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Lara O, Janssen P, Mambretti M, De Pauw L, Ates G, Mackens L, De Munck J, Walckiers J, Pan Z, Beckers P, Espinet E, Sato H, De Ridder M, Marks DL, Barbé K, Aerts JL, Hermans E, Rooman I, Massie A. Compartmentalized role of xCT in supporting pancreatic tumor growth, inflammation and mood disturbance in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:275-286. [PMID: 38447884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
xCT (Slc7a11), the specific subunit of the cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc-, is present in the brain and on immune cells, where it is known to modulate behavior and inflammatory responses. In a variety of cancers -including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-, xCT is upregulated by tumor cells to support their growth and spread. Therefore, we studied the impact of xCT deletion in pancreatic tumor cells (Panc02) and/or the host (xCT-/- mice) on tumor burden, inflammation, cachexia and mood disturbances. Deletion of xCT in the tumor strongly reduced tumor growth. Targeting xCT in the host and not the tumor resulted only in a partial reduction of tumor burden, while it did attenuate tumor-related systemic inflammation and prevented an increase in immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. The latter effect could be replicated by specific xCT deletion in immune cells. xCT deletion in the host or the tumor differentially modulated neuroinflammation. When mice were grafted with xCT-deleted tumor cells, hypothalamic inflammation was reduced and, accordingly, food intake improved. Tumor bearing xCT-/- mice showed a trend of reduced hippocampal neuroinflammation with less anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Taken together, targeting xCT may have beneficial effects on pancreatic cancer-related comorbidities, beyond reducing tumor burden. The search for novel and specific xCT inhibitors is warranted as they may represent a holistic therapy in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaya Lara
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium; Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Pauline Janssen
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium; Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Marco Mambretti
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Laura De Pauw
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Gamze Ates
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Liselotte Mackens
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Jolien De Munck
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Jarne Walckiers
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Zhaolong Pan
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Pauline Beckers
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Elisa Espinet
- Pancreatic Cancer Lab, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain; Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Hideyo Sato
- Department of Medical Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Mark De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, UZ Brussels, VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Daniel L Marks
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kurt Barbé
- The Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Joeri L Aerts
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Ilse Rooman
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium.
| | - Ann Massie
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium.
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Tripathy S, Singh S, Banerjee M, Modi DR, Prakash A. Coagulation proteases and neurotransmitters in pathogenicity of glioblastoma multiforme. Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:398-408. [PMID: 35896309 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2107514] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that begins in cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. It can form in the brain or spinal cord. Despite the variety of modern therapies against GBM, it is still a deadly disease. Patients usually have a median survival of approximately 14 to 15 months from the diagnosis. Glioblastoma is also known as glioblastoma multiforme. The pathogenesis contributing to the proliferation and metastasis of cancer involves aberrations of multiple signalling pathways through multiple genetic mutations and altered gene expression. The coagulant factors like thrombin and tissue factor play a noteworthy role in cancer invasion. They are produced in the microenvironment of glioma through activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs) which are activated by coagulation proteases. PARs are members of family G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by coagulation proteases. These components play a key role in tumour cell angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and interactions with host vascular cells. Further, the release of neurotransmitters is also found to regulate malignancy in gliomas. Exploration of the interplay between malignant neural circuitry with the normal conditions is also decisive in finding effective therapies for these apparently invasive tumours. The present review discusses the molecular classification of gliomas, activation of PARs by coagulation protease, and its role in metastasis of gliomas. Further, the differential involvement of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of gliomas has also been discussed. Targeting these molecules may present a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Tripathy
- Molecular & Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Monisha Banerjee
- Molecular & Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Dinesh Raj Modi
- Department of Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Anand Prakash
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, India
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Yamaguchi I, Katoh H. Merlin/NF2 regulates SLC7A11/xCT expression and cell viability under glucose deprivation at high cell density in glioblastoma cells. J Biochem 2024; 175:313-322. [PMID: 38102738 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The cystine/glutamate transporter SLC7A11/xCT is highly expressed in many cancer cells and plays an important role in antioxidant activity by supplying cysteine for glutathione synthesis. Under glucose-depleted conditions, however, SLC7A11-mediated cystine uptake causes oxidative stress and cell death called disulfidptosis, a new form of cell death. We previously reported that high cell density (HD) promotes lysosomal degradation of SLC7A11 in glioblastoma cells, allowing them to survive under glucose-depleted conditions. In this study, we found that the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene, Merlin/NF2 is a key regulator of SLC7A11 in glioblastoma cells at HD. Deletion of Merlin increased SLC7A11 protein level and cystine uptake at HD, leading to promotion of cell death under glucose deprivation. Furthermore, HD significantly decreased SLC7A11 mRNA level, which was restored by Merlin deletion. This study suggests that Merlin suppresses glucose deprivation-induced cell death by downregulating SLC7A11 expression in glioblastoma cells at HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itsuki Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Hironori Katoh
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
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Colovic M, Yang H, Southcott L, Merkens H, Colpo N, Bénard F, Schaffer P. Comparative Evaluation of [ 18F]5-Fluoroaminosuberic Acid and (4 S)-4-3-[ 18F]fluoropropyl)-l-Glutamate as System xC--Targeting Radiopharmaceuticals. J Nucl Med 2023:jnumed.122.265254. [PMID: 37116917 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.122.265254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
System [Formula: see text] is an appealing biomarker for targeting oxidative stress with oncologic PET imaging and can serve as an alternative PET biomarker to other metabolic indicators. In this paper, we report a direct comparison of 2 18F-labeled amino acid radiopharmaceuticals targeting system [Formula: see text], [18F]5-fluoroaminosuberic acid ([18F]FASu) and (4S)-4-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-l-glutamate ([18F]FSPG), in terms of their uptake specificity and ability to image glioma and lung cancer xenografts in vivo. Methods: Both tracers were synthesized according to previously published procedures. In vitro uptake specificity assays were conducted using prostate (PC-3), glioblastoma (U-87), colorectal (HT-29), ovarian (SKOV3), breast (MDA-MB-231), and lung cancer (A549) cell lines. PET/CT imaging and biodistribution studies were conducted in immunocompromised mice bearing U-87 or A549 xenografts. Results: In vitro cell uptake assays showed that the tracers accumulated in cancer cells in a time-dependent manner and that the uptake of [18F]FASu was blocked by the system [Formula: see text] inhibitor sulfasalazine and rose bengal, but not by system L inhibitor 2-aminobicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid, system [Formula: see text] inhibitor L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid, or l-serine, which is a substrate for transporter systems A, ACS, B0, and B0,+ Conversely, [18F]FSPG uptake decreased significantly in the presence of an excess of L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid in 2 of 3 tested cell lines, indicating some reliance on system [Formula: see text] in these cells. In an in vivo setting, [18F]FASu and [18F]FSPG generated good-contrast PET images in U-87 and A549 tumor-bearing mice. Tracer accumulation in A549 tumors was 5.0 ± 0.8 percentage injected dose (%ID)/g ([18F]FASu, n ≥ 5) and 6.3 ± 1.3 %ID/g ([18F]FSPG, n ≥ 6, P = 0.7786), whereas U-87 xenografts demonstrated uptake of 6.1 ± 2.4 %ID/g ([18F]FASu, n ≥ 4) and 11.2 ± 4.1 %ID/g ([18F]FSPG, n ≥ 4, P = 0.0321) at 1 h after injection. Conclusion: [18F]FSPG had greater in vitro uptake than [18F]FASu in all cell lines tested; however, our results indicate that residual uptake differences exist between [18F]FSPG and [18F]FASu, suggesting alternative transporter activity in the cell lines tested. In vivo studies demonstrated the ability of both [18F]FASu and [18F]FSPG to image glioblastoma (U-87) and non-small cell lung cancer (A549) xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Colovic
- Life Sciences Division, TRIUMF, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hua Yang
- Life Sciences Division, TRIUMF, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lily Southcott
- Life Sciences Division, TRIUMF, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Helen Merkens
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nadine Colpo
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Francois Bénard
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Paul Schaffer
- Life Sciences Division, TRIUMF, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Allen AE, Sun Y, Wei F, Reid MA, Locasale JW. Nucleotide metabolism is linked to cysteine availability. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103039. [PMID: 36803962 PMCID: PMC10074211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The small molecule erastin inhibits the cystine-glutamate antiporter, system xc-, which leads to intracellular cysteine and glutathione depletion. This can cause ferroptosis, which is an oxidative cell death process characterized by uncontrolled lipid peroxidation. Erastin and other ferroptosis inducers have been shown to affect metabolism but the metabolic effects of these drugs have not been systematically studied. To this end, we investigated how erastin impacts global metabolism in cultured cells and compared this metabolic profile to that caused by the ferroptosis inducer RAS-selective lethal 3 or in vivo cysteine deprivation. Common among the metabolic profiles were alterations in nucleotide and central carbon metabolism. Supplementing nucleosides to cysteine-deprived cells rescued cell proliferation in certain contexts, showing that these alterations to nucleotide metabolism can affect cellular fitness. While inhibition of the glutathione peroxidase GPX4 caused a similar metabolic profile as cysteine deprivation, nucleoside treatment did not rescue cell viability or proliferation under RAS-selective lethal 3 treatment, suggesting that these metabolic changes have varying importance in different scenarios of ferroptosis. Together, our study shows how global metabolism is affected during ferroptosis and points to nucleotide metabolism as an important target of cysteine deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamarie E Allen
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yudong Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Fangchao Wei
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael A Reid
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jason W Locasale
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Structural and Molecular Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
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Tang B, Wang Y, Xu W, Zhu J, Weng Q, Chen W, Fang S, Yang Y, Qiu R, Chen M, Mao W, Xu M, Zhao Z, Cai S, Zhang H, Ji J. Macrophage xCT deficiency drives immune activation and boosts responses to immune checkpoint blockade in lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 554:216021. [PMID: 36455758 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME), which promotes tumor growth, immunosuppression and angiogenesis. Because of the high plasticity of macrophages and the extremely complex tumor microenvironment, the mechanism of TAMs in cancer progression is still largely unknown. In this study, we found that xCT (SLC7A11) was overexpressed in lung cancer-associated macrophages. Higher xCT in TAMs was associated with poor prognosis and was an independent predictive factor in lung cancer. In addition, lung cancer growth and progression was inhibited in xCT knockout mice, especially macrophage-specific xCT knockout mice. We also found that the deletion of macrophage xCT inhibited AKT/STAT6 signaling activation and reduced M2-type polarization of TAMs. Macrophage xCT deletion recruited more CD8+ T cells and activated the lung cancer cell-mediated and IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT1 axis and increased the expression of its target genes, including CXCL10 and CD274. The combination of macrophage xCT deletion and anti-PDL1 antibody achieved better tumor inhibition. Finally, combining the xCT inhibitor erastin with an anti-PDL1 antibody was more potent in inhibiting lung cancer progression. Therefore, suppression of xCT may overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bufu Tang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Wangting Xu
- Department of Respiratory, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Qiaoyou Weng
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Weiqian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Shiji Fang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Rongfang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Weiyang Mao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Zhongwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Songhua Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiansong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China.
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7
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Wang J, Hao S, Song G, Wang Y, Hao Q. The prognostic and clinicopathological significance of SLC7A11 in human cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14931. [PMID: 36874967 PMCID: PMC9979827 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective It is of great importance to recognize bio-markers for cancer prognosis. However, the association between solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and prognosis is still controversial. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of SLC7A11 in human cancers. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Embase database were searched from database inceptions to March 19th 2022. Hand searches were also conducted in references. Prognosis and clinicopathological data were extracted and analyzed. Results A total of 12 eligible studies with 1,955 patients were included. The results indicated that SLC7A11 expression is associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS), unfavorable recurrence-free survival (RFS) and unfavorable progression free survival (PFS). And SLC7A11 expression is also associated with more advanced tumor stage. Conclusions SLC7A11 expression is associated with more unfavorable prognosis and more advanced tumor stage. Therefore, SLC7A11 could be a potential biomarker for human cancer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Wang
- Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Department of Lung Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyuan Hao
- Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojiao Song
- Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Department of Lung Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiukui Hao
- McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Science, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Dang Q, Sun Z, Wang Y, Wang L, Liu Z, Han X. Ferroptosis: a double-edged sword mediating immune tolerance of cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:925. [PMID: 36335094 PMCID: PMC9637147 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05384-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The term ferroptosis was put forward in 2012 and has been researched exponentially over the past few years. Ferroptosis is an unconventional pattern of iron-dependent programmed cell death, which belongs to a type of necrosis and is distinguished from apoptosis and autophagy. Actuated by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation, ferroptosis is modulated by various cellular metabolic and signaling pathways, including amino acid, lipid, iron, and mitochondrial metabolism. Notably, ferroptosis is associated with numerous diseases and plays a double-edged sword role. Particularly, metastasis-prone or highly-mutated tumor cells are sensitive to ferroptosis. Hence, inducing or prohibiting ferroptosis in tumor cells has vastly promising potential in treating drug-resistant cancers. Immunotolerant cancer cells are not sensitive to the traditional cell death pathway such as apoptosis and necroptosis, while ferroptosis plays a crucial role in mediating tumor and immune cells to antagonize immune tolerance, which has broad prospects in the clinical setting. Herein, we summarized the mechanisms and delineated the regulatory network of ferroptosis, emphasized its dual role in mediating immune tolerance, proposed its significant clinical benefits in the tumor immune microenvironment, and ultimately presented some provocative doubts. This review aims to provide practical guidelines and research directions for the clinical practice of ferroptosis in treating immune-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Dang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052 China ,grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052 China
| | - Ziqi Sun
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052 China
| | - Yang Wang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052 China
| | - Libo Wang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052 China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052 China
| | - Xinwei Han
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052 China
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9
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Luo Y, Tian G, Fang X, Bai S, Yuan G, Pan Y. Ferroptosis and Its Potential Role in Glioma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2123. [PMID: 36358495 PMCID: PMC9686959 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common intracranial malignant tumor, and the current main standard treatment option is a combination of tumor surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Due to the terribly poor five-year survival rate of patients with gliomas and the high recurrence rate of gliomas, some new and efficient therapeutic strategies are expected. Recently, ferroptosis, as a new form of cell death, has played a significant role in the treatment of gliomas. Specifically, studies have revealed key processes of ferroptosis, including iron overload in cells, occurrence of lipid peroxidation, inactivation of cysteine/glutathione antiporter system Xc- (xCT) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). In the present review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and introduced the application and challenges of ferroptosis in the development and treatment of gliomas. Moreover, we highlighted the therapeutic opportunities of manipulating ferroptosis to improve glioma treatments, which may improve the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusong Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Guopeng Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Shengwei Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Guoqiang Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yawen Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
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10
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Safrhansova L, Hlozkova K, Starkova J. Targeting amino acid metabolism in cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 373:37-79. [PMID: 36283767 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring is a characteristic hallmark of cancer cells. This phenomenon sustains uncontrolled proliferation and resistance to apoptosis by increasing nutrients and energy supply. However, reprogramming comes together with vulnerabilities that can be used against tumor and can be applied in targeted therapy. In the last years, the genetic background of tumors has been identified thoroughly and new therapies targeting those mutations tested. Nevertheless, we propose that targeting the phenotype of cancer cells could be another way of treatment aiming to avoid drug resistance and non-responsiveness of cancer patients. Amino acid metabolism is part of the altered processes in cancer cells. Amino acids are building blocks and also sensors of signaling pathways regulating main biological processes. In this comprehensive review, we described four amino acids (asparagine, arginine, methionine, and cysteine) which have been actively investigated as potential targets for anti-tumor therapy. Asparagine depletion is successfully used for decades in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and there is a strong implication to apply it to other types of tumors. Arginine auxotrophic tumors are great candidates for arginine-starvation therapy. Higher requirement for essential amino acids such as methionine and cysteine point out promising targetable weaknesses of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Safrhansova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Hlozkova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julia Starkova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
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11
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Shi J, Yang N, Han M, Qiu C. Emerging roles of ferroptosis in glioma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:993316. [PMID: 36072803 PMCID: PMC9441765 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.993316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor in the central nervous system, and directly affects the quality of life and cognitive function of patients. Ferroptosis, is a new form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis is mainly due to redox imbalance and involves multiple intracellular biology processes, such as iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and antioxidants synthesis. Induction of ferroptosis could be a new target for glioma treatment, and ferroptosis-related processes are associated with chemoresistance and radioresistance in glioma. In the present review, we provide the characteristics, key regulators and pathways of ferroptosis and the crosstalk between ferroptosis and other programmed cell death in glioma, we also proposed the application and prospect of ferroptosis in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Shi
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingzhi Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Qiu
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Chen Qiu,
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12
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Hills KE, Kostarelos K, Wykes RC. Converging Mechanisms of Epileptogenesis and Their Insight in Glioblastoma. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:903115. [PMID: 35832394 PMCID: PMC9271928 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.903115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and advanced form of primary malignant tumor occurring in the adult central nervous system, and it is frequently associated with epilepsy, a debilitating comorbidity. Seizures are observed both pre- and post-surgical resection, indicating that several pathophysiological mechanisms are shared but also prompting questions about how the process of epileptogenesis evolves throughout GBM progression. Molecular mutations commonly seen in primary GBM, i.e., in PTEN and p53, and their associated downstream effects are known to influence seizure likelihood. Similarly, various intratumoral mechanisms, such as GBM-induced blood-brain barrier breakdown and glioma-immune cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment are also cited as contributing to network hyperexcitability. Substantial alterations to peri-tumoral glutamate and chloride transporter expressions, as well as widespread dysregulation of GABAergic signaling are known to confer increased epileptogenicity and excitotoxicity. The abnormal characteristics of GBM alter neuronal network function to result in metabolically vulnerable and hyperexcitable peri-tumoral tissue, properties the tumor then exploits to favor its own growth even post-resection. It is evident that there is a complex, dynamic interplay between GBM and epilepsy that promotes the progression of both pathologies. This interaction is only more complicated by the concomitant presence of spreading depolarization (SD). The spontaneous, high-frequency nature of GBM-associated epileptiform activity and SD-associated direct current (DC) shifts require technologies capable of recording brain signals over a wide bandwidth, presenting major challenges for comprehensive electrophysiological investigations. This review will initially provide a detailed examination of the underlying mechanisms that promote network hyperexcitability in GBM. We will then discuss how an investigation of these pathologies from a network level, and utilization of novel electrophysiological tools, will yield a more-effective, clinically-relevant understanding of GBM-related epileptogenesis. Further to this, we will evaluate the clinical relevance of current preclinical research and consider how future therapeutic advancements may impact the bidirectional relationship between GBM, SDs, and seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E. Hills
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Catalan Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), Edifici ICN2, Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert C. Wykes
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Robert C. Wykes
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13
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Yu X, Zhu D, Luo B, Kou W, Cheng Y, Zhu Y. IFNγ enhances ferroptosis by increasing JAK‑STAT pathway activation to suppress SLCA711 expression in adrenocortical carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2022; 47:97. [PMID: 35322867 PMCID: PMC8968764 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare type of tumor with a poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is a relatively novel form of programmed cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation accumulation. Recent evidence suggests that IFNγ facilitates erastin-induced ferroptosis, which contributed to anticancer therapy in various types of cancer. However, it has remained elusive whether the regulation of IFNγ on ferroptosis has a positive role in the treatment of ACC. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the effects of IFNγ on erastin-induced ferroptosis in the ACC cell line NCI-H295R and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Cell viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, an ethynyldioxyuridine proliferation assay and Live/Dead staining. The levels of iron, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial damage were also assessed. Western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analyses were used to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the erastin-induced ferroptosis of NCI-H295R cells. The results suggested that IFNγ promoted erastin-induced ferroptotic cell death. Furthermore, IFNγ enhanced erastin-induced ferroptosis, as evidenced by the accumulation of iron, as well as the increase in lipid peroxidation and promotion of mitochondrial damage. Further analysis suggested that IFNγ enhanced ferroptosis by suppressing the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11, an important negative regulator of ferroptosis, and this was achieved via activation of the JAK/STAT pathway in NCI-H295R cells. The present study provided experimental evidence on the activity and mechanism of ferroptosis enhanced by IFNγ in ACC and may give critical insight into the immunotherapeutic management of ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Yu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Bixian Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Wei Kou
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Yuling Cheng
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
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14
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Mitre AO, Florian AI, Buruiana A, Boer A, Moldovan I, Soritau O, Florian SI, Susman S. Ferroptosis Involvement in Glioblastoma Treatment. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58020319. [PMID: 35208642 PMCID: PMC8876121 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest brain tumors. Current standard therapy includes tumor resection surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Due to the tumors invasive nature, recurrences are almost a certainty, giving the patients after diagnosis only a 12–15 months average survival time. Therefore, there is a dire need of finding new therapies that could potentially improve patient outcomes. Ferroptosis is a newly described form of cell death with several implications in cancer, among which GBM. Agents that target different molecules involved in ferroptosis and that stimulate this process have been described as potentially adjuvant anti-cancer treatment options. In GBM, ferroptosis stimulation inhibits tumor growth, improves patient survival, and increases the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding ferroptosis modulation in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei-Otto Mitre
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-O.M.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Alexandru Ioan Florian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department, of Neurosurgery, Emergency County Hospital, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrei Buruiana
- Department of Medical Oncology, Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Armand Boer
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-O.M.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Ioana Moldovan
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-O.M.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Olga Soritau
- Research Department, Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Stefan Ioan Florian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department, of Neurosurgery, Emergency County Hospital, 3-5 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Susman
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-O.M.); (A.B.); (I.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Pathology, IMOGEN Research Center, Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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15
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Sarowar S, Cirillo D, Játiva P, Nilsen MH, Otragane SMA, Heggdal J, Selheim F, Ceña V, Bjørsvik HR, Enger PØ. The Styryl Benzoic Acid Derivative DC10 Potentiates Radiotherapy by Targeting the xCT-Glutathione Axis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:786739. [PMID: 35198439 PMCID: PMC8858948 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.786739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumors with moderate radiosensitivity account for most cancer-related deaths, highlighting the limitations of current radiotherapy regimens. The xCT-inhibitor sulfasalazine (SAS) sensitizes cancer cells to radiotherapy by blocking cystine uptake via the xCT membrane antiporter, and thereby glutathione (GSH) synthesis protecting against radiation-induced oxidative stress. The expression of xCT in multiple tumor types implies it as a target generic to cancer rather than confined to few subtypes. However, SAS has limited clinical potential as a radiosensitizer due to side effects and low bioavailability. Using SAS as a starting point, we previously developed synthetic xCT-inhibitors through scaffold hopping and structure optimization aided by structure-activity relationship analysis (SAR). Notably, the compound DC10 exhibited inhibition of GSH synthesis. In this study, we validated DC10 as a radiosensitizer in the xCT-expressing cancer cell lines A172, A375 and MCF7, and mice harboring melanoma xenografts. After DC10 treatment, we measured 14C-cystine uptake in the cancer cells using liquid scintillation counting, and intracellular GSH levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS) using luminescence assays. We performed immunoblotting of H2AX and ATM to assess DNA damage after treatment with DC10 and radiotherapy. We then assessed the effect of adding DC10 to radiation upon cancer cell colony formation. Blood samples from mice treated with DC10 underwent biochemical analysis to assess toxicity. Finally, mice with A375 melanomas in the flank, received DC10 and radiotherapy in combination, as monotherapies or no treatment. Notably, DC10 reduced cystine uptake and GSH synthesis and increased ROS levels in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, DC10 interacted synergistically with radiation to increase DNA damage and reduce tumor cell colony formation. Mice receiving DC10 were clinically unaffected, whereas blood samples analysis to assess bone marrow suppression, liver or kidney toxicity revealed no significant differences between treated mice and untreated controls. Importantly, DC10 potentiated the anti-tumor efficacy of radiation in mice with melanoma xenografts. We conclude that DC10 is well tolerated and acts as a radiosensitizer by inhibiting cystine uptake, leading to GSH depletion and increased oxidative stress. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using synthetic xCT-inhibitors to overcome radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Sarowar
- Oncomatrix Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Davide Cirillo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Pablo Játiva
- Unidad Asociada Neurodeath, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mette Hartmark Nilsen
- Oncomatrix Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Jan Heggdal
- Department of Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Frode Selheim
- The Proteomics Facility of the University of Bergen (PROBE), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Valentín Ceña
- Unidad Asociada Neurodeath, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Per Øyvind Enger
- Oncomatrix Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
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16
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Koch K, Hartmann R, Suwala AK, Rios DH, Kamp MA, Sabel M, Steiger HJ, Willbold D, Sharma A, Kahlert UD, Maciaczyk J. Overexpression of Cystine/Glutamate Antiporter xCT Correlates with Nutrient Flexibility and ZEB1 Expression in Highly Clonogenic Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells (GSCs). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236001. [PMID: 34885110 PMCID: PMC8672273 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236001] [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: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of glioma (WHO grade IV), and mounting evidence suggests that glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) play an important role in tumor growth and response to therapy. In the current study, we sought to understand the metabolic dependencies of GSCs using high-resolution proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). In a defined experimental setting, we stratified in vitro GSC models into two subtypes (Gln/GluHigh, Gln/GluLow) and used diverse molecular approaches to perform comprehensive analyses in GSC neurosphere cultures and primary GBM samples. Abstract Cancer stem-like cells mediate tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance; however, their identification and selective eradication remain challenging. Herein, we analyze the metabolic dependencies of glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) with high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. We stratify our in vitro GSC models into two subtypes primarily based on their relative amount of glutamine in relationship to glutamate (Gln/Glu). Gln/GluHigh GSCs were found to be resistant to glutamine deprivation, whereas Gln/GluLow GSCs respond with significantly decreased in vitro clonogenicity and impaired cell growth. The starvation resistance appeared to be mediated by an increased expression of the glutamate/cystine antiporter SLC7A11/xCT and efficient cellular clearance of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, we were able to directly correlate xCT-dependent starvation resistance and high Gln/Glu ratios with in vitro clonogenicity, since targeted differentiation of GSCs with bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) impaired xCT expression, decreased the Gln/Glu ratio, and restored the sensitivity to glutamine starvation. Moreover, significantly reduced levels of the oncometabolites lactate (Lac), phosphocholine (PC), total choline (tCho), myo-inositol (Myo-I), and glycine (Gly) were observed in differentiated GSCs. Furthermore, we found a strong association between high Gln/Glu ratios and increased expression of Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and xCT in primary GBM tumor tissues. Our analyses suggest that the inhibition of xCT represents a potential therapeutic target in glioblastoma; thus, we could further extend its importance in GSC biology and stress responses. We also propose that monitoring of the intracellular Gln/Glu ratio can be used to predict nutrient stress resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Koch
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (K.K.); (D.H.R.); (M.S.); (H.-J.S.); (U.D.K.)
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Rudolf Hartmann
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7) Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Juelich, 52425 Juelich, Germany; (R.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Abigail Kora Suwala
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Helen Diller Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA;
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dayana Herrera Rios
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (K.K.); (D.H.R.); (M.S.); (H.-J.S.); (U.D.K.)
- Skin Cancer Unit of the Dermatology Department, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Marcel Alexander Kamp
- Department of Neurosurgery, Centre of Neuro-Oncology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Michael Sabel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (K.K.); (D.H.R.); (M.S.); (H.-J.S.); (U.D.K.)
| | - Hans-Jakob Steiger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (K.K.); (D.H.R.); (M.S.); (H.-J.S.); (U.D.K.)
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7) Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Juelich, 52425 Juelich, Germany; (R.H.); (D.W.)
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Amit Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Ulf Dietrich Kahlert
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (K.K.); (D.H.R.); (M.S.); (H.-J.S.); (U.D.K.)
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Clinic of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Otto-von-Guericke University and University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jarek Maciaczyk
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)228-287-16531
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17
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Baba H, Kanda M, Sawaki K, Nakamura S, Ueda S, Shimizu D, Koike M, Kodera Y, Fujii T. SLC7A9 as a Potential Biomarker for Lymph Node Metastasis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 29:2699-2709. [PMID: 34773193 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-11001-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of solute carrier (SLC) 7 family genes is reportedly associated with several malignancies. Here, we focused on SLC7A9 and investigated its expression, function, and clinical significance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS SLC7A9 transcription levels were evaluated in 13 ESCC cell lines, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array analysis was conducted to detect coordinately expressed genes with SLC7A9. SLC7A9 contributions to proliferation, invasion, and migration were evaluated in ESCC cells subjected to siRNA-mediated gene knockdown and pCMV6-entry plasmid-mediated overexpression. SLC7A9 expression was detected in 189 ESCC tissues by quantitative reverse-transcription (qRT)-PCR and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS The expression levels of SLC7A9 varied widely in ESCC cell lines and correlated with FGFBP1 expression. Knockdown of SLC7A9 significantly suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of the ESCC cell lines. Moreover, overexpression of SLC7A9 enhanced cell proliferation and migration. In analyses of clinical specimens, SLC7A9 mRNA was overexpressed in the ESCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal esophageal tissues. High mRNA expression was significantly associated with high levels of squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen, advanced disease stage, and lymph node metastasis. High SLC7A9 expression was also significantly associated with poor disease-specific and disease-free survival, and lymph node recurrence after radical surgery, but not with the other recurrence patterns. On multivariate analysis, high SLC7A9 expression was an independent predictor of lymph node recurrence. CONCLUSIONS SLC7A9 influences the malignant behavior of ESCC cells. Tumor SLC7A9 expression may serve as a novel biomarker for predicting lymph node metastasis and recurrence in ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Baba
- Department of Surgery and Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Mitsuro Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Koichi Sawaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Sei Ueda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.,Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Aichi-gakuin University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Surgery, School of Dentistry, Aichi-gakuin University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Dai Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masahiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Fujii
- Department of Surgery and Science, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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18
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SLC7A11 regulated by NRF2 modulates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma radiosensitivity by inhibiting ferroptosis. J Transl Med 2021; 19:367. [PMID: 34446045 PMCID: PMC8393811 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03042-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) is a component of cysteine/glutamate transporter, which plays a key role in tumor growth; however, its underlying effect on radiosensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify SLC7A11's expression and correlation with nuclear expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 (NRF2)-associated radioresistance in ESCC. METHODS We included 127 ESCC patients who received radical chemoradiotherapy. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect SLC7A11 and NRF2 nuclear expression, and the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and survival rates or therapy response were evaluated. Western blot, dual-reporter assays and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing were used to analyze their relationship in vitro. Their roles in radioresistance were then investigated through multiple validation steps. RESULTS NRF2 nuclear expression and SLC7A11 expression were overexpressed in ESCC tissues and were positively correlated with one another. NRF2 nuclear expression was significantly associated with tumor length, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage, while SLC7A11 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis. Patients with high NRF2 nuclear expression and SLC7A11 expression had significantly shorter overall and progression-free survival, and poor treatment response. The multivariate model showed that NRF2 nuclear expression and SLC7A11 expression, sex and tumor location are independent prognostic factors. In vitro analysis confirmed that hyperactivation of NRF2 induced SLC7A11 expression by directly binding to its promoter region, promoting radioresistance, reducing radiotherapy-induced lipid peroxidation levels, PTGS2 expression, and radiotherapy-related ferroptosis morphologic features. CONCLUSION Our study reveals a connection between high SLC7A11 expression and NRF2 nuclear expression in patients with ESCC that was related to worse survival and poorer therapy outcomes. SLC7A11-mediated ferroptosis inhibition induced NRF2-associated radioresistance, highlighting potential of NRF2/SLC7A11/ferroptosis axis as future therapeutic targets against therapy resistance biomarker.
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Liu MR, Zhu WT, Pei DS. System Xc -: a key regulatory target of ferroptosis in cancer. Invest New Drugs 2021; 39:1123-1131. [PMID: 33506324 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01070-0/tables/1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of oxidative stress-dependent regulated necrosis characterized by excessive lipid peroxide accumulation. This novel cell death modality has been implicated in preventing cancer progression. Cancer cells tend to modulate their redox state to prevent excessive peroxidation, eventually facilitating tumor growth. System Xc- (a cystine/glutamate antiporter system) is a promising target in cancer cells for ferroptosis induction. The overexpression of system Xc-, especially its core subunit xCT, has been reported in several tumors, and these high expression levels were closely related to cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis and the tumor microenvironment. xCT might serve as a novel biomarker, and its upregulation almost always indicates drug tolerance and poor survival. Therefore, system Xc- inhibition may enhance chemotherapy sensitivity and optimize patient prognosis. Here, we elaborate on the mediation of ferroptosis by suppressing system Xc- and the relevant underlying molecular mechanism in cancer cells. The spotlight on this approach to cancer treatment is creating a new horizon and pointing to future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Ru Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Tao Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
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20
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Campos-Sandoval JA, Gómez-García MC, Santos-Jiménez JDL, Matés JM, Alonso FJ, Márquez J. Antioxidant responses related to temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma. Neurochem Int 2021; 149:105136. [PMID: 34274381 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma remains one of the most challenging and devastating cancers, with only a very small proportion of patients achieving 5-year survival. The current standard of care consists of surgery, followed by radiation therapy with concurrent and maintenance chemotherapy with the alkylating agent temozolomide. To date, this drug is the only one that provides a significant survival benefit, albeit modest, as patients end up acquiring resistance to this drug. As a result, tumor progression and recurrence inevitably occur, leading to death. Several factors have been proposed to explain this resistance, including an upregulated antioxidant system to keep the elevated intracellular ROS levels, a hallmark of cancer cells, under control. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of chemoresistance -including the important role of glioblastoma stem cells-with emphasis on antioxidant defenses and how agents that impair redox balance (i.e.: sulfasalazine, erastin, CB-839, withaferin, resveratrol, curcumin, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine) might be advantageous in combined therapies against this type of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Campos-Sandoval
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
| | - María C Gómez-García
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - José M Matés
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J Alonso
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
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21
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So JS, Kim H, Han KS. Mechanisms of Invasion in Glioblastoma: Extracellular Matrix, Ca 2+ Signaling, and Glutamate. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:663092. [PMID: 34149360 PMCID: PMC8206529 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.663092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant form of primary brain tumor with a median survival time of 14–16 months in GBM patients. Surgical treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy may help increase survival by removing GBM from the brain. However, complete surgical resection to eliminate GBM is almost impossible due to its high invasiveness. When GBM cells migrate to the brain, they interact with various cells, including astrocytes, neurons, endothelial cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). They can also make their cell body shrink to infiltrate into narrow spaces in the brain; thereby, they can invade regions of the brain and escape from surgery. Brain tumor cells create an appropriate microenvironment for migration and invasion by modifying and degrading the ECM. During those processes, the Ca2+ signaling pathway and other signaling cascades mediated by various ion channels contribute mainly to gene expression, motility, and invasion of GBM cells. Furthermore, GBM cells release glutamate, affecting migration via activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors in an autocrine manner. This review focuses on the cellular mechanisms of glioblastoma invasion and motility related to ECM, Ca2+ signaling, and glutamate. Finally, we discuss possible therapeutic interventions to inhibit invasion by GBM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Seon So
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Gyeongju, Gyeongju, South Korea
| | - Hyeono Kim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Gyeongju, Gyeongju, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Seok Han
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Gyeongju, Gyeongju, South Korea
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22
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Lange F, Hörnschemeyer J, Kirschstein T. Glutamatergic Mechanisms in Glioblastoma and Tumor-Associated Epilepsy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051226. [PMID: 34067762 PMCID: PMC8156732 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The progression of glioblastomas is associated with a variety of neurological impairments, such as tumor-related epileptic seizures. Seizures are not only a common comorbidity of glioblastoma but often an initial clinical symptom of this cancer entity. Both, glioblastoma and tumor-associated epilepsy are closely linked to one another through several pathophysiological mechanisms, with the neurotransmitter glutamate playing a key role. Glutamate interacts with its ionotropic and metabotropic receptors to promote both tumor progression and excitotoxicity. In this review, based on its physiological functions, our current understanding of glutamate receptors and glutamatergic signaling will be discussed in detail. Furthermore, preclinical models to study glutamatergic interactions between glioma cells and the tumor-surrounding microenvironment will be presented. Finally, current studies addressing glutamate receptors in glioma and tumor-related epilepsy will be highlighted and future approaches to interfere with the glutamatergic network are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falko Lange
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Julia Hörnschemeyer
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Timo Kirschstein
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (T.K.)
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23
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Lee N, Carlisle AE, Peppers A, Park SJ, Doshi MB, Spears ME, Kim D. xCT-Driven Expression of GPX4 Determines Sensitivity of Breast Cancer Cells to Ferroptosis Inducers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020317. [PMID: 33672555 PMCID: PMC7923775 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inducers of ferroptosis such as the glutathione depleting agent Erastin and the GPX4 inhibitor Rsl-3 are being actively explored as potential therapeutics in various cancers, but the factors that determine their sensitivity are poorly understood. Here, we show that expression levels of both subunits of the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT determine the expression of GPX4 in breast cancer, and that upregulation of the xCT/selenocysteine biosynthesis/GPX4 production axis paradoxically renders the cancer cells more sensitive to certain types of ferroptotic stimuli. We find that GPX4 is strongly upregulated in a subset of breast cancer tissues compared to matched normal samples, and that this is tightly correlated with the increased expression of the xCT subunits SLC7A11 and SLC3A2. Erastin depletes levels of the antioxidant selenoproteins GPX4 and GPX1 in breast cancer cells by inhibiting xCT-dependent extracellular reduction which is required for selenium uptake and selenocysteine biosynthesis. Unexpectedly, while breast cancer cells are resistant compared to nontransformed cells against oxidative stress inducing drugs, at the same time they are hypersensitive to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis induced by Erastin or Rsl-3, indicating that they are 'addicted' to the xCT/GPX4 axis. Our findings provide a strategic basis for targeting the anti-ferroptotic machinery of breast cancer cells depending on their xCT status, which can be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namgyu Lee
- Cell and Cancer Biology, Department of Molecular, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; (N.L.); (A.E.C.); (A.P.); (M.B.D.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Anne E. Carlisle
- Cell and Cancer Biology, Department of Molecular, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; (N.L.); (A.E.C.); (A.P.); (M.B.D.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Austin Peppers
- Cell and Cancer Biology, Department of Molecular, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; (N.L.); (A.E.C.); (A.P.); (M.B.D.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Sung Jin Park
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA;
| | - Mihir B. Doshi
- Cell and Cancer Biology, Department of Molecular, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; (N.L.); (A.E.C.); (A.P.); (M.B.D.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Meghan E. Spears
- Cell and Cancer Biology, Department of Molecular, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; (N.L.); (A.E.C.); (A.P.); (M.B.D.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Dohoon Kim
- Cell and Cancer Biology, Department of Molecular, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA; (N.L.); (A.E.C.); (A.P.); (M.B.D.); (M.E.S.)
- Correspondence:
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24
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Sears SM, Hewett SJ. Influence of glutamate and GABA transport on brain excitatory/inhibitory balance. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1069-1083. [PMID: 33554649 DOI: 10.1177/1535370221989263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An optimally functional brain requires both excitatory and inhibitory inputs that are regulated and balanced. A perturbation in the excitatory/inhibitory balance-as is the case in some neurological disorders/diseases (e.g. traumatic brain injury Alzheimer's disease, stroke, epilepsy and substance abuse) and disorders of development (e.g. schizophrenia, Rhett syndrome and autism spectrum disorder)-leads to dysfunctional signaling, which can result in impaired cognitive and motor function, if not frank neuronal injury. At the cellular level, transmission of glutamate and GABA, the principle excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system control excitatory/inhibitory balance. Herein, we review the synthesis, release, and signaling of GABA and glutamate followed by a focused discussion on the importance of their transport systems to the maintenance of excitatory/inhibitory balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Ms Sears
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, 2029Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Sandra J Hewett
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, 2029Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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25
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Liu MR, Zhu WT, Pei DS. System Xc -: a key regulatory target of ferroptosis in cancer. Invest New Drugs 2021; 39:1123-1131. [PMID: 33506324 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of oxidative stress-dependent regulated necrosis characterized by excessive lipid peroxide accumulation. This novel cell death modality has been implicated in preventing cancer progression. Cancer cells tend to modulate their redox state to prevent excessive peroxidation, eventually facilitating tumor growth. System Xc- (a cystine/glutamate antiporter system) is a promising target in cancer cells for ferroptosis induction. The overexpression of system Xc-, especially its core subunit xCT, has been reported in several tumors, and these high expression levels were closely related to cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis and the tumor microenvironment. xCT might serve as a novel biomarker, and its upregulation almost always indicates drug tolerance and poor survival. Therefore, system Xc- inhibition may enhance chemotherapy sensitivity and optimize patient prognosis. Here, we elaborate on the mediation of ferroptosis by suppressing system Xc- and the relevant underlying molecular mechanism in cancer cells. The spotlight on this approach to cancer treatment is creating a new horizon and pointing to future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Ru Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Tao Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
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26
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Kang YP, Mockabee-Macias A, Jiang C, Falzone A, Prieto-Farigua N, Stone E, Harris IS, DeNicola GM. Non-canonical Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase Activity Protects against Ferroptosis. Cell Metab 2021; 33:174-189.e7. [PMID: 33357455 PMCID: PMC7839835 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine is required for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis in both normal and transformed cells. Deprivation of cysteine induces the iron-dependent form of cell death known as ferroptosis; however, the metabolic consequences of cysteine starvation beyond impairment of glutathione synthesis are poorly characterized. Here, we find that cystine starvation of non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines induces an unexpected accumulation of γ-glutamyl-peptides, which are produced due to a non-canonical activity of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). This activity is enriched in cell lines with high levels of NRF2, a key transcriptional regulator of GCLC, but is also inducible in healthy murine tissues following cysteine limitation. γ-glutamyl-peptide synthesis limits the accumulation of glutamate, thereby protecting against ferroptosis. These results indicate that GCLC has a glutathione-independent, non-canonical role in the protection against ferroptosis by maintaining glutamate homeostasis under cystine starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Pyo Kang
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Chang Jiang
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Aimee Falzone
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Everett Stone
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Isaac S Harris
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gina M DeNicola
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee. Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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27
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Yamamoto M, Teramoto K, Katoh H. Epidermal growth factor promotes glioblastoma cell death under glucose deprivation via upregulation of xCT (SLC7A11). Cell Signal 2020; 78:109874. [PMID: 33285240 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT (SLC7A11) is frequently overexpressed in many cancers, including glioblastoma. Cystine taken up by the cells via xCT is reduced to cysteine, which is used to synthesize glutathione for antioxidant cellular defense. However, overexpression of xCT causes cell death under glucose-limited conditions. We found that stimulation of glioblastoma cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces the upregulation of xCT and promotes cell death under glucose deprivation. Treatment with the mTOR inhibitor Torin 1 suppressed the EGF-induced upregulation of xCT and cell death. EGF increased xCT mRNA levels, which was suppressed by Torin 1. The lysosome inhibitor bafilomycin A1 increased xCT protein levels in the absence of EGF or in the presence of EGF and Torin 1. Taken together, our study suggests that EGF promotes glioblastoma cell death under glucose-limited conditions via the upregulation of xCT at transcriptional and protein levels in an mTOR-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Koji Teramoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hironori Katoh
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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28
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Take Advantage of Glutamine Anaplerosis, the Kernel of the Metabolic Rewiring in Malignant Gliomas. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101370. [PMID: 32993063 PMCID: PMC7599606 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in the metabolism of proliferating cells including neoplastic cells. In the central nervous system (CNS), glutamine metabolism is particularly relevant, because the glutamine-glutamate cycle is a way of controlling the production of glutamate-derived neurotransmitters by tightly regulating the bioavailability of the amino acids in a neuron-astrocyte metabolic symbiosis-dependent manner. Glutamine-related metabolic adjustments have been reported in several CNS malignancies including malignant gliomas that are considered ‘glutamine addicted’. In these tumors, glutamine becomes an essential amino acid preferentially used in energy and biomass production including glutathione (GSH) generation, which is crucial in oxidative stress control. Therefore, in this review, we will highlight the metabolic remodeling that gliomas undergo, focusing on glutamine metabolism. We will address some therapeutic regimens including novel research attempts to target glutamine metabolism and a brief update of diagnosis strategies that take advantage of this altered profile. A better understanding of malignant glioma cell metabolism will help in the identification of new molecular targets and the design of new therapies.
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29
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Liu J, Xia X, Huang P. xCT: A Critical Molecule That Links Cancer Metabolism to Redox Signaling. Mol Ther 2020; 28:2358-2366. [PMID: 32931751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
System xc- cystine/glutamate antiporter, composed of a light-chain subunit (xCT, SLC7A11) and a heavy-chain subunit (CD98hc, SLC3A2), is mainly responsible for the cellular uptake of cystine in exchange for intracellular glutamate. In recent years, the xCT molecule has been found to play an important role in tumor growth, progression, metastasis, and multidrug resistance in various types of cancer. Interestingly, xCT also exhibits an essential function in regulating tumor-associated ferroptosis. Despite significant progress in targeting the system xc- transporter in cancer treatment, the underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. It is also unclear why solid tumors are more sensitive to xCT inhibitors such as sulfasalazine, as compared to hematological malignancies. This review mainly focuses on the role of xCT cystine/glutamate transporter in regard to tumor growth, chemoresistance, tumor-selective ferroptosis, and the mechanisms regulating xCT gene expression. The potential therapeutic implications of targeting the system xc- and its combination with chemotherapeutic agents or immunotherapy to suppress tumor growth and overcome drug resistance are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyun Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China; Metabolic Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China; Metabolic Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Enomoto K, Hotomi M. Amino Acid Transporters as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Thyroid Cancer. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2020; 35:227-236. [PMID: 32615707 PMCID: PMC7386108 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2020.35.2.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer cells have a high amino acid demand for proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Amino acids are taken up by thyroid cancer cells, both thyroid follicular cell and thyroid parafollicular cells (commonly called "C-cells"), via amino acid transporters. Amino acid transporters up-regulate in many cancers, and their expression level associate with clinical aggressiveness and prognosis. This is the review to discuss the therapeutic potential of amino acid transporters and as molecular targets in thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Enomoto
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Muneki Hotomi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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31
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TGF-β1-mediated repression of SLC7A11 drives vulnerability to GPX4 inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:406. [PMID: 32471991 PMCID: PMC7260246 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2618-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
System xc− contributes to glutathione (GSH) synthesis and protects cells against ferroptosis by importing cystine and exchanging it with glutamate. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) induces redox imbalance; however, its role in system xc− regulation remains poorly understood. The present study was the first to show that TGF-β1 repressed the protein and mRNA levels of xCT, a catalytic subunit of system xc−, in PLC/PRF/5, Huh7, Huh6, and HepG2 cells with an early TGF-β1 gene signature but not in SNU387, SNU449, SNU475, and SK-Hep1 cells with a late TGF-β1 gene signature. TGF-β1 treatment for 24 h reduced xCT expression in a dose-dependent manner but this TGF-β1-induced repression was blunted by pretreatment with a TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor. TGF-β1-mediated xCT repression was prevented by Smad3, but not Smad2 or Smad4, knockdown, whereas it was enhanced by Smad3 overexpression. TGF-β1 decreased GSH levels in control cells but not xCT-overexpressed cells. Furthermore, TGF-β1 increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in PLC/PRF/5 cells and enhanced tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced ROS levels in Huh7 cells; these changes were reversed by xCT overexpression. TGF-β1 treatment ultimately induced the ferrostatin-1- and deferoxamine-dependent lipid peroxidation after 2 days and 8 days in PLC/PRF/5 and Huh7 cells but not in SNU475 and SK-Hep1 cells. Pre-treatment of TGF-β1 for 2 days enhanced the reduction of cell viability induced by RSL3, a GSH peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibitor, in PLC/PRF/5 and Huh7 cells. In conclusion, TGF-β1 represses xCT expression via Smad3 activation and enhances lipid peroxidation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells with an early TGF-β1 signature, which would benefit from the targeting of GPX4.
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Yamaguchi I, Yoshimura SH, Katoh H. High cell density increases glioblastoma cell viability under glucose deprivation via degradation of the cystine/glutamate transporter xCT (SLC7A11). J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6936-6945. [PMID: 32265299 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cystine/glutamate transporter system xc - consists of the light-chain subunit xCT (SLC7A11) and the heavy-chain subunit CD98 (4F2hc or SLC3A2) and exchanges extracellular cystine for intracellular glutamate at the plasma membrane. The imported cystine is reduced to cysteine and used for synthesis of GSH, one of the most important antioxidants in cancer cells. Because cancer cells have increased levels of reactive oxygen species, xCT, responsible for cystine-glutamate exchange, is overexpressed in many cancers, including glioblastoma. However, under glucose-limited conditions, xCT overexpression induces reactive oxygen species accumulation and cell death. Here we report that cell survival under glucose deprivation depends on cell density. We found that high cell density (HD) down-regulates xCT levels and increases cell viability under glucose deprivation. We also found that growth of glioblastoma cells at HD inactivates mTOR and that treatment of cells grown at low density with the mTOR inhibitor Torin 1 down-regulates xCT and inhibits glucose deprivation-induced cell death. The lysosome inhibitor bafilomycin A1 suppressed xCT down-regulation in HD-cultured glioblastoma cells and in Torin 1-treated cells grown at low density. Additionally, bafilomycin A1 exposure or ectopic xCT expression restored glucose deprivation-induced cell death at HD. These results suggest that HD inactivates mTOR and promotes lysosomal degradation of xCT, leading to improved glioblastoma cell viability under glucose-limited conditions. Our findings provide evidence that control of xCT protein expression via lysosomal degradation is an important mechanism for metabolic adaptation in glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itsuki Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Shige H Yoshimura
- Laboratory of Plasma Membrane and Nuclear Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hironori Katoh
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Wang FX, Chen K, Huang FQ, Alolga RN, Ma J, Wu ZX, Fan Y, Ma G, Guan M. Cerebrospinal fluid-based metabolomics to characterize different types of brain tumors. J Neurol 2019; 267:984-993. [PMID: 31822990 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09665-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain tumors cause significant morbidity and mortality due to rapid progression and high recurrence risks. Reliable biomarkers to improve diagnosis thereof are desirable. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to identify panels of biomarkers for diagnostic purposes using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-based metabolomics. METHODS A cohort of 163 histologically-proven patients with brain disorders was involved. Comprehensive CSF-based metabolomics was achieved by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight spectrometric (LC-Q/TOF-MS) and multivariate statistical analyses. The diagnostic performance of the metabolic markers was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS A total of 508 ion features were detected by the LC-Q/TOF-MS analysis, of which 27 metabolites were selected as diagnostic markers to discriminate different brain tumor types. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.91 for lung adenocarcinoma patients with brain metastases (MBT) vs. lung adenocarcinoma patients without brain metastases (NMBT), 0.83 for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) vs. secondary central nervous system involvement of systemic lymphoma (SCNSL), 0.77 for PCNSL vs. MBT, 0.87 for SCNSL vs. MBT, 0.86 for MBT vs. nontumorous brain diseases (NT), and 0.80 for PCNSL vs. NT. Perturbed metabolic pathways between the comparisons related mainly to amino acids and citrate metabolism. CONCLUSIONS CSF-based metabolomics to a large extent reliably identifies significant metabolic differences between different brain tumors and shows great potential for diagnosis of brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Xiang Wang
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, North Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng-Qing Huang
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China
| | - Raphael N Alolga
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Ma
- Department of Hematology, North Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Wu
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanming Fan
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China
| | - Gaoxiang Ma
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ming Guan
- Central Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 108 Luxiang Avenue, Baoshan District, Shanghai, China.
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Teramoto K, Katoh H. The cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT is a key regulator of EphA2 S897 phosphorylation under glucose-limited conditions. Cell Signal 2019; 62:109329. [PMID: 31152846 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
EphA2, which belongs to the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases, is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. Serine 897 (S897) phosphorylation of EphA2 is known to promote cancer cell migration and proliferation in a ligand-independent manner. In this study, we show that glucose deprivation induces S897 phosphorylation of EphA2 in glioblastoma cells. The phosphorylation requires the activity of the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent ERK and RSK activation. Furthermore, depletion of EphA2 in glioblastoma cells leads to decreased cell viability under glucose starvation. Our results suggest a role of EphA2 in glioblastoma cell viability under glucose-limited conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Teramoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hironori Katoh
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Corbetta C, Di Ianni N, Bruzzone MG, Patanè M, Pollo B, Cantini G, Cominelli M, Zucca I, Pisati F, Poliani PL, Finocchiaro G, Pellegatta S. Altered function of the glutamate–aspartate transporter GLAST, a potential therapeutic target in glioblastoma. Int J Cancer 2019; 144:2539-2554. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Corbetta
- Unit of Molecular Neuro‐OncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Natalia Di Ianni
- Unit of Molecular Neuro‐OncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Experimental Imaging and Neuro‐RadiologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Monica Patanè
- Unit of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Bianca Pollo
- Unit of PathologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Gabriele Cantini
- Unit of Molecular Neuro‐OncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | | | - Ileana Zucca
- Experimental Imaging and Neuro‐RadiologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Federica Pisati
- Unit of Molecular Neuro‐OncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | | | - Gaetano Finocchiaro
- Unit of Molecular Neuro‐OncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Molecular Neuro‐OncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
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Shen L, Qian C, Cao H, Wang Z, Luo T, Liang C. Upregulation of the solute carrier family 7 genes is indicative of poor prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2018; 16:235. [PMID: 30558624 PMCID: PMC6297957 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-018-1535-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The solute carrier (SLC) 7 family genes comprise 14 members and function as cationic amino acid/glycoprotein transporters in many cells, they are essential for the maintenance of amino acid nutrition and survival of tumor cells. This study was conducted to analyze the associations of SLC7 family gene expression with mortality in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods Clinical features, somatic mutations, and SLC7 family gene expression data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Linear regression model analysis was performed to analyze the correlations between SLC7 family gene expression and clinicopathologic features. Kaplan-Meier survival and logistic regression analyses were performed to characterize the associations between gene expression and patients’ overall survival. Results Patient mortality was negatively associated with age and tumor size but positively increased cancer stage and absence of thyroiditis in PTC patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with high SLC7A3, SLC7A5, and SLC7A11 expression levels exhibited poorer survival than those with low SLC7A3, SLC7A5, and SLC7A11 expression levels (P < 0.05 for all cases). Logistic regression analysis showed that SLC7A3, SLC7A5, and SLC7A11 were associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR] 8.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3–55.91; OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.18–17.31; and OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.18–17.31, respectively. Conclusion Upregulation of SLC7A3, SLC7A5, and SLC7A11 expression was associated with poor prognosis in PTC patients, and SLC7 gene expression levels are potentially useful prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shen
- Department of Thyroid Breast Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Chunhua Qian
- Department of Endocrinolgy and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huimin Cao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongrui Wang
- Department of Thyroid Breast Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Tingxian Luo
- Department of Thyroid Breast Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Chunli Liang
- Department of Thyroid Breast Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, No.150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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Lee JR, Roh JL, Lee SM, Park Y, Cho KJ, Choi SH, Nam SY, Kim SY. Overexpression of cysteine-glutamate transporter and CD44 for prediction of recurrence and survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2018; 40:2340-2346. [PMID: 30303590 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study analyzed the expression of CD44 and cystine-glutamate transporter SLC7A11 (xCT) in primary oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the relationships of expression to tumor recurrence and patient survival. METHODS Associations between CD44 and xCT expression and clinicopathologic results were analyzed in 231 patients with oral cavity SCC. Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to identify factors associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Overexpression of CD44 and/or xCT was associated with advanced T classification, perineural invasion, and lymphovascular invasion (P < .05 each). High expression of xCT was also associated with nodal metastasis and depth of invasion (P < .01 each). Multivariate analysis indicated that high expression of xCT and both xCT and CD44 were independent predictors of poor RFS, DSS, and OS (P < .05 each). CONCLUSION Overexpression of xCT or xCT plus CD44 may predict posttreatment recurrence and survival in patients with oral cavity SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Ryung Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jong-Lyel Roh
- Department of Otolaryngology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Mi Lee
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangsoon Park
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ja Cho
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Choi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Yuhl Nam
- Department of Otolaryngology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yoon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Cobler L, Zhang H, Suri P, Park C, Timmerman LA. xCT inhibition sensitizes tumors to γ-radiation via glutathione reduction. Oncotarget 2018; 9:32280-32297. [PMID: 30190786 PMCID: PMC6122354 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
About 3 million US cancer patients and 1.7 million EU cancer patients received multiple doses of radiation therapy (RT) in 2012, with treatment duration limited by normal adjacent tissue damage. Tumor-specific sensitization could allow treatment with lower radiation doses, reducing normal tissue damage. This is a longstanding, largely unrealized therapeutic goal. The cystine:glutamate exchanger xCT is expressed on poor prognosis subsets of most solid tumors, but not on most normal cells. xCT provides cells with environmental cystine for enhanced glutathione synthesis. Glutathione is used to control reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are therapeutic effectors of RT. We tested whether xCT inhibition would sensitize xCT+ tumor cells to ionizing radiation. We found that pretreatment with the xCT inhibitor erastin potently sensitized xCT+ but not xCT- cells, in vitro and in xenograft. Similarly, targeted gene inactivation also sensitized cells, and both modes of sensitization were overcome by glutathione supplementation. Sensitization prolongs DNA damage signaling, increases genome instability, and enhances cell death, revealing an unforeseen role for cysteine in genome integrity maintenance. We conclude that an xCT-specific therapeutic would provide tumor-specific sensitization to RT, allowing treatment with lower radiation doses, and producing far fewer side effects than other proposed sensitizers. Our data speaks to the need for the rapid development of such a drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Cobler
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Poojan Suri
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Park
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Luika A Timmerman
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Birerdinc A, Younossi ZM. Epigenome-Wide Association Studies Provide Insight into the Pathogenesis of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Ann Hepatol 2018; 17:11-13. [PMID: 29311407 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0010.7530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aybike Birerdinc
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, USA
| | - Zobair M Younossi
- Department of Medicine and Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Hospital, USA
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40
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Mehta S, Lo Cascio C. Developmentally regulated signaling pathways in glioma invasion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:385-402. [PMID: 28821904 PMCID: PMC5765207 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2608-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are the most common, infiltrative, and lethal primary brain tumors affecting the adult population. The grim prognosis for this disease is due to a combination of the presence of highly invasive tumor cells that escape surgical resection and the presence of a population of therapy-resistant cancer stem cells found within these tumors. Several studies suggest that glioma cells have cleverly hijacked the normal developmental program of neural progenitor cells, including their transcriptional programs, to enhance gliomagenesis. In this review, we summarize the role of developmentally regulated signaling pathways that have been found to facilitate glioma growth and invasion. Furthermore, we discuss how the microenvironment and treatment-induced perturbations of these highly interconnected signaling networks can trigger a shift in cellular phenotype and tumor subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shwetal Mehta
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
| | - Costanza Lo Cascio
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
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Goji T, Takahara K, Negishi M, Katoh H. Cystine uptake through the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT triggers glioblastoma cell death under glucose deprivation. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:19721-19732. [PMID: 29038291 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.814392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic signaling in cancer cells alters glucose uptake and utilization to supply sufficient energy and biosynthetic intermediates for survival and sustained proliferation. Oncogenic signaling also prevents oxidative stress and cell death caused by increased production of reactive oxygen species. However, elevated glucose metabolism in cancer cells, especially in glioblastoma, results in the cells becoming sensitive to glucose deprivation (i.e. in high glucose dependence), which rapidly induces cell death. However, the precise mechanism of this type of cell death remains unknown. Here, we report that glucose deprivation alone does not trigger glioblastoma cell death. We found that, for cell death to occur in glucose-deprived glioblastoma cells, cystine and glutamine also need to be present in culture media. We observed that cystine uptake through the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT under glucose deprivation rapidly induces NADPH depletion, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and cell death. We conclude that although cystine uptake is crucial for production of antioxidant glutathione in cancer cells its transport through xCT also induces oxidative stress and cell death in glucose-deprived glioblastoma cells. Combining inhibitors targeting cancer-specific glucose metabolism with cystine and glutamine treatment may offer a therapeutic approach for glioblastoma tumors exhibiting high xCT expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Goji
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan and
| | | | - Manabu Negishi
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan and.,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hironori Katoh
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan and .,Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Gu Y, Albuquerque CP, Braas D, Zhang W, Villa GR, Bi J, Ikegami S, Masui K, Gini B, Yang H, Gahman TC, Shiau AK, Cloughesy TF, Christofk HR, Zhou H, Guan KL, Mischel PS. mTORC2 Regulates Amino Acid Metabolism in Cancer by Phosphorylation of the Cystine-Glutamate Antiporter xCT. Mol Cell 2017. [PMID: 28648777 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in cancer reprogram amino acid metabolism to drive tumor growth, but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Using an unbiased proteomic screen, we identified mTORC2 as a critical regulator of amino acid metabolism in cancer via phosphorylation of the cystine-glutamate antiporter xCT. mTORC2 phosphorylates serine 26 at the cytosolic N terminus of xCT, inhibiting its activity. Genetic inhibition of mTORC2, or pharmacologic inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, promotes glutamate secretion, cystine uptake, and incorporation into glutathione, linking growth factor receptor signaling with amino acid uptake and utilization. These results identify an unanticipated mechanism regulating amino acid metabolism in cancer, enabling tumor cells to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Gu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Claudio P Albuquerque
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daniel Braas
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; UCLA Metabolomics Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medicine, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Genaro R Villa
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Junfeng Bi
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shiro Ikegami
- Division of Neurological Surgery, Chiba Cancer Center, Chiba 260-8717, Japan
| | - Kenta Masui
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Beatrice Gini
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Huijun Yang
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Timothy C Gahman
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Andrew K Shiau
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Timothy F Cloughesy
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Heather R Christofk
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; UCLA Metabolomics Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Huilin Zhou
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Moores Cancer Center, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Moores Cancer Center, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Paul S Mischel
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pathology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA; Moores Cancer Center, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA.
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Dahlmanns M, Yakubov E, Chen D, Sehm T, Rauh M, Savaskan N, Wrosch JK. Chemotherapeutic xCT inhibitors sorafenib and erastin unraveled with the synaptic optogenetic function analysis tool. Cell Death Discov 2017; 3:17030. [PMID: 28835855 PMCID: PMC5541984 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2017.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the search for new potential chemotherapeutics, the compounds’ toxicity to healthy cells is an important factor. The brain with its functional units, the neurons, is especially endangered during the radio- and chemotherapeutic treatment of brain tumors. The effect of the potential compounds not only on neuronal survival but also neuronal function needs to be taken into account. Therefore, in this study we aimed to comprehend the biological effects of chemotherapeutic xCT inhibition on healthy neuronal cells with our synaptic optogenetic function analysis tool (SOFA). We combined common approaches, such as investigation of morphological markers, neuronal function and cell metabolism. The glutamate-cystine exchanger xCT (SLC7A11, system Xc−) is the main glutamate exporter in malignant brain tumors and as such a relevant drug target for treating deadly glioblastomas (WHO grades III and IV). Recently, two small molecules termed sorafenib (Nexavar) and erastin have been found to efficiently block xCT function. We investigated neuronal morphology, metabolic secretome profiles, synaptic function and cell metabolism of primary hippocampal cultures (containing neurons and glial cells) treated with sorafenib and erastin in clinically relevant concentrations. We found that sorafenib severely damaged neurons already after 24 h of treatment. Noteworthy, also at a lower concentration, where no morphological damage or metabolic disturbance was monitored, sorafenib still interfered with synaptic and metabolic homeostasis. In contrast, erastin-treated neurons displayed mostly inconspicuous morphology and metabolic rates. Key parameters of proper neuronal function, such as synaptic vesicle pool sizes, were however disrupted following erastin application. In conclusion, our data revealed that while sorafenib and erastin effectively inhibited xCT function they also interfered with essential neuronal (synaptic) function. These findings highlight the particular importance of investigating the effects of potential neurooncological and general cancer chemotherapeutics also on healthy neuronal cells and their function as revealed by the SOFA tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Dahlmanns
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eduard Yakubov
- Translational Neurooncology Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Daishi Chen
- Translational Neurooncology Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tina Sehm
- Translational Neurooncology Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolai Savaskan
- Translational Neurooncology Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.,BiMECON Ent., Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Katharina Wrosch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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45
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Wu Y, Sun X, Song B, Qiu X, Zhao J. MiR-375/SLC7A11 axis regulates oral squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and invasion. Cancer Med 2017. [PMID: 28627030 PMCID: PMC5504333 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to detect the functions of miR‐375/SLC7A11 axis on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell proliferation and invasion. Expression levels of miR‐375 and SLC7A11 in OSCC tissues and cells were measured with RT‐qPCR and western blot. Targeting site was predicted by TargetScan and confirmed by dual luciferase reporting assay. By way of manipulating the expression level of miR‐375 and SLC7A11 in CAL‐27 and Tca8113 cell lines, the cell biological abilities were evaluated. MTT, colony formation, Transwell, wound healing assays and flow cytometry were used to detect OSCC cell viability, proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis, respectively. MiR‐375 was significantly downregulated in OSCC tissues and cells compared to adjacent tissue and normal oral cell line respectively while SLC7A11 was upregulated. Targeting relationship was verified by luciferase reporting assay, and miR‐375 could effectively suppress SLC7A11 level in OSCC cells. Replenishing of miR‐375 significantly repressed OSCC cell viability, proliferation, invasion and migration and induced cell apoptosis and G1/G0 arrest. Overexpression of SLC7A11 recovered those biological abilities in miR‐375 upregulated cells. Collective data suggested that miR‐375 served as a tumor suppressor via regulating SLC7A11. Replenishing of miR‐375 or knockout of SLC7A11 could be therapeutically exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University & Guangdong Provincial Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China.,Department of Stomatology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiangjie Sun
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Stomatology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Qiu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University & Guangdong Provincial Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianjiang Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University & Guangdong Provincial Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangdong, China
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Chen D, Fan Z, Rauh M, Buchfelder M, Eyupoglu IY, Savaskan N. ATF4 promotes angiogenesis and neuronal cell death and confers ferroptosis in a xCT-dependent manner. Oncogene 2017; 36:5593-5608. [PMID: 28553953 PMCID: PMC5633655 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a critical mediator of metabolic and oxidative homeostasis and cell survival. ATF4 is elevated in response to diverse microenvironmental stresses, including starvation, ER stress damages and exposure to toxic factors. Here we show that ATF4 expression fosters the malignancy of primary brain tumors (WHO grade III and IV gliomas) and increases proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. Hence, ATF4 expression promotes cell migration and anchorage-independent cell growth, whereas siRNA-mediated knockdown of ATF4 attenuates these features of malignancy in human gliomas. Further experiments revealed that ATF4-dependent tumor promoting effects are mediated by transcriptional targeting the glutamate antiporter xCT/SCL7A11 (also known as system Xc-). Thus, xCT is elevated as a consequence of ATF4 activation. We further found evidence that ATF4-induced proliferation can be attenuated by pharmacological or genetic xCT inhibition and ferroptosis inducers such as sorafenib, erastin and GPx4 inhibitor RSL3. Further, fostered xCT expression promotes cell survival and growth in ATF4 knockdown cells. Moreover, increased xCT levels ameliorate sorafenib and erastin-induced ferroptosis. Conversely, ATF4 knockdown renders cells susceptible for erastin, sorafenib and RSL3-induced ferroptosis. We further identified that ATF4 promotes tumor-mediated neuronal cell death which can be alleviated by xCT inhibition. Moreover, elevated ATF4 expression in gliomas promotes tumor angiogenesis. Noteworthy, ATF4-induced angiogenesis could be diminished by ferroptosis inducers erastin and by GPx4 inhibitor RSL3. Our data provide proof-of-principle evidence that ATF4 fosters proliferation and induces a toxic microenvironmental niche. Furthermore, ATF4 increases tumor angiogenesis and shapes the vascular architecture in a xCT-dependent manner. Thus, inhibition of ATF4 is a valid target for diminishing tumor growth and vasculature via sensitizing tumor cells for ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Chen
- Translational Cell Biology &Neurooncology Laboratory, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Z Fan
- Translational Cell Biology &Neurooncology Laboratory, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Exercise and Health, ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics &Adolescent Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Buchfelder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - I Y Eyupoglu
- Translational Cell Biology &Neurooncology Laboratory, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - N Savaskan
- Translational Cell Biology &Neurooncology Laboratory, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,BiMECON Ent., Berlin, Germany
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Giardino A, Gupta S, Olson E, Sepulveda K, Lenchik L, Ivanidze J, Rakow-Penner R, Patel MJ, Subramaniam RM, Ganeshan D. Role of Imaging in the Era of Precision Medicine. Acad Radiol 2017; 24:639-649. [PMID: 28131497 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Precision medicine is an emerging approach for treating medical disorders, which takes into account individual variability in genetic and environmental factors. Preventive or therapeutic interventions can then be directed to those who will benefit most from targeted interventions, thereby maximizing benefits and minimizing costs and complications. Precision medicine is gaining increasing recognition by clinicians, healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, patients, and the government. Imaging plays a critical role in precision medicine including screening, early diagnosis, guiding treatment, evaluating response to therapy, and assessing likelihood of disease recurrence. The Association of University Radiologists Radiology Research Alliance Precision Imaging Task Force convened to explore the current and future role of imaging in the era of precision medicine and summarized its finding in this article. We review the increasingly important role of imaging in various oncological and non-oncological disorders. We also highlight the challenges for radiology in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Giardino
- Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Supriya Gupta
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Medical College of Georgia, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912.
| | - Emmi Olson
- Radiology Resident, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | - Leon Lenchik
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jana Ivanidze
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Rebecca Rakow-Penner
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Midhir J Patel
- Department of Radiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Rathan M Subramaniam
- Cyclotron and Molecular Imaging Program, Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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48
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Tobe T, Ueda K, Aoki A, Okamoto Y, Kojima N, Jinno H. Selenium uptake through cystine transporter mediated by glutathione conjugation. J Toxicol Sci 2017; 42:85-91. [PMID: 28070112 DOI: 10.2131/jts.42.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element and is regarded as a protective agent against cancer. In particular, antioxidant effects of selenoenzymes contribute to cancer prevention. Se can also produce reactive oxygen species and, thereby, exert cancer-selective cytotoxicity. Selenodiglutathione (SDG) is a primary Se metabolite conjugated to two glutathione (GSH) moieties. SDG increases intracellular Se accumulation and is more toxic than selenous acid (H2SeO3), but the mechanisms for importing Se compounds into cells are not fully understood. Here, we propose a novel mechanism for importing Se, in the form of SDG. Cellular intake of Se compounds was assessed based on Se accumulation, as detected by ICP-MS. SDG incorporation was decreased in the presence of thiols (GSH, cysteine or their oxidized forms, GSSG and cystine), whereas H2SeO3 uptake was increased by addition of GSH or cysteine. Cellular SDG uptake was decreased by pretreatment with specific inhibitors against gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) or the cystine/glutamate antiporter (system xc-). Furthermore, siRNA against xCT, which is the light chain component of system xc-, significantly decreased SDG incorporation. These data suggest an involvement of SDG in Se incorporation, with SDG processed at the cell surface by GGT, leading to formation of selenodicysteine which, in turn, is likely to be imported via xCT. Because GGT and xCT are highly expressed in cancer cells, these mechanisms mediated by the cystine transporter might underlie the cancer-selective toxicity of Se. In addition, the system described in our study appears to represent a physiological transport mechanism for the essential element Se.
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49
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Cramer SL, Saha A, Liu J, Tadi S, Tiziani S, Yan W, Triplett K, Lamb C, Alters SE, Rowlinson S, Zhang YJ, Keating MJ, Huang P, DiGiovanni J, Georgiou G, Stone E. Systemic depletion of L-cyst(e)ine with cyst(e)inase increases reactive oxygen species and suppresses tumor growth. Nat Med 2017; 23:120-127. [PMID: 27869804 PMCID: PMC5218918 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells experience higher oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) than do non-malignant cells because of genetic alterations and abnormal growth; as a result, maintenance of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) is essential for their survival and proliferation. Under conditions of elevated ROS, endogenous L-cysteine (L-Cys) production is insufficient for GSH synthesis. This necessitates uptake of L-Cys that is predominantly in its disulfide form, L-cystine (CSSC), via the xCT(-) transporter. We show that administration of an engineered and pharmacologically optimized human cyst(e)inase enzyme mediates sustained depletion of the extracellular L-Cys and CSSC pool in mice and non-human primates. Treatment with this enzyme selectively causes cell cycle arrest and death in cancer cells due to depletion of intracellular GSH and ensuing elevated ROS; yet this treatment results in no apparent toxicities in mice even after months of continuous treatment. Cyst(e)inase suppressed the growth of prostate carcinoma allografts, reduced tumor growth in both prostate and breast cancer xenografts and doubled the median survival time of TCL1-Tg:p53-/- mice, which develop disease resembling human chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It was observed that enzyme-mediated depletion of the serum L-Cys and CSSC pool suppresses the growth of multiple tumors, yet is very well tolerated for prolonged periods, suggesting that cyst(e)inase represents a safe and effective therapeutic modality for inactivating antioxidant cellular responses in a wide range of malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cystathionine gamma-Lyase/pharmacology
- Cysteine/drug effects
- Cysteine/metabolism
- Cystine/drug effects
- Cystine/metabolism
- Female
- Glutathione/metabolism
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Macaca fascicularis
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Oxidative Stress
- Polyethylene Glycols/pharmacology
- Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira L. Cramer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Achinto Saha
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Dell Pediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Jinyun Liu
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Surendar Tadi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Stefano Tiziani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Wupeng Yan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Kendra Triplett
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Candice Lamb
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | | | | | - Yan Jessie Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Michael J. Keating
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - John DiGiovanni
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Dell Pediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Everett Stone
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
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50
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Eyüpoglu IY, Savaskan NE. Epigenetics in Brain Tumors: HDACs Take Center Stage. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 14:48-54. [PMID: 26521944 PMCID: PMC4787285 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666151030162457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary tumors of the brain account for 2 % of all cancers with malignant gliomas taking the lion’s share at 70 %. Malignant gliomas (high grade gliomas WHO° III and °IV) belong to one of the most threatening tumor entities known for their disappointingly short median survival time of just 14 months despite maximum therapy according to current gold standards. Malignant gliomas manifest various factors, through which they adapt and manipulate the tumor microenvironment to their advantage. Epigenetic mechanisms operate on the tumor microenvironment by de- and methylation processes and imbalances between the histone deacetylases (HDAC) and histone acetylases (HAT). Many compounds have been discovered modulating epigenetically controlled signals. Recent studies indicate that xCT (system xc-, SLC7a11) and CD44 (H-CAM, ECM-III, HUTCH-1) functions as a bridge between these epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and malignant glioma progression. The question that ensues is the extent to which therapeutic intervention on these signaling pathways would exert influence on the treatment of malignant gliomas as well as the extent to which manipulation of HDAC activity can sensitize tumor cells for chemotherapeutics through ‘epigenetic priming’. In light of considering the current stagnation in the development of therapeutic options, the need for new strategies in the treatment of gliomas has never been so pressing. In this context the possibility of pharmacological intervention on tumor-associated genes by epigenetic priming opens a novel path in the treatment of primary brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilker Y Eyüpoglu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, University of Erlangen- Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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