1
|
Zhang L, Cao Z, Hong Y, He H, Chen L, Yu Z, Gao Y. Squalene Epoxidase: Its Regulations and Links with Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3874. [PMID: 38612682 PMCID: PMC11011400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073874] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is a key enzyme in the mevalonate-cholesterol pathway that plays a critical role in cellular physiological processes. It converts squalene to 2,3-epoxysqualene and catalyzes the first oxygenation step in the pathway. Recently, intensive efforts have been made to extend the current knowledge of SQLE in cancers through functional and mechanistic studies. However, the underlying mechanisms and the role of SQLE in cancers have not been fully elucidated yet. In this review, we retrospected current knowledge of SQLE as a rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate-cholesterol pathway, while shedding light on its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker, and revealed its therapeutic values in cancers. We showed that SQLE is regulated at different levels and is involved in the crosstalk with iron-dependent cell death. Particularly, we systemically reviewed the research findings on the role of SQLE in different cancers. Finally, we discussed the therapeutic implications of SQLE inhibitors and summarized their potential clinical values. Overall, this review discussed the multifaceted mechanisms that involve SQLE to present a vivid panorama of SQLE in cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- 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 518116, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuheng Hong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Haihua He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Leifeng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhentao Yu
- 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 518116, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Y, Ma X, Xu E, Huang Z, Yang C, Zhu K, Dong Y, Zhang C. Identifying squalene epoxidase as a metabolic vulnerability in high-risk osteosarcoma using an artificial intelligence-derived prognostic index. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1586. [PMID: 38372422 PMCID: PMC10875711 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1586] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OSA) presents a clinical challenge and has a low 5-year survival rate. Currently, the lack of advanced stratification models makes personalized therapy difficult. This study aims to identify novel biomarkers to stratify high-risk OSA patients and guide treatment. METHODS We combined 10 machine-learning algorithms into 101 combinations, from which the optimal model was established for predicting overall survival based on transcriptomic profiles for 254 samples. Alterations in transcriptomic, genomic and epigenomic landscapes were assessed to elucidate mechanisms driving poor prognosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) unveiled genes overexpressed in OSA cells as potential therapeutic targets, one of which was validated via tissue staining, knockdown and pharmacological inhibition. We characterized changes in multiple phenotypes, including proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, chemosensitivity and in vivo tumourigenicity. RNA-seq and Western blotting elucidated the impact of squalene epoxidase (SQLE) suppression on signalling pathways. RESULTS The artificial intelligence-derived prognostic index (AIDPI), generated by our model, was an independent prognostic biomarker, outperforming clinicopathological factors and previously published signatures. Incorporating the AIDPI with clinical factors into a nomogram improved predictive accuracy. For user convenience, both the model and nomogram are accessible online. Patients in the high-AIDPI group exhibited chemoresistance, coupled with overexpression of MYC and SQLE, increased mTORC1 signalling, disrupted PI3K-Akt signalling, and diminished immune infiltration. ScRNA-seq revealed high expression of MYC and SQLE in OSA cells. Elevated SQLE expression correlated with chemoresistance and worse outcomes in OSA patients. Therapeutically, silencing SQLE suppressed OSA malignancy and enhanced chemosensitivity, mediated by cholesterol depletion and suppression of the FAK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, the SQLE-specific inhibitor FR194738 demonstrated anti-OSA effects in vivo and exhibited synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic agents. CONCLUSIONS AIDPI is a robust biomarker for identifying the high-risk subset of OSA patients. The SQLE protein emerges as a metabolic vulnerability in these patients, providing a target with translational potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute of Bone Tumor Affiliated to Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
- Proteomics and Cancer Cell Signaling Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Xiaolong Ma
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute of Bone Tumor Affiliated to Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Enjie Xu
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute of Bone Tumor Affiliated to Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute of Bone Tumor Affiliated to Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Chen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesShanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Kunpeng Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute of Bone Tumor Affiliated to Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Chunlin Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryShanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute of Bone Tumor Affiliated to Tongji University School of MedicineShanghaiP. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zou Y, Zhang H, Bi F, Tang Q, Xu H. Targeting the key cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme squalene monooxygenasefor cancer therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:938502. [PMID: 36091156 PMCID: PMC9449579 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.938502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol metabolism is often dysregulated in cancer. Squalene monooxygenase (SQLE) is the second rate-limiting enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. Since the discovery of SQLE dysregulation in cancer, compelling evidence has indicated that SQLE plays a vital role in cancer initiation and progression and is a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this review, we provide an overview of the role and regulation of SQLE in cancer and summarize the updates of antitumor therapy targeting SQLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Zou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Bi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiulin Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiulin Tang, ; Huanji Xu,
| | - Huanji Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiulin Tang, ; Huanji Xu,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shangguan X, Ma Z, Yu M, Ding J, Xue W, Qi J. Squalene epoxidase metabolic dependency is a targetable vulnerability in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Cancer Res 2022; 82:3032-3044. [PMID: 35767703 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-3822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Considering the dismal prognosis of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), it is critical to identify novel therapeutic targets in this disease. Malignant cells have metabolic dependencies distinct from their healthy counterparts, resulting in therapeutic vulnerabilities. While PTEN and TP53 are the most frequently co-mutated or co-deleted driver genes in lethal CRPC, the metabolic dependencies underlying PTEN/p53 deficiency-driven CRPC for therapeutic intervention remain largely elusive. In this study, PTEN/p53 deficient tumors were determined to be reliant on cholesterol metabolism. Moreover, PTEN/p53 deficiency transcriptionally upregulated squalene epoxidase (SQLE) via activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2). In addition, PTEN deficiency enhanced the protein stability of SQLE by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β-mediated proteasomal pathway. Consequently, SQLE increased cholesterol biosynthesis to facilitate tumor cell growth and survival. Pharmacological blockade of SQLE with FR194738 profoundly suppressed the invasive program of CRPC. Collectively, these results demonstrate a synergistic relationship between SQLE and PTEN/p53 deficiency in CRPC development and progression. Therefore, pharmacological interventions targeting SQLE may hold promise for the treatment of CRPC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xun Shangguan
- Xinhua hospital, school of medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong university, Shanghai, China
| | - Zehua Ma
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghao Yu
- Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Qi
- Xinhua hospital, school of medicine, shanghai Jiao Tong university, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coradini D. De novo cholesterol biosynthesis: an additional therapeutic target for the treatment of postmenopausal breast cancer with excessive adipose tissue. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:841-852. [PMID: 36654818 PMCID: PMC9834634 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00116] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset and development of breast cancer in postmenopausal women are associated with closely related individual-dependent factors, including weight gain and high levels of circulating androgens. Adipose tissue is the most peripheral site of aromatase enzyme synthesis; therefore, the excessive accumulation of visceral fat results in increased androgens aromatization and estradiol production that provides the microenvironment favorable to tumorigenesis in mammary epithelial cells expressing estrogen receptors (ERs). Moreover, to meet the increased requirement of cholesterol for cell membrane assembly and the production of steroid hormones to sustain their proliferation, ER-positive cells activate de novo cholesterol biosynthesis and subsequent steroidogenesis. Several approaches have been followed to neutralize the de novo cholesterol synthesis, including specific enzyme inhibitors, statins, and, more recently, metformin. Cumulating evidence indicated that inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis by statins and metformin may be a promising therapeutic strategy to block breast cancer progression. Unlike antiestrogens and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) which compete for binding to ER and inhibit androgens aromatization, respectively, statins block the production of mevalonic acid by inhibiting the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and metformin hampers the activation of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) transcription factor, thus inhibiting the synthesis of several enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Noteworthy, statins and metformin not only improve the prognosis of overweight patients with ER-positive cancer but also improve the prognosis of patients with triple-negative breast cancer, the aggressive tumor subtype that lacks, at present, specific therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danila Coradini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Campus Cascina Rosa, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy,Correspondence: Danila Coradini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Campus Cascina Rosa, University of Milan, Via Vanzetti 5, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hu SM, Zhou JM, Zhou QQ, Li P, Xie YY, Zhou T, Gu Q. Purification, characterization and biological activities of exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZFM231 isolated from milk. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2021.111561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
7
|
Coates HW, Capell-Hattam IM, Brown AJ. The mammalian cholesterol synthesis enzyme squalene monooxygenase is proteasomally truncated to a constitutively active form. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100731. [PMID: 33933449 PMCID: PMC8166775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Squalene monooxygenase (SM, also known as squalene epoxidase) is a rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis that converts squalene to monooxidosqualene and is oncogenic in numerous cancer types. SM is subject to feedback regulation via cholesterol-induced proteasomal degradation, which depends on its lipid-sensing N-terminal regulatory domain. We previously identified an endogenous truncated form of SM with a similar abundance to full-length SM, but whether this truncated form is functional or subject to the same regulatory mechanisms as full-length SM is not known. Here, we show that truncated SM differs from full-length SM in two major ways: it is cholesterol resistant and adopts a peripheral rather than integral association with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. However, truncated SM retains full SM activity and is therefore constitutively active. Truncation of SM occurs during its endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation and requires the proteasome, which partially degrades the SM N-terminus and disrupts cholesterol-sensing elements within the regulatory domain. Furthermore, truncation relies on a ubiquitin signal that is distinct from that required for cholesterol-induced degradation. Using mutagenesis, we demonstrate that partial proteasomal degradation of SM depends on both an intrinsically disordered region near the truncation site and the stability of the adjacent catalytic domain, which escapes degradation. These findings uncover an additional layer of complexity in the post-translational regulation of cholesterol synthesis and establish SM as the first eukaryotic enzyme found to undergo proteasomal truncation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hudson W Coates
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Andrew J Brown
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The Degron Architecture of Squalene Monooxygenase and How Specific Lipids Calibrate Levels of This Key Cholesterol Synthesis Enzyme. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 32979157 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2020_583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Cholesterol synthesis is a fundamental process that contributes to cellular cholesterol homeostasis. Cells execute transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms to control the abundance of enzymes of the cholesterol synthesis pathway, consequently affecting cholesterol production. One such highly tuned enzyme is squalene monooxygenase (SM), which catalyzes a rate-limiting step in the pathway. A well-characterized mechanism is the cholesterol-mediated degradation of SM. Notably, lipids (cholesterol, plasmalogens, squalene, and unsaturated fatty acids) can act as cellular signals that either promote or reduce SM degradation. The N-terminal region of SM consists of the shortest known cholesterol-responsive degron, characterized by atypical membrane anchoring structures, namely a re-entrant loop and an amphipathic helix. SM also undergoes non-canonical ubiquitination on serine, a relatively uncommon attachment site for ubiquitination. The structure of the catalytic domain of SM has been solved, providing insights into the catalytic mechanisms and modes of inhibition by well-known SM inhibitors, some of which have been effective in lowering cholesterol levels in animal models. Certain human cancers have been linked to dysregulation of SM levels and activity, further emphasizing the relevance of SM in health and disease.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chua NK, Coates HW, Brown AJ. Squalene monooxygenase: a journey to the heart of cholesterol synthesis. Prog Lipid Res 2020; 79:101033. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2020.101033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
10
|
Johnson BM, Shu YZ, Zhuo X, Meanwell NA. Metabolic and Pharmaceutical Aspects of Fluorinated Compounds. J Med Chem 2020; 63:6315-6386. [PMID: 32182061 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The applications of fluorine in drug design continue to expand, facilitated by an improved understanding of its effects on physicochemical properties and the development of synthetic methodologies that are providing access to new fluorinated motifs. In turn, studies of fluorinated molecules are providing deeper insights into the effects of fluorine on metabolic pathways, distribution, and disposition. Despite the high strength of the C-F bond, the departure of fluoride from metabolic intermediates can be facile. This reactivity has been leveraged in the design of mechanism-based enzyme inhibitors and has influenced the metabolic fate of fluorinated compounds. In this Perspective, we summarize the literature associated with the metabolism of fluorinated molecules, focusing on examples where the presence of fluorine influences the metabolic profile. These studies have revealed potentially problematic outcomes with some fluorinated motifs and are enhancing our understanding of how fluorine should be deployed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Johnson
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Yue-Zhong Shu
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Route 206 and Province Line Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Xiaoliang Zhuo
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Nicholas A Meanwell
- Discovery Chemistry Platforms, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Route 206 and Province Line Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Olivés J, Mestres J. Closing the Gap Between Therapeutic Use and Mode of Action in Remedial Herbs. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1132. [PMID: 31632273 PMCID: PMC6785637 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ancient tradition of taking parts of a plant or preparing plant extracts for treating certain discomforts and maladies has long been lacking a scientific rationale to support its preparation and still widespread use in several parts of the world. In an attempt to address this challenge, we collected and integrated data connecting metabolites, plants, diseases, and proteins. A mechanistic hypothesis is generated when a metabolite is known to be present in a given plant, that plant is known to be used to treat a certain disease, that disease is known to be linked to the function of a given protein, and that protein is finally known or predicted to interact with the original metabolite. The construction of plant–protein networks from mutually connected metabolites and diseases facilitated the identification of plausible mechanisms of action for plants being used to treat analgesia, hypercholesterolemia, diarrhea, catarrh, and cough. Additional concrete examples using both experimentally known and computationally predicted, and subsequently experimentally confirmed, metabolite–protein interactions to close the connection circle between metabolites, plants, diseases, and proteins offered further proof of concept for the validity and scope of the approach to generate mode of action hypotheses for some of the therapeutic uses of remedial herbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Olivés
- Research Group on Systems Pharmacology, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Mestres
- Research Group on Systems Pharmacology, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Valosin-containing protein mediates the ERAD of squalene monooxygenase and its cholesterol-responsive degron. Biochem J 2019; 476:2545-2560. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSqualene monooxygenase (SM) is an essential rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. SM degradation is accelerated by excess cholesterol, and this requires the first 100 amino acids of SM (SM N100). This process is part of a protein quality control pathway called endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). In ERAD, SM is ubiquitinated by MARCH6, an E3 ubiquitin ligase located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, several details of the ERAD process for SM remain elusive, such as the extraction mechanism from the ER membrane. Here, we used SM N100 fused to GFP (SM N100-GFP) as a model degron to investigate the extraction process of SM in ERAD. We showed that valosin-containing protein (VCP) is important for the cholesterol-accelerated degradation of SM N100-GFP and SM. In addition, we revealed that VCP acts following ubiquitination of SM N100-GFP by MARCH6. We demonstrated that the amphipathic helix (Gln62–Leu73) of SM N100-GFP is critical for regulation by VCP and MARCH6. Replacing this amphipathic helix with hydrophobic re-entrant loops promoted degradation in a VCP-dependent manner. Finally, we showed that inhibiting VCP increases cellular squalene and cholesterol levels, indicating a functional consequence for VCP in regulating the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Collectively, we established VCP plays a key role in ERAD that contributes to the cholesterol-mediated regulation of SM.
Collapse
|
13
|
Addressing systematic inconsistencies between in vitro and in vivo transcriptomic mode of action signatures. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 58:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
14
|
Gwag T, Meng Z, Sui Y, Helsley RN, Park SH, Wang S, Greenberg RN, Zhou C. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz activates PXR to induce hypercholesterolemia and hepatic steatosis. J Hepatol 2019; 70:930-940. [PMID: 30677459 PMCID: PMC6462244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The most prescribed non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, efavirenz, has been associated with elevated risk of dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in HIV-infected patients but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we investigated the role of pregnane X receptor (PXR) in mediating the adverse effects of efavirenz on lipid homeostasis. METHODS Cell-based reporter assays, primary cell culture, and multiple mouse models including conditional knockout and humanized mice were combined to study the impact of efavirenz on PXR activities and lipid homeostasis in vitro and in vivo. A novel liver-specific Pxr knockout mouse model was also generated to determine the contribution of hepatic PXR signaling to efavirenz-elicited dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. RESULTS We found that efavirenz is a potent PXR-selective agonist that can efficiently activate PXR and induce its target gene expression in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with efavirenz-induced hypercholesterolemia and hepatic steatosis in mice but deficiency of hepatic PXR abolished these adverse effects. Interestingly, efavirenz-mediated PXR activation regulated the expression of several key hepatic lipogenic genes including fatty acid transporter CD36 and cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme squalene epoxidase (SQLE), leading to increased lipid uptake and cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatic cells. While CD36 is a known PXR target gene, we identified a DR-2-type of PXR-response element in the SQLE promoter and established SQLE as a direct transcriptional target of PXR. Since PXR exhibits considerable differences in its pharmacology across species, we also confirmed these findings in PXR-humanized mice and human primary hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS The widely prescribed antiretroviral drug efavirenz induces hypercholesterolemia and hepatic steatosis by activating PXR signaling. Activation of PXR should be taken into consideration for patients undergoing long-term treatment with PXR agonistic antiretroviral drugs. LAY SUMMARY Efavirenz is widely prescribed for HIV-infected patients but has some side effects. It can increase lipid levels in patients' blood and liver. Here we show that efavirenz can activate a unique liver protein called PXR which mediates the adverse effects of efavirenz on lipid levels in mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taesik Gwag
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Zhaojie Meng
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Yipeng Sui
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Robert N. Helsley
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Se-Hyung Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Shuxia Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Changcheng Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chua NK, Hart-Smith G, Brown AJ. Non-canonical ubiquitination of the cholesterol-regulated degron of squalene monooxygenase. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:8134-8147. [PMID: 30940729 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Squalene monooxygenase (SM) is a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. The region comprising the first 100 amino acids, termed SM N100, represents the shortest cholesterol-responsive degron and enables SM to sense excess cholesterol in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Cholesterol accelerates the ubiquitination of SM by membrane-associated ring-CH type finger 6 (MARCH6), a key E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in ER-associated degradation. However, the ubiquitination site required for cholesterol regulation of SM N100 is unknown. Here, we used SM N100 fused to GFP as a model degron to recapitulate cholesterol-mediated SM degradation and show that neither SM lysine residues nor the N terminus impart instability. Instead, we discovered four serines (Ser-59, Ser-61, Ser-83, and Ser-87) that are critical for cholesterol-accelerated degradation, with MS analysis confirming Ser-83 as a ubiquitination site. Notably, these two clusters of closely spaced serine residues are located in disordered domains flanking a 12-amino acid-long amphipathic helix (residues Gln-62-Leu-73) that together confer cholesterol responsiveness. In summary, our findings reveal the degron architecture of SM N100, introducing the role of non-canonical ubiquitination sites and deepening our molecular understanding of how SM is degraded in response to cholesterol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngee Kiat Chua
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Gene Hart-Smith
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew J Brown
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Padyana AK, Gross S, Jin L, Cianchetta G, Narayanaswamy R, Wang F, Wang R, Fang C, Lv X, Biller SA, Dang L, Mahoney CE, Nagaraja N, Pirman D, Sui Z, Popovici-Muller J, Smolen GA. Structure and inhibition mechanism of the catalytic domain of human squalene epoxidase. Nat Commun 2019; 10:97. [PMID: 30626872 PMCID: PMC6327030 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07928-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Squalene epoxidase (SQLE), also known as squalene monooxygenase, catalyzes the stereospecific conversion of squalene to 2,3(S)-oxidosqualene, a key step in cholesterol biosynthesis. SQLE inhibition is targeted for the treatment of hypercholesteremia, cancer, and fungal infections. However, lack of structure-function understanding has hindered further progression of its inhibitors. We have determined the first three-dimensional high-resolution crystal structures of human SQLE catalytic domain with small molecule inhibitors (2.3 Å and 2.5 Å). Comparison with its unliganded state (3.0 Å) reveals conformational rearrangements upon inhibitor binding, thus allowing deeper interpretation of known structure-activity relationships. We use the human SQLE structure to further understand the specificity of terbinafine, an approved agent targeting fungal SQLE, and to provide the structural insights into terbinafine-resistant mutants encountered in the clinic. Collectively, these findings elucidate the structural basis for the specificity of the epoxidation reaction catalyzed by SQLE and enable further rational development of next-generation inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Padyana
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Stefan Gross
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Lei Jin
- Agile Biostructure Solutions Consulting, LLC, 8 Harris Ave, Wellesley, MA, 02481, USA
| | - Giovanni Cianchetta
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- KSQ Therapeutics, 610 Main St, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Feng Wang
- Wuxi Biortus Biosciences Co. Ltd., 6 Dongsheng West Road, Jiangyin, 214437, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Wuxi Biortus Biosciences Co. Ltd., 6 Dongsheng West Road, Jiangyin, 214437, China
- Department of Stomatology, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Cheng Fang
- Shanghai ChemPartner Co. Ltd., 998 Halei Road, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobing Lv
- Shanghai ChemPartner Co. Ltd., 998 Halei Road, 201203, Shanghai, China
- Sundia MediTech Company, Ltd., 917 Halei Road, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Scott A Biller
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Lenny Dang
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | | | - David Pirman
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Zhihua Sui
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Janeta Popovici-Muller
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Decibel Therapeutics, 1325 Boylston St Suite 500, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Gromoslaw A Smolen
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Celsius Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ji J, Sundquist J, Sundquist K. Use of terbinafine and risk of death in patients with prostate cancer: A population‐based cohort study. Int J Cancer 2018; 144:1888-1895. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianguang Ji
- Center for Primary Health Care ResearchLund University/Region Skåne Lund Sweden
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care ResearchLund University/Region Skåne Lund Sweden
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Department of Population Health Science and PolicyIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care ResearchLund University/Region Skåne Lund Sweden
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Department of Population Health Science and PolicyIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cirmena G, Franceschelli P, Isnaldi E, Ferrando L, De Mariano M, Ballestrero A, Zoppoli G. Squalene epoxidase as a promising metabolic target in cancer treatment. Cancer Lett 2018; 425:13-20. [PMID: 29596888 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic alteration of the cholesterol synthesis pathway is a recognized mechanism of metabolic adaptation. In the present review, we focus on squalene epoxidase (SE), one of the two rate-limiting enzymes in cholesterol synthesis, retracing its history since its discovery as an antimycotic target to its description as an emerging metabolic oncogene by amplification with clinical relevance in cancer. We review the published literature assessing the association between SE over-expression and poor prognosis in this disease. We assess the works demonstrating how SE promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration, and displaying evidence of cancer cell demise in presence of human SE inhibitors in in vitro and in vivo models. Taken together, robust scientific evidence has by now accumulated pointing out SE as a promising novel therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Alberto Ballestrero
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Zoppoli
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ha J, Kwon S, Hwang JH, Park DH, Kim TW, Kang DG, Yu GE, Park HC, An SM, Kim CW. Squalene epoxidase plays a critical role in determining pig meat quality by regulating adipogenesis, myogenesis, and ROS scavengers. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16740. [PMID: 29196684 PMCID: PMC5711910 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is an enzyme that converts squalene to 2,3-oxidosqualene, in the early stage of cholesterol generation. Here, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SQLE gene (c.2565 G > T) by RNA Sequencing from the liver tissue of Berkshire pigs. Furthermore, we found that homozygous GG pigs expressed more SQLE mRNA than GT heterozygous and TT homozygous pigs in longissimus dorsi tissue. Next, we showed that the SNP in the SQLE gene was associated with several meat quality traits including backfat thickness, carcass weight, meat colour (yellowness), fat composition, and water-holding capacity. Rates of myogenesis and adipogenesis induced in C2C12 cells and 3T3-L1 cells, respectively, were decreased by Sqle knockdown. Additionally, the expression of myogenic marker genes (Myog, Myod, and Myh4) and adipogenic marker genes (Pparg, Cebpa, and Adipoq) was substantially downregulated in cells transfected with Sqle siRNA. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of ROS scavengers, which affect meat quality by altering protein oxidation processes, were significantly downregulated by Sqle knockdown. Taken together, our results suggest the molecular mechanism by which SNPs in the SQLE gene can affect meat quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeongim Ha
- Swine Science and Technology Center, Gyeongnam National University of Science & Technology, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Seulgi Kwon
- Swine Science and Technology Center, Gyeongnam National University of Science & Technology, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Jung Hye Hwang
- Swine Science and Technology Center, Gyeongnam National University of Science & Technology, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Da Hye Park
- Swine Science and Technology Center, Gyeongnam National University of Science & Technology, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Tae Wan Kim
- Swine Science and Technology Center, Gyeongnam National University of Science & Technology, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Deok Gyeong Kang
- Swine Science and Technology Center, Gyeongnam National University of Science & Technology, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Go Eun Yu
- Swine Science and Technology Center, Gyeongnam National University of Science & Technology, Jinju, South Korea
| | | | - Sang Mi An
- Swine Science and Technology Center, Gyeongnam National University of Science & Technology, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Chul Wook Kim
- Swine Science and Technology Center, Gyeongnam National University of Science & Technology, Jinju, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cerqueira NMFSA, Oliveira EF, Gesto DS, Santos-Martins D, Moreira C, Moorthy HN, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Cholesterol Biosynthesis: A Mechanistic Overview. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5483-5506. [PMID: 27604037 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes and the precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids. The synthesis of this molecule occurs partially in a membranous world (especially the last steps), where the enzymes, substrates, and products involved tend to be extremely hydrophobic. The importance of cholesterol has increased in the past half-century because of its association with cardiovascular diseases, which are considered one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In light of the current need for new drugs capable of controlling the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, it is important to understand how cholesterol is synthesized in the organism and identify the main enzymes involved in this process. Taking this into account, this review presents a detailed description of several enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. In this regard, the structure and catalytic mechanism of the enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, from the initial two-carbon acetyl-CoA building block, will be reviewed and their current pharmacological importance discussed. We believe that this review may contribute to a deeper level of understanding of cholesterol metabolism and that it will serve as a useful resource for future studies of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuno M F S A Cerqueira
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo F Oliveira
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana S Gesto
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diogo Santos-Martins
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cátia Moreira
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hari N Moorthy
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J Ramos
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - P A Fernandes
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Brown DN, Caffa I, Cirmena G, Piras D, Garuti A, Gallo M, Alberti S, Nencioni A, Ballestrero A, Zoppoli G. Squalene epoxidase is a bona fide oncogene by amplification with clinical relevance in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19435. [PMID: 26777065 PMCID: PMC4726025 DOI: 10.1038/srep19435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SQLE encodes squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. SQLE has sporadically been reported among copy-number driven transcripts in multi-omics cancer projects. Yet, its functional relevance has never been subjected to systematic analyses. Here, we assessed the correlation of SQLE copy number (CN) and gene expression (GE) across multiple cancer types, focusing on the clinico-pathological associations in breast cancer (BC). We then investigated whether any biological effect of SQLE inhibition could be observed in BC cell line models. Breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers showed the highest CN driven GE among 8,783 cases from 22 cancer types, with BC presenting the strongest one. SQLE overexpression was more prevalent in aggressive BC, and was an independent prognostic factor of unfavorable outcome. Through SQLE pharmacological inhibition and silencing in a panel of BC cell lines portraying the diversity of SQLE CN and GE, we demonstrated that SQLE inhibition resulted in a copy-dosage correlated decrease in cell viability, and in a noticeable increase in replication time, only in lines with detectable SQLE transcript. Altogether, our results pinpoint SQLE as a bona fide metabolic oncogene by amplification, and as a therapeutic target in BC. These findings could have implications in other cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David N Brown
- J.-C. Heuson Breast Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels BE
| | - Irene Caffa
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova IT
| | - Gabriella Cirmena
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova IT
| | - Daniela Piras
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova IT
| | - Anna Garuti
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova IT
| | - Maurizio Gallo
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova IT
| | - Saverio Alberti
- Unità di Patologia Oncologica CeSI, Università "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti Scalo (Chieti) IT
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova IT.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria San Martino and National Cancer Institute, Genova IT
| | - Alberto Ballestrero
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova IT.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria San Martino and National Cancer Institute, Genova IT
| | - Gabriele Zoppoli
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova IT.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria San Martino and National Cancer Institute, Genova IT
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen F, Di H, Wang Y, Cao Q, Xu B, Zhang X, Yang N, Liu G, Yang CG, Xu Y, Jiang H, Lian F, Zhang N, Li J, Lan L. Small-molecule targeting of a diapophytoene desaturase inhibits S. aureus virulence. Nat Chem Biol 2016; 12:174-9. [PMID: 26780405 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The surge of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus has created a dire need for innovative anti-infective agents that attack new targets, to overcome resistance. In S. aureus, carotenoid pigment is an important virulence factor because it shields the bacterium from host oxidant killing. Here we show that naftifine, a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antifungal drug, blocks biosynthesis of carotenoid pigment at nanomolar concentrations. This effect is mediated by competitive inhibition of S. aureus diapophytoene desaturase (CrtN), an essential enzyme for carotenoid pigment synthesis. We found that naftifine attenuated the virulence of a variety of clinical S. aureus isolates, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, in mouse infection models. Specifically, we determined that naftifine is a lead compound for potent CrtN inhibitors. In sum, these findings reveal that naftifine could serve as a chemical probe to manipulate CrtN activity, providing proof of concept that CrtN is a druggable target against S. aureus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongxia Di
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Youxin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiao Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Nana Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guijie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Humanwell Healthcare (Group) Co. Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fulin Lian
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Naixia Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lefu Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Trenin AS. [Microbial metabolites that inhibit sterol biosynthesis, their chemical diversity and characteristics of mode of action]. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2015; 39:633-57. [PMID: 25696927 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162013060095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of sterol biosynthesis (ISB) are widespread in nature and characterized by appreciable diversity both in their chemical structure and mode of action. Many of these inhibitors express noticeable biological activity and approved themselves in development of various pharmaceuticals. In this review there is a detailed description of biologically active microbial metabolites with revealed chemical structure that have ability to inhibit sterol biosynthesis. Inhibitors of mevalonate pathway in fungous and mammalian cells, exhibiting hypolipidemic or antifungal activity, as well as inhibitors of alternative non-mevalonate (pyruvate gliceraldehyde phosphate) isoprenoid pathway, which are promising in the development of affective antimicrobial or antiparasitic drugs, are under consideration in this review. Chemical formulas of the main natural inhibitors and their semi-synthetic derivatives are represented. Mechanism of their action at cellular and biochemical level is discussed. Special attention is given to inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (group of lovastatin) and inhibitors of acyl-CoA-cholesterol-acyl transferase (ACAT) that possess hypolipidemic activity and could be affective in the treatment of atherosclerosis. In case of inhibitors of late stages of sterol biosynthesis (after squalene formation) special attention is paid to compounds possessing evident antifungal and antitumoral activity. Explanation of mechanism of anticancer and antiviral action of microbial ISB, as well as the description of their ability to induce apoptosis is given.
Collapse
|
24
|
The cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme oxidosqualene cyclase is a new target to impair tumour angiogenesis and metastasis dissemination. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9054. [PMID: 25761781 PMCID: PMC4357009 DOI: 10.1038/srep09054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant cholesterol homeostasis and biosynthesis has been observed in different tumour types. This paper investigates the role of the post-squalenic enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis, oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), in regulating tumour angiogenesis and metastasis dissemination in mouse models of cancer. We showed that Ro 48-8071, a selective inhibitor of OSC, reduced vascular density and increased pericyte coverage, with a consequent inhibition of tumour growth in a spontaneous mouse model of pancreatic tumour (RIP-Tag2) and two metastatic mouse models of human colon carcinoma (HCT116) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (HPAF-II). Remarkably, the inhibition of OSC hampered metastasis formation in HCT116 and HPAF-II models. Ro 48-8071 induced tumour vessel normalization and enhanced the anti-tumoral and anti-metastatic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in HCT116 mice. Ro 48-8071 exerted a strong anti-angiogenic activity by impairing endothelial cell adhesion and migration, and by blocking vessel formation in angiogenesis assays. OSC inhibition specifically interfered with the PI3K pathway. According to in vitro results, Ro 48-8071 specifically inhibited Akt phosphorylation in both cancer cells and tumour vasculature in all treated models. Thus, our results unveil a crucial role of OSC in the regulation of cancer progression and tumour angiogenesis, and indicate Ro 48-8071 as a potential novel anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic drug.
Collapse
|
25
|
Mu X, Wang K, Chai T, Zhu L, Yang Y, Zhang J, Pang S, Wang C, Li X. Sex specific response in cholesterol level in zebrafish (Danio rerio) after long-term exposure of difenoconazole. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 197:278-286. [PMID: 25483594 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Difenoconazole is a widely used triazole fungicide, its extensive application may potentially cause toxic effects on non-target organisms. To investigate the effect of difenoconazole on cholesterol content and related mechanism, adult zebrafish were exposed to environmental related dosage (0.1, 10 and 500 μg/L) difenoconazole. The body weight and hepatic total cholesterol (TCHO) level was tested at 7, 15 and 30 days post exposure (dpe). The expressions of eight cholesterol synthesis genes and one cholesterol metabolism gene were assessed via Quantitative PCR method. The significant decrease of TCHO level in male zebrafish liver was observed at 15 and 30 dpe, which was accompanied by apparent hepatic cholesterol-genesis genes expression decline. In comparison with males, female zebrafish showed different transcription modification of tested genes, and the cholesterol content maintain normal level during the whole exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiyan Mu
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Chai
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lizhen Zhu
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sen Pang
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengju Wang
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuefeng Li
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
To maintain cholesterol homeostasis, the processes of cholesterol metabolism are regulated at multiple levels including transcription, translation, and enzymatic activity. Recently, the regulation of protein stability of some key players in cholesterol metabolism has been characterized. More and more ubiquitin ligases have been identified including gp78, Hrd1, TRC8, TEB4, Fbw7, and inducible degrader of low density lipoprotein receptor. Their working mechanisms and physiological functions are becoming revealed. Here, we summarize the structure, substrates and function of these ubiquitin ligases. Their potential application in drug discovery is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Liang Song
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zare B, Sepehrizadeh Z, Faramarzi MA, Soltany-Rezaee-Rad M, Rezaie S, Shahverdi AR. Antifungal activity of biogenic tellurium nanoparticles againstCandida albicansand its effects onsqualene monooxygenasegene expression. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2014; 61:395-400. [DOI: 10.1002/bab.1180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Zare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Zargham Sepehrizadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Faramarzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Mohammad Soltany-Rezaee-Rad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Sassan Rezaie
- Department of Medical Biotechnology; School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Shahverdi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Matushevskaya YEV, Svirshchevskaya YEV. Naftifine and therapy of fungal skin infections: 40 years of success. VESTNIK DERMATOLOGII I VENEROLOGII 2014. [DOI: 10.25208/0042-4609-2014-90-2-72-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The article presents the results of international and Russian clinical studies to assess the efficacy and safety of topical antimycotic drugs for the treatment of skin mycoses. The authors demonstrate the advantages of Naftifine (compliance and efficacy) as compared to other topical drugs. Taking into consideration a broad range of its action including antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, Naftifine can be considered as a first-line drug for the treatment of superficial dermatomycoses including complicated with a bacterial infection.
Collapse
|
29
|
Pinto JT, Cooper AJL. From cholesterogenesis to steroidogenesis: role of riboflavin and flavoenzymes in the biosynthesis of vitamin D. Adv Nutr 2014; 5:144-63. [PMID: 24618756 PMCID: PMC3951797 DOI: 10.3945/an.113.005181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavin-dependent monooxygenases and oxidoreductases are located at critical branch points in the biosynthesis and metabolism of cholesterol and vitamin D. These flavoproteins function as obligatory intermediates that accept 2 electrons from NAD(P)H with subsequent 1-electron transfers to a variety of cytochrome P450 (CYP) heme proteins within the mitochondria matrix (type I) and the (microsomal) endoplasmic reticulum (type II). The mode of electron transfer in these systems differs slightly in the number and form of the flavin prosthetic moiety. In the type I mitochondrial system, FAD-adrenodoxin reductase interfaces with adrenodoxin before electron transfer to CYP heme proteins. In the microsomal type II system, a diflavin (FAD/FMN)-dependent cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase [NAD(P)H-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR)] donates electrons to a multitude of heme oxygenases. Both flavoenzyme complexes exhibit a commonality of function with all CYP enzymes and are crucial for maintaining a balance of cholesterol and vitamin D metabolites. Deficits in riboflavin availability, imbalances in the intracellular ratio of FAD to FMN, and mutations that affect flavin binding domains and/or interactions with client proteins result in marked structural alterations within the skeletal and central nervous systems similar to those of disorders (inborn errors) in the biosynthetic pathways that lead to cholesterol, steroid hormones, and vitamin D and their metabolites. Studies of riboflavin deficiency during embryonic development demonstrate congenital malformations similar to those associated with genetic alterations of the flavoenzymes in these pathways. Overall, a deeper understanding of the role of riboflavin in these pathways may prove essential to targeted therapeutic designs aimed at cholesterol and vitamin D metabolism.
Collapse
|
30
|
Lienhart WD, Gudipati V, Macheroux P. The human flavoproteome. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 535:150-62. [PMID: 23500531 PMCID: PMC3684772 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is an essential dietary compound used for the enzymatic biosynthesis of FMN and FAD. The human genome contains 90 genes encoding for flavin-dependent proteins, six for riboflavin uptake and transformation into the active coenzymes FMN and FAD as well as two for the reduction to the dihydroflavin form. Flavoproteins utilize either FMN (16%) or FAD (84%) while five human flavoenzymes have a requirement for both FMN and FAD. The majority of flavin-dependent enzymes catalyze oxidation-reduction processes in primary metabolic pathways such as the citric acid cycle, β-oxidation and degradation of amino acids. Ten flavoproteins occur as isozymes and assume special functions in the human organism. Two thirds of flavin-dependent proteins are associated with disorders caused by allelic variants affecting protein function. Flavin-dependent proteins also play an important role in the biosynthesis of other essential cofactors and hormones such as coenzyme A, coenzyme Q, heme, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, steroids and thyroxine. Moreover, they are important for the regulation of folate metabolites by using tetrahydrofolate as cosubstrate in choline degradation, reduction of N-5.10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to N-5-methyltetrahydrofolate and maintenance of the catalytically competent form of methionine synthase. These flavoenzymes are discussed in detail to highlight their role in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter Macheroux
- Graz University of Technology, Institute of Biochemistry, Petersgasse 12, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
Abstract
Amaranth grain is a highly nutritional pseudocereal with a superior amount of proteins when compared to true cereals. It is a reasonably well-balanced food with functional properties that have been shown to provide medicinal benefits. The health benefits attributed include decreasing plasma cholesterol levels, stimulating the immune system, exerting an antitumor activity, reducing blood glucose levels and improving conditions of hypertension and anemia. In addition, it has been reported to possess anti-allergic and antioxidant activities. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of amaranth grain that focuses on recent research reporting its use in the clinical practice and its possible benefits to human health.
Collapse
|