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Nejatie A, Yee SS, Jeter A, Saragovi HU. The cancer glycocode as a family of diagnostic biomarkers, exemplified by tumor-associated gangliosides. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1261090. [PMID: 37954075 PMCID: PMC10637394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1261090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode).A class of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs) are presented here as potential diagnostics for detecting cancer, especially at early stages, as the biological function of TMGs makes them etiological. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention. Diagnosis is critical to reducing cancer mortality but many cancers lack efficient and effective diagnostic tests, especially for early stage disease. Ideal diagnostic biomarkers are etiological, samples are preferably obtained via non-invasive methods (e.g. liquid biopsy of blood or urine), and are quantitated using assays that yield high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for efficient diagnosis, prognosis, or predicting response to therapy. Validated biomarkers with these features are rare. While the advent of proteomics and genomics has led to the identification of a multitude of proteins and nucleic acid sequences as cancer biomarkers, relatively few have been approved for clinical use. The use of multiplex arrays and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms offer the option of combining data of known biomarkers; however, for most, the sensitivity and the specificity are below acceptable criteria, and clinical validation has proven difficult. One strategic solution to this problem is to expand the biomarker families beyond those currently exploited. One unexploited family of cancer biomarkers comprise glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids (the Tumor Glycocode). Here, we focus on a family of glycolipid cancer biomarkers, the tumor-marker gangliosides (TMGs). We discuss the diagnostic potential of TMGs for detecting cancer, especially at early stages. We include prior studies from the literature to summarize findings for ganglioside quantification, expression, detection, and biological function and its role in various cancers. We highlight the examples of TMGs exhibiting ideal properties of cancer diagnostic biomarkers, and the application of GD2 and GD3 for diagnosis of early stage cancers with high sensitivity and specificity. We propose that a quantitative matrix of the Cancer Biomarker Glycocode and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms will expand the menu of validated cancer biomarkers as a step to resolve some of the challenges in cancer diagnosis, and yield a combination that can identify a specific cancer, in a tissue-agnostic manner especially at early stages, to enable early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nejatie
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samantha S. Yee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Horacio Uri Saragovi
- Center for Translational Research, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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2
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Bartish M, Del Rincón SV, Rudd CE, Saragovi HU. Aiming for the Sweet Spot: Glyco-Immune Checkpoints and γδ T Cells in Targeted Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:564499. [PMID: 33133075 PMCID: PMC7550643 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.564499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Though a healthy immune system is capable of recognizing and eliminating emergent cancerous cells, an established tumor is adept at escaping immune surveillance. Altered and tumor-specific expression of immunosuppressive cell surface carbohydrates, also termed the “tumor glycocode,” is a prominent mechanism by which tumors can escape anti-tumor immunity. Given their persistent and homogeneous expression, tumor-associated glycans are promising targets to be exploited as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, the exploitation of these glycans has been a challenge due to their low immunogenicity, immunosuppressive properties, and the inefficient presentation of glycolipids in a conventional major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted manner. Despite this, a subset of T-cells expressing the gamma and delta chains of the T-cell receptor (γδ T cells) exist with a capacity for MHC-unrestricted antigen recognition and potent inherent anti-tumor properties. In this review, we discuss the role of tumor-associated glycans in anti-tumor immunity, with an emphasis on the potential of γδ T cells to target the tumor glycocode. Understanding the many facets of this interaction holds the potential to unlock new ways to use both tumor-associated glycans and γδ T cells in novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Bartish
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia V Del Rincón
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rudd
- Division of Immuno-Oncology, Research Center Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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3
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MacCalman TE, Phillips-Jones MK, Harding SE. Glycoconjugate vaccines: some observations on carrier and production methods. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2020; 35:93-125. [PMID: 32048549 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2019.1703614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glycoconjugate vaccines use protein carriers to improve the immune response to polysaccharide antigens. The protein component allows the vaccine to interact with T cells, providing a stronger and longer-lasting immune response than a polysaccharide interacting with B cells alone. Whilst in theory the mere presence of a protein component in a vaccine should be sufficient to improve vaccine efficacy, the extent of improvement varies. In the present review, a comparison of the performances of vaccines developed with and without a protein carrier are presented. The usefulness of analytical tools for macromolecular integrity assays, in particular nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, analytical ultracentrifugation and SEC coupled to multi-angle light scattering (MALS) is indicated. Although we focus mainly on bacterial capsular polysaccharide-protein vaccines, some consideration is also given to research on experimental cancer vaccines using zwitterionic polysaccharides which, unusually for polysaccharides, are able to invoke T-cell responses and have been used in the development of potential all-polysaccharide-based cancer vaccines.A general trend of improved immunogenicity for glycoconjugate vaccines is described. Since the immunogenicity of a vaccine will also depend on carrier protein type and the way in which it has been linked to polysaccharide, the effects of different carrier proteins and production methods are also reviewed. We suggest that, in general, there is no single best carrier for use in glycoconjugate vaccines. This indicates that the choice of carrier protein is optimally made on a case-by-case basis, based on what generates the best immune response and can be produced safely in each individual case.Abbreviations: AUC: analytical ultracentrifugation; BSA: bovine serum albumin; CD: circular dichroism spectroscopy; CPS: capsular polysaccharide; CRM197: Cross Reactive Material 197; DT: diphtheria toxoid; Hib: Haemophilius influenzae type b; MALS: multi-angle light scattering; Men: Neisseria menigitidis; MHC-II: major histocompatibility complex class II; NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; OMP: outer membrane protein; PRP: polyribosyl ribitol phosphate; PSA: Polysaccharide A1; Sa: Salmonella; St.: Streptococcus; SEC: size exclusion chromatography; Sta: Staphylococcus; TT: tetanus toxoid; ZPS: zwitterionic polysaccharide(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E MacCalman
- National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mary K Phillips-Jones
- National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen E Harding
- National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Kulturhistorisk Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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4
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Tong W, Maira M, Roychoudhury R, Galan A, Brahimi F, Gilbert M, Cunningham AM, Josephy S, Pirvulescu I, Moffett S, Saragovi HU. Vaccination with Tumor-Ganglioside Glycomimetics Activates a Selective Immunity that Affords Cancer Therapy. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:1013-1026.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Tong W, Maira M, Gagnon M, Saragovi HU. Ligands Binding to Cell Surface Ganglioside GD2 Cause Src-Dependent Activation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Signaling and Changes in Cellular Morphology. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134255. [PMID: 26252487 PMCID: PMC4529173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ganglioside GD2 is a plasma membrane glycosphinogolipid. In healthy adults it is expressed at low levels, but it is over-expressed in many cancers. For cancer therapy, GD2 is targeted with anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and one adverse side effect is severe visceral pain. Pain is not neuropathic, cannot be blocked with morphine, and stops on discontinuation of mAb therapy. Here, we provide evidence that ligand binding to cell surface GD2 induces rapid and transient activation of Src-family kinases, followed by Src-dependent phosphorylation of NMDA-receptor NR2B subunits selectively, activation of Ca++ fluxes, production of cAMP, and changes in cellular morphology. These GD2-ligand activated signals differ in kinetics and in pharmacology from activation of the same signals in the same cells by BDNF, the growth factor agonist of the TrkB receptor, suggesting biological specificity. Hence, cell surface GD2 regulates pathways that can be associated with neoplasia and with morphine-intractable pain; and this can explain why expression of GD2 correlates with these two pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Tong
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mario Maira
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin Gagnon
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Segal Center for Translational Research, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Segal Center for Translational Research, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Le TT, Van Camp J, Dewettinck K. Milk Fat Globule Membrane Material. STUDIES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63294-4.00012-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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7
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Blixt O, Vasiliu D, Allin K, Jacobsen N, Warnock D, Razi N, Paulson JC, Bernatchez S, Gilbert M, Wakarchuk W. Chemoenzymatic synthesis of 2-azidoethyl-ganglio-oligosaccharides GD3, GT3, GM2, GD2, GT2, GM1, and GD1a. Carbohydr Res 2005; 340:1963-72. [PMID: 16005859 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2005.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2005] [Revised: 06/10/2005] [Accepted: 06/13/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We have synthesized several ganglio-oligosaccharide structures using glycosyltransferases from Campylobacter jejuni. The enzymes, alpha-(2-->3/8)-sialyltransferase (Cst-II), beta-(1-->4)-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (CgtA), and beta-(1-->3)-galactosyltransferase (CgtB), were produced in large-scale fermentation from Escherichia coli and further characterized based on their acceptor specificities. 2-Azidoethyl-glycosides corresponding to the oligosaccharides of GD3 (alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->8)-alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-), GT3 (alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->8)-alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->8)-alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-), GM2 (beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->4)-[alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->3)]-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-), GD2 (beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->4)-[alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->8)-alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->3)]-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-), GT2 (beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->4)-[alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->8)-alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->8)-alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->3)]-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-), and GM1 (beta-D-Galp-(1-->3)-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->4)-[alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->3)]-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-) were synthesized in high yields (gram-scale). In addition, a mammalian alpha-(2-->3)-sialyltransferase (ST3Gal I) was used to sialylate GM1 and generate GD1a (alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->3)-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1-->4)-[alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->3)]-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-) oligosaccharide. We also cloned and expressed a rat UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-4'epimerase (GalNAcE) in E. coli AD202 cells for cost saving in situ conversion of less expensive UDP-GlcNAc to UDP-GalNAc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Blixt
- Carbohydrate Synthesis and Protein Expression Core D, Consortium for Functional Glycomics, The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Molecular Biology, CB-248A, 92037 La Jolla, USA.
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8
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Butters TD, Dwek RA, Platt FM. New therapeutics for the treatment of glycosphingolipid lysosomal storage diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2004; 535:219-26. [PMID: 14714898 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-0065-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Glycosphingolipid lysosomal storage diseases are a small but challenging group of human disorders to treat. Although these appear to be monogenic disorders where the catalytic activity of enzymes in glycosphingolipid catabolism is impaired, the presentation and severity of disease is heterogeneous. Treatment is often restricted to palliative care, but in some disorders enzyme replacement does offer a significant clinical improvement of disease severity. An alternative therapeutic approach termed "substrate deprivation" or "substrate reduction therapy" (SRT) aims to reduce cellular glycosphingolipid biosynthesis to match the impairment in catalytic activity seen in lysosomal storage disorders. N-Alkylated imino sugars are nitrogen containing polyhydroxylated heterocycles that have inhibitory activity against the first enzyme in the pathway for glucosylating sphingolipid in eukaryotic cells, ceramide-specific glucosyltransferase. The use of N-alkylated imino sugars to establish SRT as an alternative therapeutic strategy is described in cell culture and gene knockout mouse disease models. One imino sugar, N-butyl-DNJ (NB-DNJ) has been used in clinical trials for type 1 Gaucher disease and has shown to be an effective and safe therapy for this disorder. The results of these trials and the prospects of improvement to the design of imino sugar compounds for treating Gaucher and other glycosphingolipid lysosomal storage disorders will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Butters
- Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Brodesser
- Kekulé‐Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Universität, Gerhard‐Domagk‐Str. 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany, Fax: (internat.) + 49‐(0)228/737‐778
| | - Peter Sawatzki
- Kekulé‐Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Universität, Gerhard‐Domagk‐Str. 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany, Fax: (internat.) + 49‐(0)228/737‐778
| | - Thomas Kolter
- Kekulé‐Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Universität, Gerhard‐Domagk‐Str. 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany, Fax: (internat.) + 49‐(0)228/737‐778
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