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Youssef R, Maniar R, Khan J, Mesa H. Metabolic Interplay in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Immune Function and Anticancer Response. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9753-9767. [PMID: 38132455 PMCID: PMC10742411 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120609] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors exhibit rapid growth and high metabolic rates, similar to embryonic stem cells, and depend on aerobic glycolysis, known as the "Warburg effect". This understanding has enabled the use of radiolabeled glucose analogs in tumor staging and therapeutic response assessment via PET scans. Traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy target rapidly dividing cells, causing significant toxicity. Despite immunotherapy's impact on solid tumor treatment, gaps remain, leading to research on cancer cell evasion of immune response and immune tolerance induction via interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME, consisting of immune cells, fibroblasts, vessels, and the extracellular matrix, regulates tumor progression and therapy responses. TME-targeted therapies aim to transform this environment from supporting tumor growth to impeding it and fostering an effective immune response. This review examines the metabolic disparities between immune cells and cancer cells, their impact on immune function and therapeutic targeting, the TME components, and the complex interplay between cancer cells and nontumoral cells. The success of TME-targeted therapies highlights their potential to achieve better cancer control or even a cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Youssef
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Rohan Maniar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jaffar Khan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Hector Mesa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Mu M, Zhang Q, Zhao C, Li X, Chen Z, Sun X, Yu J. 3-Bromopyruvate overcomes cetuximab resistance in human colorectal cancer cells by inducing autophagy-dependent ferroptosis. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1414-1425. [PMID: 37558749 PMCID: PMC10581902 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00648-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cetuximab, in combination with chemotherapy, is effective for treating patients with wild-type KRAS/BRAF metastatic CRC (mCRC). However, intrinsic or acquired drug resistance often limits the use of cetuximab. In this study, we investigated the potential of co-treatment with 3-Bromopyruvate (3-BP) and cetuximab to overcome cetuximab resistance in CRC, both in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that the co-treatment of 3-BP and cetuximab synergistically induced an antiproliferative effect in both CRC cell lines with intrinsic cetuximab resistance (DLD-1 (KRASG13D/-) and HT29 (BRAFV600E)) and in a cetuximab-resistant cell line derived from Caco-2 with acquired resistance (Caco-2-CR). Further analysis revealed that co-treatment induced ferroptosis, autophagy, and apoptosis. Mechanistically, co-treatment inhibited FOXO3a phosphorylation and degradation and activated the FOXO3a/AMPKα/pBeclin1 and FOXO3a/PUMA pathways, leading to the promotion of ferroptosis, autophagy, and apoptosis in DLD-1 (KRASG13D/-), HT29 (BRAFV600E), and Caco-2-CR cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that co-treatment with 3-BP and cetuximab could be a promising strategy to overcome cetuximab resistance in human CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingchao Mu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Northwest Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710004, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenye Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zilu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Junhui Yu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Kubik J, Humeniuk E, Adamczuk G, Madej-Czerwonka B, Korga-Plewko A. Targeting Energy Metabolism in Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105572. [PMID: 35628385 PMCID: PMC9146201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular diseases. The development of molecular and biochemical techniques has expanded the knowledge of changes occurring in specific metabolic pathways of cancer cells. Increased aerobic glycolysis, the promotion of anaplerotic responses, and especially the dependence of cells on glutamine and fatty acid metabolism have become subjects of study. Despite many cancer treatment strategies, many patients with neoplastic diseases cannot be completely cured due to the development of resistance in cancer cells to currently used therapeutic approaches. It is now becoming a priority to develop new treatment strategies that are highly effective and have few side effects. In this review, we present the current knowledge of the enzymes involved in the different steps of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway, and possible targeted therapies. The review also focuses on presenting the differences between cancer cells and normal cells in terms of metabolic phenotype. Knowledge of cancer cell metabolism is constantly evolving, and further research is needed to develop new strategies for anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kubik
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (G.A.); (A.K.-P.)
| | - Ewelina Humeniuk
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (G.A.); (A.K.-P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-448-65-20
| | - Grzegorz Adamczuk
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (G.A.); (A.K.-P.)
| | - Barbara Madej-Czerwonka
- Human Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Korga-Plewko
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (G.A.); (A.K.-P.)
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Huang H, Li S, Tang Q, Zhu G. Metabolic Reprogramming and Immune Evasion in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:680955. [PMID: 34566954 PMCID: PMC8458828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor of the nasopharynx mainly characterized by geographic distribution and EBV infection. Metabolic reprogramming, one of the cancer hallmarks, has been frequently reported in NPCs to adapt to internal energy demands and external environmental pressures. Inevitably, the metabolic reprogramming within the tumor cell will lead to a decreased pH value and diverse nutritional supplements in the tumor-infiltrating micro-environment incorporating immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Accumulated evidence indicates that metabolic reprogramming derived from NPC cells may facilitate cancer progression and immunosuppression by cell-cell communications with their surrounding immune cells. This review presents the dysregulated metabolism processes, including glucose, fatty acid, amino acid, nucleotide metabolism, and their mutual interactions in NPC. Moreover, the potential connections between reprogrammed metabolism, tumor immunity, and associated therapy would be discussed in this review. Accordingly, the development of targets on the interactions between metabolic reprogramming and immune cells may provide assistances to overcome the current treatment resistance in NPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shisheng Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinglai Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gangcai Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Walczak A, Radek M, Majsterek I. The Role of ER Stress-Related Phenomena in the Biology of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179405. [PMID: 34502310 PMCID: PMC8430526 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare but one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Currently, there are no effective chemotherapy strategies for these malignancies. The inactivation of the neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) gene, followed by loss of TP53, is an early stage in MPNST carcinogenesis. NF1 is a negative regulator of the Ras proteins family, which are key factors in regulating cell growth, homeostasis and survival. Cell cycle dysregulation induces a stress phenotype, such as proteotoxic stress, metabolic stress, and oxidative stress, which should result in cell death. However, in the case of neoplastic cells, we observe not only the avoidance of apoptosis, but also the impact of stress factors on the treatment effectiveness. This review focuses on the pathomechanisms underlying MPNST cells physiology, and discusses the possible ways to develop a successful treatment based on the molecular background of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Walczak
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Maciej Radek
- Department of Neurosurgery and Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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Ma R, Wu Y, Li S, Yu X. Interplay Between Glucose Metabolism and Chromatin Modifications in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654337. [PMID: 33987181 PMCID: PMC8110832 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells reprogram glucose metabolism to meet their malignant proliferation needs and survival under a variety of stress conditions. The prominent metabolic reprogram is aerobic glycolysis, which can help cells accumulate precursors for biosynthesis of macromolecules. In addition to glycolysis, recent studies show that gluconeogenesis and TCA cycle play important roles in tumorigenesis. Here, we provide a comprehensive review about the role of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and TCA cycle in tumorigenesis with an emphasis on revealing the novel functions of the relevant enzymes and metabolites. These functions include regulation of cell metabolism, gene expression, cell apoptosis and autophagy. We also summarize the effect of glucose metabolism on chromatin modifications and how this relationship leads to cancer development. Understanding the link between cancer cell metabolism and chromatin modifications will help develop more effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Environmental Microbial Technology Center of Hubei, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yinsheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Environmental Microbial Technology Center of Hubei, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Environmental Microbial Technology Center of Hubei, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China.,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xilan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Environmental Microbial Technology Center of Hubei, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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