1
|
Masci D, Puxeddu M, Silvestri R, La Regina G. Metabolic Rewiring in Cancer: Small Molecule Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2024; 29:2110. [PMID: 38731601 PMCID: PMC11085455 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092110] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in cellular metabolism, such as dysregulation in glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and glutaminolysis in response to hypoxic and low-nutrient conditions within the tumor microenvironment, are well-recognized hallmarks of cancer. Therefore, understanding the interplay between aerobic glycolysis, lipid metabolism, and glutaminolysis is crucial for developing effective metabolism-based therapies for cancer, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this regard, the present review explores the complex field of metabolic reprogramming in tumorigenesis and progression, providing insights into the current landscape of small molecule inhibitors targeting tumorigenic metabolic pathways and their implications for CRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (R.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu C, Li C, Liu Y. The role of metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer chemoresistance. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1108776. [PMID: 36699061 PMCID: PMC9868425 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1108776] [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: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by hidden onset, high malignancy, and early metastasis. Although a few cases meet the surgical indications, chemotherapy remains the primary treatment, and the resulting chemoresistance has become an urgent clinical problem that needs to be solved. In recent years, the importance of metabolic reprogramming as one of the hallmarks of cancers in tumorigenesis has been validated. Metabolic reprogramming involves glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism and interacts with oncogenes to affect the expression of key enzymes and signaling pathways, modifying the tumor microenvironment and contributing to the occurrence of drug tolerance. Meanwhile, the mitochondria are hubs of the three major nutrients and energy metabolisms, which are also involved in the development of drug resistance. In this review, we summarized the characteristic changes in metabolism during the progression of pancreatic cancer and their impact on chemoresistance, outlined the role of the mitochondria, and summarized current studies on metabolic inhibitors.
Collapse
|
3
|
Warburg effect in colorectal cancer: the emerging roles in tumor microenvironment and therapeutic implications. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:160. [PMID: 36319992 PMCID: PMC9628128 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01358-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Countless CRC patients undergo disease progression. As a hallmark of cancer, Warburg effect promotes cancer metastasis and remodels the tumor microenvironment, including promoting angiogenesis, immune suppression, cancer-associated fibroblasts formation and drug resistance. Targeting Warburg metabolism would be a promising method for the treatment of CRC. In this review, we summarize information about the roles of Warburg effect in tumor microenvironment to elucidate the mechanisms governing Warburg effect in CRC and to identify novel targets for therapy.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zuzčák M, Trnka J. Cellular metabolism in pancreatic cancer as a tool for prognosis and treatment (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 61:93. [PMID: 35730611 PMCID: PMC9256076 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has one of the highest fatality rates and the currently available therapeutic options are not sufficient to improve its overall poor prognosis. In addition to insufficient effectiveness of anticancer treatments, the lack of clear early symptoms and early metastatic spread maintain the PC survival rates at a low level. Metabolic reprogramming is among the hallmarks of cancer and could be exploited for the diagnosis and treatment of PC. PC is characterized by its heterogeneity and, apart from molecular subtypes, the identification of metabolic subtypes in PC could aid in the development of more individualized therapeutic approaches and may lead to improved clinical outcomes. In addition to the deregulated utilization of glucose in aerobic glycolysis, PC cells can use a wide range of substrates, including branched‑chain amino acids, glutamine and lipids to fulfil their energy requirements, as well as biosynthetic needs. The tumor microenvironment in PC supports tumor growth, metastatic spread, treatment resistance and the suppression of the host immune response. Moreover, reciprocal interactions between cancer and stromal cells enhance their metabolic reprogramming. PC stem cells (PCSCs) with an increased resistance and distinct metabolic properties are associated with disease relapses and cancer spread, and represent another significant candidate for therapeutic targeting. The present review discusses the metabolic signatures observed in PC, a disease with a multifaceted and often transient metabolic landscape. In addition, the metabolic pathways utilized by PC cells, as well as stromal cells are discussed, providing examples of how they could present novel targets for therapeutic interventions and elaborating on how interactions between the various cell types affect their metabolism. Furthermore, the importance of PCSCs is discussed, focusing specifically on their metabolic adaptations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zuzčák
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
- Center for Research on Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Trnka
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
- Center for Research on Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Di Magno L, Coluccia A, Bufano M, Ripa S, La Regina G, Nalli M, Di Pastena F, Canettieri G, Silvestri R, Frati L. Discovery of novel human lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors: Structure-based virtual screening studies and biological assessment. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 240:114605. [PMID: 35868126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Most cancer cells switch their metabolism from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis to generate ATP and precursors for the biosynthesis of key macromolecules. The aerobic conversion of pyruvate to lactate, coupled to oxidation of the nicotinamide cofactor, is a primary hallmark of cancer and is catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a central effector of this pathological reprogrammed metabolism. Hence, inhibition of LDH is a potential new promising therapeutic approach for cancer. In the search for new LDH inhibitors, we carried out a structure-based virtual screening campaign. Here, we report the identification of a novel specific LDH inhibitor, the pyridazine derivative 18 (RS6212), that exhibits potent anticancer activity within the micromolar range in multiple cancer cell lines and synergizes with complex I inhibition in the suppression of tumor growth. Altogether, our data support the conclusion that compound 18 deserves to be further investigated as a starting point for the development of LDH inhibitors and for novel anticancer strategies based on the targeting of key metabolic steps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Di Magno
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marianna Bufano
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ripa
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luigi Frati
- Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Via Regina Elena 291, I-00161, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed S.p.A., Via Atinense 18, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Study on the levels of N-nitrosamine compounds and untargeted metabolomics in patients with colorectal cancer. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:3483-3496. [PMID: 35174409 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-03969-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Plasma samples were collected from 34 patients with advanced CRC and 92 healthy persons (control group), and the levels of 9 VNAs were measured using GC-MS. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed using LC-MS/MS. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to determine differential metabolites between the 2 groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were performed on the differential metabolites. It turned out that the detection rates of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) in patients with CRC were higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA) and N-nitrosodiphenylamine (NDPhA) were not detected in CRC patients. NDMA, N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), and NPYR were detected in male and female patients with CRC. There was no difference in VNAs exposure between the sexes of CRC patients. In the positive and negative ion mode, a total of 132 differential metabolites and 6 differential metabolic pathways were detected. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate, hypoxanthine, 11,12-epoxy-(5Z,8Z,11Z)-icosatrienoic acid, 16(R)-HETE, acetylcarnitine, and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA 20:5, LPA 20:4) were candidate biomarkers with higher predictive value. Hypoxanthine and xanthine metabolic pathways were associated with changes in VNAs in CRC patients. In summary, the effects of changes of VNAs in the plasma of CRC patients (especially NDMA and NPYR) on the progression of CRC should attract attention. Abnormalities of adenine and guanine and downstream hypoxanthine-xanthine metabolic pathways were closely related to changes of VNAs and metabolomics in CRC patients.
Collapse
|