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Pan B, Liu C, Su J, Xia C. Activation of AMPK inhibits cervical cancer growth by hyperacetylation of H3K9 through PCAF. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:306. [PMID: 38831454 PMCID: PMC11145780 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01687-7] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation in histone acetylation, a significant epigenetic alteration closely associated with major pathologies including cancer, promotes tumorigenesis, inactivating tumor-suppressor genes and activating oncogenic pathways. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor that regulates a multitude of biological processes. Although a number of studies have identified the mechanisms by which AMPK regulates cancer growth, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms remain unknown. METHODS The impact of metformin, an AMPK activator, on cervical cancer was evaluated through assessments of cell viability, tumor xenograft model, pan-acetylation analysis, and the role of the AMPK-PCAF-H3K9ac signaling pathway. Using label-free quantitative acetylproteomics and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP) technology, the activation of AMPK-induced H3K9 acetylation was further investigated. RESULTS In this study, we found that metformin, acting as an AMPK agonist, activates AMPK, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of cervical cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, AMPK activation induces H3K9 acetylation at epigenetic level, leading to chromatin remodeling in cervical cancer. This also enhances the binding of H3K9ac to the promoter regions of multiple tumor suppressor genes, thereby promoting their transcriptional activation. Furthermore, the absence of PCAF renders AMPK activation incapable of inducing H3K9 acetylation. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that AMPK mediates the inhibition of cervical cancer growth through PCAF-dependent H3K9 acetylation. This discovery not only facilitates the clinical application of metformin but also underscores the essential role of PCAF in AMPK activation-induced H3K9 hyperacetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botao Pan
- Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Can Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China
| | - Jiyan Su
- Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, 528000, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China.
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2
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Li N, Wang XL, Ge R, Wang Y, Tian XL, Zhu GQ, Zhou B. FNDC5 inhibits malignant growth of human cervical cancer cells via restraining PI3K/AKT pathway. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31267. [PMID: 38558303 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31267] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CxCa) is the fourth most frequent cancer in women. This study aimed to determine the role and underlying mechanism of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) in inhibiting CxCa growth. Experiments were performed in human CxCa tissues, human CxCa cell lines (HeLa and SiHa), and xenograft mouse model established by subcutaneous injection of SiHa cells in nude mice. Bioinformatics analysis showed that CxCa patients with high FNDC5 levels have a longer overall survival period. FNDC5 expression was increased in human CxCa tissues, HeLa and SiHa cells. FNDC5 overexpression or FNDC5 protein not only inhibited proliferation, but also restrained invasion and migration of HeLa and SiHa cells. The effects of FNDC5 were prevented by inhibiting integrin with cilengitide, activating PI3K with recilisib or activating Akt with SC79. FNDC5 inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, which was attenuated by recilisib. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 showed similar effects to FNDC5 in HeLa and SiHa cells. Intravenous injection of FNDC5 (20 μg/day) for 14 days inhibited the tumor growth, and reduced the proliferation marker Ki67 expression and the Akt phosphorylation in the CxCa xenograft mouse model. These results indicate that FNDC5 inhibits the malignant phenotype of CxCa cells through restraining PI3K/Akt signaling. Upregulation of FNDC5 may play a beneficial role in retarding the tumor growth of CxCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Li Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Ge
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Tian
- Department of Pathology, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Guo-Qing Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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Atiase Y, Effah K, Mawusi Wormenor C, Tekpor E, Aku Catherine Morkli E, Boafo E, Yorke E, Aryee R, Essel NOM, Danyo S, Kemawor S, Akpalu J. Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection among women with diabetes mellitus in Accra, Ghana. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:260. [PMID: 38664791 PMCID: PMC11044360 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03078-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence of a higher risk and poorer prognosis of cervical cancer among women with diabetes mellitus (DM) compared to the general population. These are mediated by higher susceptibility to persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection due to dysfunctional clearance in an immunocompromised state. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hr-HPV infection and cervical lesions in a cohort of women with DM in Ghana. We further disaggregated the prevalence according to DM type and explored factors associated with hr-HPV infection. METHODS This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study assessed 198 women with DM who underwent cervical screening via concurrent hr-HPV DNA testing and visual inspection with acetic acid in an outpatient department of the National Diabetes Management and Research Centre in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra from March to May 2022. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to explore factors associated with hr-HPV positivity. RESULTS Among 198 women with DM (mean age, 60.2 ± 12.1 years), the overall hr-HPV prevalence rate was 21.7% (95% CI, 16.1-28.1), disaggregated as 1.5% (95% CI, 0.3-4.4) each for HPV16 and HPV18 and 20.7% (95% CI, 15.3-27.0) for other HPV genotype(s). Respective hr-HPV prevalence rates were 37.5% (95% CI, 15.2-64.6) for type 1 DM, 19.8% (95% CI, 13.9-26.7) for type 2 DM, and 25.0% (95% CI, 8.7-49.1) for unspecified/other DM types. Past use of the combined contraceptive pill independently increased the risk of hr-HPV infection by approximately three times (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.98; 95% CI, 1.03 - 8.64; p-value = 0.045), whereas each unit increase in FBG level increased the odds of hr-HPV infection by about 15% (aOR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02 - 1.30; p-value = 0.021). CONCLUSION Our study points to a high prevalence of hr-HPV among women with DM and highlights a need for glycemic control among them as this could contribute to lowering their odds of hr-HPV infection. The low overall rates of HPV vaccination and prior screening also indicate a need to build capacity and expand the scope of education and services offered to women with DM as regards cervical precancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacoba Atiase
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, P. O. Box GP 4236, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, P. O. Box KB 77, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Kofi Effah
- Catholic Hospital, Battor, P. O. Box 2, Battor, Ghana
| | | | - Ethel Tekpor
- Catholic Hospital, Battor, P. O. Box 2, Battor, Ghana
| | | | - Eunice Boafo
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, P. O. Box KB 77, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Yorke
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, P. O. Box GP 4236, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, P. O. Box KB 77, Accra, Ghana
| | - Robert Aryee
- Department of Cardiology, University of Ghana Medical Center, P. O. Box LG 25, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nana Owusu Mensah Essel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 730 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Stephen Danyo
- Catholic Hospital, Battor, P. O. Box 2, Battor, Ghana
| | | | - Josephine Akpalu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, P. O. Box GP 4236, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, P. O. Box KB 77, Accra, Ghana
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Goglia U, Hasballa I, Teti C, Boschetti M, Ferone D, Albertelli M. Ianus Bifrons: The Two Faces of Metformin. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1287. [PMID: 38610965 PMCID: PMC11011026 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The ancient Roman god Ianus was a mysterious divinity with two opposite faces, one looking at the past and the other looking to the future. Likewise, metformin is an "old" drug, with one side looking at the metabolic role and the other looking at the anti-proliferative mechanism; therefore, it represents a typical and ideal bridge between diabetes and cancer. Metformin (1,1-dimethylbiguanidine hydrochloride) is a drug that has long been in use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but recently evidence is growing about its potential use in other metabolic conditions and in proliferative-associated diseases. The aim of this paper is to retrace, from a historical perspective, the knowledge of this molecule, shedding light on the subcellular mechanisms of action involved in metabolism as well as cellular and tissue growth. The intra-tumoral pharmacodynamic effects of metformin and its possible role in the management of different neoplasms are evaluated and debated. The etymology of the name Ianus is probably from the Latin term ianua, which means door. How many new doors will this old drug be able to open?
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Goglia
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit, Local Health Authority CN1, 12100 Cuneo, Italy
| | - Iderina Hasballa
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy (M.B.); (D.F.); (M.A.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Teti
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit, Local Health Autorithy Imperia 1, 18100 Imperia, Italy;
| | - Mara Boschetti
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy (M.B.); (D.F.); (M.A.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Diego Ferone
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy (M.B.); (D.F.); (M.A.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Manuela Albertelli
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy (M.B.); (D.F.); (M.A.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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5
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Elgendy SM, Zaher DM, Sarg NH, Abu Jayab NN, Alhamad DW, Al-Tel TH, Omar HA. Autophagy inhibition potentiates energy restriction-induced cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. IUBMB Life 2024. [PMID: 38497226 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2816] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) significantly contributes to cancer-related mortality due to the limited response of HCC to current anticancer therapies, thereby necessitating more effective treatment approaches. Energy restriction mimetic agents (ERMAs) have emerged as potential therapies in targeting the Warburg effect, a unique metabolic process in cancer cells. However, ERMAs exhibit limited efficacy when used as monotherapy. Additionally, ERMAs have been found to induce autophagy in cancer cells. The role of autophagy in cancer survival remains a subject of debate. Thus, it is crucial to ascertain whether ERMA-induced autophagy is a mechanism for cell survival or cell death in HCC. Our study aims to investigate the effect of autophagy inhibition on the survival of HCC cells treated with ERMAs while also examining the potential of combining an autophagy inhibitor such as spautin-1 with ERMAs to enhance HCC cell death. Our results suggest a cytoprotective role for ERMA-induced autophagy in HCC cells, as combining the autophagy inhibitor spautin-1 with ERMAs effectively suppressed ERMA-induced autophagy and synergistically enhanced their antitumor activity. The treatment combination promoted HCC death through apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of AKT and ERK activation, which are known to play a key role in cellular proliferation. Collectively, our findings highlight a potential strategy to combat HCC by combining energy restriction with autophagy inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Elgendy
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dana M Zaher
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nadin H Sarg
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nour N Abu Jayab
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dima W Alhamad
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Taleb H Al-Tel
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hany A Omar
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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6
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Yeşildağ A, Kızıloğlu HT, Dirican E, Erbaş E, Gelen V, Kara A. Anticarcinogenic Effects of Gold Nanoparticles and Metformin Against MCF-7 and A549 Cells. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04090-y. [PMID: 38358644 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04090-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Metformin is commonly prescribed to people with diabetes. Metformin has been shown in previous studies to be able to prevent the growth of cancer cells. This study aims to investigate the effects of metformin and gold nanoparticles in MCF7 breast cancer and A549 lung cell lines. The effects of metformin and gold nanoparticles on MCF7 breast cancer and A549 lung cells were determined on cells grown in 24 h cell culture. MCF-7 and A549 cells were incubated for 24 h with the treatment of escalating molar concentrations of ifosfamide. The MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of metformin toward MCF7 and A549 cell lines. The expression of Bax, BCL2, PI3K, Akt3, mTOR, Hsp60, Hsp70, and TNF-α was measured by RT-PCR. Metformin and gold nanoparticles inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and A549 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 5 µM and 10 µg/mL. RT-PCR assays showed ifosfamide + metformin + gold nanoparticles significantly reduced the expression of BCL2, PI3K, Akt3, mTOR, Hsp60 and Hsp70 and increased the expression of TNF-α and Bax. The findings obtained in this study suggest that further studies should be conducted, and metformin and gold nanoparticles can be used in breast cancer and lung cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Yeşildağ
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey.
| | - Halime Topal Kızıloğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic, Faculty of Science, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ebubekir Dirican
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bilecik Şeyh Edabali University, Bilecik, Turkey
| | - Elif Erbaş
- Department of Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Volkan Gelen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Adem Kara
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic, Faculty of Science, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey.
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7
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Geng Y, Wang Z, Xu X, Sun X, Dong X, Luo Y, Sun X. Extensive therapeutic effects, underlying molecular mechanisms and disease treatment prediction of Metformin: a systematic review. Transl Res 2024; 263:73-92. [PMID: 37567440 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Metformin (Met), a first-line management for type 2 diabetes mellitus, has been expansively employed and studied with results indicating its therapeutic potential extending beyond glycemic control. Beyond its established role, this therapeutic drug demonstrates a broad spectrum of action encompassing over 60 disorders, encompassing metabolic conditions, inflammatory disorders, carcinomas, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular pathologies. There is clear evidence of Met's action targeting specific nodes in the molecular pathways of these diseases and, intriguingly, interactions with the intestinal microbiota and epigenetic processes have been explored. Furthermore, novel Met derivatives with structural modifications tailored to diverse diseases have been synthesized and assessed. This manuscript proffers a comprehensive thematic review of the diseases amenable to Met treatment, elucidates their molecular mechanisms, and employs informatics technology to prospect future therapeutic applications of Met. These data and insights gleaned considerably contribute to enriching our understanding and appreciation of Met's far-reaching clinical potential and therapeutic applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Geng
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China.
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China.
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8
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Ouyang J, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Li S, Wang J, Tan L, Zou L. Integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics reveals metformin suppresses thyroid cancer progression via inhibiting glycolysis and restraining DNA replication. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115659. [PMID: 37864896 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115659] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-tumoral effects of metformin have been widely studied in several types of cancer, including thyroid cancer; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. As an oral hypoglycemic drug, metformin facilitates glucose catabolism and disrupts metabolic homeostasis. Metabolic reprogramming, particularly cellular glucose metabolism, is an important characteristic of malignant tumors. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of metformin in thyroid cancer and the underlying metabolic mechanism. In the present study, it was shown that metformin reduced cell viability, invasion, migration, and EMT, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle G1 phase arrest in thyroid cancer. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes induced by metformin were involved in several signaling pathways including apoptosis singling pathways, TGF-β signaling, and cell cycle regulation in human thyroid cancer cell lines. In addition, the helicase activity of the CDC45-MCM2-7-GINS complex and DNA replication related genes such as RPA2, RAD51, and PCNA were downregulated in metformin-treated thyroid cancer cells. Moreover, metabolomics analysis showed that metformin-induced significant alterations in metabolic pathways such as glutathione metabolism and polyamine synthesis. Integrative analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomics revealed that metformin suppressed glycolysis by downregulating the key glycolytic enzymes LDHA and PKM2 and upregulating IDH1 expression in thyroid cancer. Furthermore, the anti-tumor role of metformin in thyroid cancer in vivo was shown. Together these results show that metformin plays an anti-tumor role by inhibiting glycolysis and restraining DNA replication in thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielin Ouyang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Yang Feng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China
| | - Yarong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shutong Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China
| | - Lihong Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China.
| | - Lianhong Zou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China; Central Laboratory of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, PR China.
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9
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Ibrahim RS, Ibrahim SS, El-Naas A, Koklesová L, Kubatka P, Büsselberg D. Could Metformin and Resveratrol Support Glioblastoma Treatment? A Mechanistic View at the Cellular Level. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3368. [PMID: 37444478 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133368] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, is a common primary brain tumor in adults, with diabetes mellitus being a crucial risk factor. This review examines how the antidiabetic drug metformin and dietary supplement resveratrol can benefit the treatment of glioblastoma. Metformin and resveratrol have demonstrated action against relevant pathways in cancer cells. Metformin and resveratrol inhibit cell proliferation by downregulating the PI3K/Akt pathway, activating mTOR, and increasing AMPK phosphorylation, resulting in lower proliferation and higher apoptosis levels. Metformin and resveratrol both upregulate and inhibit different cascades in the MAPK pathway. In vivo, the drugs reduced tumor growth and volume. These actions show how metformin and resveratrol can combat cancer with both glucose-dependent and glucose-independent effects. The pre-clinical results, alongside the lack of clinical studies and the rise in novel delivery mechanisms, warrant further clinical investigations into the applications of metformin and resveratrol as both separate and as a combination complement to current glioblastoma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmed El-Naas
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Lenka Koklesová
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar
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10
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Chu Z, Tan Y, Xu C, Zhangsun D, Zhu X. Potential Mechanisms of Metformin-Induced Apoptosis in HeLa Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:950. [PMID: 37371530 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060950] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a traditional antidiabetic drug that also shows potential antitumor effects in cervical cancer. However, some of its apoptosis-related mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, flow cytometry, western blotting, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of metformin in HeLa cells. The results showed that metformin inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis, the protein expression level of Caspase-3 (CASP3) was increased and that of BCL-2 was decreased in HeLa cells treated with metformin. The RNA-seq results indicated a total of 239 differentially expressed genes between the metformin and control check (CK) groups, with 136 genes upregulated and 103 genes downregulated, and 14 of them were found to be associated with apoptosis signaling pathways. The DDIT3 and HRK genes were robustly upregulated in HeLa cells by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Metformin also affects the expression of PPP2R5C, PPP2R5A, and RRAGA, which participate in biological processes such as PI3K-AKT, mTOR, and AMPK signaling pathways. Metformin mediates the expression of related genes to induce apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoli Chu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yao Tan
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Chenxing Xu
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
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11
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Ebrahimnejad P, Rezaeiroshan A, Babaei A, Khanali A, Aghajanshakeri S, Farmoudeh A, Nokhodchi A. Hyaluronic Acid-Coated Chitosan/Gelatin Nanoparticles as a New Strategy for Topical Delivery of Metformin in Melanoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:3304105. [PMID: 37313551 PMCID: PMC10260318 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3304105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is a multipotential compound for treating diabetes II and controlling hormonal acne and skin cancer. This study was designed to enhance metformin skin penetration in melanoma using nanoparticles containing biocompatible polymers. Formulations with various concentrations of chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and sodium tripolyphosphate were fabricated using an ionic gelation technique tailored by the Box-Behnken design. The optimal formulation was selected based on the smallest particle size and the highest entrapment efficiency (EE%) and used in ex vivo skin penetration study. In vitro antiproliferation activity and apoptotic effects of formulations were evaluated using MTT and flow cytometric assays, respectively. The optimized formulation had an average size, zeta potential, EE%, and polydispersity index of 329 ± 6.30 nm, 21.94 ± 0.05 mV, 64.71 ± 6.12%, and 0.272 ± 0.010, respectively. The release profile of the optimized formulation displayed a biphasic trend, characterized by an early burst release, continued by a slow and sustained release compared to free metformin. The ex vivo skin absorption exhibited 1142.5 ± 156.3 μg/cm2 of metformin deposited in the skin layers for the optimized formulation compared to 603.2 ± 93.1 μg/cm2 for the free metformin. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the deformation of the drug from the crystal structure to an amorphous state. The attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared results approved no chemical interaction between the drug and other ingredients of the formulations. According to the MTT assay, metformin in nanoformulation exhibited a higher cytotoxic effect against melanoma cancer cells than free metformin (IC50: 3.94 ± 0.57 mM vs. 7.63 ± 0.26 mM, respectively, P < 0.001). The results proved that the optimized formulation of metformin could efficiently decrease cell proliferation by promoting apoptosis, thus providing a promising strategy for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedram Ebrahimnejad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Amirhossein Babaei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Azin Khanali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Aghajanshakeri
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Farmoudeh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Nokhodchi
- Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Lupin Research Center, Coral Springs, FL, USA
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12
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Ou L, Liu S, Wang H, Guo Y, Guan L, Shen L, Luo R, Elder DE, Huang AC, Karakousis G, Miura J, Mitchell T, Schuchter L, Amaravadi R, Flowers A, Mou H, Yi F, Guo W, Ko J, Chen Q, Tian B, Herlyn M, Xu X. Patient-derived melanoma organoid models facilitate the assessment of immunotherapies. EBioMedicine 2023; 92:104614. [PMID: 37229906 PMCID: PMC10277922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only a minority of melanoma patients experience durable responses to immunotherapies due to inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity in melanoma. As a result, there is a pressing need for suitable preclinical models to investigate resistance mechanisms and enhance treatment efficacy. METHODS Here, we report two different methods for generating melanoma patient-derived organoids (MPDOs), one is embedded in collagen gel, and the other is inlaid in Matrigel. MPDOs in Matrigel are used for assessing the therapeutic effects of anti-PD-1 antibodies (αPD-1), autochthonous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and small molecule compounds. MPDOs in collagen gel are used for evaluating the chemotaxis and migratory capacity of TILs. FINDING The MPDOs in collagen gel and Matrigel have similar morphology and immune cell composition to their parental melanoma tissues. MPDOs show inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity and contain diverse immune cells such as CD4+, CD8+ T, Treg, CD14+ monocytic, CD15+, and CD11b+ myeloid cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in MPDOs is highly immunosuppressive, and the lymphoid and myeloid lineages express similar levels of PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 as their parental melanoma tissues. Anti-PD-1 antibodies (αPD-1) reinvigorate CD8+ T cells and induce melanoma cell death in the MPDOs. TILs expanded by IL-2 and αPD-1 show significantly lower expression of TIM-3, better migratory capacity and infiltration of autochthonous MPDOs, and more effective killing of melanoma cells than TILs expanded by IL-2 alone or IL-2 with αCD3. A small molecule screen discovers that Navitoclax increases the cytotoxicity of TIL therapy. INTERPRETATION MPDOs may be used to test immune checkpoint inhibitors and cellular and targeted therapies. FUNDING This work was supported by the NIH grants CA114046, CA261608, CA258113, and the Tara Miller Melanoma Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Ou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Shujing Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Huaishan Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yeye Guo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lei Guan
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Longbin Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ruhui Luo
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - David E Elder
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexander C Huang
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Giorgos Karakousis
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - John Miura
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tara Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lynn Schuchter
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ravi Amaravadi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ahron Flowers
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Haiwei Mou
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Fan Yi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jina Ko
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Qing Chen
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Bin Tian
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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13
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Dong Y, Qi Y, Jiang H, Mi T, Zhang Y, Peng C, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Zang Y, Li J. The development and benefits of metformin in various diseases. Front Med 2023; 17:388-431. [PMID: 37402952 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-0998-6] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Metformin has been used for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus for decades due to its safety, low cost, and outstanding hypoglycemic effect clinically. The mechanisms underlying these benefits are complex and still not fully understood. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory-chain complex I is the most described downstream mechanism of metformin, leading to reduced ATP production and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Meanwhile, many novel targets of metformin have been gradually discovered. In recent years, multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies are committed to extend the indications of metformin in addition to diabetes. Herein, we summarized the benefits of metformin in four types of diseases, including metabolic associated diseases, cancer, aging and age-related diseases, neurological disorders. We comprehensively discussed the pharmacokinetic properties and the mechanisms of action, treatment strategies, the clinical application, the potential risk of metformin in various diseases. This review provides a brief summary of the benefits and concerns of metformin, aiming to interest scientists to consider and explore the common and specific mechanisms and guiding for the further research. Although there have been countless studies of metformin, longitudinal research in each field is still much warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yingbei Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Haowen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tian Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yunkai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wanchen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongmei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
| | - Yi Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Open Studio for Druggability Research of Marine Natural Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266237, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, 264117, China.
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14
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Yang L, Zhang Y, Tang Y, Wang Y, Jiang P, Liu F, Feng N. A pan-cancer analysis of DDR1 in prognostic signature and tumor immunity, drug resistance. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5779. [PMID: 37031216 PMCID: PMC10082773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27975-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Disk-like domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a crucial regulator of pro-inflammatory mediators and matrix-degrading enzymes. Although mounting evidence supports a vital role for DDR1 in the tumorigenesis of some cancers, no pan-cancer analysis of DDR1 has been reported. Therefore, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of DDR1 in 33 cancer types and investigate its potential immune function. We used a range of bioinformatics approaches to explore the potential carcinogenic role of DDR1 in multiple cancers. We found that DDR1 was expressed at high levels in most cancers. DDR1 expression was positively or negatively associated with prognosis in different cancers. DDR1 expression was significantly associated with DNA methylation in 8 cancers, while there was a correlation between DDR1 expression and RNA methylation-related genes and mismatch repair gene in most cancers. Furthermore, DDR1 expression was significantly associated with microsatellite instability in 6 cancers and tumor mutation burden in 11 cancers. In addition, DDR1 expression was also significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, tumor microenvironment, immune-related genes, and drug resistance in various cancers. In conclusion, DDR1 can serve as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker for various malignancies due to its vital role in tumorigenesis and tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Yang
- Medical School of Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 68 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Medical School of Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 68 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifan Tang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 68 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 68 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 68 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengping Liu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214028, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ninghan Feng
- Medical School of Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 68 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi, 214002, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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Zhang Y, Zhou F, Guan J, Zhou L, Chen B. Action Mechanism of Metformin and Its Application in Hematological Malignancy Treatments: A Review. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020250. [PMID: 36830619 PMCID: PMC9953052 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies (HMs) mainly include acute and chronic leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other heterogeneous tumors that seriously threaten human life and health. The common effective treatments are radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which have limited options and are prone to tumor recurrence and (or) drug resistance. Metformin is the first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Recently, studies identified the potential anti-cancer ability of metformin in both T2DM patients and patients that are non-diabetic. The latest epidemiological and preclinical studies suggested a potential benefit of metformin in the prevention and treatment of patients with HM. The mechanism may involve the activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway by metformin as well as other AMPK-independent pathways to exert anti-cancer properties. In addition, combining current conventional anti-cancer drugs with metformin may improve the efficacy and reduce adverse drug reactions. Therefore, metformin can also be used as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for HM. This paper highlights the anti-hyperglycemic effects and potential anti-cancer effects of metformin, and also compiles the in vitro and clinical trials of metformin as an anti-cancer and chemosensitizing agent for the treatment of HM. The need for future research on the use of metformin in the treatment of HM is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Baoan Chen
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-25-8327-2006
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16
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Wu XY, Xu WW, Huan XK, Wu GN, Li G, Zhou YH, Najafi M. Mechanisms of cancer cell killing by metformin: a review on different cell death pathways. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:197-214. [PMID: 35771397 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04502-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer resistance to anti-tumour agents has been one of the serious challenges in different types of cancer treatment. Usually, an increase in the cell death markers can predict a higher rate of survival among patients diagnosed with cancer. By increasing the regulation of survival genes, cancer cells can display a higher resistance to therapy through the suppression of anti-tumour immunity and inhibition of cell death signalling pathways. Administration of certain adjuvants may be useful in order to increase the therapeutic efficiency of anti-cancer therapy through the stimulation of different cell death pathways. Several studies have demonstrated that metformin, an antidiabetic drug with anti-cancer properties, amplifies cell death mechanisms, especially apoptosis in a broad-spectrum of cancer cells. Stimulation of the immune system by metformin has been shown to play a key role in the induction of cell death. It seems that the induction or suppression of different cell death mechanisms has a pivotal role in either sensitization or resistance of cancer cells to therapy. This review explains the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell death following anticancer therapy. Then, we discuss the modulatory roles of metformin on different cancer cell death pathways including apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, senescence, autophagy, ferroptosis and pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-Wen Xu
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medi-Cine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang-Kun Huan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guan-Nan Wu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yu-Hong Zhou
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medi-Cine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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17
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Antitumor Therapy Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:6886135. [PMID: 36908706 PMCID: PMC10005879 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6886135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The development and progression of tumors in human tissues extensively rely on its surrounding environment, that is, tumor microenvironment which includes a variety of cells, molecules, and blood vessels. These components are modified, organized, and integrated to support and facilitate the growth, invasion, and metabolism of tumor cells, suggesting them as potential therapeutic targets in anticancer treatment. An increasing number of pharmacological agents have been developed and clinically applied to target the oncogenic components in the tumor microenvironment, and in this review, we will summarize these pharmacological agents that directly or indirectly target the cellular or molecular components in the tumor microenvironment. However, difficulties and challenges still exist in this field, which will also be reported in this literature.
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18
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Kim HM, Kang MJ, Song SO. Metformin and Cervical Cancer Risk in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Study in Korea. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2022; 37:929-937. [PMID: 36604960 PMCID: PMC9816509 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2022.1613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGRUOUND Cervical cancer is a prevalent malignancy that is a major health problem for women worldwide. The cancer-preventive properties of metformin are well-known, but insufficient data have been reported regarding its relationship to cervical cancer. Therefore, in a nationwide population-based study, we investigated the association between metformin use and cervical cancer incidence in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. Individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between January 2005 and December 2009 were included. The occurrence of cervical cancer was explored by matching for age, economic status, region of residence, and use of anti-diabetic medication. RESULTS In total, 66,013 metformin users and 64,756 non-users were analyzed. Cervical cancer occurred in 219 metformin users (0.33%) and 274 metformin non-users (0.42%) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.783; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.655 to 0.036; P=0.007). Moreover, cervical cancer risk was considerably reduced in those treated with a high dose (>1,200,000 mg) or for an extended period (≥2,000 days) compared to non-users (HR, 0.151; 95% CI, 0.093 to 0.243; P<0.001; and HR, 0.141; 95% CI, 0.077 to 0.258; P<0.001). The incidence was also significantly lower in metformin users among those over 50 years old (HR, 0.791; 95% CI, 0.650 to 0.961; P<0.001). CONCLUSION Metformin use in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes was associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer in Korea. Furthermore, a significant association was found between the use of metformin and cervical cancer in a dose- and duration-dependent manner and among those over 50 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Min Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Jin Kang
- Research Institute of National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Sun Ok Song
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
- Corresponding author: Sun Ok Song. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, 100 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10444, Korea Tel: +82-31-900-3470, Fax: +82-31-900-0519, E-mail:
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19
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Din-Lovinescu C, Blitzer A. Metformin for the Treatment of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2022:34894221125002. [PMID: 36131550 DOI: 10.1177/00034894221125002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Metformin is an oral agent used for the management of type 2 diabetes. As a result of its ability to alter cellular metabolic requirements, metformin also possesses antiproliferative properties. Metformin has been shown to reduce mutagenesis in several malignancies, however has never been described as a treatment option for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). The aim of this study is to present a case series of non-diabetic patients with adult-onset RRP who were treated with metformin. METHODS Case series. RESULTS Five patients (age 48 ± 17.82, range 35-68, 4 males, 1 female) were identified with a history of laryngeal RRP who were treated with 500 mg of metformin twice daily. Follow-up time ranged from 11 to 105 months. Two patients had spontaneous regression of RRP lesions within months of starting metformin. Four patients had reduced time intervals between surgical procedures after starting metformin. All patients tolerated metformin well with only minor side effects of self-limiting light-headedness, facial flushing or gastrointestinal upset. CONCLUSION Metformin is a low-risk medication that was used to reduce progression and burden of disease in 5 patients with RRP. Further studies should investigate the sole or adjunct use of metformin for treatment of RRP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Blitzer
- New York Center for Voice and Swallowing Disorders, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Zhu Y, Li X, Wang L, Hong X, Yang J. Metabolic reprogramming and crosstalk of cancer-related fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:988295. [PMID: 36046791 PMCID: PMC9421293 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.988295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is notorious that cancer cells alter their metabolism to adjust to harsh environments of hypoxia and nutritional starvation. Metabolic reprogramming most often occurs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). TME is defined as the cellular environment in which the tumor resides. This includes surrounding blood vessels, fibroblasts, immune cells, signaling molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is increasingly recognized that cancer cells, fibroblasts and immune cells within TME can regulate tumor progression through metabolic reprogramming. As the most significant proportion of cells among all the stromal cells that constitute TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression. Multitudinous studies have shown that CAFs participate in and promote tumor metabolic reprogramming and exert regulatory effects via the dysregulation of metabolic pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that curbing the substance exchange between CAFs and tumor cells can dramatically restrain tumor growth. Emerging studies suggest that CAFs within the TME have emerged as important determinants of metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming also occurs in the metabolic pattern of immune cells. In the meanwhile, immune cell phenotype and functions are metabolically regulated. Notably, immune cell functions influenced by metabolic programs may ultimately lead to alterations in tumor immunity. Despite the fact that multiple previous researches have been devoted to studying the interplays between different cells in the tumor microenvironment, the complicated relationship between CAFs and immune cells and implications of metabolic reprogramming remains unknown and requires further investigation. In this review, we discuss our current comprehension of metabolic reprogramming of CAFs and immune cells (mainly glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism) and crosstalk between them that induces immune responses, and we also highlight their contributions to tumorigenesis and progression. Furthermore, we underscore potential therapeutic opportunities arising from metabolism dysregulation and metabolic crosstalk, focusing on strategies targeting CAFs and immune cell metabolic crosstalk in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwei Hong
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
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21
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Satriyo PB, Suma AAT, Waskitha SSW, Wahyuningsih TD, Sholikhah EN. A Potent EGFR Inhibitor, N-Phenyl Pyrazoline Derivative Suppresses Aggressiveness and Cancer Stem Cell-Like Phenotype of Cervical Cancer Cells. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:2325-2339. [PMID: 35899233 PMCID: PMC9309293 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s350913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pamungkas Bagus Satriyo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Artania Adnin Tri Suma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Stephanus Satria Wira Waskitha
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Tutik Dwi Wahyuningsih
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Eti Nurwening Sholikhah
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
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22
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Kori M, Arga KY, Mardinoglu A, Turanli B. Repositioning of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer Sub-Types. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:884548. [PMID: 35770086 PMCID: PMC9234276 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.884548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and, in almost all cases is caused by infection with highly oncogenic Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs). On the other hand, inflammation is one of the hallmarks of cancer research. Here, we focused on inflammatory proteins that classify cervical cancer patients by considering individual differences between cancer patients in contrast to conventional treatments. We repurposed anti-inflammatory drugs for therapy of HPV-16 and HPV-18 infected groups, separately. In this study, we employed systems biology approaches to unveil the diagnostic and treatment options from a precision medicine perspective by delineating differential inflammation-associated biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis for both subtypes. We performed a meta-analysis of cervical cancer-associated transcriptomic datasets considering subtype differences of samples and identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using gene signature reversal on HPV-16 and HPV-18, we performed both signature- and network-based drug reversal to identify anti-inflammatory drug candidates against inflammation-associated nodes. The anti-inflammatory drug candidates were evaluated using molecular docking to determine the potential of physical interactions between the anti-inflammatory drug and inflammation-associated nodes as drug targets. We proposed 4 novels anti-inflammatory drugs (AS-601245, betamethasone, narciclasin, and methylprednisolone) for the treatment of HPV-16, 3 novel drugs for the treatment of HPV-18 (daphnetin, phenylbutazone, and tiaprofenoic acid), and 5 novel drugs (aldosterone, BMS-345541, etodolac, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone) for the treatment of both subtypes. We proposed anti-inflammatory drug candidates that have the potential to be therapeutic agents for the prevention and/or treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medi Kori
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kazim Yalcin Arga
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center (GEMHAM), Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Adil Mardinoglu
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH—Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Beste Turanli, ; Adil Mardinoglu,
| | - Beste Turanli
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Beste Turanli, ; Adil Mardinoglu,
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23
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Xiong B, Song FX, Chen HL, Wang XJ, Jin ZX, Han TY, Li Y, Zhang DK. Discoidin domain receptor 1a (DDR1a) confers 5-fluorouracil cytotoxicity in LoVo cell via PI3K/AKT/Bcl-2 pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:9805-9814. [PMID: 35416117 PMCID: PMC9161994 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2060782] [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] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a common chemotherapy drug for patients with advanced colorectal cancer; however, many patients develop resistance to 5-FU and suffer from treatment failure. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is upregulated in multiple cancers and positively associated with chemoresistance. We explored the effect of DDR1a on the cytotoxicity induced by 5-FU in LoVo cells and the underlying mechanism. Therefore, DDR1a overexpression (DDR1ahigh) and knockdown in LoVo cell lines (shDDR1a) were constructed to detect cell viability and cytotoxicity induced by 5-FU. The results showed that cell viability of DDR1ahigh cells was higher in comparison with that of the control group. When 5-FU (5 µM) was administered, the percentage of apoptotic cells, cytochrome C release and caspase-3 activity was found to be higher in the shDDR1a group than that in the control group. Both of PI3K and MDM2 proteins level decreased in DDR1ahigh and shDDR1a, but the BAX/Bcl-2 level in the shDDR1a group increased compared to that in the control. Therefore, DDR1a might be a potential therapeutic target for 5-FU chemoresistance in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xiong
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fei-Xue Song
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hui-Ling Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zheng-Xu Jin
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ti-Yun Han
- Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yi Li
- School/Hospital of Stomatology Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - De-Kui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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24
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de Oliveira AA, Mendoza VO, Rastogi S, Nunes KP. New insights into the role and therapeutic potential of HSP70 in diabetes. Pharmacol Res 2022; 178:106173. [PMID: 35278625 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that HSP70 represents a key mechanism in the pathophysiology of β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, and various diabetic complications, including micro- and macro-vascular alterations, as well as impaired hemostasis. Hyperglycemia, a hallmark of both types of diabetes, increases the circulating levels of HSP70 (eHSP70), but there is still divergence about whether diabetes up- or down-regulates the intracellular fraction of this protein (iHSP70). Here, we consider that iHSP70 levels reduce in diabetic arterial structures and that the vascular system is in direct contact with all other systems in the body suggesting that a systemic response might also be happening for iHSP70, which is characterized by decreased levels of HSP70 in the vasculature. Furthermore, although many pathways have been proposed to explain HSP70's functions in diabetes, and organs/tissues/cells-specific variations occur, the membrane-bound receptor of the innate immune system, Toll-like receptor 4, and its downstream signal transduction pathways appear to be a constant, not only when we explore the actions of eHSP70, but also when we assess the contributions of iHSP70. In this review, we focus on discussing the multiple roles of HSP70 across organs/tissues/cells affected by hyperglycemia to further explore the possibility of targeting this protein with pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches in the context of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Almeida de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, United States
| | - Valentina Ochoa Mendoza
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, United States
| | - Swasti Rastogi
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, United States
| | - Kenia Pedrosa Nunes
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, United States.
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25
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Jiang L, Jin H, Gong S, Han K, Li Z, Zhang W, Tian J. LncRNA KCNQ1OT1-mediated cervical cancer progression by sponging miR-1270 as a ceRNA of LOXL2 through PI3k/Akt pathway. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:1001-1010. [PMID: 35218109 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulated noncoding RNAs participated in progressions of cervical cancer. PURPOSE To verify impacts of KCNQ1OT1 on modulating progressions of cervical cancer cells. METHOD Expressions of KCNQ1OT1, miR-1270, and LOXL2 were analyzed through RT-qPCR and protein expressions of LOXL2, p-AKT, and AKT were validated using western blot. Bindings of miR-1270 with KCNQ1OT1 or LOXL2 were verified using luciferase reporter assay. CCK-8 and flow cytometry evaluated cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway suppressor, LY294002, was applied to treat the cells and the changes of KCNQ1OT1 expression and LOXL2, p-AKT, and AKT protein expressions were examined. RESULTS KCNQ1OT1 expression was the highest in HeLa cells but lowest in SiHa cells whose upregulation improved the viability but inhibited the apoptosis in SiHa cells while knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 caused opposite results in HeLa cells. MiR-1270 was sponged and negatively modulated by KCNQ1OT1. MiR-1270 mimics caused low viability and high apoptosis of SiHa cells but miR-1270 inhibitor reverse its roles in HeLa cells. LOXL2, the target of miR-1270, positively interplayed with KCNQ1OT1 but had negative interaction with miR-1270. LOXL2 overexpression promoted viability and decreased apoptosis of SiHa cells but knockdown of LOXL2 restored its effects in HeLa cells. Moreover, LOXL2 and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) protein expressions were downregulated by suppressed KCNQ1OT1 and LOXL2 and miR-1270 mimics but promoted by overexpressed KCNQ1OT1 and LOXL2 and miR-1270 inhibitor. Additionally, LY294002 treatment caused low KCNQ1OT1 RNA expression and decreased LOXL2 and p-AKT protein expressions. CONCLUSION KCNQ1OT1/miR-1270/LOXL2 axis modulated viability and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jiang
- Gynecology Department, Qinhuangdao First Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Haihong Jin
- Gynecology Department, Qinhuangdao First Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Shan Gong
- Gynecology Department, Qinhuangdao First Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Kun Han
- Gynecology Department, Qinhuangdao First Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Ze Li
- Department of Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Hexi Sports Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Weihu Zhang
- Qinhuangdao First Hospital, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Hexi Sports Institute, Tianjin, China
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26
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The metabolism of cells regulates their sensitivity to NK cells depending on p53 status. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3234. [PMID: 35217717 PMCID: PMC8881467 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07281-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemic cells proliferate faster than non-transformed counterparts. This requires them to change their metabolism to adapt to their high growth. This change can stress cells and facilitate recognition by immune cells such as cytotoxic lymphocytes, which express the activating receptor Natural Killer G2-D (NKG2D). The tumor suppressor gene p53 regulates cell metabolism, but its role in the expression of metabolism-induced ligands, and subsequent recognition by cytotoxic lymphocytes, is unknown. We show here that dichloroacetate (DCA), which induces oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in tumor cells, induces the expression of such ligands, e.g. MICA/B, ULBP1 and ICAM-I, by a wtp53-dependent mechanism. Mutant or null p53 have the opposite effect. Conversely, DCA sensitizes only wtp53-expressing cells to cytotoxic lymphocytes, i.e. cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells. In xenograft in vivo models, DCA slows down the growth of tumors with low proliferation. Treatment with DCA, monoclonal antibodies and NK cells also decreased tumors with high proliferation. Treatment of patients with DCA, or a biosimilar drug, could be a clinical option to increase the effectiveness of CAR T cell or allogeneic NK cell therapies.
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27
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Sun Z, Liu Y, Hu R, Wang T, Li Y, Liu N. Metformin inhibits pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation by upregulating p21 via NONRATT015587.2. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:49. [PMID: 35147202 PMCID: PMC8904078 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a complex and progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling. Our previous study confirmed that NONRATT015587.2 could promote the proliferation of PASMCs and pulmonary vascular remodeling. However, the exact mechanism by which NONRATT015587.2 promotes PASMC proliferation is unclear. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that p21 is located at the downstream target of NONRATT015587.2. NONRATT015587.2 expression and localization were analyzed by PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry and western blotting. In the current study, a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model and cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were used in vitro to elucidate the exact mechanism of NONRATT015587.2 in pulmonary vascular remodeling, alongside the effect following metformin (MET) treatment on vascular remodeling and smooth muscle cell proliferation. The results demonstrated that NONRATT015587.2 expression was upregulated in the MCT group and reduced in the MET + MCT group. In addition, NONRATT015587.2 could promote the proliferation of PASMCs. The expression levels of p21 were reduced in the MCT group, but increased in the MCT + MET group. Additionally, the expression of NONRATT015587.2 was upregulated in platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced PASMCs, whereas that of p21 was downregulated. Following MET treatment, the expression of NONRATT015587.2 was downregulated and that of p21 was upregulated, which inhibited the proliferation of PASMCs. After overexpression of NONRATT015587.2 in vitro, the proliferation effect of PASMCs was consistent with exogenous PDGF-BB treatment, and MET reversed this effect. NONRATT015587.2 silencing inhibited the proliferation of PASMCs. In addition, p21 silencing reversed the inhibitory effect of NONRATT015587.2 silencing on the proliferation of PASMCs. However, the proliferation of PASMCs was inhibited following MET treatment when NONRATT015587.2 and p21 were silenced at the same time. Thus, NONRATT015587.2 promoted the proliferation of PASMCs by targeting p21, and MET inhibited the proliferation of PASMCs by upregulating p21 mediated via NONRATT015587.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengxian Sun
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222061, P.R. China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222061, P.R. China
| | - Tianyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222061, P.R. China
| | - Yanli Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222061, P.R. China
| | - Naifeng Liu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
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28
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Metformin sensitizes leukemic cells to cytotoxic lymphocytes by increasing expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Sci Rep 2022; 12:1341. [PMID: 35079096 PMCID: PMC8789909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05470-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumor cells have an altered metabolism that can protect them from cytotoxic lymphocytes. The anti-diabetic drug metformin modifies tumor cell metabolism and several clinical trials are testing its effectiveness for the treatment of solid cancers. The use of metformin in hematologic cancers has received much less attention, although allogeneic cytotoxic lymphocytes are very effective against these tumors. We show here that metformin induces expression of Natural Killer G2-D (NKG2D) ligands (NKG2DL) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a ligand of the lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1). This leads to enhance sensitivity to cytotoxic lymphocytes. Overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members decrease both metformin effects. The sensitization to activated cytotoxic lymphocytes is mainly mediated by the increase on ICAM-1 levels, which favors cytotoxic lymphocytes binding to tumor cells. Finally, metformin decreases the growth of human hematological tumor cells in xenograft models, mainly in presence of monoclonal antibodies that recognize tumor antigens. Our results suggest that metformin could improve cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated therapy.
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29
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Cai Y, Li C, Peng F, Yin S, Liang H, Su J, Li L, Yang A, Liu H, Yang C, Luo D, Xia C. Downregulation of hsa_circRNA_0001400 Helps to Promote Cell Apoptosis Through Disruption of the circRNA_0001400-miR-326 Sponge in Cervical Cancer Cells. Front Genet 2022; 12:779195. [PMID: 34976014 PMCID: PMC8718754 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.779195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to serve as essential regulators in several human cancers. Nevertheless, the function and mechanism of circRNAs in cervical cancer remain elusive. Methods: Flow cytometry assays were performed to measure cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Colony Formation and transwell chamber were performed to measure cell migration and invasion. Double luciferase reporter for gene analysis was used to detect the interaction between hsa-circRNA_0001400, miR-326, and Akt. Relative protein levels were determined by immunoblotting and relative gene levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Tumor Xenograft Modeling was used to evaluate the effect of hsa_circRNA_0001400_siRNA in vivo. Results: In the present study, we showed that hsa_circRNA_0001400 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues relative to in matched normal tissue. We found that hsa_circRNA_0001400_siRNA significantly promoted the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells and arrested the cell cycle and migration of cervical cancer cells. We showed that hsa_circRNA_0001400_siRNA can inhibit the protein expression of Akt and that the inhibition of miR-326 could rescue the inhibition of Akt in cervical cancer cells. We found that has-miR-326 was downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and hsa_circRNA_0001400_siRNA could increase the gene expression of has-miR-326. We also observed that hsa_circRNA_0001400_siRNA inhibited the growth and angiogenesis of SiHa xenografts in nude mice. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the hsa_circRNA_0001400-miR-326-Akt network promotes cervical cancer progression. Notably, our findings demonstrate the novel antitumor effects of hsa_circRNA_0001400_siRNA in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yantao Cai
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Chuyu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Fang Peng
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuanghong Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyi Liang
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Jiyan Su
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anping Yang
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Chuansheng Yang
- Department of Head-Neck and Breast Surgery, Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University, Shaoguan, China
| | - Dixian Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Shen W, He J, Hou T, Si J, Chen S. Common Pathogenetic Mechanisms Underlying Aging and Tumor and Means of Interventions. Aging Dis 2022; 13:1063-1091. [PMID: 35855334 PMCID: PMC9286910 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.1208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of malignant tumors among the older population. Moreover, there is an association between aging and cancer. During the process of senescence, the human body suffers from a series of imbalances, which have been shown to further accelerate aging, trigger tumorigenesis, and facilitate cancer progression. Therefore, exploring the junctions of aging and cancer and searching for novel methods to restore the junctions is of great importance to intervene against aging-related cancers. In this review, we have identified the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of aging-related cancers by comparing alterations in the human body caused by aging and the factors that trigger cancers. We found that the common mechanisms of aging and cancer include cellular senescence, alterations in proteostasis, microbiota disorders (decreased probiotics and increased pernicious bacteria), persistent chronic inflammation, extensive immunosenescence, inordinate energy metabolism, altered material metabolism, endocrine disorders, altered genetic expression, and epigenetic modification. Furthermore, we have proposed that aging and cancer have common means of intervention, including novel uses of common medicine (metformin, resveratrol, and rapamycin), dietary restriction, and artificial microbiota intervention or selectively replenishing scarce metabolites. In addition, we have summarized the research progress of each intervention and revealed their bidirectional effects on cancer progression to compare their reliability and feasibility. Therefore, the study findings provide vital information for advanced research studies on age-related cancers. However, there is a need for further optimization of the described methods and more suitable methods for complicated clinical practices. In conclusion, targeting aging may have potential therapeutic effects on aging-related cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Prevention and Treatment Research Center for Senescent Disease, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiamin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Prevention and Treatment Research Center for Senescent Disease, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tongyao Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Prevention and Treatment Research Center for Senescent Disease, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Shujie Chen (), Dr. Jianmin Si () and Dr. Tongyao Hou (), Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Si
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Prevention and Treatment Research Center for Senescent Disease, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Shujie Chen (), Dr. Jianmin Si () and Dr. Tongyao Hou (), Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shujie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Prevention and Treatment Research Center for Senescent Disease, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Shujie Chen (), Dr. Jianmin Si () and Dr. Tongyao Hou (), Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
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31
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Wu Z, Zhang C, Najafi M. Targeting of the tumor immune microenvironment by metformin. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 16:333-348. [PMID: 34611852 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00648-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stimulating antitumor immunity is an attractive idea for suppressing tumors. CD4 + and CD8 + T cells as well as natural killer cells (NK) are the primary antitumor immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In contrast to these cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) release several molecules to suppress antitumor immunity and stimulate cancer cell invasion and proliferation. Adjuvant treatment with certain nontoxic agents is interesting to boost antitumor immunity. Metformin, which is known as an antidiabetes drug, can modulate both antitumor and protumor immune cells within TME. It has the ability to induce the proliferation of CD8 + T lymphocytes and NK cells. On the other hand, metformin attenuates polarization toward TAMs, CAFs, and Tregs. Metformin also may stimulate the antitumor activity of immune system cells, while it interrupts the positive cross-talk and interactions between immunosuppressive cells and cancer cells. The purpose of this review is to explain the basic mechanisms for the interactions and communications between immunosuppressive, anti-tumoral, and cancer cells within TME. Next, we discuss the modulating effects of metformin on various cells and secretions in TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihong Wu
- Department of Oncology, The NO.3 People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430033, Hubei, China
| | - Caidie Zhang
- Emergency Department, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430014, Hubei, China.
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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32
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Alemi F, Raei Sadigh A, Malakoti F, Elhaei Y, Ghaffari SH, Maleki M, Asemi Z, Yousefi B, Targhazeh N, Majidinia M. Molecular mechanisms involved in DNA repair in human cancers: An overview of PI3k/Akt signaling and PIKKs crosstalk. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:313-328. [PMID: 34515349 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The cellular genome is frequently subjected to abundant endogenous and exogenous factors that induce DNA damage. Most of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinases (PIKKs) family members are activated in response to DNA damage and are the most important DNA damage response (DDR) proteins. The DDR system protects the cells against the wrecking effects of these genotoxicants and repairs the DNA damage caused by them. If the DNA damage is severe, such as when DNA is the goal of chemo-radiotherapy, the DDR drives cells toward cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Some intracellular pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, which is overactivated in most cancers, could stimulate the DDR process and failure of chemo-radiotherapy with the increasing repair of damaged DNA. This signaling pathway induces DNA repair through the regulation of proteins that are involved in DDR like BRCA1, HMGB1, and P53. In this review, we will focus on the crosstalk of the PI3K/Akt and PIKKs involved in DDR and then discuss current achievements in the sensitization of cancer cells to chemo-radiotherapy by PI3K/Akt inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Alemi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aydin Raei Sadigh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Malakoti
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yusuf Elhaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hamed Ghaffari
- Department of Orthopedics, Shohada Medical Research & Training Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masomeh Maleki
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Niloufar Targhazeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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33
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Da F, Guo J, Yao L, Gao Q, Jiao S, Miao X, Liu J. Pretreatment with metformin protects mice from whole-body irradiation. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2021; 62:618-625. [PMID: 33912960 PMCID: PMC8273805 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Metformin, a first-line oral drug for type II diabetes mellitus, not only reduces blood glucose levels, but also has many other biological effects. Recent studies have been conducted to determine the protective effect of metformin in irradiation injuries. However, the results are controversial and mainly focus on the time of metformin administration. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of metformin in BALB/c mice exposed to 6 Gy or 8 Gy of a 60Co source of γ-rays for total body irradiation (TBI). Survival outcomes were assessed following exposure to 8 Gy or 6 Gy TBI, and hematopoietic damage and intestinal injury were assessed after exposure to 6 Gy TBI. Metformin prolonged the survival of mice exposed to 8 Gy TBI and improved the survival rate of mice exposed to 6 Gy TBI only when administered before exposure to irradiation. Moreover, pretreatment with metformin reduced the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in the bone marrow of mice exposed to 6 Gy TBI. Pretreatment of metformin also protected the intestinal morphology of mice, reduced inflammatory response and decreased the number of apoptotic cells in intestine. In conclusion, we demonstrated that pretreatment with metformin could alleviate irradiation injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Da
- Department of Radiation Medical Protection, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Section, The No. 967 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Dalian 116041, China
| | - Juan Guo
- Department of Radiation Medical Protection, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Lin Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Qiaohui Gao
- Department of Radiation Medical Protection, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Shengyuan Jiao
- Department of Radiation Medical Protection, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xia Miao
- Department of Radiation Medical Protection, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Junye Liu
- Department of Radiation Medical Protection, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
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The Anti-Tumor Effect of Lactococcus lactis Bacteria-Secreting Human Soluble TRAIL Can Be Enhanced by Metformin Both In Vitro and In Vivo in a Mouse Model of Human Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123004. [PMID: 34203951 PMCID: PMC8232584 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Europe, and accounts for over 10% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. These indicate an urgent need for novel therapeutic options in CRC. Here, we analysed if genetically modified non-pathogenic Lactococcus lactis bacteria can be used for local delivery of human recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) and induction of tumor cells death in vitro and in vivo in CRC mouse model. We showed that modified L. lactis bacteria were able to secrete biologically active human soluble TRAIL (L. lactis(hsTRAIL+)), which selectively eliminated human CRC cells in vitro, and was further strengthened by metformin (MetF). Our results from in vitro studies were confirmed in vivo using subcutaneous NOD-SCID mouse model of human CRC. The data showed a significant reduction of the tumor growth by intratumor injection of L. lactis(hsTRAIL+) bacteria producing hsTRAIL. This effect could be further enhanced by oral administration of MetF. Abstract Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis of many cancer cells, including CRC cells, being non-harmful for normal ones. However, recombinant form of human TRAIL failed in clinical trial when administered intravenously. To assess the importance of TRAIL in CRC patients, new form of TRAIL delivery would be required. Here we used genetically modified, non-pathogenic Lactococcus lactis bacteria as a vehicle for local delivery of human soluble TRAIL (hsTRAIL) in CRC. Operating under the Nisin Controlled Gene Expression System (NICE), the modified bacteria (L. lactis(hsTRAIL+)) were able to induce cell death of HCT116 and SW480 human cancer cells and reduce the growth of HCT116-tumor spheres in vitro. This effect was cancer cell specific as the cells of normal colon epithelium (FHC cells) were not affected by hsTRAIL-producing bacteria. Metformin (MetF), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and irinotecan (CPT-11) enhanced the anti-tumor actions of hsTRAIL in vitro. In the NOD-SCID mouse model, treatment of subcutaneous HCT116-tumors with L. lactis(hsTRAIL+) bacteria given intratumorally, significantly reduced the tumor growth. This anti-tumor activity of hsTRAIL in vivo was further enhanced by oral administration of MetF. These findings indicate that L. lactis bacteria could be suitable for local delivery of biologically active human proteins. At the same time, we documented that anti-tumor activity of hsTRAIL in experimental therapy of CRC can be further enhanced by MetF given orally, opening a venue for alternative CRC-treatment strategies.
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35
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Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Metformin in Cervical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112545. [PMID: 34067321 PMCID: PMC8196882 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The potential effects of metformin in terms of cancer prevention and therapy have been widely studied, and a number of studies have indicated its potential role in cancer treatment. Metformin exerts anticancer effects, alone or in combination with other agents, on cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Metformin might thus serve as an adjunct therapeutic agent for cervical cancer. Abstract Cervical cancer is one of the major gynecologic malignancies worldwide. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiotherapy, or a combination of these treatments; however, relapse and recurrence may occur, and the outcome may not be favorable. Metformin is an established, safe, well-tolerated drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes; it can be safely combined with other antidiabetic agents. Diabetes, possibly associated with an increased site-specific cancer risk, may relate to the progression or initiation of specific types of cancer. The potential effects of metformin in terms of cancer prevention and therapy have been widely studied, and a number of studies have indicated its potential role in cancer treatment. The most frequently proposed mechanism underlying the diabetes–cancer association is insulin resistance, which leads to secondary hyperinsulinemia; furthermore, insulin may exert mitogenic effects through the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor, and hyperglycemia may worsen carcinogenesis through the induction of oxidative stress. Evidence has suggested clinical benefits of metformin in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. Combining current anticancer drugs with metformin may increase their efficacy and diminish adverse drug reactions. Accumulating evidence is indicating that metformin exerts anticancer effects alone or in combination with other agents in cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Metformin might thus serve as an adjunct therapeutic agent for cervical cancer. Here, we reviewed the potential anticancer effects of metformin against cervical cancer and discussed possible underlying mechanisms.
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36
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Hoppe-Seyler K, Herrmann AL, Däschle A, Kuhn BJ, Strobel TD, Lohrey C, Bulkescher J, Krijgsveld J, Hoppe-Seyler F. Effects of Metformin on the virus/host cell crosstalk in human papillomavirus-positive cancer cells. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:1137-1149. [PMID: 33844847 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are major human carcinogens. The viral E6/E7 oncogenes maintain the malignant growth of HPV-positive cancer cells. Targeted E6/E7 inhibition results in efficient induction of cellular senescence, which could be exploited for therapeutic purposes. Here we show that viral E6/E7 expression is strongly downregulated by Metformin in HPV-positive cervical cancer and head and neck cancer cells, both at the transcript and protein level. Metformin-induced E6/E7 repression is glucose and PI3K-dependent but-other than E6/E7 repression under hypoxia-AKT-independent. Proteome analyses reveal that Metformin-induced HPV oncogene repression is linked to the downregulation of cellular factors associated with E6/E7 expression in HPV-positive cancer biopsies. Notably, despite efficient E6/E7 repression, Metformin induces only a reversible proliferative stop in HPV-positive cancer cells and enables them to evade senescence. Metformin also efficiently blocks senescence induction in HPV-positive cancer cells in response to targeted E6/E7 inhibition by RNA interference. Moreover, Metformin treatment enables HPV-positive cancer cells to escape from chemotherapy-induced senescence. These findings uncover profound effects of Metformin on the virus/host cell interactions and the phenotype of HPV-positive cancer cells with implications for therapy-induced senescence, for attempts to repurpose Metformin as an anticancer agent and for the development of E6/E7-inhibitory therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Hoppe-Seyler
- Molecular Therapy of Virus-Associated Cancers, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja L Herrmann
- Molecular Therapy of Virus-Associated Cancers, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antonia Däschle
- Molecular Therapy of Virus-Associated Cancers, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bianca J Kuhn
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias D Strobel
- Molecular Therapy of Virus-Associated Cancers, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Lohrey
- Molecular Therapy of Virus-Associated Cancers, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Bulkescher
- Molecular Therapy of Virus-Associated Cancers, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeroen Krijgsveld
- Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Hoppe-Seyler
- Molecular Therapy of Virus-Associated Cancers, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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37
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Zalfa C, Paust S. Natural Killer Cell Interactions With Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment and Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:633205. [PMID: 34025641 PMCID: PMC8133367 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.633205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and heterogeneous environment composed of cancer cells, tumor stroma, a mixture of tissue-resident and infiltrating immune cells, secreted factors, and extracellular matrix proteins. Natural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in fighting tumors, but chronic stimulation and immunosuppression in the TME lead to NK cell exhaustion and limited antitumor functions. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid cells with potent immunosuppressive activity that gradually accumulate in tumor tissues. MDSCs interact with innate and adaptive immune cells and play a crucial role in negatively regulating the immune response to tumors. This review discusses MDSC-mediated NK cell regulation within the TME, focusing on critical cellular and molecular interactions. We review current strategies that target MDSC-mediated immunosuppression to enhance NK cell cytotoxic antitumor activity. We also speculate on how NK cell-based antitumor immunotherapy could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silke Paust
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
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38
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Xia L, Oyang L, Lin J, Tan S, Han Y, Wu N, Yi P, Tang L, Pan Q, Rao S, Liang J, Tang Y, Su M, Luo X, Yang Y, Shi Y, Wang H, Zhou Y, Liao Q. The cancer metabolic reprogramming and immune response. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:28. [PMID: 33546704 PMCID: PMC7863491 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 414] [Impact Index Per Article: 138.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The overlapping metabolic reprogramming of cancer and immune cells is a putative determinant of the antitumor immune response in cancer. Increased evidence suggests that cancer metabolism not only plays a crucial role in cancer signaling for sustaining tumorigenesis and survival, but also has wider implications in the regulation of antitumor immune response through both the release of metabolites and affecting the expression of immune molecules, such as lactate, PGE2, arginine, etc. Actually, this energetic interplay between tumor and immune cells leads to metabolic competition in the tumor ecosystem, limiting nutrient availability and leading to microenvironmental acidosis, which hinders immune cell function. More interestingly, metabolic reprogramming is also indispensable in the process of maintaining self and body homeostasis by various types of immune cells. At present, more and more studies pointed out that immune cell would undergo metabolic reprogramming during the process of proliferation, differentiation, and execution of effector functions, which is essential to the immune response. Herein, we discuss how metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and immune cells regulate antitumor immune response and the possible approaches to targeting metabolic pathways in the context of anticancer immunotherapy. We also describe hypothetical combination treatments between immunotherapy and metabolic intervening that could be used to better unleash the potential of anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longzheng Xia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Linda Oyang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinguan Lin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shiming Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqian Han
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pin Yi
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.,University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.,University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Pan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.,University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Rao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiaxin Liang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyan Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Su
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xia Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiqing Yang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingrui Shi
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Qianjin Liao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Jiang S, Lu Q. A new contribution for an old drug: Prospect of metformin in colorectal oncotherapy. J Cancer Res Ther 2021; 17:1608-1617. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1824_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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40
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Chen C, Chen J, Wang Y, Liu Z, Wu Y. Ferroptosis drives photoreceptor degeneration in mice with defects in all-trans-retinal clearance. J Biol Chem 2020; 296:100187. [PMID: 33334878 PMCID: PMC7948481 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The death of photoreceptor cells in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1) is closely associated with disruption in all-trans-retinal (atRAL) clearance in neural retina. In this study, we reveal that the overload of atRAL leads to photoreceptor degeneration through activating ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic form of cell death. Ferroptosis of photoreceptor cells induced by atRAL resulted from increased ferrous ion (Fe2+), elevated ACSL4 expression, system Xc- inhibition, and mitochondrial destruction. Fe2+ overload, tripeptide glutathione (GSH) depletion, and damaged mitochondria in photoreceptor cells exposed to atRAL provoked reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which, together with ACSL4 activation, promoted lipid peroxidation and thereby evoked ferroptotic cell death. Moreover, exposure of photoreceptor cells to atRAL activated COX2, a well-accepted biomarker for ferroptosis onset. In addition to GSH supplement, inhibiting either Fe2+ by deferoxamine mesylate salt (DFO) or lipid peroxidation with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) protected photoreceptor cells from ferroptosis caused by atRAL. Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice exhibiting defects in atRAL clearance is an animal model for dry AMD and STGD1. We observed that ferroptosis was indeed present in neural retina of Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice after light exposure. More importantly, photoreceptor atrophy and ferroptosis in light-exposed Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice were effectively alleviated by intraperitoneally injected Fer-1, a selective inhibitor of ferroptosis. Our study suggests that ferroptosis is one of the important pathways of photoreceptor cell death in retinopathies arising from excess atRAL accumulation and should be pursued as a novel target for protection against dry AMD and STGD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian, China
| | - Jingmeng Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen City, Guangdong, China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian, China
| | - Yalin Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian, China; Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen City, Guangdong, China.
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