orcholski M, Potus F, Provencher S, Boucherat O, Bonnet S. Oxidized DNA Precursors Cleanup by NUDT1 Contributes to Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 203:614-627. [PMID: 33021405 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202003-0627oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening condition characterized by abnormally elevated pulmonary pressures and right ventricular failure. Excessive proliferation and resistance to apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is one of the most important drivers of vascular remodeling in PAH, for which available treatments have limited effectiveness.Objectives: To gain insights into the mechanisms leading to the development of the disease and identify new actionable targets.Methods: Protein expression profiling was conducted by two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in isolated PASMCs from controls and patients with PAH. Multiple molecular, biochemical, and pharmacologic approaches were used to decipher the role of NUDT1 (nudrix hyrolase 1) in PAH.Measurements and Main Results: Increased expression of the detoxifying DNA enzyme NUDT1 was detected in cells and tissues from patients with PAH and animal models. In vitro, molecular or pharmacological inhibition of NUDT1 in PAH-PASMCs induced accumulation of oxidized nucleotides in the DNA, irresolvable DNA damage (comet assay), disruption of cellular bioenergetics (Seahorse), and cell death (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay). In two animal models with established PAH (i.e., monocrotaline and Sugen/hypoxia-treated rats), pharmacological inhibition of NUDT1 using (S)-Crizotinib significantly decreased pulmonary vascular remodeling and improved hemodynamics and cardiac function.Conclusions: Our results indicate that, by overexpressing NUDT1, PAH-PASMCs hijack persistent oxidative stress in preventing incorporation of oxidized nucleotides into DNA, thus allowing the cell to escape apoptosis and proliferate. Given that NUDT1 inhibitors are under clinical investigation for cancer, they may represent a new therapeutic option for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Vitry
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Roxane Paulin
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and.,Department of Medicine and
| | - Yann Grobs
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Marie-Claude Lampron
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Tsukasa Shimauchi
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Sarah-Eve Lemay
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Eve Tremblay
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Karima Habbout
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Charifa Awada
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Alice Bourgeois
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Valérie Nadeau
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Renée Paradis
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Sandra Breuils-Bonnet
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | | | - Mark Orcholski
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - François Potus
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and
| | - Steeve Provencher
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and.,Department of Medicine and
| | - Olivier Boucherat
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and.,Department of Medicine and
| | - Sébastien Bonnet
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Québec City, Quebec, Canada; and.,Department of Medicine and
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