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Gan L, Zheng L, Zou J, Luo P, Chen T, Zou J, Li W, Chen Q, Cheng L, Zhang F, Qian B. Critical roles of lncRNA-mediated autophagy in urologic malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1405199. [PMID: 38939836 PMCID: PMC11208713 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1405199] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Urologic oncology is a significant public health concern on a global scale. Recent research indicates that long chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and autophagy play crucial roles in various cancers, including urologic malignancies. This article provides a summary of the latest research findings, suggesting that lncRNA-mediated autophagy could either suppress or promote tumors in prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers. The intricate network involving different lncRNAs, target genes, and mediated signaling pathways plays a crucial role in urological malignancies by modulating the autophagic process. Dysregulated expression of lncRNAs can disrupt autophagy, leading to tumorigenesis, progression, and enhanced resistance to therapy. Consequently, targeting particular lncRNAs that control autophagy could serve as a dependable diagnostic tool and a promising prognostic biomarker in urologic oncology, while also holding potential as an effective therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Gan
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liying Zheng
- Department of Graduate, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junrong Zou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Peiyue Luo
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tao Chen
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Zou
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Li
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qi Chen
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Le Cheng
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fangtao Zhang
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Biao Qian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Urology and Andrology of Ganzhou, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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Guo D, Zhou S, Liu R, Yao W, Li S, Zhang X, Shen W, Zhu S. NEK2 contributes to radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inducing protective autophagy via regulating TRIM21. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:179. [PMID: 38783335 PMCID: PMC11112778 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03367-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) has been identified as a vital treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), while the development of radioresistance remains a major obstacle in ESCC management. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) on radioresistance in ESCC cells and to reveal potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS Human esophageal epithelial cells (HEEC) and human ESCC cell lines were obtained from the Research Center of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University (Shijiazhuang, China). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays were applied to assess the proliferation ability, cell cycle, apoptosis rates, and ROS production of ESCC cells. The colony-forming assay was used to estimate the effect of NEK2 on radiosensitivity. Autophagy was investigated by western blotting analysis, GFP-mRFP-LC3 fluorescence assay, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS In the present study, our results showed that NEK2 was associated with radioresistance, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, ROS production, and survival of ESCC. NEK2 knockdown could significantly inhibit growth while enhancing radiosensitivity and ROS production in ESCC cells. Interestingly, NEK2 knockdown inhibited ESCC cell autophagy and reduced autophagic flux, ultimately reversing NEK2-induced radioresistance. Mechanistically, NEK2 bound to and regulated the stability of tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21). The accumulation of NEK2-induced light chain 3 beta 2 (LC3B II) can be reversed by the knockdown of TRIM21. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that NEK2 activated autophagy through TRIM21, which may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for elucidating NEK2-mediated radioresistance in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Shuo Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Ruixue Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Weinan Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Shuguang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Xueyuan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Wenbin Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Shuchai Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
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Qiao L, Qin S, Weng N, Li B, Luo M, Zhang Z, Zhou L, Wang D, Huang C. Discovery of canine drug toceranib phosphate as a repurposed agent against human hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2023; 43:928-944. [PMID: 36776105 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. There are limited therapeutic options for those diagnosed with terminal HCC and therefore incorporating novel agents into standard-of-care regimens is urgently needed. In contrast to de novo drug discovery, the strategy of repurposing compounds initially designed to treat animals might yield substantial advantages in terms of efficacy and safety. Given the evidence for the clinical efficacy of toceranib phosphate (TOC) against canine carcinomas, we aimed to investigate its therapeutic effect on human HCC. METHODS The antitumor effects of TOC were evaluated using human HCC cell lines and cell-line-derived xenograft models. Changes in autophagic response upon TOC exposure were quantified through immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis. The role of TOC-triggered autophagy was addressed via pharmacological and genetic inhibition. RESULTS We demonstrated TOC exhibited potent antitumor activity against human HCC cells by stimulating apoptosis in vitro and in vivo by a concomitant increase in autophagic flux. Blocking the TOC-triggered autophagy inhibited cellular proliferation and decreased tumour burden, indicating a protective role of autophagy against TOC-mediated HCC cell death. This role played by TOC-induced autophagy was further linked to the inactivation of the Akt/mTOR pathway that could be attributed to the upregulation of Cyr61. Moreover, treatment with sorafenib plus TOC resulted in pronounced synergistic effects on HCC cells. CONCLUSION Our results elucidate a newly identified therapeutic potential of TOC in treating HCC, sparking a growing interest in repurposing such canine drugs for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Qiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, P.R. China
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Ningna Weng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Bowen Li
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, P.R. China
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Maochao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, P.R. China
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, P.R. China
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, P.R. China
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Canhua Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, P.R. China
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
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4
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Vitto VAM, Bianchin S, Zolondick AA, Pellielo G, Rimessi A, Chianese D, Yang H, Carbone M, Pinton P, Giorgi C, Patergnani S. Molecular Mechanisms of Autophagy in Cancer Development, Progression, and Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071596. [PMID: 35884904 PMCID: PMC9313210 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved and tightly regulated process that plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. It involves regulation of various genes that function to degrade unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components, and to recycle metabolic substrates. Autophagy is modulated by many factors, such as nutritional status, energy level, hypoxic conditions, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hormonal stimulation and drugs, and these factors can regulate autophagy both upstream and downstream of the pathway. In cancer, autophagy acts as a double-edged sword depending on the tissue type and stage of tumorigenesis. On the one hand, autophagy promotes tumor progression in advanced stages by stimulating tumor growth. On the other hand, autophagy inhibits tumor development in the early stages by enhancing its tumor suppressor activity. Moreover, autophagy drives resistance to anticancer therapy, even though in some tumor types, its activation induces lethal effects on cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the biological mechanisms of autophagy and its dual role in cancer. In addition, we report the current understanding of autophagy in some cancer types with markedly high incidence and/or lethality, and the existing therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Angela Maria Vitto
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Silvia Bianchin
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Alicia Ann Zolondick
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (A.A.Z.); (H.Y.); (M.C.)
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
| | - Giulia Pellielo
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Diego Chianese
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Haining Yang
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (A.A.Z.); (H.Y.); (M.C.)
| | - Michele Carbone
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (A.A.Z.); (H.Y.); (M.C.)
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (V.A.M.V.); (S.B.); (G.P.); (A.R.); (D.C.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.P.)
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5
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Po WW, Choi WS, Khing TM, Lee JY, Lee JH, Bang JS, Min YS, Jeong JH, Sohn UD. Benzyl Isothiocyanate-Induced Cytotoxicity via the Inhibition of Autophagy and Lysosomal Function in AGS Cells. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2022; 30:348-359. [PMID: 35768332 PMCID: PMC9252883 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2022.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric adenocarcinoma is among the top causes of cancer-related death and is one of the most commonly diagnosed carcinomas worldwide. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) has been reported to inhibit the gastric cancer metastasis. In our previous study, BITC induced apoptosis in AGS cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of BITC on autophagy mechanism in AGS cells. First, the AGS cells were treated with 5, 10, or 15 μM BITC for 24 h, followed by an analysis of the autophagy mechanism. The expression level of autophagy proteins involved in different steps of autophagy, such as LC3B, p62/SQSTM1, Atg5-Atg12, Beclin1, p-mTOR/mTOR ratio, and class III PI3K was measured in the BITC-treated cells. Lysosomal function was investigated using cathepsin activity and Bafilomycin A1, an autophagy degradation stage inhibitor. Methods including qPCR, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry were employed to detect the protein expression levels. Acridine orange staining and omnicathepsin assay were conducted to analyze the lysosomal function. siRNA transfection was performed to knock down the LC3B gene. BITC reduced the level of autophagy protein such as Beclin 1, class III PI3K, and Atg5-Atg12. BITC also induced lysosomal dysfunction which was shown as reducing cathepsin activity, protein level of cathepsin, and enlargement of acidic vesicle. Overall, the results showed that the BITC-induced AGS cell death mechanism also comprises the inhibition of the cytoprotective autophagy at both initiation and degradation steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wah Wah Po
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Seok Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Tin Myo Khing
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hyuk Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Seok Bang
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sil Min
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Jungwon University, Goesan 28024, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, and Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Uy Dong Sohn
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
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6
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Eberli D, Kranzbühler B, Prause L, Baumgartner V, Preda S, Sousa R, Lehner F, Salemi S. Apalutamide and autophagy inhibition in a xenograft mouse model of human prostate cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:3351-3360. [PMID: 35751683 PMCID: PMC9587065 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Apalutamide (APA) is a next-generation androgen receptor antagonist for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. We have previously shown that upregulation of autophagy is one of the mechanisms by which prostate cancer (PC) cells survive APA anti-tumor treatment in vitro. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of the autophagic response to APA treatment, alone and in combination with autophagy inhibition, in an in vivo model. Methods Tumor cells were injected into previously castrated nude mice. Four groups of mice bearing LNCaP xenografts were treated with daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of vehicle (control), APA (10 mg/kg), APA (10 mg/kg) + Chl (Chloroquine, 10 mg/kg) or Chl (10 mg/kg). The animals of each treatment group (3/treatment) were kept for the duration of 2 and 3 weeks. At the end of the experiments, the animals were sacrificed and all samples assessed for tumor weight and size, histological analysis, immunoblotting (WES) and immunofluorescence. Results The tumor weight was significantly reduced in mice treated with APA + Chl (203.2 ± 5.0, SEM, P = 0.0066) compared to vehicle control (380.4 ± 37.0). Importantly, the combined treatment showed a higher impact on tumor weight than APA (320.4 ± 45.5) or Chl (337.9 ± 35) alone. The mice treated with the combination of APA + Chl exhibited a reduced expression of ATG5 (autophagy-related five protein), Beclin 1 and LC3 punctuations and an increase in P62 as visualized by immunofluorescence and WES. In addition, Ki-67 nuclear staining was detected in all samples however reduced in APA + Chl (58%) compared to vehicle control (100%). The reduction in Ki-67 protein was associated with an increase in caspase 3 and endothelial CD31 protein expression. Conclusion These data demonstrate that a treatment with APA + Chl leads to reduced autophagy levels and to tumor suppression compared to the APA monotherapy. Hence, the increased antitumor effect of APA in combination with autophagy inhibitors might provide a new therapeutic approach potentially translatable to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Eberli
- Department of Urology, Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, University Hospital Zürich, Wagistrasse 21, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Benedikt Kranzbühler
- Department of Urology, Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, University Hospital Zürich, Wagistrasse 21, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Prause
- Department of Urology, Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, University Hospital Zürich, Wagistrasse 21, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Baumgartner
- Department of Urology, Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, University Hospital Zürich, Wagistrasse 21, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Sheryl Preda
- Department of Urology, Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, University Hospital Zürich, Wagistrasse 21, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Rosa Sousa
- Department of Urology, Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, University Hospital Zürich, Wagistrasse 21, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Lehner
- Department of Urology, Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, University Hospital Zürich, Wagistrasse 21, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Souzan Salemi
- Department of Urology, Laboratory for Urologic Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy, University Hospital Zürich, Wagistrasse 21, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.
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7
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Zadaloo KM, Bamdad T, Abdoli A, Choobin H, Karimi H. Inhibition of Autophagy by 3-MA Increases Oncolysis Effect of VSV in a Murine Model of Cancer. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322020169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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8
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Li Y, Zhu Y, Fang J, Li W, Li S, Liu X, Liu Z, Song G, Shang C, Cong J, Bai B, Sun L, Jin N, Li X. Apoptin Regulates Apoptosis and Autophagy by Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Levels in Human Liver Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1026. [PMID: 32714864 PMCID: PMC7344208 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptin is a protein that specifically induces apoptosis in tumor cells. The anti-tumorigenic functions of Apoptin, including autophagy activation and its interaction with apoptosis, have not been precisely elucidated. Here we investigate the main pathways of apoptin-mediated killing of human liver cancer cells, as well as its putative role in autophagy and apoptosis. The anti-proliferative effect of apoptin in liver cancer cells was analyzed in vitro by crystal violet staining and MTS detection, and also in vivo using a tumor-based model. The main pathway related to apoptin-induced growth inhibition in vitro was evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescence staining. The relationship between apoptosis and autophagy on apoptin-treating cells was analyzed using apoptosis and autophagy inhibitors, mitochondrial staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI flow detection, LC3 staining, and western blotting. The effect of ROS toward the apoptosis and autophagy of apoptin-treating cells was also evaluated by ROS detection, Annexin V-FITC/PI flow detection, LC3 staining, and western blotting. Inhibition of apoptosis in apoptin-treating liver cancer cells significantly reduced the autophagy levels in vitro. The overall inhibition increased from 12 h and the effect was most obvious at 48 h. Inhibition of autophagy could increase apoptin-induced apoptosis of cells in a time-dependent manner, reaching its peak at 24 h. Apoptin significantly alters ROS levels in liver cancer cells, and this effect is directly related to apoptosis and autophagy. ROS appears to be the key factor linking apoptin-induced autophagy and apoptosis through the mitochondria in liver cancer cells. Therefore, evaluating the interaction between apoptin-induced apoptosis and autophagy is a promising step for the development of alternate tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiquan Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yilong Zhu
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jinbo Fang
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Shanzhi Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Zirui Liu
- Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Gaojie Song
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Chao Shang
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Jianan Cong
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Bing Bai
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, China
| | - Ningyi Jin
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
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9
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Liu H, He Z, Germič N, Ademi H, Frangež Ž, Felser A, Peng S, Riether C, Djonov V, Nuoffer JM, Bovet C, Mlinarič-Raščan I, Zlobec I, Fiedler M, Perren A, Simon HU. ATG12 deficiency leads to tumor cell oncosis owing to diminished mitochondrial biogenesis and reduced cellular bioenergetics. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:1965-1980. [PMID: 31844253 PMCID: PMC7244572 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0476-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the "Warburg effect" or aerobic glycolysis earlier generalized as a phenomenon in cancer cells, more and more recent evidence indicates that functional mitochondria are pivotal for ensuring the energy supply of cancer cells. Here, we report that cancer cells with reduced autophagy-related protein 12 (ATG12) expression undergo an oncotic cell death, a phenotype distinct from that seen in ATG5-deficient cells described before. In addition, using untargeted metabolomics with ATG12-deficient cancer cells, we observed a global reduction in cellular bioenergetic pathways, such as β-oxidation (FAO), glycolysis, and tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, as well as a decrease in mitochondrial respiration as monitored with Seahorse experiments. Analyzing the biogenesis of mitochondria by quantifying mitochondrial DNA content together with several mitochondrion-localizing proteins indicated a reduction in mitochondrial biogenesis in ATG12-deficient cancer cells, which also showed reduced hexokinase II expression and the upregulation of uncoupling protein 2. ATG12, which we observed in normal cells to be partially localized in mitochondria, is upregulated in multiple types of solid tumors in comparison with normal tissues. Strikingly, mouse xenografts of ATG12-deficient cells grew significantly slower as compared with vector control cells. Collectively, our work has revealed a previously unreported role for ATG12 in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and cellular energy metabolism and points up an essential role for mitochondria as a failsafe mechanism in the growth and survival of glycolysis-dependent cancer cells. Inducing oncosis by imposing an ATG12 deficiency in solid tumors might represent an anticancer therapy preferable to conventional caspase-dependent apoptosis that often leads to undesirable consequences, such as incomplete cancer cell killing and a silencing of the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Liu
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Zhaoyue He
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nina Germič
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hyrijie Ademi
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Živa Frangež
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Felser
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shuang Peng
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carsten Riether
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Djonov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Nuoffer
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology and Metabolism, University Children's Hospital Bern, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Bovet
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Inti Zlobec
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fiedler
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aurel Perren
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, CH-3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.
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10
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Wang C, Yang Y, Sun L, Wang J, Jiang Z, Li Y, Liu D, Sun H, Pan Z. Baicalin reverses radioresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by downregulating autophagy. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:35. [PMID: 32021564 PMCID: PMC6993500 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-1107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Radiation resistance is the main cause of recurrence after radiotherapy, and increased autophagy after radiotherapy is related to radiotherapy resistance. This study aims to investigate the reversal effect of baicalin on radioresistance and its related mechanism. Methods CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect the effect of proliferation and apoptosis by baicalin. Clone formation test was used to verify the effect of baicalin radiosensitization. Western blot analysis and electron microscopy were employed to observe the effect of baicalin on autophagy. Results Compared with the radiation therapy (RT) group, the RT combined baicalin (RT + BA) group showed a significantly low 2 Gy survival fraction of radiation therapy (P < 0.05). LC3-II protein expression in the RT group was significantly higher than which in the RT + BA group (P < 0.05). Electron microscopy showed that more autophagic vacuoles were observed in the RT group than those in the RT + BA group. Conclusions Overall, baicalin can reverse the radioresistance of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2R cells by downregulating RT-enhanced autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- 1Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Yinli Yang
- 1Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Lining Sun
- 2Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jing Wang
- 3Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Zhansheng Jiang
- 1Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Yanwei Li
- 1Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Dongying Liu
- 1Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Haiyan Sun
- 1Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Zhanyu Pan
- 1Department of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060 China
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11
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Machine learning with autophagy-related proteins for discriminating renal cell carcinoma subtypes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:720. [PMID: 31959887 PMCID: PMC6971298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Machine learning techniques have been previously applied for classification of tumors based largely on morphological features of tumor cells recognized in H&E images. Here, we tested the possibility of using numeric data acquired from software-based quantification of certain marker proteins, i.e. key autophagy proteins (ATGs), obtained from immunohistochemical (IHC) images of renal cell carcinomas (RCC). Using IHC staining and automated image quantification with a tissue microarray (TMA) of RCC, we found ATG1, ATG5 and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) were significantly reduced, suggesting a reduction in the basal level of autophagy with RCC. Notably, the levels of the ATG proteins expressed did not correspond to the mRNA levels expressed in these tissues. Applying a supervised machine learning algorithm, the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), to our quantified numeric data revealed that LC3B provided a strong measure for discriminating clear cell RCC (ccRCC). ATG5 and sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1/p62) could be used for classification of chromophobe RCC (crRCC). The quantitation of particular combinations of ATG1, ATG16L1, ATG5, LC3B and p62, all of which measure the basal level of autophagy, were able to discriminate among normal tissue, crRCC and ccRCC, suggesting that the basal level of autophagy would be a potentially useful parameter for RCC discrimination. In addition to our observation that the basal level of autophagy is reduced in RCC, our workflow from quantitative IHC analysis to machine learning could be considered as a potential complementary tool for the classification of RCC subtypes and also for other types of tumors for which precision medicine requires a characterization.
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12
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Shao G, Zhao Z, Zhao W, Hu G, Zhang L, Li W, Xing C, Zhang X. Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 activates autophagy and promotes cell proliferation by downregulating microRNA-204 expression in gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2019; 19:805-812. [PMID: 31897197 PMCID: PMC6924198 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major diseases that threaten human health. Although the development of novel drugs has significantly improved the efficacy of GC chemotherapy, the 5-year survival rate of patients with GC remains unsatisfactory. In the present study, the role and mechanism of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in GC proliferation was investigated. Clinical specimens and cancer cells were analyzed by western blotting or immunofluorescence. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of 57 paired GC and non-tumorous tissues revealed elevated expression of MALAT1 in GC tissues compared with controls. In addition, increased MALAT1 was associated with elevated levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β (LC3B) and antigen Ki67, which are autophagy and proliferation markers, respectively. MTT and colony formation assay results demonstrated that MALAT1 promoted GC cell proliferation. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to demonstrate that upregulated MALAT1 was associated with increased autophagy activation in GC tissues. Furthermore, this study reported that MALAT1 increased cell proliferation and enhanced autophagy activation in GC cells. In addition, the results revealed that MALAT1 inhibited microRNA (miR)-204 expression in GC cells. The present study also demonstrated that miR-204 repressed autophagy through the downregulation of LC3B and transient receptor potential melastatin 3 expression in GC cells. These results indicated that MALAT1 activated autophagy and promoted cell proliferation by downregulating miR-204 expression in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyi Shao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China.,Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, P.R. China
| | - Zhenguo Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Gen Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, P.R. China
| | - Liying Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, P.R. China
| | - Chungen Xing
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, P.R. China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, P.R. China
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13
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Liu YT, Hsiao CH, Tzang BS, Hsu TC. In vitro and in vivo effects of traditional Chinese medicine formula T33 in human breast cancer cells. Altern Ther Health Med 2019; 19:211. [PMID: 31409331 PMCID: PMC6693224 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is commonly used by patients with breast cancer, little is known about TCM prescriptions for breast cancer. This study investigated the effects of a new TCM formula, T33, comprising Radix Kansui, Rheum rhabarbarum, Paeonia lactiflora, Jiangbanxia, and Zhigancao on breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods To evaluate the effects of T33 on human breast cancer, HMEpiC, MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of T33 and then analyzed using MTT and Transwell migration assays. To elucidate the involvement of autophagy in the T33-induced death of MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells, immunofluorescence staining with LC3-II-specific antibodies was performed. Tumor xenografts were generated by subcutaneously injecting either MDA-MB231 or MCF-7 cells into BALB/c nude mice to determine the effects of T33 on these cell lines in vivo. Results The experimental results revealed that 0.1 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL T33 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells. Moreover, significant autophagy was observed in MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells in the presence of 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL T33. An animal study further revealed that both low (200 mg/kg) and high (600 mg/kg) doses of T33 inhibited the proliferation of xenografted breast cancer cells in BALB/c nude mice. Conclusion These findings demonstrate for the first time that T33 has potential in the treatment of breast cancer owing to its antiproliferative effects and induction of autophagy.
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14
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Eskelinen EL. Autophagy: Supporting cellular and organismal homeostasis by self-eating. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 111:1-10. [PMID: 30940605 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process that delivers cytoplasmic components and organelles to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. This pathway serves to degrade nonfunctional organelles and aggregate-prone proteins, as well as to produce substrates for energy production and biosynthesis. Autophagy is especially important for the maintenance of stem cells, and for the survival and homeostasis of post-mitotic cells like neurons. Functional autophagy promotes longevity in several model organisms. Autophagy regulates immunity and inflammation at several levels and has both anti- and pro-tumorigenic roles in cancer. This review provides a concise overview of autophagy and its importance in cellular and organismal homeostasis, with emphasis on aging, stem cells, neuronal cells, immunity, inflammation, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eeva-Liisa Eskelinen
- University of Turku, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku, Finland; University of Helsinki, Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Helsinki, Finland.
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15
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Conservation of structure, function and inhibitor binding in UNC-51-like kinase 1 and 2 (ULK1/2). Biochem J 2019; 476:875-887. [PMID: 30782972 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is essential for cellular homeostasis and when deregulated this survival mechanism has been associated with disease development. Inhibition of autophagy initiation by inhibiting the kinase ULK1 (Unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1) has been proposed as a potential cancer therapy. While inhibitors and crystal structures of ULK1 have been reported, little is known about the other closely related kinase ULK2 (Unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 2). Here, we present the crystal structure of ULK2 in complex with ATP competitive inhibitors. Surprisingly, the ULK2 structure revealed a dimeric assembly reminiscent of dimeric arrangements of auto-activating kinases suggesting a role for this association in ULK activation. Screening of a kinase focused library of pre-clinical and clinical compounds revealed several potent ULK1/2 inhibitors and good correlation of inhibitor-binding behavior with both ULK kinases. Aurora A was identified as a major off-target of currently used ULK1 inhibitors. Autophagic flux assays demonstrated that this off-target activity by strongly inducing autophagy in different cellular systems conferred an additional layer of complexity in the interpretation of cellular data. The data presented here provide structural models and chemical starting points for the development of ULK1/2 dual inhibitors with improved selectivity for future exploitation of autophagy inhibition.
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16
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Liu H, He Z, Bode P, Moch H, Simon HU. Downregulation of Autophagy-Related Proteins 1, 5, and 16 in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Parallels Lowered LC3B and Elevated p62 Levels, Suggesting Reduced Basal Autophagy. Front Oncol 2018; 8:366. [PMID: 30245976 PMCID: PMC6137693 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular “self-digestion” process known to be essential for various physiological and pathological pathways, including cancer, where its role appears to be context-dependent. In this work, we aimed to investigate the level of autophagy by evaluating the expression of key autophagy-related proteins (ATGs) in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) for which autophagy has been rarely investigated. We decided to use an immunohistochemical (IHC) staining approach employing a tissue microarray (TMA). Software-based evaluation of the integrated optical densities (IODs) of these proteins indicated a significant downregulation of ATG1, ATG5, and ATG16L1. Accordingly, reduced levels of microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) were found to parallel increases in sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1 or p62), a protein normally degraded via autophagy, suggesting an in vivo reduction in autophagy with TGCT. Thus, our work provides evidence for a tumor suppressive function of autophagy in the development of TGCT and supports the concept of a context-dependent role of autophagy in tumorigenesis which is tumor type-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Liu
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Zhaoyue He
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Bode
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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17
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Liu C, Zhang Y, She X, Fan L, Li P, Feng J, Fu H, Liu Q, Liu Q, Zhao C, Sun Y, Wu M. A cytoplasmic long noncoding RNA LINC00470 as a new AKT activator to mediate glioblastoma cell autophagy. J Hematol Oncol 2018; 11:77. [PMID: 29866190 PMCID: PMC5987392 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-018-0619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the overwhelming number of investigations on AKT, little is known about lncRNA on AKT regulation, especially in GBM cells. METHODS RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) and RNA pulldown were used to confirm the binding of LINC00470 and fused in sarcoma (FUS). Confocal imaging, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and GST pulldown assays were used to detect the interaction between FUS and AKT. EdU assay, CCK-8 assay, and intracranial xenograft assays were performed to demonstrate the effect of LINC00470 on the malignant phenotype of GBM cells. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to test the effect of LINC00470 on AKT and pAKT. RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that LINC00470 was a positive regulator for AKT activation in GBM. LINC00470 bound to FUS and AKT to form a ternary complex, anchoring FUS in the cytoplasm to increase AKT activity. Higher pAKT activated by LINC00470 inhibited ubiquitination of HK1, which affected glycolysis, and inhibited cell autophagy. Furthermore, higher LINC00470 expression was associated with GBM tumorigenesis and poor patient prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed a noncanonical AKT activation signaling pathway, i.e., LINC00470 directly interacts with FUS, serving as an AKT activator to promote GBM progression. LINC00470 has an important referential significance to evaluate the prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhong Liu
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling She
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Li Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Peiyao Li
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Jianbo Feng
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Haijuan Fu
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Chunhua Zhao
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Yingnan Sun
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
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