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Alwahsh M, Hamadneh Y, Marchan R, Dahabiyeh LA, Alhusban AA, Hasan A, Alrawabdeh J, Hergenröder R, Hamadneh L. Glutathione and Xanthine Metabolic Changes in Tamoxifen Resistant Breast Cancer Cell Lines are Mediated by Down-Regulation of GSS and XDH and Correlated to Poor Prognosis. J Cancer 2024; 15:4047-4058. [PMID: 38947399 PMCID: PMC11212086 DOI: 10.7150/jca.96659] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Tamoxifen is commonly used in the treatment of hormonal-positive breast cancer. However, 30%-40% of tumors treated with tamoxifen develop resistance; therefore, an important step to overcome this resistance is to understand the underlying molecular and metabolic mechanisms. In the present work, we used metabolic profiling to determine potential biomarkers of tamoxifen resistance, and gene expression levels of enzymes important to these metabolites and then correlated the expression to the survival of patients receiving tamoxifen. Methods: Tamoxifen-resistant cell lines previously developed and characterized in our laboratory were metabolically profiled with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) using cryogenic probe, and the findings were correlated with the expression of genes that encode the key enzymes of the significant metabolites. Moreover, the effect of significantly altered genes on the overall survival of patients was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier plotter web tool. Results: We observed a significant increase in the levels of glutamine, taurine, glutathione, and xanthine, and a significant decrease in the branched-chain amino acids, valine, and isoleucine, as well as glutamate and cysteine in the tamoxifen-resistant cells compared to tamoxifen sensitive cells. Moreover, xanthine dehydrogenase and glutathione synthase gene expression were downregulated, whereas glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was upregulated compared to control. Additionally, increased expression of xanthine dehydrogenase was associated with a better outcome for breast cancer patients. Conclusion: Overall, this study sheds light on metabolic pathways that are dysregulated in tamoxifen-resistant cell lines and the potential role of each of these pathways in the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alwahsh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman-17138, Jordan
| | - Yazan Hamadneh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rosemarie Marchan
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the TU Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Lina A. Dahabiyeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, 11942 Amman, Jordan
| | - Ala A Alhusban
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman-17138, Jordan
| | - Aya Hasan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman-17138, Jordan
| | | | - Roland Hergenröder
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Lama Hamadneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, 19117, Al-Salt, Jordan
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2
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Wu S, Liao K, Chen J, Li F. Facile synthesis of an acid-responsive cinnamaldehyde-pendant polycarbonate for enhancing the anticancer efficacy of etoposide via glutathione depletion. RSC Adv 2024; 14:15365-15373. [PMID: 38741958 PMCID: PMC11089533 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02468k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is an important antioxidant that maintains cellular redox homeostasis and significantly contributes to resistance against various chemotherapeutic agents. To address the challenge of GSH-mediated drug resistance in etoposide (ETS), we developed a facile synthetic method to prepare a biocompatible acid-responsive polycarbonate (PEG-PCA) containing cinnamaldehyde (CA), a potent GSH-depleting agent, as a side chain using nontoxic raw materials. This polymer self-assembled in aqueous solutions to form nanoparticles (ETS@PCA) that encapsulated ETS, enhancing its water solubility and enabling tumor-targeted delivery. In vitro studies demonstrated that ETS@PCA could respond to the acidic tumor microenvironment, releasing CA to rapidly deplete GSH levels. Consequently, ETS@PCA exhibited superior cytotoxicity compared to free ETS. Furthermore, in vivo experiments corroborated the enhanced tumor inhibitory effects of ETS@PCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 PR China
| | - Kuofei Liao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 PR China
| | - Jiamin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 PR China
| | - Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 PR China
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3
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Miano M, Bertola N, Grossi A, Dell’Orso G, Regis S, Rusmini M, Uva P, Vozzi D, Fioredda F, Palmisani E, Lupia M, Lanciotti M, Grilli F, Corsolini F, Arcuri L, Giarratana MC, Ceccherini I, Dufour C, Cappelli E, Ravera S. Impaired Mitochondrial Function and Marrow Failure in Patients Carrying a Variant of the SRSF4 Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2083. [PMID: 38396760 PMCID: PMC10888539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042083] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Serine/arginine-rich splicing factors (SRSFs) are a family of proteins involved in RNA metabolism, including pre-mRNA constitutive and alternative splicing. The role of SRSF proteins in regulating mitochondrial activity has already been shown for SRSF6, but SRSF4 altered expression has never been reported as a cause of bone marrow failure. An 8-year-old patient admitted to the hematology unit because of leukopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia showed a missense variant of unknown significance of the SRSF4 gene (p.R235W) found via whole genome sequencing analysis and inherited from the mother who suffered from mild leuko-neutropenia. Both patients showed lower SRSF4 protein expression and altered mitochondrial function and energetic metabolism in primary lymphocytes and Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV)-immortalized lymphoblasts compared to healthy donor (HD) cells, which appeared associated with low mTOR phosphorylation and an imbalance in the proteins regulating mitochondrial biogenesis (i.e., CLUH) and dynamics (i.e., DRP1 and OPA1). Transfection with the wtSRSF4 gene restored mitochondrial function. In conclusion, this study shows that the described variant of the SRSF4 gene is pathogenetic and causes reduced SRSF4 protein expression, which leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Since mitochondrial function is crucial for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and some genetic bone marrow failure syndromes display mitochondrial defects, the SRSF4 mutation could have substantially contributed to the clinical phenotype of our patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Miano
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Nadia Bertola
- Molecular Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Alice Grossi
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (A.G.); (M.R.); (I.C.)
| | - Gianluca Dell’Orso
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Stefano Regis
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Marta Rusmini
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (A.G.); (M.R.); (I.C.)
| | - Paolo Uva
- Clinical Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Diego Vozzi
- Genomics Facility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16163 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Fioredda
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Elena Palmisani
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Michela Lupia
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Marina Lanciotti
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Federica Grilli
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Fabio Corsolini
- Laboratory for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (LABSIEM), Pediatric Clinic and Endocrinology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Luca Arcuri
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Maria Carla Giarratana
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Isabella Ceccherini
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (A.G.); (M.R.); (I.C.)
| | - Carlo Dufour
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Enrico Cappelli
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.); (F.F.); (E.P.); (M.L.); (M.L.); (F.G.); (L.A.); (M.C.G.); (C.D.)
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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4
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Sharma NK, Bahot A, Sekar G, Bansode M, Khunteta K, Sonar PV, Hebale A, Salokhe V, Sinha BK. Understanding Cancer's Defense against Topoisomerase-Active Drugs: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:680. [PMID: 38398072 PMCID: PMC10886629 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of cancer drug resistance has been one of the crucial tumor hallmarks that are supported by the level of genetic heterogeneity and complexities at cellular levels. Oxidative stress, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, overexpression of ABC transporters, and stemness are among the several key contributing molecular and cellular response mechanisms. Topo-active drugs, e.g., doxorubicin and topotecan, are clinically active and are utilized extensively against a wide variety of human tumors and often result in the development of resistance and failure to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need for an incremental and comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of cancer drug resistance specifically in the context of topo-active drugs. This review delves into the intricate mechanistic aspects of these intracellular and extracellular topo-active drug resistance mechanisms and explores the use of potential combinatorial approaches by utilizing various topo-active drugs and inhibitors of pathways involved in drug resistance. We believe that this review will help guide basic scientists, pre-clinicians, clinicians, and policymakers toward holistic and interdisciplinary strategies that transcend resistance, renewing optimism in the ongoing battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Kumar Sharma
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Anjali Bahot
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Gopinath Sekar
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Mahima Bansode
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Kratika Khunteta
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Priyanka Vijay Sonar
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Ameya Hebale
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Vaishnavi Salokhe
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Birandra Kumar Sinha
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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5
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Hipólito A, Xavier R, Brito C, Tomás A, Lemos I, Cabaço LC, Silva F, Oliva A, Barral DC, Vicente JB, Gonçalves LG, Pojo M, Serpa J. BRD9 status is a major contributor for cysteine metabolic remodeling through MST and EAAT3 modulation in malignant melanoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166983. [PMID: 38070581 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most aggressive skin cancer, showing globally increasing incidence. Hereditary CM accounts for a significant percentage (5-15 %) of all CM cases. However, most familial cases remain without a known genetic cause. Even though, BRD9 has been associated to CM as a susceptibility gene. The molecular events following BRD9 mutagenesis are still not completely understood. In this study, we disclosed BRD9 as a key regulator in cysteine metabolism and associated altered BRD9 to increased cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness, as well as to altered melanin levels, inducing higher susceptibility to melanomagenesis. It is evident that BRD9 WT and mutated BRD9 (c.183G>C) have a different impact on cysteine metabolism, respectively by inhibiting and activating MPST expression in the metastatic A375 cell line. The effect of the mutated BRD9 variant was more evident in A375 cells than in the less invasive WM115 line. Our data point out novel molecular and metabolic mechanisms dependent on BRD9 status that potentially account for the increased risk of developing CM and enhancing CM aggressiveness. Moreover, our findings emphasize the role of cysteine metabolism remodeling in melanoma progression and open new queues to follow to explore the role of BRD9 as a melanoma susceptibility or cancer-related gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hipólito
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Renato Xavier
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cheila Brito
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Tomás
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lemos
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Tecnológica (ITQB) António Xavier da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Luís C Cabaço
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Silva
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Abel Oliva
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Tecnológica (ITQB) António Xavier da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Duarte C Barral
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Tecnológica (ITQB) António Xavier da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Luís G Gonçalves
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Tecnológica (ITQB) António Xavier da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Marta Pojo
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
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6
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Valenti GE, Roveri A, Venerando R, Menichini P, Monti P, Tasso B, Traverso N, Domenicotti C, Marengo B. PTC596-Induced BMI-1 Inhibition Fights Neuroblastoma Multidrug Resistance by Inducing Ferroptosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 13:3. [PMID: 38275623 PMCID: PMC10812464 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a paediatric cancer with noteworthy heterogeneity ranging from spontaneous regression to high-risk forms that are characterised by cancer relapse and the acquisition of drug resistance. The most-used anticancer drugs exert their cytotoxic effect by inducing oxidative stress, and long-term therapy has been demonstrated to cause chemoresistance by enhancing the antioxidant response of NB cells. Taking advantage of an in vitro model of multidrug-resistant (MDR) NB cells, characterised by high levels of glutathione (GSH), the overexpression of the oncoprotein BMI-1, and the presence of a mutant P53 protein, we investigated a new potential strategy to fight chemoresistance. Our results show that PTC596, an inhibitor of BMI-1, exerted a high cytotoxic effect on MDR NB cells, while PRIMA-1MET, a compound able to reactivate mutant P53, had no effect on the viability of MDR cells. Furthermore, both PTC596 and PRIMA-1MET markedly reduced the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins and limited the clonogenic potential and the cancer stemness of MDR cells. Of particular interest is the observation that PTC596, alone or in combination with PRIMA-1MET and etoposide, significantly reduced GSH levels, increased peroxide production, stimulated lipid peroxidation, and induced ferroptosis. Therefore, these findings suggest that PTC596, by inhibiting BMI-1 and triggering ferroptosis, could be a promising approach to fight chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (N.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Antonella Roveri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.R.); (R.V.)
| | - Rina Venerando
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.R.); (R.V.)
| | - Paola Menichini
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Paola Monti
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Bruno Tasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Nicola Traverso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (N.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (N.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (N.T.); (B.M.)
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7
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Valenti GE, Marengo B, Milanese M, Zuccari G, Brullo C, Domenicotti C, Alfei S. Imidazo-Pyrazole-Loaded Palmitic Acid and Polystyrene-Based Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Antiproliferative Activity on Chemo-Resistant Human Neuroblastoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15027. [PMID: 37834475 PMCID: PMC10573130 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood cancer, commonly treated with drugs, such as etoposide (ETO), whose efficacy is limited by the onset of resistance. Here, aiming at identifying new treatments for chemo-resistant NB, the effects of two synthesized imidazo-pyrazoles (IMPs) (4G and 4I) were investigated on ETO-sensitive (HTLA-230) and ETO-resistant (HTLA-ER) NB cells, detecting 4I as the more promising compound, that demonstrated IC50 values lower than those of ETO on HTLA ER. Therefore, to further improve the activity of 4I, we developed 4I-loaded palmitic acid (PA) and polystyrene-based (P5) cationic nanoparticles (P5PA-4I NPs) with high drug loading (21%) and encapsulation efficiency (97%), by a single oil-in-water emulsification technique. Biocompatible PA was adopted as an emulsion stabilizer, while synthesized P5 acted as an encapsulating agent, solubilizer and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) improver. Optic microscopy and cytofluorimetric analyses were performed to investigate the micromorphology, size and complexity distributions of P5PA-4I NPs, which were also structurally characterized by chemometric-assisted Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Potentiometric titrations allowed us to estimate the milliequivalents of PA and basic nitrogen atoms present in NPs. P5PA-4I NPs afforded dispersions in water with excellent buffer capacity, essential to escape lysosomal degradation and promote long residence time inside cells. They were chemically stable in an aqueous medium for at least 40 days, while in dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses, P5PA-4I showed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 541 nm, small polydispersity (0.194), and low positive zeta potentials (+8.39 mV), assuring low haemolytic toxicity. Biological experiments on NB cells, demonstrated that P5PA-4I NPs induced ROS-dependent cytotoxic effects significantly higher than those of pristine 4I, showing a major efficacy compared to ETO in reducing cell viability in HTLA-ER cells. Collectively, this 4I-based nano-formulation could represent a new promising macromolecular platform to develop a new delivery system able to increase the cytotoxicity of the anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical and Food Technologies, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Medicinal Chemistry and Cosmetic Product, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Chiara Brullo
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Medicinal Chemistry and Cosmetic Product, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical and Food Technologies, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
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8
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Alfei S, Milanese M, Brullo C, Valenti GE, Domenicotti C, Russo E, Marengo B. Antiproliferative Imidazo-Pyrazole-Based Hydrogel: A Promising Approach for the Development of New Treatments for PLX-Resistant Melanoma. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2425. [PMID: 37896185 PMCID: PMC10610107 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aiming at developing a dermal formulation against melanoma, the synthesized imidazo-pyrazoles 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole-7-carboxylic acid (3-methoxy-4-phenoxy-benzylidene)-hydrazide (4G) and 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole-7-carboxylic acid (4-benzyloxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-hydrazide (4I) were screened on patient-isolated melanoma cells (MEOV NT) and on Vemurafenib (PLX4032)-resistant (MEOV PLX-R) ones. Since 4I on MEOV PLX-R cells was 1.4-fold more effective than PLX, a hydrogel formulation containing 4I (R4HG-4I) was prepared in parallel with an empty R4-based hydrogel (R4HG) using a synthesized antibacterial resin (R4) as gelling agent. Thanks to its high hydrophilicity, porosity (85%), and excellent swelling capability (552%), R4 allowed to achieve R4HG and R4HG-4I with high equilibrium degree of swelling (EDS) and equilibrium water content (EWC). Chemometric-assisted ATR-FTIR analyses confirmed the chemical structure of swollen and fully dried (R4HG-D and R4HG-4I-D) hydrogels. The morphology of R4HG-D and R4HG-4I-D was examined by optical microscopy and SEM, while UV-vis analyses were carried out to obtain the drug loading (DL%) and the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of R4HG-4I. Potentiometric titrations were performed to determine the equivalents of NH3+ in both R4HG and R4HG-4I. The swelling and water release profiles of both materials and related kinetics were assessed by equilibrium swelling rate and water loss studies, respectively, while their biodegradability over time was assessed by in vitro degradation experiments determining their mass loss. Rheological experiments established that both R4HG and R4HG-4I are shear-thinning Bingham pseudoplastic fluids with low yield stress, thus assuring easy spreadability in a future topical application. Release studies evidenced a sustained and quantitative release of 4I governed mainly by diffusion. Upon favorable results from further experiments in a more realistic 3D model of melanoma, R4HG-4I could represent a starting point to develop new topical therapeutic options to adjuvate the treatments of melanoma cells also when resistant to currently available drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Alfei
- Section of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical and Food Technologies, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Marco Milanese
- Section of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical and Food Technologies, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Chiara Brullo
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry and Cosmetic Product, Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (C.D.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (C.D.)
| | - Eleonora Russo
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry and Cosmetic Product, Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (C.D.)
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9
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Marengo B, Friedmann Angeli JP, Domenicotti C. Editorial: Redox metabolism: a double edge sword sustaining the adaptive resistance to therapy in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1260233. [PMID: 37655098 PMCID: PMC10466231 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1260233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Josè Pedro Friedmann Angeli
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Chair of Translational Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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10
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Garbarino O, Valenti GE, Monteleone L, Pietra G, Mingari MC, Benzi A, Bruzzone S, Ravera S, Leardi R, Farinini E, Vernazza S, Grottoli M, Marengo B, Domenicotti C. PLX4032 resistance of patient-derived melanoma cells: crucial role of oxidative metabolism. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1210130. [PMID: 37534247 PMCID: PMC10391174 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1210130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer which shows BRAF mutation in 50% of patients. In this context, the identification of BRAFV600E mutation led to the development of specific inhibitors like PLX4032. Nevertheless, although its initial success, its clinical efficacy is reduced after six-months of therapy leading to cancer relapse due to the onset of drug resistance. Therefore, investigating the mechanisms underlying PLX4032 resistance is fundamental to improve therapy efficacy. In this context, several models of PLX4032 resistance have been developed, but the discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo results often limits their clinical translation. Methods The herein reported model has been realized by treating with PLX4032, for six months, patient-derived BRAF-mutated melanoma cells in order to obtain a reliable model of acquired PLX4032 resistance that could be predictive of patient's treatment responses. Metabolic analyses were performed by evaluating glucose consumption, ATP synthesis, oxygen consumption rate, P/O ratio, ATP/AMP ratio, lactate release, lactate dehydrogenase activity, NAD+/NADH ratio and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in parental and drug resistant melanoma cells. The intracellular oxidative state was analyzed in terms of reactive oxygen species production, glutathione levels and NADPH/NADP+ ratio. In addition, a principal component analysis was conducted in order to identify the variables responsible for the acquisition of targeted therapy resistance. Results Collectively, our results demonstrate, for the first time in patient-derived melanoma cells, that the rewiring of oxidative phosphorylation and the maintenance of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and of high glutathione levels contribute to trigger the onset of PLX4032 resistance. Conclusion Therefore, it is possible to hypothesize that inhibitors of glutathione biosynthesis and/or pyruvate dehydrogenase activity could be used in combination with PLX4032 to overcome drug resistance of BRAF-mutated melanoma patients. However, the identification of new adjuvant targets related to drug-induced metabolic reprogramming could be crucial to counteract the failure of targeted therapy in metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Garbarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Monteleone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Benzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biochemistry Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Santina Bruzzone
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biochemistry Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Human Anatomy Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefania Vernazza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Melania Grottoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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11
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Bertola N, Regis S, Bruno S, Mazzarello AN, Serra M, Lupia M, Sabatini F, Corsolini F, Ravera S, Cappelli E. Effects of Deacetylase Inhibition on the Activation of the Antioxidant Response and Aerobic Metabolism in Cellular Models of Fanconi Anemia. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051100. [PMID: 37237966 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease characterized by a dysfunctional DNA repair and an oxidative stress accumulation due to defective mitochondrial energy metabolism, not counteracted by endogenous antioxidant defenses, which appear down-expressed compared to the control. Since the antioxidant response lack could depend on the hypoacetylation of genes coding for detoxifying enzymes, we treated lymphoblasts and fibroblasts mutated for the FANC-A gene with some histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), namely, valproic acid (VPA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (OHB), and EX527 (a Sirt1 inhibitor), under basal conditions and after hydrogen peroxide addition. The results show that VPA increased catalase and glutathione reductase expression and activity, corrected the metabolic defect, lowered lipid peroxidation, restored the mitochondrial fusion and fission balance, and improved mitomycin survival. In contrast, OHB, despite a slight increase in antioxidant enzyme expressions, exacerbated the metabolic defect, increasing oxidative stress production, probably because it also acts as an oxidative phosphorylation metabolite, while EX527 showed no effect. In conclusion, the data suggest that VPA could be a promising drug to modulate the gene expression in FA cells, confirming that the antioxidant response modulation plays a pivotal in FA pathogenesis as it acts on both oxidative stress levels and the mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Bertola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Via De Toni 14, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Regis
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Via De Toni 14, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Martina Serra
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Michela Lupia
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Sabatini
- Stem Cell Laboratory and Cell Therapy Center, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Corsolini
- Centro di Diagnostica Genetica e Biochimica delle Malattie Metaboliche, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Via De Toni 14, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Cappelli
- Haematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
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12
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Monti P, Ravera S, Speciale A, Velkova I, Foggetti G, Degan P, Fronza G, Menichini P. Mutant p53K120R expression enables a partial capacity to modulate metabolism. Front Genet 2022; 13:974662. [PMID: 36226181 PMCID: PMC9549157 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.974662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The TP53 tumor suppressor gene is one of the most studied gene in virtue of its ability to prevent cancer development by regulating apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, autophagy and senescence. Furthermore, the modulation of metabolism by P53 is fundamental for tumor suppressor activity. Studies in mouse models showed that mice carrying TP53 mutations affecting the acetylation in the DNA binding domain still retain the ability to transactivate genes involved in metabolism. Noteworthy, mice expressing the triple 3KR or the single K117R mutant do not show early on-set tumor development in contrast to TP53−/− mice. Interestingly, the mouse K117R mutation corresponds to the human tumor-derived K120R modification, which abrogates P53-dependent activation of apoptosis without affecting growth arrest. In this study, we investigated the property of the human P53 K120R mutant in the regulation of metabolism by analyzing the transcriptional specificity in yeast- and mammalian-based reporter assays, the metabolic phenotype associated to its expression in colon cancer HCT116TP53−/− cells and the induction of P53 targets and proteins involved in the antioxidant response. These properties were analyzed in comparison to wild type P53 protein, the human triple mutant corresponding to mouse 3KR and the cancer hot-spot R273H mutant. We confirm the selective functionality of P53 K120R mutant, which shows a transcriptional activity on cell cycle arrest but not on apoptotic targets. Interestingly, this mutant shows a partial transactivation activity on p53 response element belonging to the metabolic target TIGAR. Moreover, we observe a significant uncoupling between oxygen consumption and ATP production associated with higher lipid peroxidation level in all P53 mutants carrying cells with respect to wild type P53 expressing cells. Noteworthy, in the absence of a pro-oxidative challenge, cells expressing K120R mutant retain a partial capacity to modulate glucose metabolism, limiting lipid peroxidation with respect to the other P53 mutants carrying cells. Lastly, especially in presence of human 3KR mutant, a high expression of proteins involved in the antioxidant response is found. However, this response does not avoid the increased lipid peroxidation, confirming that only wild type P53 is able to completely counteract the oxidative stress and relative damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Monti
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Speciale
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Irena Velkova
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Foggetti
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Degan
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gilberto Fronza
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Menichini
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Menichini,
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13
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Hormesis and Oxidative Distress: Pathophysiology of Reactive Oxygen Species and the Open Question of Antioxidant Modulation and Supplementation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081613. [PMID: 36009331 PMCID: PMC9405171 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations of redox homeostasis leads to a condition of resilience known as hormesis that is due to the activation of redox-sensitive pathways stimulating cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and angiogenesis. Instead, supraphysiological production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds antioxidant defence and leads to oxidative distress. This condition induces damage to biomolecules and is responsible or co-responsible for the onset of several chronic pathologies. Thus, a dietary antioxidant supplementation has been proposed in order to prevent aging, cardiovascular and degenerative diseases as well as carcinogenesis. However, this approach has failed to demonstrate efficacy, often leading to harmful side effects, in particular in patients affected by cancer. In this latter case, an approach based on endogenous antioxidant depletion, leading to ROS overproduction, has shown an interesting potential for enhancing susceptibility of patients to anticancer therapies. Therefore, a deep investigation of molecular pathways involved in redox balance is crucial in order to identify new molecular targets useful for the development of more effective therapeutic approaches. The review herein provides an overview of the pathophysiological role of ROS and focuses the attention on positive and negative aspects of antioxidant modulation with the intent to find new insights for a successful clinical application.
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14
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Mutated FANCA Gene Role in the Modulation of Energy Metabolism and Mitochondrial Dynamics in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152353. [PMID: 35954197 PMCID: PMC9425438 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fanconi Anaemia (FA) is a rare recessive genetic disorder characterized by a defective DNA repair mechanism. Although aplastic anaemia is the principal clinical sign in FA, patients develop a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with a frequency 500–700 folds higher than the general population, which appears more aggressive, with survival of under two years. Since FA gene mutations are also associated with a defect in the aerobic metabolism and an increased oxidative stress accumulation, this work aims to evaluate the effect of FANCA mutation on the energy metabolism and the relative mitochondrial quality control pathways in an HNSCC cellular model. Energy metabolism and cellular antioxidant capacities were evaluated by oximetric, luminometric, and spectrophotometric assays. The dynamics of the mitochondrial network, the quality of mitophagy and autophagy, and DNA double-strand damage were analysed by Western blot analysis. Data show that the HNSCC cellular model carrying the FANCA gene mutation displays an altered electron transport between respiratory Complexes I and III that does not depend on the OxPhos protein expression. Moreover, FANCA HNSCC cells show an imbalance between fusion and fission processes and alterations in autophagy and mitophagy pathways. Together, all these alterations associated with the FANCA gene mutation cause cellular energy depletion and a metabolic switch to glycolysis, exacerbating the Warburg effect in HNSCC cells and increasing the growth rate. In addition, the altered DNA repair due to the FANCA mutation causes a higher accumulation of DNA damage in the HNSCC cellular model. In conclusion, changes in energy metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics could explain the strict correlation between HNSCC and FA genes, helping to identify new therapeutic targets.
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15
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Monteleone L, Marengo B, Musumeci F, Grossi G, Carbone A, Valenti GE, Domenicotti C, Schenone S. Anti-Survival Effect of SI306 and Its Derivatives on Human Glioblastoma Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071399. [PMID: 35890294 PMCID: PMC9318396 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common adult brain tumor and, although many efforts have been made to find valid therapies, the onset of resistance is the main cause of recurrence. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and target the molecular mediators responsible for GBM malignancy. In this context, the use of Src inhibitors such as SI306 (C1) and its prodrug (C2) showed promising results, suggesting that SI306 could be the lead compound useful to derivate new anti-GBM drugs. Therefore, a new prodrug of SI306 (C3) was synthesized and tested on CAS-1 and U87 human GBM cells by comparing its effect to that of C1 and C2. All compounds were more effective on CAS-1 than U87 cells, while C2 was the most active on both cell lines. Moreover, the anti-survival effect was associated with a reduction in the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)WT and EGFR-vIII in U87 and CAS-1 cells, respectively. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that all tested compounds are able to counteract GBM survival, further supporting the role of SI306 as progenitor of promising new drugs to treat malignant GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Monteleone
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.M.); (B.M.); (G.E.V.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.M.); (B.M.); (G.E.V.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.M.); (G.G.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Giancarlo Grossi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.M.); (G.G.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.M.); (G.G.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Giulia E. Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.M.); (B.M.); (G.E.V.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.M.); (B.M.); (G.E.V.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-353-8830
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.M.); (G.G.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
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16
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Valenti GE, Alfei S, Caviglia D, Domenicotti C, Marengo B. Antimicrobial Peptides and Cationic Nanoparticles: A Broad-Spectrum Weapon to Fight Multi-Drug Resistance Not Only in Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116108. [PMID: 35682787 PMCID: PMC9181033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, antibiotic resistance and, analogously, anticancer drug resistance have increased considerably, becoming one of the main public health problems. For this reason, it is crucial to find therapeutic strategies able to counteract the onset of multi-drug resistance (MDR). In this review, a critical overview of the innovative tools available today to fight MDR is reported. In this direction, the use of membrane-disruptive peptides/peptidomimetics (MDPs), such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), has received particular attention, due to their high selectivity and to their limited side effects. Moreover, similarities between bacteria and cancer cells are herein reported and the hypothesis of the possible use of AMPs also in anticancer therapies is discussed. However, it is important to take into account the limitations that could negatively impact clinical application and, in particular, the need for an efficient delivery system. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is proposed as a potential strategy to improve therapy; moreover, among polymeric NPs, cationic ones are emerging as promising tools able to fight the onset of MDR both in bacteria and in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia E. Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Debora Caviglia
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-353-8830
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
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Efficacy of High-Ozonide Oil in Prevention of Cancer Relapses Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051174. [PMID: 35267482 PMCID: PMC8909345 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer tissue is characterized by low oxygen availability triggering neo angiogenesis and metastatisation. Accordingly, oxidation is a possible strategy for counteracting cancer progression and relapses. Previous studies used ozone gas, administered by invasive methods, both in experimental animals and clinical studies, transiently decreasing cancer growth. This study evaluated the effect of ozonized oils (administered either topically or orally) on cancer, exploring triggered molecular mechanisms. Methods: In vitro, in lung and glioblastoma cancer cells, ozonized oils having a high ozonide content suppressed cancer cell viability by triggering mitochondrial damage, intracellular calcium release, and apoptosis. In vivo, a total of 115 cancer patients (age 58 ± 14 years; 44 males, 71 females) were treated with ozonized oil as complementary therapy in addition to standard chemo/radio therapeutic regimens for up to 4 years. Results: Cancer diagnoses were brain glioblastoma, pancreas adenocarcinoma, skin epithelioma, lung cancer (small and non-small cell lung cancer), colon adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, prostate adenocarcinoma. Survival rate was significantly improved in cancer patients receiving HOO as integrative therapy as compared with those receiving standard treatment only. Conclusions: These results indicate that ozonized oils at high ozonide may represent an innovation in complementary cancer therapy worthy of further clinical studies.
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18
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Managing GSH elevation and hypoxia to overcome resistance of cancer therapies using functionalized nanocarriers. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.103022] [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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Villa F, Bruno S, Costa A, Li M, Russo M, Cimino J, Altieri P, Ruggeri C, Gorgun C, De Biasio P, Paladini D, Coviello D, Quarto R, Ameri P, Ghigo A, Ravera S, Tasso R, Bollini S. The Human Fetal and Adult Stem Cell Secretome Can Exert Cardioprotective Paracrine Effects against Cardiotoxicity and Oxidative Stress from Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153729. [PMID: 34359631 PMCID: PMC8345068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin (Dox), are an important class of chemotherapeutic drugs. However, their use is hampered by the risk of developing heart failure. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the cardioprotective effects exerted by a set of factors, collectively named secretomes, secreted by either adult or fetal human stem cells. Both secretome formulations were effective in counteracting Dox-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial impairment in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. In vivo experiments in a mouse model of Dox-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) indicated that early administration of both secretomes during Dox treatment exerted beneficial long-term effects, preserving cardiac function and body mass. These findings suggest that the stem cell secretome could represent a feasible option for future paracrine cardioprotective therapy against Dox-related cardiotoxicity during cancer treatment. Abstract Cardiovascular side effects are major shortcomings of cancer treatments causing cardiotoxicity and late-onset cardiomyopathy. While doxorubicin (Dox) has been reported as an effective chemotherapy agent, unspecific impairment in cardiomyocyte mitochondria activity has been documented. We demonstrated that the human fetal amniotic fluid-stem cell (hAFS) secretome, namely the secreted paracrine factors within the hAFS-conditioned medium (hAFS-CM), exerts pro-survival effects on Dox-exposed cardiomyocytes. Here, we provide a detailed comparison of the cardioprotective potential of hAFS-CM over the secretome of mesenchymal stromal cells from adipose tissue (hMSC-CM). hAFS and hMSC were preconditioned under hypoxia to enrich their secretome. The cardioprotective effects of hAFS/hMSC-CM were evaluated on murine neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes (mNVCM) and on their fibroblast counterpart (mNVFib), and their long-term paracrine effects were investigated in a mouse model of Dox-induced cardiomyopathy. Both secretomes significantly contributed to preserving mitochondrial metabolism within Dox-injured cardiac cells. hAFS-CM and hMSC-CM inhibited body weight loss, improved myocardial function, reduced lipid peroxidation and counteracted the impairment of mitochondrial complex I activity, oxygen consumption, and ATP synthesis induced by Dox. The hAFS and hMSC secretomes can be exploited for inhibiting cardiotoxic detrimental side effects of Dox during cancer therapy, thus ensuring cardioprotection via combinatorial paracrine therapy in association with standard oncological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Villa
- Cellular Oncology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.V.); (C.G.); (R.Q.)
| | - Silvia Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Ambra Costa
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Mingchuan Li
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.L.); (M.R.); (J.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Michele Russo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.L.); (M.R.); (J.C.); (A.G.)
| | - James Cimino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.L.); (M.R.); (J.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Paola Altieri
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Biology, Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.A.); (C.R.); (P.A.)
| | - Clarissa Ruggeri
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Biology, Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.A.); (C.R.); (P.A.)
| | - Cansu Gorgun
- Cellular Oncology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.V.); (C.G.); (R.Q.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Pierangela De Biasio
- Unit of Prenatal Diagnosis and Perinatal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Dario Paladini
- Fetal Medicine and Surgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Domenico Coviello
- Human Genetics Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Rodolfo Quarto
- Cellular Oncology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.V.); (C.G.); (R.Q.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Pietro Ameri
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Biology, Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.A.); (C.R.); (P.A.)
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ghigo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.L.); (M.R.); (J.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Roberta Tasso
- Cellular Oncology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.V.); (C.G.); (R.Q.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.C.); (S.R.)
- Correspondence: (R.T.); (S.B.); Tel.: +39-010-555-8394 (R.T.); +39-010-555-8257 (S.B.)
| | - Sveva Bollini
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.C.); (S.R.)
- Correspondence: (R.T.); (S.B.); Tel.: +39-010-555-8394 (R.T.); +39-010-555-8257 (S.B.)
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PKCα Inhibition as a Strategy to Sensitize Neuroblastoma Stem Cells to Etoposide by Stimulating Ferroptosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10050691. [PMID: 33924765 PMCID: PMC8145544 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a limited cell population inside a tumor bulk characterized by high levels of glutathione (GSH), the most important antioxidant thiol of which cysteine is the limiting amino acid for GSH biosynthesis. In fact, CSCs over-express xCT, a cystine transporter stabilized on cell membrane through interaction with CD44, a stemness marker whose expression is modulated by protein kinase Cα (PKCα). Since many chemotherapeutic drugs, such as Etoposide, exert their cytotoxic action by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the presence of high antioxidant defenses confers to CSCs a crucial role in chemoresistance. In this study, Etoposide-sensitive and -resistant neuroblastoma CSCs were chronically treated with Etoposide, given alone or in combination with Sulfasalazine (SSZ) or with an inhibitor of PKCα (C2-4), which target xCT directly or indirectly, respectively. Both combined approaches are able to sensitize CSCs to Etoposide by decreasing intracellular GSH levels, inducing a metabolic switch from OXPHOS to aerobic glycolysis, down-regulating glutathione-peroxidase-4 activity and stimulating lipid peroxidation, thus leading to ferroptosis. Our results suggest, for the first time, that PKCα inhibition inducing ferroptosis might be a useful strategy with which to fight CSC chemoresistance.
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21
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Synthesis of Polystyrene-Based Cationic Nanomaterials with Pro-Oxidant Cytotoxic Activity on Etoposide-Resistant Neuroblastoma Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11040977. [PMID: 33920180 PMCID: PMC8069339 DOI: 10.3390/nano11040977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a multifactorial phenomenon that limits the action of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. Therefore, it is essential to develop new therapeutic strategies capable of inducing cytotoxic effects circumventing chemoresistance. In this regard, the employment of natural and synthetic cationic peptides and polymers has given satisfactory results both in microbiology, as antibacterial agents, but also in the oncological field, resulting in effective treatment against several tumors, including neuroblastoma (NB). To this end, two polystyrene-based copolymers (P5, P7), containing primary ammonium groups, were herein synthetized and tested on etoposide-sensitive (HTLA-230) and etoposide-resistant (HTLA-ER) NB cells. Both copolymers were water-soluble and showed a positive surface charge due to nitrogen atoms, which resulted in protonation in the whole physiological pH range. Furthermore, P5 and P7 exhibited stability in solution, excellent buffer capacity, and nanosized particles, and they were able to reduce NB cell viability in a concentration-dependent way. Interestingly, a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was observed in both NB cell populations treated with P5 or P7, establishing for both copolymers an unequivocal correlation between cytotoxicity and ROS generation. Therefore, P5 and P7 could be promising template macromolecules for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents able to fight NB chemoresistance.
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Bonifácio VDB, Pereira SA, Serpa J, Vicente JB. Cysteine metabolic circuitries: druggable targets in cancer. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:862-879. [PMID: 33223534 PMCID: PMC7921671 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To enable survival in adverse conditions, cancer cells undergo global metabolic adaptations. The amino acid cysteine actively contributes to cancer metabolic remodelling on three different levels: first, in its free form, in redox control, as a component of the antioxidant glutathione or its involvement in protein s-cysteinylation, a reversible post-translational modification; second, as a substrate for the production of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which feeds the mitochondrial electron transfer chain and mediates per-sulphidation of ATPase and glycolytic enzymes, thereby stimulating cellular bioenergetics; and, finally, as a carbon source for epigenetic regulation, biomass production and energy production. This review will provide a systematic portrayal of the role of cysteine in cancer biology as a source of carbon and sulphur atoms, the pivotal role of cysteine in different metabolic pathways and the importance of H2S as an energetic substrate and signalling molecule. The different pools of cysteine in the cell and within the body, and their putative use as prognostic cancer markers will be also addressed. Finally, we will discuss the pharmacological means and potential of targeting cysteine metabolism for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco D B Bonifácio
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia A Pereira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
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23
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Marengo B, Pulliero A, Corrias MV, Leardi R, Farinini E, Fronza G, Menichini P, Monti P, Monteleone L, Valenti GE, Speciale A, Perri P, Madia F, Izzotti A, Domenicotti C. Potential Role of miRNAs in the Acquisition of Chemoresistance in Neuroblastoma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11020107. [PMID: 33562297 PMCID: PMC7916079 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) accounts for about 8–10% of pediatric cancers, and the main causes of death are the presence of metastases and the acquisition of chemoresistance. Metastatic NB is characterized by MYCN amplification that correlates with changes in the expression of miRNAs, which are small non-coding RNA sequences, playing a crucial role in NB development and chemoresistance. In the present study, miRNA expression was analyzed in two human MYCN-amplified NB cell lines, one sensitive (HTLA-230) and one resistant to Etoposide (ER-HTLA), by microarray and RT-qPCR techniques. These analyses showed that miRNA-15a, -16-1, -19b, -218, and -338 were down-regulated in ER-HTLA cells. In order to validate the presence of this down-regulation in vivo, the expression of these miRNAs was analyzed in primary tumors, metastases, and bone marrow of therapy responder and non-responder pediatric patients. Principal component analysis data showed that the expression of miRNA-19b, -218, and -338 influenced metastases, and that the expression levels of all miRNAs analyzed were higher in therapy responders in respect to non-responders. Collectively, these findings suggest that these miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of the drug response, and could be employed for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-3538831
| | | | - Maria Valeria Corrias
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16100 Genova, Italy; (M.V.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Riccardo Leardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (R.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Emanuele Farinini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (R.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Gilberto Fronza
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Paola Menichini
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Paola Monti
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Lorenzo Monteleone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
| | - Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
| | - Andrea Speciale
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16100 Genova, Italy; (M.V.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Francesca Madia
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, 16100 Genova, Italy;
| | - Alberto Izzotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
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Investigating the Thioredoxin and Glutathione Systems' Response in Lymphoma Cells after Treatment with [Au(d2pype)2]CL. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010104. [PMID: 33451071 PMCID: PMC7828567 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphoma is a blood cancer comprising various subtypes. Although effective therapies are available, some patients fail to respond to treatment and can suffer from side effects. Antioxidant systems, especially the thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione (GSH) systems, are known to enhance cancer cell survival, with thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) recently reported as a potential anticancer target. Since the GSH system can compensate for some Trx system functions, we investigated its response in three lymphoma cell lines after inhibiting TrxR activity with [Au(d2pype)2]Cl, a known TrxR inhibitor. [Au(d2pype)2]Cl increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and induced caspase-3 activity leading to cell apoptosis through inhibiting both TrxR and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activity. Expression of the tumour suppresser gene TXNIP increased, while GPX1 and GPX4 expression, which are related to poor prognosis of lymphoma patients, decreased. Unlike SUDHL2 and SUDHL4 cells, which exhibited a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio after treatment, in KMH2 cells the ratio remained unchanged, while glutathione reductase and glutaredoxin expression increased. Since KMH2 cells were less sensitive to treatment with [Au(d2pype)2]Cl, the GSH system may play a role in protecting cells from apoptosis after TrxR inhibition. Overall, our study demonstrates that inhibition of TrxR represents a valid therapeutic approach for lymphoma.
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Biological evaluation of pyrazolyl-urea and dihydro-imidazo-pyrazolyl-urea derivatives as potential anti-angiogenetic agents in the treatment of neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2020; 11:3459-3472. [PMID: 32973970 PMCID: PMC7500105 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrazolyl-urea and dihydro-imidazo-pyrazolyl-urea compounds (STIRUR 13, STIRUR 41 and BUR 12) have been demonstrated to exert a strong inhibitory effect on interleukin 8 or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced chemotaxis of human neutrophils. Since the migration of cancer cells is comparable to that of neutrophils, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the biological effect of STIRUR 13, STIRUR 41 and BUR 12 on ACN and HTLA-230, two neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines with different degree of malignancy. HTLA-230 cells, stage-IV NB cells, have high plasticity and can serve as progenitors of endothelial cells. The results herein reported show that the three tested compounds were not cytotoxic for both NB cells and did not alter their clonogenic potential. However, all compounds were able to inhibit the ability of HTLA-230 to form vascular-like structures. On the basis of these findings, pyrazolyl-urea and dihydro-imidazo-pyrazolyl-urea derivatives could be proposed as agents potentially effective in counteracting NB malignancy by inhibiting cell migration and tumor angiogenesis which represent important hallmarks responsible for cancer survival and progression.
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Gunda V, Pathania AS, Chava S, Prathipati P, Chaturvedi NK, Coulter DW, Pandey MK, Durden DL, Challagundla KB. Amino Acids Regulate Cisplatin Insensitivity in Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092576. [PMID: 32927667 PMCID: PMC7563727 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroblastomas mostly show poor response to the Cisplatin therapy. Amino acids serve as building blocks for proteins, which are acquired either through diet or protein breakdown. Our study reveals high amino acid pools and dependence of Cisplatin-tolerant neuroblastomas cells on amino acids for their survival, especially, in drug treated conditions. Our study also demonstrates that response of neuroblastomas to Cisplatin can be improved by decreasing cellular amino acid levels either by reducing amino acid supplements or by applying autophagy inhibitor, Hydroxychloroquine. Thus, our findings establish that neuroblastomas can be sensitized to Cisplatin by targeting amino acid metabolism. Abstract Neuroblastoma are pediatric, extracranial malignancies showing alarming survival prognosis outcomes due to their resilience to current aggressive treatment regimens, including chemotherapies with cisplatin (CDDP) provided in the first line of therapy regimens. Metabolic deregulation supports tumor cell survival in drug-treated conditions. However, metabolic pathways underlying cisplatin-resistance are least studied in neuroblastoma. Our metabolomics analysis revealed that cisplatin-insensitive cells alter their metabolism; especially, the metabolism of amino acids was upregulated in cisplatin-insensitive cells compared to the cisplatin-sensitive neuroblastoma cell line. A significant increase in amino acid levels in cisplatin-insensitive cells led us to hypothesize that the mechanisms upregulating intracellular amino acid pools facilitate insensitivity in neuroblastoma. We hereby report that amino acid depletion reduces cell survival and cisplatin-insensitivity in neuroblastoma cells. Since cells regulate their amino acids levels through processes, such as autophagy, we evaluated the effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a terminal autophagy inhibitor, on the survival and amino acid metabolism of cisplatin-insensitive neuroblastoma cells. Our results demonstrate that combining HCQ with CDDP abrogated the amino acid metabolism in cisplatin-insensitive cells and sensitized neuroblastoma cells to sub-lethal doses of cisplatin. Our results suggest that targeting of amino acid replenishing mechanisms could be considered as a potential approach in developing combination therapies for treating neuroblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venugopal Gunda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.G.); (A.S.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Anup S. Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.G.); (A.S.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Srinivas Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.G.); (A.S.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Philip Prathipati
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki City, Osaka 567-0085, Japan;
| | - Nagendra K. Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (N.K.C.); (D.W.C.)
| | - Don W. Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (N.K.C.); (D.W.C.)
| | - Manoj K. Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, 401 South Broadway, Camden, NJ 08103, USA;
| | - Donald L. Durden
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Science Drive, MC-0815, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
- SignalRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 8330, Loveland Drive, Omaha, NE 68124, USA
| | - Kishore B. Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.G.); (A.S.P.); (S.C.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-402-559-9032
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Alfei S, Marengo B, Zuccari G, Turrini F, Domenicotti C. Dendrimer Nanodevices and Gallic Acid as Novel Strategies to Fight Chemoresistance in Neuroblastoma Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1243. [PMID: 32604768 PMCID: PMC7353457 DOI: 10.3390/nano10061243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Human neuroblastoma (NB), a pediatric tumor inclined to relapse, after an initial response to therapy, usually develops resistance. Since several chemotherapeutics exert anticancer effect by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), NB cells overproduce antioxidant compounds becoming drugs-resistant. A strategy to sensitize NB cells to chemotherapy involves reducing their antioxidant defenses and inducing ROS overproduction. Concerning this, although affected by several issues that limit their clinical application, antioxidant/pro-oxidant polyphenols, such as gallic acid (GA), showed pro-oxidant anti-cancer effects and low toxicity for healthy cells, in several kind of tumors, not including NB. Herein, for the first time, free GA, two GA-dendrimers, and the dendrimer adopted as GA reservoir were tested on both sensitive and chemoresistant NB cells. The dendrimer device, administered at the dose previously found active versus sensitive NB cells, induced ROS-mediated death also in chemoresistant cells. Free GA proved a dose-dependent ROS-mediated cytotoxicity on both cell populations. Intriguingly, when administered in dendrimer formulations at a dose not cytotoxic for NB cells, GA nullified any pro-oxidant activity of dendrimer. Unfortunately, due to GA, nanoformulations were inactive on NB cells, but GA resized in nanoparticles showed considerable ability in counteracting, at low dose, ROS production and oxidative stress, herein induced by the dendrimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (F.T.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine—DIMES, University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (F.T.)
| | - Federica Turrini
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (F.T.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine—DIMES, University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.M.); (C.D.)
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Serpa J. Cysteine as a Carbon Source, a Hot Spot in Cancer Cells Survival. Front Oncol 2020; 10:947. [PMID: 32714858 PMCID: PMC7344258 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo a metabolic rewiring in order to fulfill the energy and biomass requirements. Cysteine is a pivotal organic compound that contributes for cancer metabolic remodeling at three different levels: (1) in redox control, free or as a component of glutathione; (2) in ATP production, via hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production, serving as a donor to electron transport chain (ETC), and (3) as a carbon source for biomass and energy production. In the present review, emphasis will be given to the role of cysteine as a carbon source, focusing on the metabolic reliance on cysteine, benefiting the metabolic fitness and survival of cancer cells. Therefore, the interplay between cysteine metabolism and other metabolic pathways, as well as the regulation of cysteine metabolism related enzymes and transporters, will be also addressed. Finally, the usefulness of cysteine metabolic route as a target in cancer treatment will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal
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29
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Alfei S, Marengo B, Domenicotti C. Polyester-Based Dendrimer Nanoparticles Combined with Etoposide Have an Improved Cytotoxic and Pro-Oxidant Effect on Human Neuroblastoma Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E50. [PMID: 31935872 PMCID: PMC7022520 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Etoposide (ETO) is a cytotoxic drug that exerts its effect by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Although ETO is widely used, fast metabolism, poor solubility, systemic toxicity, and multi-drug resistance induction all limit its administration dosage and its therapeutic efficiency. In order to address these issues, a biodegradable dendrimer was prepared for entrapping and protecting ETO and for enhancing its solubility and effectiveness. The achieved dendrimer complex with ETO (CPX 5) showed the typical properties of a well-functioning delivery system, i.e., nanospherical morphology (70 nm), optimal Z-potential (-45 mV), good drug loading (37%), very satisfying entrapment efficiency (53%), and a remarkably improved solubility in biocompatible solvents. In regards to its cytotoxic activity, CPX 5 was tested on neuroblastoma (NB) cells with very promising results. In fact, the dendrimer scaffold and ETO are able to exert per se a cytotoxic and pro-oxidant activity on human NB cells. When CPX 5 is combined with ETO, it shows a synergistic action, slowly releasing the drug over time and significantly improving and protracting bioactivity. On the basis of these findings, the prepared ETO reservoir represents a novel biodegradable and promising device for the delivery of ETO into NB cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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30
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Serpa J. Metabolic Remodeling as a Way of Adapting to Tumor Microenvironment (TME), a Job of Several Holders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1219:1-34. [PMID: 32130691 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34025-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The microenvironment depends and generates dependence on all the cells and structures that share the same niche, the biotope. The contemporaneous view of the tumor microenvironment (TME) agrees with this idea. The cells that make up the tumor, whether malignant or not, behave similarly to classes of elements within a living community. These elements inhabit, modify and benefit from all the facilities the microenvironment has to offer and that will contribute to the survival and growth of the tumor and the progression of the disease.The metabolic adaptation to microenvironment is a crucial process conducting to an established tumor able to grow locally, invade and metastasized. The metastatic cancer cells are reasonable more plastic than non-metastatic cancer cells, because the previous ones must survive in the microenvironment where the primary tumor develops and in addition, they must prosper in the microenvironment in the metastasized organ.The metabolic remodeling requires not only the adjustment of metabolic pathways per se but also the readjustment of signaling pathways that will receive and obey to the extracellular instructions, commanding the metabolic adaptation. Many diverse players are pivotal in cancer metabolic fitness from the initial signaling stimuli, going through the activation or repression of genes, until the phenotype display. The new phenotype will permit the import and consumption of organic compounds, useful for energy and biomass production, and the export of metabolic products that are useless or must be secreted for a further recycling or controlled uptake. In the metabolic network, three subsets of players are pivotal: (1) the organic compounds; (2) the transmembrane transporters, and (3) the enzymes.This chapter will present the "Pharaonic" intent of diagraming the interplay between these three elements in an attempt of simplifying and, at the same time, of showing the complex sight of cancer metabolism, addressing the orchestrating role of microenvironment and highlighting the influence of non-cancerous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal.
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31
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Hipólito A, Mendes C, Serpa J. The Metabolic Remodelling in Lung Cancer and Its Putative Consequence in Therapy Response. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1219:311-333. [PMID: 32130706 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34025-4_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide in both men and women. Conventional chemotherapy has failed to provide long-term benefits for many patients and in the past decade, important advances were made to understand the underlying molecular/genetic mechanisms of lung cancer, allowing the unfolding of several other pathological entities. Considering these molecular subtypes, and the appearance of promising targeted therapies, an effective personalized control of the disease has emerged, nonetheless benefiting a small proportion of patients. Although immunotherapy has also appeared as a new hope, it is still not accessible to the majority of patients with lung cancer.The metabolism of energy and biomass is the basis of cellular survival. This is true for normal cells under physiological conditions and it is also true for pathophysiologically altered cells, such as cancer cells. Thus, knowledge of the metabolic remodelling that occurs in cancer cells in the sense of, on one hand, surviving in the microenvironment of the organ in which the tumour develops and, on the other hand, escaping from drugs conditioned microenvironment, is essential to understand the disease and to develop new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hipólito
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cindy Mendes
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal.
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32
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Marengo B, Pulliero A, Izzotti A, Domenicotti C. miRNA Regulation of Glutathione Homeostasis in Cancer Initiation, Progression and Therapy Resistance. Microrna 2020; 9:187-197. [PMID: 31849293 PMCID: PMC7366003 DOI: 10.2174/2211536609666191218103220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant antioxidant that contributes to regulating the cellular production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which, maintained at physiological levels, can exert a function of second messengers in living organisms. In fact, it has been demonstrated that moderate amounts of ROS can activate the signaling pathways involved in cell growth and proliferation, while high levels of ROS induce DNA damage leading to cancer development. Therefore, GSH is a crucial player in the maintenance of redox homeostasis and its metabolism has a role in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. Our recent studies demonstrated that neuroblastoma cells resistant to etoposide, a common chemotherapeutic drug, show a partial monoallelic deletion of the locus coding for miRNA 15a and 16-1 leading to a loss of these miRNAs and the activation of GSH-dependent responses. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight the role of specific miRNAs in the modulation of intracellular GSH levels in order to take into consideration the use of modulators of miRNA expression as a useful strategy to better sensitize tumors to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Marengo
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Tel: +39 010 3538831; Fax: +39 010 3538836; E-mail:
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Metabolic Remodelling: An Accomplice for New Therapeutic Strategies to Fight Lung Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8120603. [PMID: 31795465 PMCID: PMC6943435 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8120603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic remodelling is a hallmark of cancer, however little has been unravelled in its role in chemoresistance, which is a major hurdle to cancer control. Lung cancer is a leading cause of death by cancer, mainly due to the diagnosis at an advanced stage and to the development of resistance to therapy. Targeted therapeutic agents combined with comprehensive drugs are commonly used to treat lung cancer. However, resistance mechanisms are difficult to avoid. In this review, we will address some of those therapeutic regimens, resistance mechanisms that are eventually developed by lung cancer cells, metabolic alterations that have already been described in lung cancer and putative new therapeutic strategies, and the integration of conventional drugs and genetic and metabolic-targeted therapies. The oxidative stress is pivotal in this whole network. A better understanding of cancer cell metabolism and molecular adaptations underlying resistance mechanisms will provide clues to design new therapeutic strategies, including the combination of chemotherapeutic and targeted agents, considering metabolic intervenients. As cancer cells undergo a constant metabolic adaptive drift, therapeutic regimens must constantly adapt.
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34
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MYC Expression and Metabolic Redox Changes in Cancer Cells: A Synergy Able to Induce Chemoresistance. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:7346492. [PMID: 31341534 PMCID: PMC6614970 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7346492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is due to multiple factors including the induction of a metabolic adaptation of tumor cells. In fact, in these cells, stress conditions induced by therapies stimulate a metabolic reprogramming which involves the strengthening of various pathways such as glycolysis, glutaminolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. This metabolic reprogramming is the result of a complex network of mechanisms that, through the activation of oncogenes (i.e., MYC, HIF1, and PI3K) or the downregulation of tumor suppressors (i.e., TP53), induces an increased expression of glucose and/or glutamine transporters and of glycolytic enzymes. Therefore, in order to overcome chemoresistance, it is necessary to develop combined therapies which are able to selectively and simultaneously act on the multiple molecular targets responsible for this adaptation. This review is focused on highlighting the role of MYC in modulating the epigenetic redox changes which are crucial in the acquisition of therapy resistance.
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35
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Marengo B, Monti P, Miele M, Menichini P, Ottaggio L, Foggetti G, Pulliero A, Izzotti A, Speciale A, Garbarino O, Traverso N, Fronza G, Domenicotti C. Etoposide-resistance in a neuroblastoma model cell line is associated with 13q14.3 mono-allelic deletion and miRNA-15a/16-1 down-regulation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13762. [PMID: 30213983 PMCID: PMC6137223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is the major obstacle in successfully treating high-risk neuroblastoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the basis of etoposide-resistance in neuroblastoma. To this end, a MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell line (HTLA-230) was treated with increasing etoposide concentrations and an etoposide-resistant cell line (HTLA-ER) was obtained. HTLA-ER cells, following etoposide exposure, evaded apoptosis by altering Bax/Bcl2 ratio. While both cell populations shared a homozygous TP53 mutation encoding a partially-functioning protein, a mono-allelic deletion of 13q14.3 locus, where the P53 inducible miRNAs 15a/16-1 are located, and the consequent miRNA down-regulation were detected only in HTLA-ER cells. This event correlated with BMI-1 oncoprotein up-regulation which caused a decrease in p16 tumor suppressor content and a metabolic adaptation of HTLA-ER cells. These results, taken collectively, highlight the role of miRNAs 15a/16-1 as markers of chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Monti
- UOC Mutagenesis and Oncologic Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Mariangela Miele
- UOC Mutagenesis and Oncologic Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Menichini
- UOC Mutagenesis and Oncologic Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Ottaggio
- UOC Mutagenesis and Oncologic Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Foggetti
- UOC Mutagenesis and Oncologic Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Alberto Izzotti
- UOC Mutagenesis and Oncologic Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Speciale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Ombretta Garbarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Nicola Traverso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Gilberto Fronza
- UOC Mutagenesis and Oncologic Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
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36
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Thongon N, Zucal C, D'Agostino VG, Tebaldi T, Ravera S, Zamporlini F, Piacente F, Moschoi R, Raffaelli N, Quattrone A, Nencioni A, Peyron JF, Provenzani A. Cancer cell metabolic plasticity allows resistance to NAMPT inhibition but invariably induces dependence on LDHA. Cancer Metab 2018. [PMID: 29541451 PMCID: PMC5844108 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-018-0174-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inhibitors of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in NAD+ biosynthesis from nicotinamide, exhibit anticancer effects in preclinical models. However, continuous exposure to NAMPT inhibitors, such as FK866, can induce acquired resistance. Methods We developed FK866-resistant CCRF-CEM (T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and MDA MB231 (breast cancer) models, and by exploiting an integrated approach based on genetic, biochemical, and genome wide analyses, we annotated the drug resistance mechanisms. Results Acquired resistance to FK866 was independent of NAMPT mutations but rather was based on a shift towards a glycolytic metabolism and on lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) activity. In addition, resistant CCRF-CEM cells, which exhibit high quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT) activity, also exploited amino acid catabolism as an alternative source for NAD+ production, becoming addicted to tryptophan and glutamine and sensitive to treatment with the amino acid transport inhibitor JPH203 and with l-asparaginase, which affects glutamine exploitation. Vice versa, in line with their low QPRT expression, FK866-resistant MDA MB231 did not rely on amino acids for their resistance phenotype. Conclusions Our study identifies novel mechanisms of resistance to NAMPT inhibition, which may be useful to design more rational strategies for targeting cancer metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthakan Thongon
- 1Center For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, Trento, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucal
- 1Center For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Toma Tebaldi
- 1Center For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, Trento, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- 2Department of Pharmacy, Biochemistry Laboratory, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Zamporlini
- 3Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Ruxanda Moschoi
- 5Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), INSERM U1065, Nice, France
| | - Nadia Raffaelli
- 3Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- 1Center For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- 4Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jean-Francois Peyron
- 5Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), INSERM U1065, Nice, France
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- 1Center For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, Trento, Italy
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37
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Falone S, Santini S, Cordone V, Di Emidio G, Tatone C, Cacchio M, Amicarelli F. Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and Redox-Responsive Pathways Linked to Cancer Drug Resistance: Insights from Co-Exposure-Based In Vitro Studies. Front Public Health 2018. [PMID: 29527520 PMCID: PMC5829633 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical devices currently used in clinical practice and common household equipments generate extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) that were classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as “possible carcinogenic.” Assuming that ELF-MF plays a role in the carcinogenic process without inducing direct genomic alterations, ELF-MF may be involved in the promotion or progression of cancers. In particular, ELF-MF-induced responses are suspected to activate redox-responsive intracellular signaling or detoxification scavenging systems. In fact, improved protection against oxidative stress and redox-active xenobiotics is thought to provide critical proliferative and survival advantage in tumors. On this basis, an ever-growing research activity worldwide is attempting to establish whether tumor cells may develop multidrug resistance through the activation of essential cytoprotective networks in the presence of ELF fields, and how this might trigger relevant changes in tumor phenotype. This review builds a framework around how the activity of redox-responsive mediators may be controlled by co-exposure to ELF-MF and reactive oxygen species-generating agents in tumor and cancer cells, in order to clarify whether and how such potential molecular targets could help to minimize or neutralize the functional interaction between ELF-MF and malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Falone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvano Santini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valeria Cordone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanna Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Carla Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marisa Cacchio
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Fernanda Amicarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)-National Research Council (CNR), L'Aquila, Italy
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Indomethacin-based stimuli-responsive micelles combined with paclitaxel to overcome multidrug resistance. Oncotarget 2017; 8:111281-111294. [PMID: 29340053 PMCID: PMC5762321 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of multidrug resistance against antitumor agents is a major limiting factor for the successful chemotherapy. Currently, both amphiphilic polymeric micelles and chemosensitizers have been proposed to overcome MDR during chemotherapy. Herein, the redox-responsive polymeric micelles composed of dextran and indomethacin (as chemosensitizer) using a disulfide bond as the linker are prepared (DEX-SS-IND) for delivery of antitumor agent paclitaxel (PTX). The high level of glutathione in tumor cells selectively breaks the disulfide bond, leading to the rapid breakdown and deformation of redox-responsive polymeric micelles. The data show that DEX-SS-IND can spontaneously form the stable micelles with high loading content (9.48 ± 0.41%), a favorable size of 45 nm with a narrow polydispersity (0.157), good stability, and glutathione-triggered drug release behavior due to the rapid breakdown of disulfide bond between DEX and IND. In vitro antitumor assay shows DEX-SS-IND/PTX micelles effectively inhibit the proliferation of PTX-resistant breast cancer (MCF-7/PTX) cells. More impressively, DEX-SS-IND/PTX micelles possess the improved plasma pharmacokinetics, enhanced antitumor efficacy on tumor growth in the xenograft models of MCF-7/PTX cells, and better in vivo safety. Overall, DEX-SS-IND/PTX micelles display a great potential for cancer treatment, especially for multidrug resistance tumors.
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39
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Marengo B, Speciale A, Senatore L, Garibaldi S, Musumeci F, Nieddu E, Pollarolo B, Pronzato MA, Schenone S, Mazzei M, Domenicotti C. Matrine in association with FD‑2 stimulates F508del‑cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activity in the presence of corrector VX809. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:8849-8853. [PMID: 29039559 PMCID: PMC5779973 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, and the predominant mutation is termed Phe508del (F508del). Therapy for F508del‑CFTR patients is based on the use of Orkambi®, a combination of VX809 and VX770. However, though Orkambi leads to an improvement in the lung function of patients, a progressive reduction in its efficacy has been observed. In order to overcome this effect, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of matrine and the in‑house compound FD‑2 in increasing the action of VX809 and VX770. Fischer rat thyroid cells overexpressing F508del‑CFTR were treated with matrine, VX809 (corrector) and/or with a number of potentiators (VX770, FD‑1 and FD‑2). The results demonstrated that matrine was able to stimulate CFTR activity and, in association with FD‑2, increased the functionality of the channel in the presence of VX809. Based on these results, it may be hypothesized that FD‑2 may be a novel and more effective potentiator compared with VX770.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, I‑16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Speciale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, I‑16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lisa Senatore
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, I‑16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvano Garibaldi
- Division of Cardiology, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Research Centre of Cardiovascular Biology, University of Genoa, I‑16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Erika Nieddu
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, I‑16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, I‑16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mauro Mazzei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, I‑16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, I‑16132 Genoa, Italy
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40
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Falone S, Santini S, Cordone V, Cesare P, Bonfigli A, Grannonico M, Di Emidio G, Tatone C, Cacchio M, Amicarelli F. Power frequency magnetic field promotes a more malignant phenotype in neuroblastoma cells via redox-related mechanisms. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11470. [PMID: 28904402 PMCID: PMC5597619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11869-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In accordance with the classification of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) are suspected to promote malignant progression by providing survival advantage to cancer cells through the activation of critical cytoprotective pathways. Among these, the major antioxidative and detoxification defence systems might be targeted by ELF-MF by conferring cells significant resistance against clinically-relevant cytotoxic agents. We investigated whether the hyperproliferation that is induced in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells by a 50 Hz, 1 mT ELF magnetic field was supported by improved defence towards reactive oxygen species (ROS) and xenobiotics, as well as by reduced vulnerability against both H2O2 and anti-tumor ROS-generating drug doxorubicin. ELF-MF induced a proliferative and survival advantage by activating key redox-responsive antioxidative and detoxification cytoprotective pathways that are associated with a more aggressive behavior of neuroblastoma cells. This was coupled with the upregulation of the major sirtuins, as well as with increased signaling activity of the erythroid 2-related nuclear transcription factor 2 (NRF2). Interestingly, we also showed that the exposure to 50 Hz MF as low as 100 µT may still be able to alter behavior and responses of cancer cells to clinically-relevant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Falone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - S Santini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - V Cordone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Cesare
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Bonfigli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Grannonico
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - C Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Cacchio
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti Scalo (CH), Italy
| | - F Amicarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT) - CNR, L'Aquila, Italy
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41
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Garibaldi S, Barisione C, Marengo B, Ameri P, Brunelli C, Balbi M, Ghigliotti G. Advanced Oxidation Protein Products-Modified Albumin Induces Differentiation of RAW264.7 Macrophages into Dendritic-Like Cells Which Is Modulated by Cell Surface Thiols. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9010027. [PMID: 28075404 PMCID: PMC5308259 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Local accumulation of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) induces pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic processes in kidneys and is an independent predictor of renal fibrosis and of rapid decline of eGFR in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition to kidney damage, circulating AOPP may be regarded as mediators of systemic oxidative stress and, in this capacity, they might play a role in the progression of atherosclerotic damage of arterial walls. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves activation of innate and adaptive immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are key cells in this process, due to their role in antigen presentation, inflammation resolution and T cell activation. AOPP consist in oxidative modifications of proteins (such as albumin and fibrinogen) that mainly occur through myeloperoxidase (MPO)-derived hypochlorite (HOCl). HOCl modified proteins have been found in atherosclerotic lesions. The oxidizing environment and the shifts in cellular redox equilibrium trigger inflammation, activate immune cells and induce immune responses. Thus, surface thiol groups contribute to the regulation of immune functions. The aims of this work are: (1) to evaluate whether AOPP-proteins induce activation and differentiation of mature macrophages into dendritic cells in vitro; and (2) to define the role of cell surface thiol groups and of free radicals in this process. AOPP-proteins were prepared by in vitro incubation of human serum albumin (HSA) with HOCl. Mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 were treated with various concentrations of AOPP-HSA with or without the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Following 48 h of HSA-AOPP treatment, RAW264.7 morphological changes were evaluated by microscopic observation, while markers of dendritic lineage and activation (CD40, CD86, and MHC class II) and allogeneic T cell proliferation were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell surface thiols were measured by AlexaFluor-maleimide binding, and ROS production was assessed as DCF fluorescence by flow cytometry. HSA-AOPP induced the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into a dendritic-like phenotype, as shown by morphological changes, by increased CD40, CD86 and MHC class II surface expression and by induction of T cell proliferation. The cell surface thiols dose dependently decreased following HSA-AOPP treatment, while ROS production increased. NAC pre-treatment enhanced the amount of cell surface thiols and prevented their reduction due to treatment with AOPP. Both ROS production and RAW264.7 differentiation into DC-like cells induced by HSA-AOPP were reduced by NAC. Our results highlight that oxidized plasma proteins modulate specific immune responses of macrophages through a process involving changes in the thiol redox equilibrium. We suggest that this mechanism may play a role in determining the rapid progression of the atherosclerotic process observed in CKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvano Garibaldi
- Division of Cardiology, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Research Centre of Cardiovascular Biology, University of Genova, Genova 16132, Italy.
| | - Chiara Barisione
- Division of Cardiology, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Research Centre of Cardiovascular Biology, University of Genova, Genova 16132, Italy.
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova 16132, Italy.
| | - Pietro Ameri
- Division of Cardiology, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Research Centre of Cardiovascular Biology, University of Genova, Genova 16132, Italy.
| | - Claudio Brunelli
- Division of Cardiology, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Research Centre of Cardiovascular Biology, University of Genova, Genova 16132, Italy.
| | - Manrico Balbi
- Division of Cardiology, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Research Centre of Cardiovascular Biology, University of Genova, Genova 16132, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Ghigliotti
- Division of Cardiology, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Research Centre of Cardiovascular Biology, University of Genova, Genova 16132, Italy.
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