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Hagen JT, Montgomery MM, Aruleba RT, Chrest BR, Green TD, Kassai M, Zeczycki TN, Schmidt CA, Bhowmick D, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Chalfant CE, Loughran TP, Liles D, Minden MD, Schimmer AD, Cabot MC, Mclung JM, Fisher-Wellman KH. Mitochondria inside acute myeloid leukemia cells hydrolyze ATP to resist chemotherapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.12.589110. [PMID: 38659944 PMCID: PMC11042215 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.12.589110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite early optimism, therapeutics targeting oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) have faced clinical setbacks, stemming from their inability to distinguish healthy from cancerous mitochondria. Herein, we describe an actionable bioenergetic mechanism unique to cancerous mitochondria inside acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Unlike healthy cells which couple respiration to the synthesis of ATP, AML mitochondria were discovered to support inner membrane polarization by consuming ATP. Because matrix ATP consumption allows cells to survive bioenergetic stress, we hypothesized that AML cells may resist cell death induced by OxPhos damaging chemotherapy by reversing the ATP synthase reaction. In support of this, targeted inhibition of BCL-2 with venetoclax abolished OxPhos flux without impacting mitochondrial membrane potential. In surviving AML cells, sustained polarization of the mitochondrial inner membrane was dependent on matrix ATP consumption. Mitochondrial ATP consumption was further enhanced in AML cells made refractory to venetoclax, consequential to downregulations in both the proton-pumping respiratory complexes, as well as the endogenous F1-ATPase inhibitor ATP5IF1. In treatment-naive AML, ATP5IF1 knockdown was sufficient to drive venetoclax resistance, while ATP5IF1 overexpression impaired F1-ATPase activity and heightened sensitivity to venetoclax. Collectively, our data identify matrix ATP consumption as a cancer-cell intrinsic bioenergetic vulnerability actionable in the context of mitochondrial damaging chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Hagen
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Mclane M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Raphael T Aruleba
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Brett R Chrest
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Thomas D Green
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Miki Kassai
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Tonya N Zeczycki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Cameron A Schmidt
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Debajit Bhowmick
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Charles E Chalfant
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Research Service, Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Darla Liles
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Mark D Minden
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron D Schimmer
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Myles C Cabot
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Joseph M Mclung
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
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2
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Diaz-Vegas A, Madsen S, Cooke KC, Carroll L, Khor JXY, Turner N, Lim XY, Astore MA, Morris JC, Don AS, Garfield A, Zarini S, Zemski Berry KA, Ryan AP, Bergman BC, Brozinick JT, James DE, Burchfield JG. Mitochondrial electron transport chain, ceramide, and coenzyme Q are linked in a pathway that drives insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. eLife 2023; 12:RP87340. [PMID: 38149844 PMCID: PMC10752590 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87340] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) is a complex metabolic disorder that underlies several human diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms underlying IR development remain poorly understood. Previously we showed that deficiency of coenzyme Q (CoQ) is necessary and sufficient for IR in adipocytes and skeletal muscle (Fazakerley et al., 2018). Here, we provide new insights into the mechanistic connections between cellular alterations associated with IR, including increased ceramides, CoQ deficiency, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. We demonstrate that elevated levels of ceramide in the mitochondria of skeletal muscle cells result in CoQ depletion and loss of mitochondrial respiratory chain components, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and IR. Further, decreasing mitochondrial ceramide levels in vitro and in animal models (mice, C57BL/6J) (under chow and high-fat diet) increased CoQ levels and was protective against IR. CoQ supplementation also rescued ceramide-associated IR. Examination of the mitochondrial proteome from human muscle biopsies revealed a strong correlation between the respirasome system and mitochondrial ceramide as key determinants of insulin sensitivity. Our findings highlight the mitochondrial ceramide-CoQ-respiratory chain nexus as a potential foundation of an IR pathway that may also play a critical role in other conditions associated with ceramide accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, such as heart failure, cancer, and aging. These insights may have important clinical implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of IR and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Diaz-Vegas
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of life and Environmental Sciences, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Søren Madsen
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of life and Environmental Sciences, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Kristen C Cooke
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of life and Environmental Sciences, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Luke Carroll
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of life and Environmental Sciences, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Jasmine XY Khor
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of life and Environmental Sciences, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Nigel Turner
- Cellular Bioenergetics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research InstituteSydneyAustralia
| | - Xin Y Lim
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Miro A Astore
- Center for Computational Biology and Center for Computational Mathematics, Flatiron InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | | | - Anthony S Don
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Amanda Garfield
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Simona Zarini
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Karin A Zemski Berry
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Andrew P Ryan
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and CompanyIndianapolisUnited States
| | - Bryan C Bergman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Joseph T Brozinick
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and CompanyIndianapolisUnited States
| | - David E James
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of life and Environmental Sciences, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - James G Burchfield
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of life and Environmental Sciences, University of SydneySydneyAustralia
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3
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Ung J, Tan SF, Fox TE, Shaw JJP, Taori M, Horton BJ, Golla U, Sharma A, Szulc ZM, Wang HG, Chalfant CE, Cabot MC, Claxton DF, Loughran TP, Feith DJ. Acid Ceramidase Inhibitor LCL-805 Antagonizes Akt Signaling and Promotes Iron-Dependent Cell Death in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5866. [PMID: 38136410 PMCID: PMC10742122 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245866] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy requiring urgent treatment advancements. Ceramide is a cell-death-promoting signaling lipid that plays a central role in therapy-induced cell death. We previously determined that acid ceramidase (AC), a ceramide-depleting enzyme, is overexpressed in AML and promotes leukemic survival and drug resistance. The ceramidase inhibitor B-13 and next-generation lysosomal-localizing derivatives termed dimethylglycine (DMG)-B-13 prodrugs have been developed but remain untested in AML. Here, we report the in vitro anti-leukemic efficacy and mechanism of DMG-B-13 prodrug LCL-805 across AML cell lines and primary patient samples. LCL-805 inhibited AC enzymatic activity, increased total ceramides, and reduced sphingosine levels. A median EC50 value of 11.7 μM was achieved for LCL-805 in cell viability assays across 32 human AML cell lines. As a single agent tested across a panel of 71 primary AML patient samples, a median EC50 value of 15.8 μM was achieved. Exogenous ceramide supplementation with C6-ceramide nanoliposomes, which is entering phase I/II clinical trial for relapsed/refractory AML, significantly enhanced LCL-805 killing. Mechanistically, LCL-805 antagonized Akt signaling and led to iron-dependent cell death distinct from canonical ferroptosis. These findings elucidated key factors involved in LCL-805 cytotoxicity and demonstrated the potency of combining AC inhibition with exogenous ceramide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson Ung
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Todd E. Fox
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jeremy J. P. Shaw
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Maansi Taori
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Bethany J. Horton
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Translational Research and Applied Statistics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA;
| | - Upendarrao Golla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (D.F.C.)
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Zdzislaw M. Szulc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Charles E. Chalfant
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Research Service, Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
| | - Myles C. Cabot
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - David F. Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (D.F.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - David J. Feith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (T.E.F.); (J.J.P.S.); (M.T.); (C.E.C.)
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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4
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Bolkun L, Pienkowski T, Sieminska J, Godzien J, Pietrowska K, Kłoczko J, Wierzbowska A, Moniuszko M, Ratajczak M, Kretowski A, Ciborowski M. Metabolomic profile of acute myeloid leukaemia parallels of prognosis and response to therapy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21809. [PMID: 38071228 PMCID: PMC10710498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48970-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a complex hematological malignancy, is caused by mutations in myeloid cells affecting their differentiation and proliferation. Thus, various cytogenetic alterations in AML cells may be characterized by a unique metabolome and require different treatment approaches. In this study, we performed untargeted metabolomics to assess metabolomics differences between AML patients and healthy controls, AML patients with different treatment outcomes, AML patients in different risk groups based on the 2017 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations for the diagnosis and management of AML, AML patients with and without FLT3-ITD mutation, and a comparison between patients with FLT3-ITD, CBF-AML (Core binding factor acute myelogenous leukemia), and MLL AML (mixed-lineage leukemia gene) in comparison to control subjects. Analyses were performed in serum samples using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The obtained metabolomics profiles exhibited many alterations in glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism and allowed us to propose biomarkers based on each of the above assessments as an aid for diagnosis and eventual classification, allowing physicians to choose the best-suited treatment approach. These results highlight the application of LC-MS-based metabolomics of serum samples as an aid in diagnostics and a potential minimally invasive prognostic tool for identifying various cytogenetic and treatment outcomes of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Bolkun
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Tomasz Pienkowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Julia Sieminska
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Joanna Godzien
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Karolina Pietrowska
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Janusz Kłoczko
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Marcin Moniuszko
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Mariusz Ratajczak
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Adam Kretowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Michal Ciborowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland.
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5
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Ung J, Tan SF, Fox TE, Shaw JJ, Taori M, Horton BJ, Golla U, Sharma A, Szulc ZM, Wang HG, Chalfant CE, Cabot MC, Claxton DF, Loughran TP, Feith DJ. Acid Ceramidase Inhibitor LCL-805 Antagonizes Akt Signaling and Promotes Iron-Dependent Cell Death in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.21.563437. [PMID: 37961314 PMCID: PMC10634704 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.21.563437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy requiring urgent treatment advancements. Ceramide is a cell death-promoting signaling lipid that plays a central role in therapy-induced cell death. Acid ceramidase (AC), a ceramide-depleting enzyme, is overexpressed in AML and promotes leukemic survival and drug resistance. The ceramidase inhibitor B-13 and next-generation lysosomal-localizing derivatives termed dimethylglycine (DMG)-B-13 prodrugs have been developed but remain untested in AML. Here, we report the in vitro anti-leukemic efficacy and mechanism of DMG-B-13 prodrug, LCL-805, across AML cell lines and primary patient samples. LCL-805 inhibited AC enzymatic activity, increased total ceramides, and reduced sphingosine levels. A median EC50 value of 11.7 μM was achieved for LCL-805 in cell viability assays across 32 human AML cell lines. As a single agent tested across a panel of 71 primary AML patient samples, a median EC50 value of 15.8 μM was achieved. Exogenous ceramide supplementation with C6-ceramide nanoliposomes, which is entering phase I/II clinical trial for relapsed/refractory AML, significantly enhanced LCL-805 killing. Mechanistically, LCL-805 antagonized Akt signaling and led to iron-dependent cell death distinct from canonical ferroptosis. These findings elucidated key factors involved in LCL-805 cytotoxicity and demonstrated the potency of combining AC inhibition with exogenous ceramide.
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6
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Sharma P, Borthakur G. Targeting metabolic vulnerabilities to overcome resistance to therapy in acute myeloid leukemia. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:567-589. [PMID: 37842232 PMCID: PMC10571063 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Malignant hematopoietic cells gain metabolic plasticity, reorganize anabolic mechanisms to improve anabolic output and prevent oxidative damage, and bypass cell cycle checkpoints, eventually outcompeting normal hematopoietic cells. Current therapeutic strategies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are based on prognostic stratification that includes mutation profile as the closest surrogate to disease biology. Clinical efficacy of targeted therapies, e.g., agents targeting mutant FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2, are mostly limited to the presence of relevant mutations. Recent studies have not only demonstrated that specific mutations in AML create metabolic vulnerabilities but also highlighted the efficacy of targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in combination with inhibitors of these mutations. Therefore, delineating the functional relationships between genetic stratification, metabolic dependencies, and response to specific inhibitors of these vulnerabilities is crucial for identifying more effective therapeutic regimens, understanding resistance mechanisms, and identifying early response markers, ultimately improving the likelihood of cure. In addition, metabolic changes occurring in the tumor microenvironment have also been reported as therapeutic targets. The metabolic profiles of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) differ, and relapsed/refractory LSCs switch to alternative metabolic pathways, fueling oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), rendering them therapeutically resistant. In this review, we discuss the role of cancer metabolic pathways that contribute to the metabolic plasticity of AML and confer resistance to standard therapy; we also highlight the latest promising developments in the field in translating these important findings to the clinic and discuss the tumor microenvironment that supports metabolic plasticity and interplay with AML cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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7
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Fisher-Wellman KH, Kassai M, Hagen JT, Neufer PD, Kester M, Loughran TP, Chalfant CE, Feith DJ, Tan SF, Fox TE, Ung J, Fabrias G, Abad JL, Sharma A, Golla U, Claxton DF, Shaw JJP, Bhowmick D, Cabot MC. Simultaneous Inhibition of Ceramide Hydrolysis and Glycosylation Synergizes to Corrupt Mitochondrial Respiration and Signal Caspase Driven Cell Death in Drug-Resistant Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1883. [PMID: 36980769 PMCID: PMC10046858 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the most prevalent acute and aggressive leukemia diagnosed in adults, often recurs as a difficult-to-treat, chemotherapy-resistant disease. Because chemotherapy resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment, novel therapeutic intervention is needed. Upregulated ceramide clearance via accelerated hydrolysis and glycosylation has been shown to be an element in chemotherapy-resistant AML, a problem considering the crucial role ceramide plays in eliciting apoptosis. Herein we employed agents that block ceramide clearance to determine if such a "reset" would be of therapeutic benefit. SACLAC was utilized to limit ceramide hydrolysis, and D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-threo-PDMP) was used to block the glycosylation route. The SACLAC D-threo-PDMP inhibitor combination was synergistically cytotoxic in drug-resistant, P-glycoprotein-expressing (P-gp) AML but not in wt, P-gp-poor cells. Interestingly, P-gp antagonists that can limit ceramide glycosylation via depression of glucosylceramide transit also synergized with SACLAC, suggesting a paradoxical role for P-gp in the implementation of cell death. Mechanistically, cell death was accompanied by a complete drop in ceramide glycosylation, concomitant, striking increases in all molecular species of ceramide, diminished sphingosine 1-phosphate levels, resounding declines in mitochondrial respiratory kinetics, altered Akt, pGSK-3β, and Mcl-1 expression, and caspase activation. Although ceramide was generated in wt cells upon inhibitor exposure, mitochondrial respiration was not corrupted, suggestive of mitochondrial vulnerability in the drug-resistant phenotype, a potential therapeutic avenue. The inhibitor regimen showed efficacy in an in vivo model and in primary AML cells from patients. These results support the implementation of SL enzyme targeting to limit ceramide clearance as a therapeutic strategy in chemotherapy-resistant AML, inclusive of a novel indication for the use of P-gp antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey H. Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Miki Kassai
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - James T. Hagen
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - P. Darrell Neufer
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Charles E. Chalfant
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Research Service, Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - David J. Feith
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Todd E. Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Johnson Ung
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose’ Luis Abad
- Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arati Sharma
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Upendarrao Golla
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - David F. Claxton
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Jeremy J. P. Shaw
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Debajit Bhowmick
- Flow Cytometry Division, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Myles C. Cabot
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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8
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The Effect of Oxidative Phosphorylation on Cancer Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010062. [PMID: 36612059 PMCID: PMC9817696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is a target for the effective attenuation of cancer drug resistance. OXPHOS inhibitors can improve treatment responses to anticancer therapy in certain cancers, such as melanomas, lymphomas, colon cancers, leukemias and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the effect of OXPHOS on cancer drug resistance is complex and associated with cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer cells universally promote OXPHOS activity through the activation of various signaling pathways, and this activity is required for resistance to cancer therapy. Resistant cancer cells are prevalent among cancer stem cells (CSCs), for which the main metabolic phenotype is increased OXPHOS. CSCs depend on OXPHOS to survive targeting by anticancer drugs and can be selectively eradicated by OXPHOS inhibitors. In contrast to that in cancer cells, mitochondrial OXPHOS is significantly downregulated in tumor-infiltrating T cells, impairing antitumor immunity. In this review, we summarize novel research showing the effect of OXPHOS on cancer drug resistance, thereby explaining how this metabolic process plays a dual role in cancer progression. We highlight the underlying mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, as it is vital for discovering new drug targets.
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9
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Zalpoor H, Bakhtiyari M, Akbari A, Aziziyan F, Shapourian H, Liaghat M, Zare-Badie Z, Yahyazadeh S, Tarhriz V, Ganjalikhani-Hakemi M. Potential role of autophagy induced by FLT3-ITD and acid ceramidase in acute myeloid leukemia chemo-resistance: new insights. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:172. [PMCID: PMC9620650 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00956-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of leukemia with a poor prognosis and survival characterized by abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation. Despite advances in treatment, AML still has a low complete remission rate, particularly in elderly patients, and recurrences are frequently seen even after complete remissions. The major challenge in treating AML is the resistance of leukemia cells to chemotherapy drugs. Thus, to overcome this issue, it can be crucial to conduct new investigations to explore the mechanisms of chemo-resistance in AML and target them. In this review, the potential role of autophagy induced by FLT3-ITD and acid ceramidase in chemo-resistance in AML patients are analyzed. With regard to the high prevalence of FLT3-ITD mutation (about 25% of AML cases) and high level of acid ceramidase in these patients, we hypothesized that both of these factors could lead to chemo-resistance by inducing autophagy. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of autophagy, FLT3-ITD, and acid ceramidase production could be a promising therapeutic approach for such AML patients to overcome chemo-resistance.
Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Zalpoor
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran ,grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Bakhtiyari
- grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,grid.412606.70000 0004 0405 433XDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Abdullatif Akbari
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran ,grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,grid.412266.50000 0001 1781 3962Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooriyeh Shapourian
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- grid.510410.10000 0004 8010 4431Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,grid.472315.60000 0004 0494 0825Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Zahra Zare-Badie
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sheida Yahyazadeh
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mazdak Ganjalikhani-Hakemi
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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10
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Raza Y, Atallah J, Luberto C. Advancements on the Multifaceted Roles of Sphingolipids in Hematological Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12745. [PMID: 36361536 PMCID: PMC9654982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism plays a complex role in hematological malignancies, beginning with the first historical link between sphingolipids and apoptosis discovered in HL-60 leukemic cells. Numerous manuscripts have reviewed the field including the early discoveries that jumpstarted the studies. Many studies discussed here support a role for sphingolipids, such as ceramide, in combinatorial therapeutic regimens to enhance anti-leukemic effects and reduce resistance to standard therapies. Additionally, inhibitors of specific nodes of the sphingolipid pathway, such as sphingosine kinase inhibitors, significantly reduce leukemic cell survival in various types of leukemias. Acid ceramidase inhibitors have also shown promising results in acute myeloid leukemia. As the field moves rapidly, here we aim to expand the body of literature discussed in previously published reviews by focusing on advances reported in the latter part of the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasharah Raza
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jane Atallah
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Chiara Luberto
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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11
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Khokhlatchev AV, Sharma A, Deering TG, Shaw JJP, Costa‐Pinheiro P, Golla U, Annageldiyev C, Cabot MC, Conaway MR, Tan S, Ung J, Feith DJ, Loughran TP, Claxton DF, Fox TE, Kester M. Ceramide nanoliposomes augment the efficacy of venetoclax and cytarabine in models of acute myeloid leukemia. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22514. [PMID: 36106439 PMCID: PMC9544744 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200765r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite several new therapeutic options for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), disease relapse remains a significant challenge. We have previously demonstrated that augmenting ceramides can counter various drug-resistance mechanisms, leading to enhanced cell death in cancer cells and extended survival in animal models. Using a nanoscale delivery system for ceramide (ceramide nanoliposomes, CNL), we investigated the effect of CNL within a standard of care venetoclax/cytarabine (Ara-C) regimen. We demonstrate that CNL augmented the efficacy of venetoclax/cytarabine in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of AML. CNL treatment induced non-apoptotic cytotoxicity, and augmented cell death induced by Ara-C and venetoclax. Mechanistically, CNL reduced both venetoclax (Mcl-1) and cytarabine (Chk1) drug-resistant signaling pathways. Moreover, venetoclax and Ara-C augmented the generation of endogenous pro-death ceramide species, which was intensified with CNL. Taken together, CNL has the potential to be utilized as an adjuvant therapy to improve outcomes, potentially extending survival, in patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arati Sharma
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicinePenn State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PharmacologyPennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Penn State Cancer InstitutePennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Tye G. Deering
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Jeremy J. P. Shaw
- Department of Experimental PathologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Pedro Costa‐Pinheiro
- Department of Experimental PathologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Upendarrao Golla
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicinePenn State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Penn State Cancer InstitutePennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Charyguly Annageldiyev
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicinePenn State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Penn State Cancer InstitutePennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Myles C. Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of MedicineEast Carolina UniversityGreenvilleNorth CarolinaUSA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity InstituteEast Carolina UniversityGreenvilleNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Mark R. Conaway
- University of Virginia School of MedicinePublic Health SciencesCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Su‐Fern Tan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- University of Virginia Cancer CenterCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Johnson Ung
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - David J. Feith
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- University of Virginia Cancer CenterCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- University of Virginia Cancer CenterCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - David F. Claxton
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicinePenn State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Penn State Cancer InstitutePennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Todd E. Fox
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- University of Virginia Cancer CenterCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- NanoSTAR InstituteCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
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12
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Ung J, Tan SF, Fox TE, Shaw JJP, Vass LR, Costa-Pinheiro P, Garrett-Bakelman FE, Keng MK, Sharma A, Claxton DF, Levine RL, Tallman MS, Cabot MC, Kester M, Feith DJ, Loughran TP. Harnessing the power of sphingolipids: Prospects for acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Rev 2022; 55:100950. [PMID: 35487785 PMCID: PMC9475810 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive, heterogenous malignancy characterized by clonal expansion of bone marrow-derived myeloid progenitor cells. While our current understanding of the molecular and genomic landscape of AML has evolved dramatically and opened avenues for molecularly targeted therapeutics to improve upon standard intensive induction chemotherapy, curative treatments are elusive, particularly in older patients. Responses to current AML treatments are transient and incomplete, necessitating the development of novel treatment strategies to improve outcomes. To this end, harnessing the power of bioactive sphingolipids to treat cancer shows great promise. Sphingolipids are involved in many hallmarks of cancer of paramount importance in AML. Leukemic blast survival is influenced by cellular levels of ceramide, a bona fide pro-death molecule, and its conversion to signaling molecules such as sphingosine-1-phosphate and glycosphingolipids. Preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of therapeutics that target dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism as well as their combinatorial synergy with clinically-relevant therapeutics. Thus, increased understanding of sphingolipid dysregulation may be exploited to improve AML patient care and outcomes. This review summarizes the current knowledge of dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism in AML, evaluates how pro-survival sphingolipids promote AML pathogenesis, and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting these dysregulated sphingolipid pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson Ung
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Todd E Fox
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Jeremy J P Shaw
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Luke R Vass
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Pedro Costa-Pinheiro
- Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Francine E Garrett-Bakelman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Michael K Keng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Arati Sharma
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, United States of America
| | - David F Claxton
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, United States of America
| | - Ross L Levine
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Martin S Tallman
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, United States of America; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Mark Kester
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - David J Feith
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America.
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13
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Implication of Ceramide Kinase/C1P in Cancer Development and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010227. [PMID: 35008391 PMCID: PMC8750078 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells rewire their metabolic programs to favor biological processes that promote cell survival, proliferation, and dissemination. Among this relevant reprogramming, sphingolipid metabolism provides metabolites that can favor or oppose these hallmarks of cancer. The sphingolipid ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) and the enzyme responsible for its biosynthesis, ceramide kinase (CERK), are well established regulators of cell growth and survival in normal, as well as malignant cells through stress-regulated signaling pathways. This metabolite also promotes cell survival, which has been associated with the feedback regulation of other antitumoral sphingolipids or second messengers. C1P also regulates cancer cell invasion and migration of different types of cancer, including lung, breast, pancreas, prostate, or leukemia cells. More recently, CERK and C1P have been implicated in the control of inflammatory responses. The present review provides an updated view on the important role of CERK/C1P in the regulation of cancer cell growth, survival, and dissemination.
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14
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Fisher-Wellman KH, Hagen JT, Kassai M, Kao LP, Nelson MAM, McLaughlin KL, Coalson HS, Fox TE, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Kester M, Loughran TP, Claxton DF, Cabot MC. Alterations in sphingolipid composition and mitochondrial bioenergetics represent synergistic therapeutic vulnerabilities linked to multidrug resistance in leukemia. FASEB J 2021; 36:e22094. [PMID: 34888943 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101194rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Modifications in sphingolipid (SL) metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics are key factors implicated in cancer cell response to chemotherapy, including chemotherapy resistance. In the present work, we utilized acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, selected to be refractory to various chemotherapeutics, to explore the interplay between SL metabolism and mitochondrial biology supportive of multidrug resistance (MDR). In agreement with previous findings in cytarabine or daunorubicin resistant AML cells, relative to chemosensitive wildtype controls, HL-60 cells refractory to vincristine (HL60/VCR) presented with alterations in SL enzyme expression and lipidome composition. Such changes were typified by upregulated expression of various ceramide detoxifying enzymes, as well as corresponding shifts in ceramide, glucosylceramide, and sphingomyelin (SM) molecular species. With respect to mitochondria, despite consistent increases in both basal respiration and maximal respiratory capacity, direct interrogation of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system revealed intrinsic deficiencies in HL60/VCR, as well as across multiple MDR model systems. Based on the apparent requirement for augmented SL and mitochondrial flux to support the MDR phenotype, we explored a combinatorial therapeutic paradigm designed to target each pathway. Remarkably, despite minimal cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), co-targeting SL metabolism, and respiratory complex I (CI) induced synergistic cytotoxicity consistently across multiple MDR leukemia models. Together, these data underscore the intimate connection between cellular sphingolipids and mitochondrial metabolism and suggest that pharmacological intervention across both pathways may represent a novel treatment strategy against MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - James T Hagen
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Miki Kassai
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Li-Pin Kao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Margaret A M Nelson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kelsey L McLaughlin
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah S Coalson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David F Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.,Penn state Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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15
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Nelson MAM, McLaughlin KL, Hagen JT, Coalson HS, Schmidt C, Kassai M, Kew KA, McClung JM, Neufer PD, Brophy P, Vohra NA, Liles D, Cabot MC, Fisher-Wellman KH. Intrinsic OXPHOS limitations underlie cellular bioenergetics in leukemia. eLife 2021; 10:e63104. [PMID: 34132194 PMCID: PMC8221809 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently there is great interest in targeting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cancer. However, notwithstanding the targeting of mutant dehydrogenases, nearly all hopeful 'mito-therapeutics' cannot discriminate cancerous from non-cancerous OXPHOS and thus suffer from a limited therapeutic index. Using acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as a model, herein, we leveraged an in-house diagnostic biochemical workflow to identify 'actionable' bioenergetic vulnerabilities intrinsic to cancerous mitochondria. Consistent with prior reports, AML growth and proliferation was associated with a hyper-metabolic phenotype which included increases in basal and maximal respiration. However, despite having nearly 2-fold more mitochondria per cell, clonally expanding hematopoietic stem cells, leukemic blasts, as well as chemoresistant AML were all consistently hallmarked by intrinsic OXPHOS limitations. Remarkably, by performing experiments across a physiological span of ATP free energy, we provide direct evidence that leukemic mitochondria are particularly poised to consume ATP. Relevant to AML biology, acute restoration of oxidative ATP synthesis proved highly cytotoxic to leukemic blasts, suggesting that active OXPHOS repression supports aggressive disease dissemination in AML. Together, these findings argue against ATP being the primary output of leukemic mitochondria and provide proof-of-principle that restoring, rather than disrupting, OXPHOS may represent an untapped therapeutic avenue for combatting hematological malignancy and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret AM Nelson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Kelsey L McLaughlin
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - James T Hagen
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Hannah S Coalson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Cameron Schmidt
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Miki Kassai
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Kimberly A Kew
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Joseph M McClung
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - P Darrell Neufer
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Patricia Brophy
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Nasreen A Vohra
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Darla Liles
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Myles C Cabot
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
| | - Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina UniversityGreenvilleUnited States
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16
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Fisher-Wellman KH, Hagen JT, Neufer PD, Kassai M, Cabot MC. On the nature of ceramide-mitochondria interactions - Dissection using comprehensive mitochondrial phenotyping. Cell Signal 2020; 78:109838. [PMID: 33212155 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sphingolipids are a unique class of lipids owing to their non-glycerol-containing backbone, ceramide, that is constructed from a long-chain aliphatic amino alcohol, sphinganine, to which a fatty acid is attached via an amide bond. Ceramide plays a star role in the initiation of apoptosis by virtue of its interactions with mitochondria, a control point for a downstream array of signaling cascades culminating in apoptosis. Many pathways converge on mitochondria to elicit mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), a step that corrupts bioenergetic service. Although much is known regarding ceramides interaction with mitochondria and the ensuing cell signal transduction cascades, how ceramide impacts the elements of mitochondrial bioenergetic function is poorly understood. The objective of this review is to introduce the reader to sphingolipid metabolism, present a snapshot of mitochondrial respiration, elaborate on ceramides convergence on mitochondria and the upstream players that collaborate to elicit MOMP, and introduce a mitochondrial phenotyping platform that can be of utility in dissecting the fine-points of ceramide impact on cellular bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America.
| | - James T Hagen
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - P Darrell Neufer
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Miki Kassai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America.
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17
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Nair R, Salinas-Illarena A, Baldauf HM. New strategies to treat AML: novel insights into AML survival pathways and combination therapies. Leukemia 2020; 35:299-311. [PMID: 33122849 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-01069-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The effective treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is very challenging. Due to the immense heterogeneity of this disease, treating it using a "one size fits all" approach is ineffective and only benefits a subset of patients. Instead, there is a shift towards more personalized treatment based on the patients' genomic signature. This shift has facilitated the increased revelation of novel insights into pathways that lead to the survival and propagation of AML cells. These AML survival pathways are involved in drug resistance, evasion of the immune system, reprogramming metabolism, and impairing differentiation. In addition, based on the reports of enhanced clinical efficiencies when combining drugs or treatments, deeper investigation into possible pathways, which can be targeted together to increase treatment response in a wider group of patients, is warranted. In this review, not only is a comprehensive summary of targets involved in these pathways provided, but also insights into the potential of targeting these molecules in combination therapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Nair
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute & Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Alejandro Salinas-Illarena
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute & Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hanna-Mari Baldauf
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute & Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, Munich, Germany.
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18
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Schömel N, Gruber L, Alexopoulos SJ, Trautmann S, Olzomer EM, Byrne FL, Hoehn KL, Gurke R, Thomas D, Ferreirós N, Geisslinger G, Wegner MS. UGCG overexpression leads to increased glycolysis and increased oxidative phosphorylation of breast cancer cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8182. [PMID: 32424263 PMCID: PMC7234995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65182-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The only enzyme in the glycosphingolipid (GSL) metabolic pathway, which produces glucosylceramide (GlcCer) de novo is UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG). UGCG is linked to pro-cancerous processes such as multidrug resistance development and increased proliferation in several cancer types. Previously, we showed an UGCG-dependent glutamine metabolism adaption to nutrient-poor environment of breast cancer cells. This adaption includes reinforced oxidative stress response and fueling the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle by increased glutamine oxidation. In the current study, we investigated glycolytic and oxidative metabolic phenotypes following UGCG overexpression (OE). UGCG overexpressing MCF-7 cells underwent a metabolic shift from quiescent/aerobic to energetic metabolism by increasing both glycolysis and oxidative glucose metabolism. The energetic metabolic phenotype was not associated with increased mitochondrial mass, however, markers of mitochondrial turnover were increased. UGCG OE altered sphingolipid composition of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/mitochondria fractions that may contribute to increased mitochondrial turnover and increased cell metabolism. Our data indicate that GSL are closely connected to cell energy metabolism and this finding might contribute to development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schömel
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Gruber
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephanie J Alexopoulos
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Sandra Trautmann
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ellen M Olzomer
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Frances L Byrne
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Kyle L Hoehn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Robert Gurke
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominique Thomas
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nerea Ferreirós
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marthe-Susanna Wegner
- Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
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Kyriakou K, W. Lederer C, Kleanthous M, Drousiotou A, Malekkou A. Acid Ceramidase Depletion Impairs Neuronal Survival and Induces Morphological Defects in Neurites Associated with Altered Gene Transcription and Sphingolipid Content. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1607. [PMID: 32111095 PMCID: PMC7084529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ASAH1 gene encodes acid ceramidase (AC), an enzyme that is implicated in the metabolism of ceramide (Cer). Mutations in the ASAH1 gene cause two different disorders, Farber disease (FD), a rare lysosomal storage disorder, and a rare form of spinal muscular atrophy combined with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME). In the absence of human in vitro neuronal disease models and to gain mechanistic insights into pathological effects of ASAH1 deficiency, we established and characterized a stable ASAH1 knockdown (ASAH1KD) SH-SY5Y cell line. ASAH1KD cells displayed reduced proliferation due to elevated apoptosis and G1/S cell cycle arrest. Distribution of LAMP1-positive lysosomes towards the cell periphery and significantly shortened and less branched neurites upon differentiation, implicate AC for lysosome positioning and neuronal development, respectively. Lipidomic analysis revealed changes in the intracellular levels of distinct sphingolipid species, importantly without Cer accumulation, in line with altered gene transcription within the sphingolipid pathway. Additionally, the transcript levels for Rho GTPases (RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42), which are key regulators of axonal orientation, neurite branching and lysosome positioning were found to be dysregulated. This study shows the critical role of AC in neurons and suggests how AC depletion leads to defects seen in neuropathology of SMA-PME and FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalia Kyriakou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus; (K.K.); (C.W.L.); (M.K.); (A.D.)
- Biochemical Genetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus; (K.K.); (C.W.L.); (M.K.); (A.D.)
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus; (K.K.); (C.W.L.); (M.K.); (A.D.)
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anthi Drousiotou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus; (K.K.); (C.W.L.); (M.K.); (A.D.)
- Biochemical Genetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anna Malekkou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus; (K.K.); (C.W.L.); (M.K.); (A.D.)
- Biochemical Genetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
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Guo W, Tan HY, Chen F, Wang N, Feng Y. Targeting Cancer Metabolism to Resensitize Chemotherapy: Potential Development of Cancer Chemosensitizers from Traditional Chinese Medicines. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020404. [PMID: 32050640 PMCID: PMC7072159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a common and complex disease with high incidence and mortality rates, which causes a severe public health problem worldwide. As one of the standard therapeutic approaches for cancer therapy, the prognosis and outcome of chemotherapy are still far from satisfactory due to the severe side effects and increasingly acquired resistance. The development of novel and effective treatment strategies to overcome chemoresistance is urgent for cancer therapy. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Cancer cells could rewire metabolic pathways to facilitate tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis, as well as chemoresistance. The metabolic reprogramming may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy and rekindle the research enthusiasm for overcoming chemoresistance. This review focuses on emerging mechanisms underlying rewired metabolic pathways for cancer chemoresistance in terms of glucose and energy, lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolisms, as well as other related metabolisms. In particular, we highlight the potential of traditional Chinese medicine as a chemosensitizer for cancer chemotherapy from the metabolic perspective. The perspectives of metabolic targeting to chemoresistance are also discussed. In conclusion, the elucidation of the underlying metabolic reprogramming mechanisms by which cancer cells develop chemoresistance and traditional Chinese medicines resensitize chemotherapy would provide us a new insight into developing promising therapeutics and scientific evidence for clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine as a chemosensitizer for cancer therapy.
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