Interfering with lipid metabolism through targeting CES1 sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma for chemotherapy

CES1 is associated with cisplatin resistance and poor prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent form of cancer globally, with chemoresistance posing a major challenge in treatment outcomes. The efficacy of the commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin, is diminished in patients with poor prognoses.

Methods

Various bioinformatics databases were utilized to examine Carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) gene expression, clinicopathologic features, patient survival analysis, and gene function. An organoid model of HNSCC was established, along with the induction of drug-resistant HNSCC in the organoid model. CES1 expression was assessed using qRT-PCR and Western Blot, and differential markers were identified through transcriptome sequencing. Knockdown and overexpression models of CES1 were created in SCC-9 and patient-derived organoid (PDO) cells using shRNA and lentivirus to investigate the tumor biology and cisplatin resistance associated with CES1.

Results

Research in bioinformatics has uncovered a strong correlation between the expression level of CES1 and the prognosis of HNSCC. The data suggests a significant link between CES1 expression and tobacco smoking. RNA-sequencing revealed a notable increase in CES1 expression in HNSCC-PDOcis-R cells compared to the parental PDO cells. Subsequently, we performed in vitro studies by HNSCC-PDO and SCC-9 and found that CES1-overexpressing cells exhibited reduced sensitivity to cisplatin and stronger tumor malignant biological behavior compared with CES1-knockdown cells.

Conclusion

The observed association between CES1 expression and tobacco smoking implies a potential influence of smoking on the efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in HNSCC through the regulation of CES1 expression.

Carboxylesterase 1 directs the metabolic profile of dendritic cells to a reduced inflammatory phenotype

The metabolic profile of dendritic cells (DCs) shapes their phenotype and functions. The carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) enzyme is highly expressed in mononuclear myeloid cells; however, its exact role in DCs is elusive. We used a CES1 inhibitor (WWL113) and genetic overexpression to explore the role of CES1 in DC differentiation in inflammatory models. CES1 expression was analyzed during CD14+ monocytes differentiation to DCs (MoDCs) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A CES1 inhibitor (WWL113) was applied during MoDC differentiation. Surface markers, secreted cytokines, lactic acid production, and phagocytic and T cell polarization capacity were analyzed. The transcriptomic and metabolic profiles were assessed with RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. Cellular respiration was assessed using seahorse respirometry. Transgenic mice were used to assess the effect of CES1 overexpression in DCs in inflammatory models. CES1 expression peaked early during MoDC differentiation. Pharmacological inhibition of CES1 led to higher expression of CD209, CD86 and MHCII. WWL113 treated MoDCs secreted higher quantities of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor, and IL-10 and demonstrated stronger phagocytic ability and a higher capacity to polarize T helper 17 differentiation in an autologous DC-T cell coculture model. Transcriptomic profiling revealed enrichment of multiple inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Functional metabolic analysis showed impaired maximal mitochondrial respiration capacity, increased lactate production, and decreased intracellular amino acids and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. Transgenic human CES1 overexpression in murine DCs generated a less inflammatory phenotype and increased resistance to T cell-mediated colitis. In conclusion, CES1 inhibition directs DC differentiation toward a more inflammatory phenotype that shows a stronger phagocytic capacity and supports T helper 17 skewing. This is associated with a disrupted mitochondrial respiration and amino acid depletion.

Nicotine-induced CHRNA5 activation modulates CES1 expression, impacting head and neck squamous cell carcinoma recurrence and metastasis via MEK/ERK pathway

The mucosal epithelium of the head and neck region (including the oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, nasopharynx, and larynx) is the primary site exposed to tobacco smoke, and its presence of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) has been observed in the mucosal epithelial cells of this area. It remains unclear whether HNSC cells can migrate and invade through nAChR signaling. A model of HNSC cells exposed to nicotine is established. Cell proliferation following nicotine exposure is assessed using the CCK-8 assay, while migration and invasion are evaluated through wound healing and Transwell assays. The effects of CHRNA5 knockdown and overexpression are also investigated. Immunofluorescence staining is used to analyze CHRNA5 expression and localization, and clonogenic assays are performed to measure colony proliferation after CHRNA5 knockdown and overexpression. The interaction between CHRNA5 and CES1 is examined using molecular docking, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. Differentially expressed genes are subjected to pathway enrichment analysis, and MEK/ERK protein expression and phosphorylation are validated via western blot. Tumor formation assays are performed in nude mice using sh-CHRNA5 Cal27 cells, followed by western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer tissues are analyzed through immunohistochemistry. Nicotine significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of head and neck tumor cells, including Cal27, Fadu, HN6, and Tu686 cells, through the expression of CHRNA5. Knockdown of CHRNA5 can reduce cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, whereas nicotine exposure can reverse this trend. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression of CES1 decreases with the knockdown of CHRNA5, indicating a regulatory relationship between the two. Transcriptomics revealed that the knockdown of CHRNA5 is associated with the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Further cellular- and tissue-level evidence confirmed that the levels of p-MEK/MEK, p-ERK/ERK, and CES1 decreased following knockdown of CHRNA5, a trend that nicotine can reverse. Nicotine promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNSC by upregulating CHRNA5 expression. Knockdown of CHRNA5 reduces these effects, which can be reversed by nicotine. Nicotine exposure activates CHRNA5, regulating CES1 expression via the MEK/ERK pathway, contributing to the recurrence and metastasis of head and neck squamous carcinoma.

Pharmacogenetic study of CES1 gene and enalapril efficacy

Enalapril is an orally administered angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor which is widely prescribed to treat hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. It is an ester prodrug that needs to be activated by carboxylesterase 1 (CES1). CES1 is a hepatic hydrolase that in vivo biotransforms enalapril to its active form enalaprilat in order to produce its desired pharmacological impact. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms in CES1 gene are reported to alter the catalytic activity of CES1 enzyme and influence enalapril metabolism. G143E, L40T, G142E, G147C, Y170D, and R171C can completely block the enalapril metabolism. Some polymorphisms like Q169P, E220G, and D269fs do not completely block the CES1 function; however, they reduce the catalytic activity of CES1 enzyme. The prevalence of these polymorphisms is not the same among all populations which necessitate to consider the genetic panel of respective population before prescribing enalapril. These genetic variations are also responsible for interindividual variability of CES1 enzyme activity which ultimately affects the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of enalapril. The current review summarizes the CES1 polymorphisms which influence the enalapril metabolism and efficacy. The structure of CES1 catalytic domain and important amino acids impacting the catalytic activity of CES1 enzyme are also discussed. This review also highlights the importance of pharmacogenomics in personalized medicine.

Mechanistic insights into metabolic function of dynamin-related protein 1

Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) plays crucial roles in mitochondrial and peroxisome fission. However, the mechanisms underlying the functional regulation of DRP1 in adipose tissue during obesity remain unclear. To elucidate the metabolic and pathological significance of diminished DRP1 in obese adipose tissue, we utilized adipose tissue-specific DRP1 KO mice challenged with a high-fat diet. We observed significant metabolic dysregulations in the KO mice. Mechanistically, DRP1 exerts multifaceted functions in mitochondrial dynamics and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-lipid droplet crosstalk in normal mice. Loss of function of DRP1 resulted in abnormally giant mitochondrial shapes, distorted mitochondrial membrane structure, and disrupted cristae architecture. Meanwhile, DRP1 deficiency induced the retention of nascent lipid droplets in ER, leading to perturbed overall lipid dynamics in the KO mice. Collectively, dysregulation of the dynamics of mitochondria, ER, and lipid droplets contributes to whole-body metabolic disorders, as evidenced by perturbations in energy metabolites. Our findings demonstrate that DRP1 plays diverse and critical roles in regulating energy metabolism within adipose tissue during the progression of obesity.

Roles of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) holds a prominent position among global cancer types. Classically, HCC manifests in individuals with a genetic predisposition when they encounter risk elements, particularly in the context of liver cirrhosis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which are transcription factors activated by fatty acids, belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and play a pivotal role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. At present, three distinct subtypes of PPARs have been recognized: PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ. They regulate the transcription of genes responsible for cellular development, energy metabolism, inflammation, and differentiation. In recent years, with the rising incidence of HCC, there has been an increasing focus on the mechanisms and roles of PPARs in HCC. PPARα primarily mediates the occurrence and development of HCC by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. PPARβ/δ is closely related to the self-renewal ability of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and the formation of the tumor microenvironment. PPARγ not only influences tumor growth by regulating the glucose and lipid metabolism of HCC, but its agonists also have significant clinical significance for the treatment of HCC. Therefore, this review offers an exhaustive examination of the role of the three PPAR subtypes in HCC progression, focusing on their mediation of critical cellular processes such as glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and other pivotal signaling pathways. At the end of the review, we discuss the merits and drawbacks of existing PPAR-targeted therapeutic strategies and suggest a few alternative combinatorial therapeutic approaches that diverge from conventional methods.

Integrated analysis of ncRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma with CTNNB1 mutations reveals miR-205-5p and miR-3940-3p Axes

BACKGROUND

Catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1) mutations are one of the most common mutations involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the association between CTNNB1 mutations and HCC remains controversial.

METHODS

Five tumor samples with wild-type CTNNB1 and three tumor samples with CTNNB1 mutations were collected from patients with HCC for whole transcriptome sequencing. Selected ncRNAs and mRNAs were validated by qPCR in 48 HCC tumors. Selected ncRNA regulatory axes were verified in HCC cells by transfecting mimics and inhibitors of miRNA.

RESULTS

A network of differentially expressed (DE) lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA was constructed to explore the effects of CTNNB1 mutations on ncRNA regulation. TXNRD1, CES1, MATN2, SERPINA5, lncRNA STAT4-210, hsa_circ_0007824, hsa_circ_0008234, hsa-miR-205-5p and hsa-miR-199a-5p were verified at the RNA expression level to validate the sequencing results. The down-up-down axes GLIS3-209/circ_0085440-miR-205-5p-GHRHR and WNK2-213-miR-3940-3p-LY6E were verified at the expression level, and proved to inhibit and promote cell proliferation, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated CTNNB1 mutations associated ncRNA regulatory axes playing different roles in HCC cell proliferation, providing novel insights into the controversial role of CTNNB1 in HCC.

Adipocyte‑rich microenvironment promotes chemoresistance via upregulation of peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor gamma/ABCG2 in epithelial ovarian cancer

The effects of adipocyte‑rich microenvironment (ARM) on chemoresistance have garnered increasing interest. Ovarian cancer (OVCA) is a representative adipocyte‑rich associated cancer. In the present study, epithelial OVCA (EOC) was used to investigate the influence of ARM on chemoresistance with the aim of identifying novel targets and developing novel strategies to reduce chemoresistance. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore the effects of ARM‑associated mechanisms contributing to chemoresistance and treated EOC cells, primarily OVCAR3 cells, with human adipose tissue extracts (HATES) from the peritumoral adipose tissue of patients were used to mimic ARM in vitro. Specifically, the peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ (PPARγ) antagonist GW9662 and the ABC transporter G family member 2 (ABCG2) inhibitor KO143, were used to determine the underlying mechanisms. Next, the effect of HATES on the expression of PPARγ and ABCG2 in OVCAR3 cells treated with cisplatin (DDP) and paclitaxel (PTX) was determined. Additionally, the association between PPARγ, ABCG2 and chemoresistance in EOC specimens was assessed. To evaluate the effect of inhibiting PPARγ, using DDP, a nude mouse model injected with OVCAR3‑shPPARγ cells and a C57BL/6 model injected with ID8 cells treated with GW9662 were established. Finally, the factors within ARM that contributed to the mechanism were determined. It was found that HATES promoted chemoresistance by increasing ABCG2 expression via PPARγ. Expression of PPARγ/ABCG2 was related to chemoresistance in EOC clinical specimens. GW9662 or knockdown of PPARγ improved the efficacy of chemotherapy in mice. Finally, angiogenin and oleic acid played key roles in HATES in the upregulation of PPARγ. The present study showed that the introduction of ARM‑educated PPARγ attenuated chemoresistance in EOC, highlighting a potentially novel therapeutic adjuvant to chemotherapy and shedding light on a means of improving the efficacy of chemotherapy from the perspective of ARM.

Roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the main pathological type of liver cancer, is linked to risk factors such as viral hepatitis, alcohol intake and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recent advances have greatly improved our understanding that NAFLD is playing a major risk factor for HCC. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a class of transcription factors divided into three subtypes: PPARα (PPARA), PPARδ/β (PPARD) and PPARγ (PPARG). As important nuclear receptors, PPARs are involved in many physiological processes, and PPARs can improve NAFLD by regulating lipid metabolism, accelerating fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting inflammation. In recent years, some studies have shown that PPARs can participate in the occurrence and development of HCC by regulating metabolic pathways. In addition, PPAR modulators have been reported to inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells and can enhance the curative effect of conventional treatments. This article reviews the role of PPARs in the occurrence and development of HCC, as well as its value in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of HCC, in order to provide directions for future research.

Roles of PPAR activation in cancer therapeutic resistance: Implications for combination therapy and drug development

Therapeutic resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment or effective containment of cancer. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play an essential role in regulating energy homeostasis and determining cell fate. Despite of the pleiotropic roles of PPARs in cancer, numerous studies have suggested their intricate relationship with therapeutic resistance in cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of the roles of excessively activated PPARs in promoting resistance to modern anti-cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The mechanisms through which activated PPARs contribute to therapeutic resistance in most cases include metabolic reprogramming, anti-oxidant defense, anti-apoptosis signaling, proliferation-promoting pathways, and induction of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In addition, we discussed the mechanisms through which activated PPARs lead to multidrug resistance in cancer, including drug efflux, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and acquisition and maintenance of the cancer stem cell phenotype. Preliminary studies investigating the effect of combination therapies with PPAR antagonists have suggested the potential of these antagonists in reversing resistance and facilitating sustained cancer management. These findings will provide a valuable reference for further research on and clinical translation of PPAR-targeting treatment strategies.

Modeling of senescence-related chemoresistance in ovarian cancer using data analysis and patient-derived organoids

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a malignant tumor associated with poor prognosis owing to its susceptibility to chemoresistance. Cellular senescence, an irreversible biological state, is intricately linked to chemoresistance in cancer treatment. We developed a senescence-related gene signature for prognostic prediction and evaluated personalized treatment in patients with OC.

Methods

We acquired the clinical and RNA-seq data of OC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas and identified a senescence-related prognostic gene set through differential and cox regression analysis in distinct chemotherapy response groups. A prognostic senescence-related signature was developed and validated by OC patient-derived-organoids (PDOs). We leveraged gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and ESTIMATE to unravel the potential functions and immune landscape of the model. Moreover, we explored the correlation between risk scores and potential chemotherapeutic agents. After confirming the congruence between organoids and tumor tissues through immunohistochemistry, we measured the IC50 of cisplatin in PDOs using the ATP activity assay, categorized by resistance and sensitivity to the drug. We also investigated the expression patterns of model genes across different groups.

Results

We got 2740 differentially expressed genes between two chemotherapy response groups including 43 senescence-related genes. Model prognostic genes were yielded through univariate cox analysis, and multifactorial cox analysis. Our work culminated in a senescence-related prognostic model based on the expression of SGK1 and VEGFA. Simultaneously, we successfully constructed and propagated three OC PDOs for drug screening. PCR and WB from PDOs affirmed consistent expression trends as those of our model genes derived from comprehensive data analysis. Specifically, SGK1 exhibited heightened expression in cisplatin-resistant OC organoids, while VEGFA manifested elevated expression in the sensitive group (P<0.05). Intriguingly, GSEA results unveiled the enrichment of model genes in the PPAR signaling pathway, pivotal regulator in chemoresistance and tumorigenesis. This revelation prompted the identification of potential beneficial drugs for patients with a high-risk score, including gemcitabine, dabrafenib, epirubicin, oxaliplatin, olaparib, teniposide, ribociclib, topotecan, venetoclax.

Conclusion

Through the formulation of a senescence-related signature comprising SGK1 and VEGFA, we established a promising tool for prognosticating chemotherapy reactions, predicting outcomes, and steering therapeutic strategies. Patients with high VEGFA and low SGK1 expression levels exhibit heightened sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: A key link between lipid metabolism and cancer progression

Lipids represent the essential components of membranes, serve as fuels for high-energy processes, and play crucial roles in signaling and cellular function. One of the key hallmarks of cancer is the reprogramming of metabolic pathways, especially abnormal lipid metabolism. Alterations in lipid uptake, lipid desaturation, de novo lipogenesis, lipid droplets, and fatty acid oxidation in cancer cells all contribute to cell survival in a changing microenvironment by regulating feedforward oncogenic signals, key oncogenic functions, oxidative and other stresses, immune responses, or intercellular communication. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors activated by fatty acids and act as core lipid sensors involved in the regulation of lipid homeostasis and cell fate. In addition to regulating whole-body energy homeostasis in physiological states, PPARs play a key role in lipid metabolism in cancer, which is receiving increasing research attention, especially the fundamental molecular mechanisms and cancer therapies targeting PPARs. In this review, we discuss how cancer cells alter metabolic patterns and regulate lipid metabolism to promote their own survival and progression through PPARs. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for targeting PPARs in cancer based on recent studies from the last five years.

Mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes promote tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer

Acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), such as osimertinib used to treat EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinomas, limits long-term efficacy and is frequently caused by non-genetic mechanisms. Here, we define the chromatin accessibility and gene regulatory signatures of osimertinib sensitive and resistant EGFR-mutant cell and patient-derived models and uncover a role for mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes in TKI resistance. By profiling mSWI/SNF genome-wide localization, we identify both shared and cancer cell line-specific gene targets underlying the resistant state. Importantly, genetic and pharmacologic disruption of the SMARCA4/SMARCA2 mSWI/SNF ATPases re-sensitizes a subset of resistant models to osimertinib via inhibition of mSWI/SNF-mediated regulation of cellular programs governing cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, epithelial cell differentiation, and NRF2 signaling. These data highlight the role of mSWI/SNF complexes in supporting TKI resistance and suggest potential utility of mSWI/SNF inhibitors in TKI-resistant lung cancers.