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Vitale GA, Geibel C, Minda V, Wang M, Aron AT, Petras D. Connecting metabolome and phenotype: recent advances in functional metabolomics tools for the identification of bioactive natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:885-904. [PMID: 38351834 PMCID: PMC11186733 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00050h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Covering: 1995 to 2023Advances in bioanalytical methods, particularly mass spectrometry, have provided valuable molecular insights into the mechanisms of life. Non-targeted metabolomics aims to detect and (relatively) quantify all observable small molecules present in a biological system. By comparing small molecule abundances between different conditions or timepoints in a biological system, researchers can generate new hypotheses and begin to understand causes of observed phenotypes. Functional metabolomics aims to investigate the functional roles of metabolites at the scale of the metabolome. However, most functional metabolomics studies rely on indirect measurements and correlation analyses, which leads to ambiguity in the precise definition of functional metabolomics. In contrast, the field of natural products has a history of identifying the structures and bioactivities of primary and specialized metabolites. Here, we propose to expand and reframe functional metabolomics by integrating concepts from the fields of natural products and chemical biology. We highlight emerging functional metabolomics approaches that shift the focus from correlation to physical interactions, and we discuss how this allows researchers to uncover causal relationships between molecules and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Andrea Vitale
- CMFI Cluster of Excellence, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Geibel
- CMFI Cluster of Excellence, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Vidit Minda
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Denver, Denver, USA.
| | - Mingxun Wang
- Department of Computer Science, University of California Riverside, Riverside, USA.
| | - Allegra T Aron
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Denver, Denver, USA.
| | - Daniel Petras
- CMFI Cluster of Excellence, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, USA.
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2
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Falsini A, Giuntini G, Mori M, Ghirga F, Quaglio D, Cucinotta A, Coppola F, Filippi I, Naldini A, Botta B, Carraro F. Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition by Novel Small Molecules Impairs Melanoma Cell Migration and Invasion under Hypoxia. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:227. [PMID: 38399442 PMCID: PMC10891729 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the principal cause of death in skin cancer due to its ability to invade and cause metastasis. Hypoxia, which characterises the tumour microenvironment (TME), plays an important role in melanoma development, as cancer cells can adapt and acquire a more aggressive phenotype. Carbonic anhydrases (CA) activity, involved in pH regulation, is related to melanoma cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, already known for its role in physiological processes, is a pivotal character in cancer cell growth and can represent a promising pharmacological target. In this study, we targeted Hh pathway components with cyclopamine, glabrescione B and C22 in order to observe their effect on carbonic anhydrase XII (CAXII) expression especially under hypoxia. We then performed a migration and invasion assay on two melanoma cell lines (SK-MEL-28 and A375) where Smoothened, the upstream protein involved in Hh regulation, and GLI1, the main transcription factor that determines Hh pathway activation, were chemically inhibited. Data suggest the existence of a relationship between CAXII, hypoxia and the Hedgehog pathway demonstrating that the chemical inhibition of the Hh pathway and CAXII reduction resulted in melanoma migration and invasion impairment especially under hypoxia. As in recent years drug resistance to small molecules has arisen, the development of new chemical compounds is crucial. The multitarget Hh inhibitor C22 proved to be effective without signs of cytotoxicity and, for this reason, it can represent a promising compound for future studies, with the aim to reach a better melanoma disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Falsini
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.F.); (G.G.); (F.C.); (I.F.); (A.N.)
| | - Gaia Giuntini
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.F.); (G.G.); (F.C.); (I.F.); (A.N.)
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (D.Q.); (B.B.)
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (D.Q.); (B.B.)
| | - Antonino Cucinotta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Federica Coppola
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.F.); (G.G.); (F.C.); (I.F.); (A.N.)
| | - Irene Filippi
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.F.); (G.G.); (F.C.); (I.F.); (A.N.)
| | - Antonella Naldini
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.F.); (G.G.); (F.C.); (I.F.); (A.N.)
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (D.Q.); (B.B.)
| | - Fabio Carraro
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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3
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Ghini V, Meoni G, Vignoli A, Di Cesare F, Tenori L, Turano P, Luchinat C. Fingerprinting and profiling in metabolomics of biosamples. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 138-139:105-135. [PMID: 38065666 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on metabolomics from an NMR point of view. It attempts to cover the broad scope of metabolomics and describes the NMR experiments that are most suitable for each sample type. It is addressed not only to NMR specialists, but to all researchers who wish to approach metabolomics with a clear idea of what they wish to achieve but not necessarily with a deep knowledge of NMR. For this reason, some technical parts may seem a bit naïve to the experts. The review starts by describing standard metabolomics procedures, which imply the use of a dedicated 600 MHz instrument and of four properly standardized 1D experiments. Standardization is a must if one wants to directly compare NMR results obtained in different labs. A brief mention is also made of standardized pre-analytical procedures, which are even more essential. Attention is paid to the distinction between fingerprinting and profiling, and the advantages and disadvantages of fingerprinting are clarified. This aspect is often not fully appreciated. Then profiling, and the associated problems of signal assignment and quantitation, are discussed. We also describe less conventional approaches, such as the use of different magnetic fields, the use of signal enhancement techniques to increase sensitivity, and the potential of field-shuttling NMR. A few examples of biomedical applications are also given, again with the focus on NMR techniques that are most suitable to achieve each particular goal, including a description of the most common heteronuclear experiments. Finally, the growing applications of metabolomics to foodstuffs are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ghini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Gaia Meoni
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Alessia Vignoli
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Cesare
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Leonardo Tenori
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Paola Turano
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Giotto Biotech S.r.l., Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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4
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Schwaiger-Haber M, Stancliffe E, Anbukumar DS, Sells B, Yi J, Cho K, Adkins-Travis K, Chheda MG, Shriver LP, Patti GJ. Using mass spectrometry imaging to map fluxes quantitatively in the tumor ecosystem. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2876. [PMID: 37208361 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors are comprised of a multitude of cell types spanning different microenvironments. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has the potential to identify metabolic patterns within the tumor ecosystem and surrounding tissues, but conventional workflows have not yet fully integrated the breadth of experimental techniques in metabolomics. Here, we combine MSI, stable isotope labeling, and a spatial variant of Isotopologue Spectral Analysis to map distributions of metabolite abundances, nutrient contributions, and metabolic turnover fluxes across the brains of mice harboring GL261 glioma, a widely used model for glioblastoma. When integrated with MSI, the combination of ion mobility, desorption electrospray ionization, and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization reveals alterations in multiple anabolic pathways. De novo fatty acid synthesis flux is increased by approximately 3-fold in glioma relative to surrounding healthy tissue. Fatty acid elongation flux is elevated even higher at 8-fold relative to surrounding healthy tissue and highlights the importance of elongase activity in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Schwaiger-Haber
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ethan Stancliffe
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dhanalakshmi S Anbukumar
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Blake Sells
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jia Yi
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kayla Adkins-Travis
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Milan G Chheda
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Leah P Shriver
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gary J Patti
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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5
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Liu Z, Yang Z, He L. Effect of miR‑29a‑3p in exosomes on glioma cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT/HIF‑1α pathway. Mol Med Rep 2023; 27:72. [PMID: 36799154 PMCID: PMC9942261 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes secreted by glioma cells can carry a number of bioactive molecules. As the most abundant noncoding RNA in exosomes, microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in signaling between tumor cells in a number of ways. In addition, hypoxia is an important feature of the microenvironment of most tumors. The present study investigated the effect of miR‑29a‑3p in glioma exosomes on the proliferation and apoptosis levels of U251 glioma cells under hypoxia. Qualitative PCR results showed that the expression level of miR‑29a‑3p in plasma exosomes of glioma patients was lower than that of normal subjects. By conducting hypoxia experiments in vitro on U251 glioma cells, it was found that the expression level of miR‑29a‑3p decreased following hypoxia, while overexpression of miR‑29a‑3p significantly decreased the proliferation of U251 glioma cells and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of the antiapoptotic marker Bcl‑2 and increasing the expression of the proapoptotic marker Bax The potential targets of miR‑29a‑3p were predicted by online tools and validated by a dual‑luciferase gene reporter assay. miR‑29a‑3p was found to target and regulate PI3K, which in turn inhibited the activity of the PI3K‑AKT pathway, thereby reducing the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‑1α protein. Furthermore, the effects of miR‑29a‑3p on proliferation and apoptosis in glioma cells in those processes could be reversed by the PI3K‑AKT agonist Recilisib. In addition, the inhibitory effect of miR‑29a‑3p on the PI3K/AKT/HIF‑1α regulatory axis could cause a decrease in the expression levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase‑1 and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase‑2 and eventually lead to a reduction in glycolysis in U251 glioma cells. Similarly, Recilisib slowed the inhibitory effect of miR‑29a‑3p on glycolysis and glycolysis‑related molecules. The results of this study tentatively confirm that miR‑29a‑3p carried by exosomes can be used as a novel diagnostic marker and a potential inhibitory molecule for glioma cells, providing a new theoretical and experimental basis for the precise clinical treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeqiang Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Zeqiang Liu, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 Huayuan North Road, Beijing 100191, P.R. China, E-mail:
| | - Zheng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Jiashan, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314100, P.R. China
| | - Lu He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
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6
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Vignoli A, Meoni G, Ghini V, Di Cesare F, Tenori L, Luchinat C, Turano P. NMR-Based Metabolomics to Evaluate Individual Response to Treatments. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 277:209-245. [PMID: 36318327 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to highlight the various aspects of metabolomics in relation to health and diseases, starting from the definition of metabolic space and of how individuals tend to maintain their own position in this space. Physio-pathological stimuli may cause individuals to lose their position and then regain it, or move irreversibly to other positions. By way of examples, mostly selected from our own work using 1H NMR on biological fluids, we describe the effects on the individual metabolomic fingerprint of mild external interventions, such as diet or probiotic administration. Then we move to pathologies (such as celiac disease, various types of cancer, viral infections, and other diseases), each characterized by a well-defined metabolomic fingerprint. We describe the effects of drugs on the disease fingerprint and on its reversal to a healthy metabolomic status. Drug toxicity can be also monitored by metabolomics. We also show how the individual metabolomic fingerprint at the onset of a disease may discriminate responders from non-responders to a given drug, or how it may be prognostic of e.g., cancer recurrence after many years. In parallel with fingerprinting, profiling (i.e., the identification and quantification of many metabolites and, in the case of selected biofluids, of the lipoprotein components that contribute to the 1H NMR spectral features) can provide hints on the metabolic pathways that are altered by a disease and assess their restoration after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Vignoli
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Gaia Meoni
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Cesare
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Leonardo Tenori
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche MetalloProteine (CIRMMP), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche MetalloProteine (CIRMMP), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Paola Turano
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. .,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. .,Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche MetalloProteine (CIRMMP), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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7
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Ahmed M, Semreen AM, El-Huneidi W, Bustanji Y, Abu-Gharbieh E, Alqudah MAY, Alhusban A, Shara M, Abuhelwa AY, Soares NC, Semreen MH, Alzoubi KH. Preclinical and Clinical Applications of Metabolomics and Proteomics in Glioblastoma Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010348. [PMID: 36613792 PMCID: PMC9820403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is a primary malignancy of the central nervous system that is classified by the WHO as a grade IV astrocytoma. Despite decades of research, several aspects about the biology of GB are still unclear. Its pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms are poorly understood, and methods to optimize patient diagnosis and prognosis remain a bottle neck owing to the heterogeneity of the malignancy. The field of omics has recently gained traction, as it can aid in understanding the dynamic spatiotemporal regulatory network of enzymes and metabolites that allows cancer cells to adjust to their surroundings to promote tumor development. In combination with other omics techniques, proteomic and metabolomic investigations, which are a potent means for examining a variety of metabolic enzymes as well as intermediate metabolites, might offer crucial information in this area. Therefore, this review intends to stress the major contribution these tools have made in GB clinical and preclinical research and highlights the crucial impacts made by the integrative "omics" approach in reducing some of the therapeutic challenges associated with GB research and treatment. Thus, our study can purvey the use of these powerful tools in research by serving as a hub that particularly summarizes studies employing metabolomics and proteomics in the realm of GB diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munazza Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahlam M. Semreen
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasser Bustanji
- Department of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad A. Y. Alqudah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Ahmed Alhusban
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohd Shara
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Y. Abuhelwa
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson C. Soares
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad H. Semreen
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (M.H.S.); (K.H.A.)
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (M.H.S.); (K.H.A.)
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8
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Lee SH, Lee JS, Park JH, Yoon S, Lee KY, Kim HS. Glycolytic Metabolic Remodeling by the Truncate of Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog 1 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. J Cancer 2022; 13:3031-3043. [PMID: 36046646 PMCID: PMC9414023 DOI: 10.7150/jca.72793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays an essential role in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and stem cell renewal. In particular, terminal effectors of the Hh signaling pathway are associated with the regulation of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) transcription factors. Overexpression of GLI1 is closely associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. The Hh-GLI1 signaling pathway is activated and participates in the tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer, especially in the aggressive subtype of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the role of GLI1 in regulating TNBC metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the functional role of GLI1 in glycolytic metabolism in TNBC. Immunohistochemical analysis of GLI1 expression in a tissue microarray revealed significant correlations between GLI1 expression and advanced tumor stage and grade. GLI1 expression levels were drastically increased in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to those in other cell lines. Inhibition of GLI1 expression using GLI1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Furthermore, GLI1 downregulation significantly reduced the expression of glycolysis-regulated proteins. GLI1 knockdown resulted in reduced glycolytic rates and extracellular lactate levels. Moreover, metabolic stress after GLI1 knockdown activated the energy sensor, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, which subsequently resulted in autophagy induction. In conclusion, this study indicates that targeting GLI1 reprograms the tumor glucose metabolism to suppress breast cancer cell growth and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Hyun Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sun Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyeon Park
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungpil Yoon
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Youl Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Sik Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
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9
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Bernacchioni C, Squecco R, Gamberi T, Ghini V, Schumacher F, Mannelli M, Garella R, Idrizaj E, Cencetti F, Puliti E, Bruni P, Turano P, Fiaschi T, Donati C. S1P Signalling Axis Is Necessary for Adiponectin-Directed Regulation of Electrophysiological Properties and Oxidative Metabolism in C2C12 Myotubes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040713. [PMID: 35203362 PMCID: PMC8869893 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Adiponectin (Adn), released by adipocytes and other cell types such as skeletal muscle, has insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is reported to act as effector of diverse biological actions of Adn in different tissues. S1P is a bioactive sphingolipid synthesized by the phosphorylation of sphingosine catalyzed by sphingosine kinase (SK) 1 and 2. Consolidated findings support the key role of S1P in the biology of skeletal muscle. Methods and Results: Here we provide experimental evidence that S1P signalling is modulated by globular Adn treatment being able to increase the phosphorylation of SK1/2 as well as the mRNA expression levels of S1P4 in C2C12 myotubes. These findings were confirmed by LC-MS/MS that showed an increase of S1P levels after Adn treatment. Notably, the involvement of S1P axis in Adn action was highlighted since, when SK1 and 2 were inhibited by PF543 and ABC294640 inhibitors, respectively, not only the electrophysiological changes but also the increase of oxygen consumption and of aminoacid levels induced by the hormone, were significantly inhibited. Conclusion: Altogether, these findings show that S1P biosynthesis is necessary for the electrophysiological properties and oxidative metabolism of Adn in skeletal muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Roberta Squecco
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (R.S.); (R.G.); (E.I.)
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Veronica Ghini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, 50019 Florence, Italy; (V.G.); (P.T.)
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Michele Mannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Rachele Garella
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (R.S.); (R.G.); (E.I.)
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (R.S.); (R.G.); (E.I.)
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Elisa Puliti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Paola Turano
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, 50019 Florence, Italy; (V.G.); (P.T.)
| | - Tania Fiaschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “M. Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (C.B.); (T.G.); (M.M.); (F.C.); (E.P.); (P.B.); (T.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-275-1232
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10
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Ghini V, Magherini F, Massai L, Messori L, Turano P. Comparative NMR metabolomics of the responses of A2780 human ovarian cancer cells to clinically established Pt-based drugs. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:12512-12523. [DOI: 10.1039/d2dt02068h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Pt-based drugs play a very important role in current cancer treatments; yet, their cellular and mechanistic aspects are not fully understood. NMR metabolomics provides a powerful tool to investigate the...
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11
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Buonsenso F, Ghirga F, Romeo I, Siani G, Pilato S, Quaglio D, Pierini M, Botta B, Calcaterra A. Exploring the Assembly of Resorc[4]arenes for the Construction of Supramolecular Nano-Aggregates. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111785. [PMID: 34769216 PMCID: PMC8584166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many biologically active compounds feature low solubility in aqueous media and, thus, poor bioavailability. The formation of the host-guest complex by using calixarene-based macrocycles (i.e., resorcinol-derived cyclic oligomers) with a good solubility profile can improve solubilization of hydrophobic drugs. Herein, we explore the ability of resorc[4]arenes to self-assemble in polar solutions, to form supramolecular aggregates, and to promote water-solubility of an isoflavone endowed with anti-cancer activity, namely Glabrescione B (GlaB). Accordingly, we synthesized several architectures featuring a different pattern of substitution on the upper rim including functional groups able to undergo acid dissociation (i.e., carboxyl and hydroxyl groups). The aggregation phenomenon of the amphiphilic resorc[4]arenes has been investigated in a THF/water solution by UV–visible spectroscopy, at different pH values. Based on their ionization properties, we demonstrated that the supramolecular assembly of resorc[4]arene-based systems can be modulated at given pH values, and thus promoting the solubility of GlaB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Buonsenso
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.G.); (I.R.); (B.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.G.); (I.R.); (B.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Isabella Romeo
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.G.); (I.R.); (B.B.); (A.C.)
- Center for Life Nano and Neuroscience, Italian Institute of Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Siani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Serena Pilato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.G.); (I.R.); (B.B.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (D.Q.); (M.P.)
| | - Marco Pierini
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.G.); (I.R.); (B.B.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (D.Q.); (M.P.)
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.G.); (I.R.); (B.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.G.); (I.R.); (B.B.); (A.C.)
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12
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Marchev AS, Vasileva LV, Amirova KM, Savova MS, Balcheva-Sivenova ZP, Georgiev MI. Metabolomics and health: from nutritional crops and plant-based pharmaceuticals to profiling of human biofluids. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6487-6503. [PMID: 34410445 PMCID: PMC8558153 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03918-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade metabolomics has emerged as one of the fastest developing branches of “-omics” technologies. Metabolomics involves documentation, identification, and quantification of metabolites through modern analytical platforms in various biological systems. Advanced analytical tools, such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC/MS), and non-destructive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, have facilitated metabolite profiling of complex biological matrices. Metabolomics, along with transcriptomics, has an influential role in discovering connections between genetic regulation, metabolite phenotyping and biomarkers identification. Comprehensive metabolite profiling allows integration of the summarized data towards manipulation of biosynthetic pathways, determination of nutritional quality markers, improvement in crop yield, selection of desired metabolites/genes, and their heritability in modern breeding. Along with that, metabolomics is invaluable in predicting the biological activity of medicinal plants, assisting the bioactivity-guided fractionation process and bioactive leads discovery, as well as serving as a tool for quality control and authentication of commercial plant-derived natural products. Metabolomic analysis of human biofluids is implemented in clinical practice to discriminate between physiological and pathological state in humans, to aid early disease biomarker discovery and predict individual response to drug therapy. Thus, metabolomics could be utilized to preserve human health by improving the nutritional quality of crops and accelerating plant-derived bioactive leads discovery through disease diagnostics, or through increasing the therapeutic efficacy of drugs via more personalized approach. Here, we attempt to explore the potential value of metabolite profiling comprising the above-mentioned applications of metabolomics in crop improvement, medicinal plants utilization, and, in the prognosis, diagnosis and management of complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey S Marchev
- Department Plant Cell Biotechnology, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Biotechnology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Liliya V Vasileva
- Department Plant Cell Biotechnology, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Biotechnology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kristiana M Amirova
- Department Plant Cell Biotechnology, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Biotechnology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Martina S Savova
- Department Plant Cell Biotechnology, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Biotechnology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Zhivka P Balcheva-Sivenova
- Department Plant Cell Biotechnology, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Biotechnology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Milen I Georgiev
- Department Plant Cell Biotechnology, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. .,Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Biotechnology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
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13
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Radaeva M, Ton AT, Hsing M, Ban F, Cherkasov A. Drugging the 'undruggable'. Therapeutic targeting of protein-DNA interactions with the use of computer-aided drug discovery methods. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2660-2679. [PMID: 34332092 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) act as major oncodrivers in many cancers and are frequently regarded as high-value therapeutic targets. The functionality of TFs relies on direct protein-DNA interactions, which are notoriously difficult to target with small molecules. However, this prior view of the 'undruggability' of protein-DNA interfaces has shifted substantially in recent years, in part because of significant advances in computer-aided drug discovery (CADD). In this review, we highlight recent examples of successful CADD campaigns resulting in drug candidates that directly interfere with protein-DNA interactions of several key cancer TFs, including androgen receptor (AR), ETS-related gene (ERG), MYC, thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX), topoisomerase II (TOP2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Importantly, these findings open novel and compelling avenues for therapeutic targeting of over 1600 human TFs implicated in many conditions including and beyond cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Radaeva
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Anh-Tien Ton
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Michael Hsing
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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14
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Jaroch K, Modrakowska P, Bojko B. Glioblastoma Metabolomics-In Vitro Studies. Metabolites 2021; 11:315. [PMID: 34068300 PMCID: PMC8153257 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11050315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016, the WHO introduced new guidelines for the diagnosis of brain gliomas based on new genomic markers. The addition of these new markers to the pre-existing diagnostic methods provided a new level of precision for the diagnosis of glioma and the prediction of treatment effectiveness. Yet, despite this new classification tool, glioblastoma (GBM), a grade IV glioma, continues to have one of the highest mortality rates among central nervous system tumors. Metabolomics is a particularly promising tool for the analysis of GBM tumors and potential methods of treating them, as it is the only "omics" approach that is capable of providing a metabolic signature of a tumor's phenotype. With careful experimental design, cell cultures can be a useful matrix in GBM metabolomics, as they ensure stable conditions and, under proper conditions, are capable of capturing different tumor phenotypes. This paper reviews in vitro metabolomic profiling studies of high-grade gliomas, with a particular focus on sample-preparation techniques, crucial metabolites identified, cell culture conditions, in vitro-in vivo extrapolation, and pharmacometabolomics. Ultimately, this review aims to elucidate potential future directions for in vitro GBM metabolomics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barbara Bojko
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, dr A. Jurasza 2 Street, 85-089 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.J.); (P.M.)
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15
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Vignoli A, Risi E, McCartney A, Migliaccio I, Moretti E, Malorni L, Luchinat C, Biganzoli L, Tenori L. Precision Oncology via NMR-Based Metabolomics: A Review on Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094687. [PMID: 33925233 PMCID: PMC8124948 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision oncology is an emerging approach in cancer care. It aims at selecting the optimal therapy for the right patient by considering each patient’s unique disease and individual health status. In the last years, it has become evident that breast cancer is an extremely heterogeneous disease, and therefore, patients need to be appropriately stratified to maximize survival and quality of life. Gene-expression tools have already positively assisted clinical decision making by estimating the risk of recurrence and the potential benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. However, these approaches need refinement to further reduce the proportion of patients potentially exposed to unnecessary chemotherapy. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics has demonstrated to be an optimal approach for cancer research and has provided significant results in BC, in particular for prognostic and stratification purposes. In this review, we give an update on the status of NMR-based metabolomic studies for the biochemical characterization and stratification of breast cancer patients using different biospecimens (breast tissue, blood serum/plasma, and urine).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Vignoli
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (A.V.); (L.T.)
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Emanuela Risi
- Department of Medical Oncology, New Hospital of Prato S. Stefano, 59100 Prato, Italy; (E.R.); (A.M.); (I.M.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (L.B.)
| | - Amelia McCartney
- Department of Medical Oncology, New Hospital of Prato S. Stefano, 59100 Prato, Italy; (E.R.); (A.M.); (I.M.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (L.B.)
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Ilenia Migliaccio
- Department of Medical Oncology, New Hospital of Prato S. Stefano, 59100 Prato, Italy; (E.R.); (A.M.); (I.M.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (L.B.)
| | - Erica Moretti
- Department of Medical Oncology, New Hospital of Prato S. Stefano, 59100 Prato, Italy; (E.R.); (A.M.); (I.M.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (L.B.)
| | - Luca Malorni
- Department of Medical Oncology, New Hospital of Prato S. Stefano, 59100 Prato, Italy; (E.R.); (A.M.); (I.M.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (L.B.)
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (A.V.); (L.T.)
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (C.I.R.M.M.P.), 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-457-4296
| | - Laura Biganzoli
- Department of Medical Oncology, New Hospital of Prato S. Stefano, 59100 Prato, Italy; (E.R.); (A.M.); (I.M.); (E.M.); (L.M.); (L.B.)
| | - Leonardo Tenori
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; (A.V.); (L.T.)
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (C.I.R.M.M.P.), 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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16
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Chiavarino B, Sinha RK, Crestoni ME, Corinti D, Filippi A, Fraschetti C, Scuderi D, Maitre P, Fornarini S. Binding Motifs in the Naked Complexes of Target Amino Acids with an Excerpt of Antitumor Active Biomolecule: An Ion Vibrational Spectroscopy Assay. Chemistry 2021; 27:2348-2360. [PMID: 33175428 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202003555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The structures of proton-bound complexes of 5,7-dimethoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (1) and basic amino acids (AAs), namely, histidine (His) and lysine (Lys), have been examined by means of mass spectrometry coupled with IR ion spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. This selection of systems is based on the fact that 1 represents a portion of glabrescione B, a natural small molecule of promising antitumor activity, while His and Lys are protein residues lining the cavity of the alleged receptor binding site. These species are thus a model of the bioactive adduct, although clearly the isolated state of the present study bears little resemblance to the complex biological environment. A common feature of [1+AA+H]+ complexes is the presence of a protonated AA bound to neutral 1, in spite of the fact that the gas-phase basicity of 1 is comparable to those of Lys and His. The carbonyl group of 1 acts as a powerful hydrogen-bond acceptor. Within [1+AA+H]+ the side-chain substituents (imidazole group for His and terminal amino group for Lys) present comparable basic properties to those of the α-amino group, taking part to a cooperative hydrogen-bond network. Structural assignment, relying on the comparative analysis of the infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectrum and calculated IR spectra for the candidate geometries, derives from an examination over two frequency ranges: 900-1800 and 2900-3700 cm-1 . Information gained from the latter one proved especially valuable, for example, pointing to the contribution of species characterized by an unperturbed carboxylic OH or imidazole NH stretching mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Chiavarino
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli studi di Roma La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Rajeev K Sinha
- Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Manipal University, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Maria Elisa Crestoni
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli studi di Roma La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Davide Corinti
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli studi di Roma La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonello Filippi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli studi di Roma La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Caterina Fraschetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli studi di Roma La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Debora Scuderi
- Institut de Chimie Physique, UMR8000, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Philippe Maitre
- Institut de Chimie Physique, UMR8000, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Simonetta Fornarini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Università degli studi di Roma La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
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17
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Role of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Signalling Axis in Muscle Atrophy Induced by TNFα in C2C12 Myotubes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031280. [PMID: 33525436 PMCID: PMC7866171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is characterized by a decrease in muscle mass causing reduced agility, increased fatigability and higher risk of bone fractures. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), are strong inducers of skeletal muscle atrophy. The bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phoshate (S1P) plays an important role in skeletal muscle biology. S1P, generated by the phosphorylation of sphingosine catalyzed by sphingosine kinase (SK1/2), exerts most of its actions through its specific receptors, S1P1-5. Here, we provide experimental evidence that TNFα induces atrophy and autophagy in skeletal muscle C2C12 myotubes, modulating the expression of specific markers and both active and passive membrane electrophysiological properties. NMR-metabolomics provided a clear picture of the deep remodelling of skeletal muscle fibre metabolism induced by TNFα challenge. The cytokine is responsible for the modulation of S1P signalling axis, upregulating mRNA levels of S1P2 and S1P3 and downregulating those of SK2. TNFα increases the phosphorylated form of SK1, readout of its activation. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition of SK1 and specific antagonism of S1P3 prevented the increase in autophagy markers and the changes in the electrophysiological properties of C2C12 myotubes without affecting metabolic remodelling induced by the cytokine, highlighting the involvement of S1P signalling axis on TNFα-induced atrophy in skeletal muscle.
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18
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Ghirga F, Quaglio D, Mori M, Cammarone S, Iazzetti A, Goggiamani A, Ingallina C, Botta B, Calcaterra A. A unique high-diversity natural product collection as a reservoir of new therapeutic leads. Org Chem Front 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0qo01210f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We review the successful application of computer-aided methods to screen a unique and high-diversity in house collection library composed of around 1000 individual natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ghirga
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- 00161 Rome
- Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- University of Siena
- 53100 Siena
| | - Silvia Cammarone
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Antonia Iazzetti
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Antonella Goggiamani
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Cinzia Ingallina
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs
- “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”
- The Sapienza University of Rome
- 00185 Rome
- Italy
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Ghini V, Senzacqua T, Massai L, Gamberi T, Messori L, Turano P. NMR reveals the metabolic changes induced by auranofin in A2780 cancer cells: evidence for glutathione dysregulation. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:6349-6355. [PMID: 33885689 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt00750e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
NMR metabolomics represents a powerful tool to characterize the cellular effects of drugs and gain detailed insight into their mode of action. Here, we have exploited NMR metabolomics to illustrate the changes in the metabolic profile of A2780 ovarian cancer cells elicited by auranofin (AF), a clinically approved gold drug now repurposed as an anticancer agent. An early and large increase in intracellular glutathione is highlighted as the main effect of the treatment accompanied by small but significant changes in the levels of a few additional metabolites; the general implications of these findings are discussed in the frame of the current mechanistic knowledge of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ghini
- Center of Magnetic Resonance, University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy. and Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
| | - Tommaso Senzacqua
- Center of Magnetic Resonance, University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, viale Morgagni 50, Firenze, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Paola Turano
- Center of Magnetic Resonance, University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy. and Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy.
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20
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Synergism between SLC6A14 blockade and gemcitabine in pancreactic cancer: a 1H-NMR-based metabolomic study in pancreatic cancer cells. Biochem J 2020; 477:1923-1937. [PMID: 32379301 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gemcitabine is the first-line chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. To overcome the often-acquired gemcitabine resistance, other drugs are used in combination with gemcitabine. It is well-known that cancer cells reprogram cellular metabolism, coupled with the up-regulation of selective nutrient transporters to feed into the altered metabolic pathways. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the amino acid transporter SLC6A14 is markedly up-regulated in pancreatic cancer and that it is a viable therapeutic target. α-Methyltryptophan (α-MT) is a blocker of SLC6A14 and is effective against pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that α-MT could synergize with gemcitabine in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. We investigated the effects of combination of α-MT and gemcitabine on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in a human pancreatic cancer cell line, and examined the underlying mechanisms using 1H-NMR-based metabolomic analysis. These studies examined the intracellular metabolite profile and the extracellular metabolite profile separately. Combination of α-MT with gemcitabine elicited marked changes in a wide variety of metabolic pathways, particularly amino acid metabolism with notable alterations in pathways involving tryptophan, branched-chain amino acids, ketone bodies, and membrane phospholipids. The metabolomic profiles of untreated control cells and cells treated with gemcitabine or α-MT were distinctly separable, and the combination regimen showed a certain extent of overlap with the individual α-MT and gemcitabine groups. This represents the first study detailing the metabolomic basis of the anticancer efficacy of gemcitabine, α-MT and their combination.
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21
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Ghini V, Laera L, Fantechi B, del Monte F, Benelli M, McCartney A, Tenori L, Luchinat C, Pozzessere D. Metabolomics to Assess Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123574. [PMID: 33265926 PMCID: PMC7760033 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, immunotherapy has presented new opportunities for clinical development in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although effective in sustaining overall survival in several clinical trials, not all the NSCLC patients respond to these treatments. Thus, a better patient selection, as well as the identification of predictive biomarkers of treatment efficacy, are of paramount importance. In this work, metabolomics was used with the aim of identifying responder with respect to non-responder subjects. We show that the metabolomic fingerprint of serum samples, collected before therapy, acts as a predictive biomarker to treatment response. Prospective identification of subjects that will benefit from immunotherapy could improve patient stratification, thus optimizing the treatment and avoiding unsuccessful strategies. Abstract In the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown remarkable results. However, not all patients with NSCLC respond to this drug treatment or receive durable benefits. Thus, patient stratification and selection, as well as the identification of predictive biomarkers, represent pivotal aspects to address. In this framework, metabolomics can be used to support the discrimination between responders and non-responders. Here, metabolomics was used to analyze the sera samples from 50 patients with NSCL treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. All the samples were collected before the beginning of the treatment and were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analyses. Significantly, we show that the metabolomic fingerprint of serum acts as a predictive “collective” biomarker to immune checkpoint inhibitors response, being able to predict individual therapy outcome with > 80% accuracy. Metabolomics represents a potential strategy for the real-time selection and monitoring of patients treated with immunotherapy. The prospective identification of responders and non-responders could improve NSCLC treatment and patient stratification, thus avoiding ineffective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ghini
- Cirmmp, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy;
- Magnetic Resonance Center, CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy;
| | - Letizia Laera
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
- Department of Oncology, Miulli hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, 70021 Bari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Fantechi
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Francesca del Monte
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Matteo Benelli
- Bioinformatics Unit, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy;
| | - Amelia McCartney
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Leonardo Tenori
- Magnetic Resonance Center, CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Magnetic Resonance Center, CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (D.P.); Tel.: +39-0554-574-296 (C.L.); +39-0574-802-520 (D.P.)
| | - Daniele Pozzessere
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (D.P.); Tel.: +39-0554-574-296 (C.L.); +39-0574-802-520 (D.P.)
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22
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Infante P, Malfanti A, Quaglio D, Balducci S, De Martin S, Bufalieri F, Mastrotto F, Basili I, Garofalo M, Lospinoso Severini L, Mori M, Manni I, Moretti M, Nicoletti C, Piaggio G, Caliceti P, Botta B, Ghirga F, Salmaso S, Di Marcotullio L. Glabrescione B delivery by self-assembling micelles efficiently inhibits tumor growth in preclinical models of Hedgehog-dependent medulloblastoma. Cancer Lett 2020; 499:220-231. [PMID: 33249196 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway leads to the development of several tumors, including medulloblastoma (MB), the most common pediatric brain malignancy. Hh inhibitors acting on GLI1, the final effector of Hh signaling, offer a valuable opportunity to overcome the pitfalls of the existing therapies to treat Hh-driven cancers. In this study, the toxicity, delivery, biodistribution, and anticancer efficacy of Glabrescione B (GlaB), a selective GLI1 inhibitor, were investigated in preclinical models of Hh-dependent MB. To overcome its poor water solubility, GlaB was formulated with a self-assembling amphiphilic polymer forming micelles, called mPEG5kDa-cholane. mPEG5kDa-cholane/GlaB showed high drug loading and stability, low cytotoxicity, and long permanence in the bloodstream. We found that mPEG5kDa-cholane efficiently enhanced the solubility of GlaB, thus avoiding the use of organic solvents. mPEG5kDa-cholane/GlaB possesses favorable pharmacokinetics and negligible toxicity. Remarkably, GlaB encapsulated in mPEG5kDa-cholane micelles was delivered through the blood-brain barrier and drastically inhibited tumor growth in both allograft and orthotopic models of Hh-dependent MB. Our findings reveal that mPEG5kDa-cholane/GlaB is a good candidate for the treatment of Hh-driven tumors and provide relevant implications for the translation of GlaB into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Malfanti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Balducci
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Irene Basili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Mariangela Garofalo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Roma, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Caliceti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Roma, Italy.
| | - Stefano Salmaso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy; Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy.
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23
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Lospinoso Severini L, Ghirga F, Bufalieri F, Quaglio D, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L. The SHH/GLI signaling pathway: a therapeutic target for medulloblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1159-1181. [PMID: 32990091 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1823967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medulloblastoma (MB) is a heterogeneous tumor of the cerebellum that is divided into four main subgroups with distinct molecular and clinical features. Sonic Hedgehog MB (SHH-MB) is the most genetically understood and occurs predominantly in childhood. Current therapies consist of aggressive and non-targeted multimodal approaches that are often ineffective and cause long-term complications. These problems intensify the need to develop molecularly targeted therapies to improve outcome and reduce treatment-related morbidities. In this scenario, Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a developmental pathway whose deregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, has emerged as an attractive druggable pathway for SHH-MB therapy. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the advancements in the HH antagonist research field. We place an emphasis on Smoothened (SMO) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) inhibitors and immunotherapy approaches that are validated in preclinical SHH-MB models and that have therapeutic potential for MB patients. Literature from Pubmed and data reported on ClinicalTrial.gov up to August 2020 were considered. EXPERT OPINION Extensive-omics analysis has enhanced our knowledge and has transformed the way that MB is studied and managed. The clinical use of SMO antagonists has yet to be determined, however, future GLI inhibitors and multitargeting approaches are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 , Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
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Diauxie and co-utilization of carbon sources can coexist during bacterial growth in nutritionally complex environments. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3135. [PMID: 32561713 PMCID: PMC7305145 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16872-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is commonly thought that when multiple carbon sources are available, bacteria metabolize them either sequentially (diauxic growth) or simultaneously (co-utilization). However, this view is mainly based on analyses in relatively simple laboratory settings. Here we show that a heterotrophic marine bacterium, Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis, can use both strategies simultaneously when multiple possible nutrients are provided in the same growth experiment. The order of nutrient uptake is partially determined by the biomass yield that can be achieved when the same compounds are provided as single carbon sources. Using transcriptomics and time-resolved intracellular 1H-13C NMR, we reveal specific pathways for utilization of various amino acids. Finally, theoretical modelling indicates that this metabolic phenotype, combining diauxie and co-utilization of substrates, is compatible with a tight regulation that allows the modulation of assimilatory pathways. It is thought that when multiple carbon sources are available, bacteria metabolize them either sequentially or simultaneously. Here, the authors show that a marine bacterium can use a mixed strategy when multiple possible nutrients are provided, and analyse the metabolic pathways involved.
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25
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Manetti F, Stecca B, Santini R, Maresca L, Giannini G, Taddei M, Petricci E. Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening for Identification of Negative Modulators of GLI1 as Potential Anticancer Agents. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:832-838. [PMID: 32435392 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Starting from known GLI1 inhibitors, a pharmacophore-based virtual screening approach was applied to databases of commercially available compounds with the aim of identifying new GLI1 modulators. As a result, three different chemical scaffolds emerged that were characterized by a significant ability to reduce the transcriptional activity of the endogenous Hedgehog-GLI pathway and GLI1 protein level in murine NIH3T3 cells. They also showed a micromolar antiproliferative activity in human melanoma (A375) and medulloblastoma (DAOY) cell lines, without cytotoxicity in non-neoplastic mammary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Manetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
- Lead Discovery Siena, via Fiorentina 1, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Istituto per lo Studio, la Prevenzione e la Rete Oncologica (ISPRO), Viale Pieraccini 6, I-50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Roberta Santini
- Istituto per lo Studio, la Prevenzione e la Rete Oncologica (ISPRO), Viale Pieraccini 6, I-50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Luisa Maresca
- Istituto per lo Studio, la Prevenzione e la Rete Oncologica (ISPRO), Viale Pieraccini 6, I-50139 Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Taddei
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
- Lead Discovery Siena, via Fiorentina 1, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Petricci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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26
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Shi Y, Wang X, Wang N, Li FF, You YL, Wang SQ. The effect of polysaccharides from Cibotium barometz on enhancing temozolomide-induced glutathione exhausted in human glioblastoma U87 cells, as revealed by 1H NMR metabolomics analysis. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 156:471-484. [PMID: 32243933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.03.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant central nervous system tumor, with poor prognosis. Temozolomide (TMZ) has been used as a first-line drug for the treatment of GBM for over a decade, but its treatment benefits are limited by acquired resistance. Polysaccharides from Cibotium barometz (CBPs) are polysaccharides purified from the root of Cibotium barometz (L.) J. Sm., possessing sensitizing activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effect of CBP from different processing methods on U87 cells using a 1H NMR-based metabolic approach, complemented with qRT-PCR and flow cytometry, to identify potential markers and discover the targets to explore the underlying mechanism. Cibotium barometz is usually processed under sand heating in clinical applications. Polysaccharides from both the processed (PCBP) and raw (RCBP) C. barometz were prepared, and the effect on enhancing the sensitivity to TMZ was investigated in vitro. CBP can significantly increase the toxicity of TMZ to the U87 cell line, promote apoptosis, enhance cell cycle changes, and arrest cells in S phase, and RCBP demonstrated better activity. Multivariate statistical analyses, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structure with discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), were used to identify metabolic biomarkers, and 12 metabolites in the cell extract samples were clearly identified as altered after RCBP exposure. NMR-based cell metabolomics provided a holistic method for the identification of CBP's apoptosis-enhancing mechanisms and the exploration of its potential applications in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Fei-Fei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yu-Lin You
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shu-Qi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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27
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Quaglio D, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, Botta B, Mori M. Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors: an updated patent review (2015-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:235-250. [PMID: 32070165 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1730327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a pivotal role in tissue development and stemness, and its deregulation is found in many different tumors. Several efforts have been devoted to discovery of Hh inhibitors, including three drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), targeting the upstream receptor smoothened (SMO). However, SMO mutations or SMO-independent Hh pathway activation raise the need for novel Hh inhibitors.Areas covered: This review describes Hh inhibitors with anticancer potential patented in the period 2015-present.Expert opinion: Despite the initial enthusiasm in SMO antagonists, drug-resistant mutations, and SMO-independent Hh activation limited their clinical application. A growing number of therapeutic strategies are currently focusing on downstream Hh effectors (i.e. glioma-associate oncogenes (GLI) proteins) or other signaling pathways related to Hh, in addition to drug repositioning. Given the heterogenic nature of cancers, a terrific clinical impact is expected by multi-targeting approaches able to modulate simultaneously SMO and GLI, and/or additional targets that act as regulators of Hh signaling. It is expected that these alternative strategies might be investigated in clinical trials in the next years against a wide variety of tumor types, and that they provide improved outcomes compared to current SMO antagonists or other single-agent anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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