1
|
Agarwala Y, Brauns TA, Sluder AE, Poznansky MC, Gemechu Y. Targeting metabolic pathways to counter cancer immunotherapy resistance. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:486-494. [PMID: 38876831 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.05.006] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of certain cancers, but challenges remain in overcoming immunotherapy resistance. Research shows that metabolic modulation of the tumor microenvironment can enhance antitumor immunity. Here, we discuss recent preclinical and clinical evidence for the efficacy of combining metabolic modifiers with immunotherapies. While this combination holds great promise, a few key areas must be addressed, which include identifying the effects of metabolic modifiers on immune cell metabolism, the putative biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy, the efficacy of modifiers on tumors harboring metabolic heterogeneity, and the potential development of resistance due to tumor reliance on alternative metabolic pathways. We propose solutions to these problems and posit that assessing these parameters is crucial for considering the potential of metabolic modifiers in sensitizing tumors to immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Agarwala
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Timothy A Brauns
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ann E Sluder
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark C Poznansky
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yohannes Gemechu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang H, Sun Y, Wang Z, Huang X, Tang L, Jiang K, Jin X. ZDHHC20-mediated S-palmitoylation of YTHDF3 stabilizes MYC mRNA to promote pancreatic cancer progression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4642. [PMID: 38821916 PMCID: PMC11143236 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49105-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications of proteins in malignant transformation and tumor maintenance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in the context of KRAS signaling remain poorly understood. Here, we use the KPC mouse model to examine the effect of palmitoylation on pancreatic cancer progression. ZDHHC20, upregulated by KRAS, is abnormally overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Dysregulation of ZDHHC20 promotes pancreatic cancer progression in a palmitoylation-dependent manner. ZDHHC20 inhibits the chaperone-mediated autophagic degradation of YTHDF3 through S-palmitoylation of Cys474, which can result in abnormal accumulation of the oncogenic product MYC and thereby promote the malignant phenotypes of cancer cells. Further, we design a biologically active YTHDF3-derived peptide to competitively inhibit YTHDF3 palmitoylation mediated by ZDHHC20, which in turn downregulates MYC expression and inhibits the progression of KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer. Thus, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting the ZDHHC20-YTHDF3-MYC signaling axis in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhaokai Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaoju Huang
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lu Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Urology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
- Uro-Oncology Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang R, He S, Long J, Wang Y, Jiang X, Chen M, Wang J. Emerging therapeutic frontiers in cancer: insights into posttranslational modifications of PD-1/PD-L1 and regulatory pathways. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:46. [PMID: 38654302 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00515-5] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is expressed on the surface of tumor cells, and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), which is expressed on T cells, impedes the effective activation of tumor antigen-specific T cells, resulting in the evasion of tumor cells from immune-mediated killing. Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway has been shown to be effective in preventing tumor immune evasion. PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies have garnered significant attention in recent years within the field of tumor treatments, given the aforementioned mechanism. Furthermore, clinical research has substantiated the efficacy and safety of this immunotherapy across various tumors, offering renewed optimism for patients. However, challenges persist in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, marked by limited indications and the emergence of drug resistance. Consequently, identifying additional regulatory pathways and molecules associated with PD-1/PD-L1 and implementing judicious combined treatments are imperative for addressing the intricacies of tumor immune mechanisms. This review briefly outlines the structure of the PD-1/PD-L1 molecule, emphasizing the posttranslational modification regulatory mechanisms and related targets. Additionally, a comprehensive overview on the clinical research landscape concerning PD-1/PD-L1 post-translational modifications combined with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies to enhance outcomes for a broader spectrum of patients is presented based on foundational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shiwei He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jun Long
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute & Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yian Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mingfen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences & Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen L, Xing X, Zhu Y, Chen Y, Pei H, Song Q, Li J, Zhang P. Palmitoylation alters LDHA activity and pancreatic cancer response to chemotherapy. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216696. [PMID: 38331089 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216696] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) serves as a key regulator of the Warburg Effect by catalyzing the conversion of pyruvate to lactate in the final step of glycolysis. Both the expression level and enzyme activity of LDHA are upregulated in cancers, however, the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that LDHA is post-translationally palmitoylated by ZDHHC9 at cysteine 163, which promotes its enzyme activity, lactate production, and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Replacement of endogenous LDHA with a palmitoylation-deficient mutant leads to reduced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, increased T-cell infiltration, and limited tumor growth; it also affects pancreatic cancer cell response to chemotherapy. Moreover, LDHA palmitoylation is upregulated in gemcitabine resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Clinically, ZDHHC9 is upregulated in pancreatic cancer and correlated with poor prognoses for patients. Overall, our findings identify ZDHHC9-mediated palmitoylation as a positive regulator of LDHA, with potentially significant implications for cancer etiology and targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luojun Chen
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoke Xing
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yali Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Huadong Pei
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, 20057, DC, USA.
| | - Qibin Song
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China.
| | - Juanjuan Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China.
| | - Pingfeng Zhang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen Y, Li Y, Wu L. Protein S-palmitoylation modification: implications in tumor and tumor immune microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1337478. [PMID: 38415253 PMCID: PMC10896991 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1337478] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein S-palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational lipid modification that involves the addition of a 16-carbon palmitoyl group to a protein cysteine residue via a thioester linkage. This modification plays a crucial role in the regulation protein localization, accumulation, secretion, stability, and function. Dysregulation of protein S-palmitoylation can disrupt cellular pathways and contribute to the development of various diseases, particularly cancers. Aberrant S-palmitoylation has been extensively studied and proven to be involved in tumor initiation and growth, metastasis, and apoptosis. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that protein S-palmitoylation may also have a potential role in immune modulation. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of S-palmitoylation in tumor cells and the tumor immune microenvironment is essential to improve our understanding of this process. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of S-palmitoylation in tumors and the tumor immune microenvironment, focusing on the S-palmitoylation modification of various proteins. Furthermore, we propose new ideas for immunotherapeutic strategies through S-palmitoylation intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijiao Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wei Y, Li J, Li J, Liu C, Guo X, Liu Z, Zhang L, Bao S, Wu X, Su W, Wang X, Zhang J, Dong W. Dietary long-chain fatty acids promote colitis by regulating palmitoylation of STAT3 through CD36-mediated endocytosis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:60. [PMID: 38233383 PMCID: PMC10794235 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06456-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The Western diet, characterized by its high content of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), is widely recognized as a significant triggering factor for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While the link between a high-fat diet and colitis has been observed, the specific effects and mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Our study provides evidence that the diet rich in LCFAs can disrupt the integrity of the intestinal barrier and exacerbate experimental colitis in mice. Mechanistically, LCFAs upregulate the signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) pathway in the inflammatory model, and STAT3 knockout effectively counters the pro-inflammatory effects of LCFAs on colitis. Specifically, palmitic acid (PA), a representative LCFA, enters intestinal epithelial cells via the cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) pathway and participates in the palmitoylation cycle of STAT3. Inhibiting this cycle using pharmacological inhibitors like 2-Bromopalmitate (2-BP) and ML349, as well as DHHC7 knockdown, has the ability to alleviate inflammation induced by PA. These findings highlight the significant role of dietary LCFAs, especially PA, in the development and progression of IBD. Diet adjustments and targeted modulation offer potential therapeutic strategies for managing this condition. Model of LCFAs involvement in the palmitoylation cycle of STAT3 upon internalization into cells. Following cellular uptake through CD36, LCFAs are converted to palmitoyl-CoA. In the presence of DHHC7, palmitoyl-CoA binds to STAT3 at the C108 site, forming palmitoylated STAT3. Palmitoylation further promotes phosphorylation at the Y705 site of STAT3. Subsequently, palmitoylated STAT3 undergoes depalmitoylation by APT2 and translocates to the nucleus to exert its biological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jinting Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xingzhou Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhengru Liu
- Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Luyun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shenglan Bao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaohan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenhao Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Renmin hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jixiang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Weiguo Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li M, Zhang L, Chen CW. Diverse Roles of Protein Palmitoylation in Cancer Progression, Immunity, Stemness, and Beyond. Cells 2023; 12:2209. [PMID: 37759431 PMCID: PMC10526800 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein S-palmitoylation, a type of post-translational modification, refers to the reversible process of attachment of a fatty acyl chain-a 16-carbon palmitate acid-to the specific cysteine residues on target proteins. By adding the lipid chain to proteins, it increases the hydrophobicity of proteins and modulates protein stability, interaction with effector proteins, subcellular localization, and membrane trafficking. Palmitoylation is catalyzed by a group of zinc finger DHHC-containing proteins (ZDHHCs), whereas depalmitoylation is catalyzed by a family of acyl-protein thioesterases. Increasing numbers of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors have been identified to be palmitoylated, and palmitoylation is essential for their functions. Understanding how palmitoylation influences the function of individual proteins, the physiological roles of palmitoylation, and how dysregulated palmitoylation leads to pathological consequences are important drivers of current research in this research field. Further, due to the critical roles in modifying functions of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, targeting palmitoylation has been used as a candidate therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Here, based on recent literatures, we discuss the progress of investigating roles of palmitoylation in regulating cancer progression, immune responses against cancer, and cancer stem cell properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Li
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Leisi Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| |
Collapse
|