1
|
Amengual-Cladera E, Morla-Barcelo PM, Morán-Costoya A, Sastre-Serra J, Pons DG, Valle A, Roca P, Nadal-Serrano M. Metformin: From Diabetes to Cancer-Unveiling Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:302. [PMID: 38785784 PMCID: PMC11117706 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Metformin, a widely used anti-diabetic drug, has garnered attention for its potential in cancer management, particularly in breast and colorectal cancer. It is established that metformin reduces mitochondrial respiration, but its specific molecular targets within mitochondria vary. Proposed mechanisms include inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I and/or Complex IV, and mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, among others. These actions lead to cellular energy deficits, redox state changes, and several molecular changes that reduce hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Clinical evidence supports metformin's role in cancer prevention in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Moreover, in these patients with breast and colorectal cancer, metformin consumption leads to an improvement in survival outcomes and prognosis. The synergistic effects of metformin with chemotherapy and immunotherapy highlights its potential as an adjunctive therapy for breast and colorectal cancer. However, nuanced findings underscore the need for further research and stratification by molecular subtype, particularly for breast cancer. This comprehensive review integrates metformin-related findings from epidemiological, clinical, and preclinical studies in breast and colorectal cancer. Here, we discuss current research addressed to define metformin's bioavailability and efficacy, exploring novel metformin-based compounds and drug delivery systems, including derivatives targeting mitochondria, combination therapies, and novel nanoformulations, showing enhanced anticancer effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Amengual-Cladera
- Grupo Metabolismo Energético y Nutrición, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (E.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (A.V.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
| | - Pere Miquel Morla-Barcelo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Andrea Morán-Costoya
- Grupo Metabolismo Energético y Nutrición, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (E.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (A.V.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
| | - Jorge Sastre-Serra
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn, CB06/03/0043), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gabriel Pons
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Adamo Valle
- Grupo Metabolismo Energético y Nutrición, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (E.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (A.V.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn, CB06/03/0043), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Roca
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn, CB06/03/0043), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Nadal-Serrano
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain; (P.M.M.-B.); (J.S.-S.); (D.G.P.); (M.N.-S.)
- Grupo Multidisciplinar de Oncología Traslacional, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IUNICS), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Du R, Xiao N, Han L, Guo K, Li K, Chen Z, Zhang H, Zhou Z, Huang Y, Zhao X, Bian H. Dexrazoxane inhibits the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by attenuating SDCBP/MDA-9/syntenin-mediated EGFR-PI3K-Akt pathway activation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9167. [PMID: 38649770 PMCID: PMC11035576 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59665-5] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Syndecan-binding protein (SDCBP) was reported to stimulate the advancement of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and could potentially be a target for ESCC treatment. There is a growing corpus of research on the anti-tumor effects of iron chelators; however, very few studies have addressed the involvement of dexrazoxane in cancer. In this study, structure-based virtual screening was employed to select drugs targeting SDCBP from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug databases. The sepharose 4B beads pull-down assay revealed that dexrazoxane targeted SDCBP by interacting with its PDZ1 domain. Additionally, dexrazoxane inhibited ESCC cell proliferation and anchorage-independent colony formation via SDCBP. ESCC cell apoptosis and G2 phase arrest were induced as measured by the flow cytometry assay. Subsequent research revealed that dexrazoxane attenuated the binding ability between SDCBP and EGFR in an immunoprecipitation assay. Furthermore, dexrazoxane impaired EGFR membrane localization and inactivated the EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway. In vivo, xenograft mouse experiments indicated that dexrazoxane suppressed ESCC tumor growth. These data indicate that dexrazoxane might be established as a potential anti-cancer agent in ESCC by targeting SDCBP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Du
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Nan Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Han
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - KeLei Guo
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Li
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijun Zhou
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Huang
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xulin Zhao
- Oncology Department, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nan Yang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Bian
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang, 473004, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang Y, An Y, Ren M, Wang H, Bai J, Du W, Kong D. The mechanisms of action of mitochondrial targeting agents in cancer: inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and inducing apoptosis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1243613. [PMID: 37954849 PMCID: PMC10635426 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1243613] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment affects the structure and metabolic function of mitochondria in tumor cells. This process involves changes in metabolic activity, an increase in the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells compared to normal cells, the production of more intracellular free radicals, and the activation of oxidative pathways. From a practical perspective, it is advantageous to develop drugs that target mitochondria for the treatment of malignant tumors. Such drugs can enhance the selectivity of treatments for specific cell groups, minimize toxic effects on normal tissues, and improve combinational treatments. Mitochondrial targeting agents typically rely on small molecule medications (such as synthetic small molecules agents, active ingredients of plants, mitochondrial inhibitors or autophagy inhibitors, and others), modified mitochondrial delivery system agents (such as lipophilic cation modification or combining other molecules to form targeted mitochondrial agents), and a few mitochondrial complex inhibitors. This article will review these compounds in three main areas: oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), changes in ROS levels, and endogenous oxidative and apoptotic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yahui An
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mingli Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Haijiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenli Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dezhi Kong
- Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cheng Y, Qu Z, Jiang Q, Xu T, Zheng H, Ye P, He M, Tong Y, Ma Y, Bao A. Functional Materials for Subcellular Targeting Strategies in Cancer Therapy: Progress and Prospects. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2305095. [PMID: 37665594 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies have made significant progress in cancer treatment. However, tumor adjuvant therapy still faces challenges due to the intrinsic heterogeneity of cancer, genomic instability, and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Functional materials possess unique biological properties such as long circulation times, tumor-specific targeting, and immunomodulation. The combination of functional materials with natural substances and nanotechnology has led to the development of smart biomaterials with multiple functions, high biocompatibilities, and negligible immunogenicities, which can be used for precise cancer treatment. Recently, subcellular structure-targeting functional materials have received particular attention in various biomedical applications including the diagnosis, sensing, and imaging of tumors and drug delivery. Subcellular organelle-targeting materials can precisely accumulate therapeutic agents in organelles, considerably reduce the threshold dosages of therapeutic agents, and minimize drug-related side effects. This review provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of the research progress in subcellular organelle-targeted cancer therapy based on functional nanomaterials. Moreover, it explains the challenges and prospects of subcellular organelle-targeting functional materials in precision oncology. The review will serve as an excellent cutting-edge guide for researchers in the field of subcellular organelle-targeted cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Qu
- Department of Blood Transfusion Research, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), HUST-WHBC United Hematology Optical Imaging Center, No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Blood Transfusion Research, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), HUST-WHBC United Hematology Optical Imaging Center, No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Hongyun Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Peng Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Mingdi He
- Department of Blood Transfusion Research, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), HUST-WHBC United Hematology Optical Imaging Center, No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Yongqing Tong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Blood Transfusion Research, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), HUST-WHBC United Hematology Optical Imaging Center, No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Anyu Bao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Genetic mutations affecting mitochondrial function in cancer drug resistance. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:261-270. [PMID: 36609747 PMCID: PMC9947062 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01359-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are organelles that serve as a central hub for physiological processes in eukaryotes, including production of ATP, regulation of calcium dependent signaling, generation of ROS, and regulation of apoptosis. Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming in an effort to support their increasing requirements for cell survival, growth, and proliferation, and mitochondria have primary roles in these processes. Because of their central function in survival of cancer cells and drug resistance, mitochondria are an important target in cancer therapy and many drugs targeting mitochondria that target the TCA cycle, apoptosis, metabolic pathway, and generation of ROS have been developed. Continued use of mitochondrial-targeting drugs can lead to resistance due to development of new somatic mutations. Use of drugs is limited due to these mutations, which have been detected in mitochondrial proteins. In this review, we will focus on genetic mutations in mitochondrial target proteins and their function in induction of drug-resistance.
Collapse
|
6
|
Padinharayil H, Rai V, George A. Mitochondrial Metabolism in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: From Mechanism-Based Perspectives to Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041070. [PMID: 36831413 PMCID: PMC9954550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the fourteenth most common malignancy, is a major contributor to cancer-related death with the utmost case fatality rate among all malignancies. Functional mitochondria, regardless of their complex ecosystem relative to normal cells, are essential in PDAC progression. Tumor cells' potential to produce ATP as energy, despite retaining the redox potential optimum, and allocating materials for biosynthetic activities that are crucial for cell growth, survival, and proliferation, are assisted by mitochondria. The polyclonal tumor cells with different metabolic profiles may add to carcinogenesis through inter-metabolic coupling. Cancer cells frequently possess alterations in the mitochondrial genome, although they do not hinder metabolism; alternatively, they change bioenergetics. This can further impart retrograde signaling, educate cell signaling, epigenetic modifications, chromatin structures, and transcription machinery, and ultimately satisfy cancer cellular and nuclear demands. To maximize the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor cells remodel nearby stromal cells and extracellular matrix. These changes initiate polyclonality, which is crucial for growth, stress response, and metastasis. Here, we evaluate all the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways drawn by mitochondria in carcinogenesis, emphasizing the perspectives of mitochondrial metabolism in PDAC progression and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hafiza Padinharayil
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680005, Kerala, India
| | - Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766-1854, USA
| | - Alex George
- Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur 680005, Kerala, India
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
AbuEid M, Keyes RF, McAllister D, Peterson F, Kadamberi IP, Sprague DJ, Chaluvally-Raghavan P, Smith BC, Dwinell MB. Fluorinated triphenylphosphonium analogs improve cell selectivity and in vivo detection of mito-metformin. iScience 2022; 25:105670. [PMID: 36567718 PMCID: PMC9768319 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triphenylphosphonium (TPP+) conjugated compounds selectively target cancer cells by exploiting their hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potential. To date, studies have focused on modifying either the linker or the cargo of TPP+-conjugated compounds. Here, we investigated the biological effects of direct modification to TPP+ to improve the efficacy and detection of mito-metformin (MMe), a TPP+-conjugated probe we have shown to have promising preclinical efficacy against solid cancer cells. We designed, synthesized, and tested trifluoromethyl and methoxy MMe analogs (pCF3-MMe, mCF3-MMe, and pMeO-MMe) against multiple distinct human cancer cells. pCF3-MMe showed enhanced selectivity toward cancer cells compared to MMe, while retaining the same signaling mechanism. Importantly, pCF3-MMe allowed quantitative monitoring of cellular accumulation via 19F-NMR in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, adding trifluoromethyl groups to TPP+ reduced toxicity in vivo while retaining anti-tumor efficacy, opening an avenue to de-risk these next-generation TPP+-conjugated compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud AbuEid
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA,Center for Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA
| | - Robert F. Keyes
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA,Program in Chemical Biology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA
| | - Donna McAllister
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA
| | - Francis Peterson
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA,Program in Chemical Biology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA
| | | | - Daniel J. Sprague
- Program in Chemical Biology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA
| | | | - Brian C. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA,Program in Chemical Biology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Michael B. Dwinell
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA,Center for Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53122, USA,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
d’Hose D, Mathieu B, Mignion L, Hardy M, Ouari O, Jordan BF, Sonveaux P, Gallez B. EPR Investigations to Study the Impact of Mito-Metformin on the Mitochondrial Function of Prostate Cancer Cells. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27185872. [PMID: 36144606 PMCID: PMC9504708 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: Mito-metformin10 (MM10), synthesized by attaching a triphenylphosphonium cationic moiety via a 10-carbon aliphatic side chain to metformin, is a mitochondria-targeted analog of metformin that was recently demonstrated to alter mitochondrial function and proliferation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Here, we hypothesized that this compound may decrease the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in prostate cancer cells, increase the level of mitochondrial ROS, alleviate tumor hypoxia, and radiosensitize tumors. Methods: OCR and mitochondrial superoxide production were assessed by EPR (9 GHz) in vitro in PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Reduced and oxidized glutathione were assessed before and after MM10 exposure. Tumor oxygenation was measured in vivo using 1 GHz EPR oximetry in PC-3 tumor model. Tumors were irradiated at the time of maximal reoxygenation. Results: 24-hours exposure to MM10 significantly decreased the OCR of PC-3 and DU-145 cancer cells. An increase in mitochondrial superoxide levels was observed in PC-3 but not in DU-145 cancer cells, an observation consistent with the differences observed in glutathione levels in both cancer cell lines. In vivo, the tumor oxygenation significantly increased in the PC-3 model (daily injection of 2 mg/kg MM10) 48 and 72 h after initiation of the treatment. Despite the significant effect on tumor hypoxia, MM10 combined to irradiation did not increase the tumor growth delay compared to the irradiation alone. Conclusions: MM10 altered the OCR in prostate cancer cells. The effect of MM10 on the superoxide level was dependent on the antioxidant capacity of cell line. In vivo, MM10 alleviated tumor hypoxia, yet without consequence in terms of response to irradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donatienne d’Hose
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Barbara Mathieu
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lionel Mignion
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Micael Hardy
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire UMR 7273, Aix-Marseille Université/CNRS, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Ouari
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire UMR 7273, Aix-Marseille Université/CNRS, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Bénédicte F. Jordan
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institut de Recherches Expérimentales et Cliniques (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO) Research Institute, 1300 Wavre, Belgium
| | - Bernard Gallez
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rusanov DA, Zou J, Babak MV. Biological Properties of Transition Metal Complexes with Metformin and Its Analogues. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040453. [PMID: 35455450 PMCID: PMC9031419 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a widely prescribed medication for the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of biguanides, which are characterized by a wide range of diverse biological properties, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antimalarial, cardioprotective and other activities. It is known that biguanides serve as excellent N-donor bidentate ligands and readily form complexes with virtually all transition metals. Recent evidence suggests that the mechanism of action of metformin and its analogues is linked to their metal-binding properties. These findings prompted us to summarize the existing data on the synthetic strategies and biological properties of various metal complexes with metformin and its analogues. We demonstrated that coordination of biologically active biguanides to various metal centers often resulted in an improved pharmacological profile, including reduced drug resistance as well as a wider spectrum of activity. In addition, coordination to the redox-active metal centers, such as Au(III), allowed for various activatable strategies, leading to the selective activation of the prodrugs and reduced off-target toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniil A. Rusanov
- Drug Discovery Lab, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (D.A.R.); (J.Z.)
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Avenue 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Jiaying Zou
- Drug Discovery Lab, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (D.A.R.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Maria V. Babak
- Drug Discovery Lab, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (D.A.R.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kalyanaraman B. Exploiting the tumor immune microenvironment and immunometabolism using mitochondria-targeted drugs: Challenges and opportunities in racial disparity and cancer outcome research. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22226. [PMID: 35233843 PMCID: PMC9242412 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101862r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Black and Hispanic cancer patients have a higher incidence of cancer mortality. Many factors (e.g., socioeconomic differences, insufficient access to healthcare) contribute to racial disparity. Emerging research implicates biological disparity in cancer outcomes. Studies show distinct differences in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in Black cancer patients. Studies also have linked altered mitochondrial metabolism to changes in immune cell activation in TIME. Recent publications revealed a novel immunomodulatory role for triphenylphosphonium‐based mitochondrial‐targeted drugs (MTDs). These are synthetically modified, naturally occurring molecules (e.g., honokiol, magnolol, metformin) or FDA‐approved small molecule drugs (e.g., atovaquone, hydroxyurea). Modifications involve conjugating the parent molecule via an alkyl linker chain to a triphenylphosphonium moiety. These modified molecules (e.g., Mito‐honokiol, Mito‐magnolol, Mito‐metformin, Mito‐atovaquone, Mito‐hydroxyurea) accumulate in tumor cell mitochondria more effectively than in normal cells and inhibit mitochondrial respiration, induce reactive oxygen species, activate AMPK and redox transcription factors, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Besides these intrinsic effects of MTDs in redox signaling and proliferation in tumors, MTDs induced extrinsic effects in the TIME of mouse xenografts. MTD treatment inhibited tumor‐suppressive immune cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells, and activated T cells and antitumor immune effects. One key biological disparity in Black cancer patients was related to altered mitochondrial oxidative metabolism; MTDs targeting vulnerabilities in tumor cells and the TIME may help us understand this biological disparity. Clinical trials should include an appropriate number of Black and Hispanic cancer patients and should validate the intratumoral, antihypoxic effects of MTDs with imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Center for Disease Prevention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Maxim C, Badea M, Rostas AM, Chifiriuc MC, Pircalabioru GG, Avram S, Olar R. Copper(II) species with 1‐(
o
‐tolyl)biguanide: Structural characterization, ROS scavenging, antibacterial activity, biocompatibility and in silico studies. Appl Organomet Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/aoc.6471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catalin Maxim
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
| | - Mihaela Badea
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
| | - Arpad Mihai Rostas
- Laboratory of Atomic Structures and Defects in Advanced Materials, LASDAM National Institute of Materials Physics Măgurele Ilfov Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Microbiology University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists Bucharest Romania
| | | | - Speranța Avram
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
| | - Rodica Olar
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kalyanaraman B. Reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory and immunosuppressive mediators induced in COVID-19: overlapping biology with cancer. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1402-1414. [PMID: 34704045 PMCID: PMC8496060 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00042j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review analyzes the published literature linking the different mechanisms focused on oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to COVID-19 disease severity. The objective is to bring together potential proinflammatory mechanisms of COVID-19 pathogenesis and address mitigation strategies using naturally occurring compounds and FDA-approved drugs. Outstanding questions addressed include the following: What is the mechanistic basis for linking enhanced vulnerability in COVID-19 to increased oxidative damage and proinflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines), especially in high-risk people? Can we repurpose anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents to mitigate inflammation in COVID-19 patients? How does 2-deoxy-d-glucose function as an anti-COVID drug? COVID-19, cancer biology, and immunotherapy share many mechanistic similarities. Repurposing drugs that already have been FDA-approved for mitigating inflammation and immunosuppression in cancer may be a way to counteract disease severity, progression, and chronic inflammation in COVID-19. What are the long-term effects of reactive oxygen species-inducing immune cells and sustained inflammation in so-called long-haulers (long COVID) after recovery from COVID-19? Can we use mitochondria-targeted agents prophylactically to prevent inflammation and boost immunity in long-haulers? Addressing the oxidative chemical biology of COVID-19 and the mechanistic commonalities with cancer may provide new insights potentially leading to appropriate clinical trials and new treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of Biophysics, Cancer Center, Center for Disease Prevention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin 8701 Watertown Plank Road Milwaukee WI 53226 USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cao N, Lu Y, Liu J, Cai F, Xu H, Chen J, Zhang X, Hua ZC, Zhuang H. Metformin Synergistically Enhanced the Antitumor Activity of Celecoxib in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1094. [PMID: 32792943 PMCID: PMC7387512 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Celecoxib has potential as an effective antineoplastic agent, but it may exhibit side effects. Given the glucose-addicted properties of tumor cells, metformin is recognized for its inhibitory effect on oxidative phosphorylation. In the present study, we aimed to combine low dose of celecoxib with metformin to alleviate the side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and overcome potential drug resistance. We found that celecoxib combined with metformin obviously suppressed cell migration and proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Most importantly, in vivo experiments revealed the superior antitumor efficacy of combination treatment with a low dosage of celecoxib (25 mg/kg/day) without apparent toxicity. Further study of the underlying mechanism revealed that the two drugs in combination caused ROS aggregation in NSCLC cells, leading to DNA double-strand breaks and increased expression of the tumor suppressor factor p53. Elevated p53 subsequently caused cell cycle arrest and cell proliferation inhibition. The presence of metformin also sensitized NSCLC cells to celecoxib-induced apoptosis by activating caspase-9, -8, -3, and -7, upregulating the pro-apoptotic proteins Bad and Bax, and downregulating the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-xl and Bcl-2. Moreover, the superior anticancer effect of combined therapy was also due to suppression of Raf-MEK-ERK cascades and PI3K-AKT signaling, which is conducive to overcoming drug resistance. In addition, either celecoxib alone or in combination with metformin suppressed NSCLC cell migration and invasion by inhibiting FAK, N-cadherin, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activities. Together, our study provided a rational combination strategy with a low dosage of celecoxib and metformin for preclinical cancer application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nini Cao
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanyan Lu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangfang Cai
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huangru Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zi-Chun Hua
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute of Nanjing University and Jiangsu TargetPharma Laboratories Inc., Changzhou, China
| | - Hongqin Zhuang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Prag HA, Kula-Alwar D, Pala L, Caldwell ST, Beach TE, James AM, Saeb-Parsy K, Krieg T, Hartley RC, Murphy MP. Selective Delivery of Dicarboxylates to Mitochondria by Conjugation to a Lipophilic Cation via a Cleavable Linker. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:3526-3540. [PMID: 32692564 PMCID: PMC7482397 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Many
mitochondrial metabolites and bioactive molecules contain
two carboxylic acid moieties that make them unable to cross biological
membranes. Hence, there is considerable interest in facilitating the
uptake of these molecules into cells and mitochondria to modify or
report on their function. Conjugation to the triphenylphosphonium
(TPP) lipophilic cation is widely used to deliver molecules selectively
to mitochondria in response to the membrane potential. However, permanent
attachment to the cation can disrupt the biological function of small
dicarboxylates. Here, we have developed a strategy using TPP to release
dicarboxylates selectively within mitochondria. For this, the dicarboxylate
is attached to a TPP compound via a single ester bond, which is then
cleaved by intramitochondrial esterase activity, releasing the dicarboxylate
within the organelle. Leaving the second carboxylic acid free also
means mitochondrial uptake is dependent on the pH gradient across
the inner membrane. To assess this strategy, we synthesized a range
of TPP monoesters of the model dicarboxylate, malonate. We then tested
their mitochondrial accumulation and ability to deliver malonate to
isolated mitochondria and to cells, in vitro and in vivo. A TPP–malonate monoester compound, TPP11–malonate, in which the dicarboxylate group was attached
to the TPP compound via a hydrophobic undecyl link, was most effective
at releasing malonate within mitochondria in cells and in
vivo. Therefore, we have developed a TPP–monoester
platform that enables the selective release of bioactive dicarboxylates
within mitochondria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiran A Prag
- Molecular Research Center, Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Duvaraka Kula-Alwar
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Pala
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart T Caldwell
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy E Beach
- Department of Surgery, Cambridge National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M James
- Molecular Research Center, Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- Department of Surgery, Cambridge National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Richard C Hartley
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P Murphy
- Molecular Research Center, Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Reyes-Castellanos G, Masoud R, Carrier A. Mitochondrial Metabolism in PDAC: From Better Knowledge to New Targeting Strategies. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8080270. [PMID: 32756381 PMCID: PMC7460249 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to meet bioenergetics and biosynthetic demands. The first observation of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells was made a century ago (“Warburg effect” or aerobic glycolysis), leading to the classical view that cancer metabolism relies on a glycolytic phenotype. There is now accumulating evidence that most cancers also rely on mitochondria to satisfy their metabolic needs. Indeed, the current view of cancer metabolism places mitochondria as key actors in all facets of cancer progression. Importantly, mitochondrial metabolism has become a very promising target in cancer therapy, including for refractory cancers such as Pancreatic Ductal AdenoCarcinoma (PDAC). In particular, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is an important target in cancer therapy. Other therapeutic strategies include the targeting of glutamine and fatty acids metabolism, as well as the inhibition of the TriCarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. A better knowledge of how pancreatic cancer cells regulate mitochondrial metabolism will allow the identification of metabolic vulnerabilities and thus novel and more efficient therapeutic options for the benefit of each patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alice Carrier
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-491828829; Fax: +33-491826083
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Complex Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by TPP +-Gentisic Acid and Mitochondrial Translation Inhibition by Doxycycline Evokes Synergistic Lethality in Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020407. [PMID: 32053908 PMCID: PMC7072465 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrion has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for novel cancer treatments because of its essential role in tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. Previously, we described a natural compound, 10-((2,5-dihydroxybenzoyl)oxy)decyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide (GA-TPP+C10), with a hydroquinone scaffold that selectively targets the mitochondria of breast cancer (BC) cells by binding to the triphenylphosphonium group as a chemical chaperone; however, the mechanism of action remains unclear. In this work, we showed that GA-TPP+C10 causes time-dependent complex inhibition of the mitochondrial bioenergetics of BC cells, characterized by (1) an initial phase of mitochondrial uptake with an uncoupling effect of oxidative phosphorylation, as previously reported, (2) inhibition of Complex I-dependent respiration, and (3) a late phase of mitochondrial accumulation with inhibition of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (αKGDHC) activity. These events led to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and cell death at 24 and 48 h of exposure, and the cells were rescued by the addition of the cell-penetrating metabolic intermediates l-aspartic acid β-methyl ester (mAsp) and dimethyl α-ketoglutarate (dm-KG). In addition, this unexpected blocking of mitochondrial function triggered metabolic remodeling toward glycolysis, AMPK activation, increased expression of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (pgc1α) and electron transport chain (ETC) component-related genes encoded by mitochondrial DNA and downregulation of the uncoupling proteins ucp3 and ucp4, suggesting an AMPK-dependent prosurvival adaptive response in cancer cells. Consistent with this finding, we showed that inhibition of mitochondrial translation with doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that inhibits the 28 S subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome, in the presence of GA-TPP+C10 significantly reduces the mt-CO1 and VDAC protein levels and the FCCP-stimulated maximal electron flux and promotes selective and synergistic cytotoxic effects on BC cells at 24 h of treatment. Based on our results, we propose that this combined strategy based on blockage of the adaptive response induced by mitochondrial bioenergetic inhibition may have therapeutic relevance in BC.
Collapse
|