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Guo K, Zhao Y, Cao Y, Li Y, Yang M, Tian Y, Dai J, Song L, Ren S, Wang Z. Exploring the key genetic association between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through integrated bioinformatics. Front Genet 2023; 14:1115660. [PMID: 37501719 PMCID: PMC10369079 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1115660] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) develops rapidly and has a poor prognosis. It has been demonstrated that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis (CP) have a close connection. However, the underlying mechanisms for chronic pancreatitis transforming into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify real hub genes in the development of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods: RNA-seq data of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to construct a gene co-expression network between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. GEO2R and a Venn diagram were used to identify differentially expressed genes. Then visualized networks were constructed with ClueGO, and modules of PPI network were calculated by MCODE plugin. Further validation of the results was carried out in two additional cohorts. Analyses of CEL-coexpressed genes and regulators including miRNAs and transcription factors were performed by using the corresponding online web tool. Finally, the influence of CEL in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) was assessed by immune contextual analysis. Results: With the help of WGCNA and GEO2R, four co-expression modules and six hub genes were identified, respectively. ClueGO enrichment analysis and MCODE cluster analysis revealed that the dysfunctional transport of nutrients and trace elements might contribute to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development. The real hub gene CEL was identified with a markedly low expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in external validation sets. According to the miRNA-gene network construction, hsa-miR-198 may be the key miRNA. A strong correlation exists between CEL and TIME after an evaluation of the influence of CEL in TIME. Conclusion: Our study revealed the dysfunctional transport of nutrients and trace elements may be common pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis. Examination on these common pathways and real hub genes may shed light on the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Guo
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yatong Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Cao
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianmeng Dai
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lina Song
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Ren
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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2
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Rosolen D, Nunes-Souza E, Marchi R, Tofolo MV, Antunes VC, Berti FCB, Fonseca AS, Cavalli LR. MiRNAs Action and Impact on Mitochondria Function, Metabolic Reprogramming and Chemoresistance of Cancer Cells: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030693. [PMID: 36979672 PMCID: PMC10045760 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function and homeostasis, and in the modulation of cell metabolism, by targeting known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes of metabolic-related signaling pathways involved in the hallmarks of cancer. This systematic review focuses on articles describing the role, association, and/or involvement of miRNAs in regulating the mitochondrial function and metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Following the PRISMA guidelines, the articles reviewed were published from January 2010 to September 2022, with the search terms "mitochondrial microRNA" and its synonyms (mitochondrial microRNA, mitochondrial miRNA, mito microRNA, or mitomiR), "reprogramming metabolism," and "cancer" in the title or abstract). Thirty-six original research articles were selected, revealing 51 miRNAs with altered expression in 12 cancers: bladder, breast, cervical, colon, colorectal, liver, lung, melanoma, osteosarcoma, pancreatic, prostate, and tongue. The actions of miRNAs and their corresponding target genes have been reported mainly in cell metabolic processes, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, apoptosis, redox signaling, and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Altogether, these studies support the role of miRNAs in the metabolic reprogramming hallmark of cancer cells and highlight their potential as predictive molecular markers of treatment response and/or targets that can be used for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane Rosolen
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle Nunes-Souza
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Rafael Marchi
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Vitoria Tofolo
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Valquíria C Antunes
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C B Berti
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Aline S Fonseca
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Luciane R Cavalli
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, WA 20057, USA
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Gallo Cantafio ME, Torcasio R, Viglietto G, Amodio N. Non-Coding RNA-Dependent Regulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Cancer Pathophysiology. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:ncrna9010016. [PMID: 36827549 PMCID: PMC9964195 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9010016] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential organelles which dynamically change their shape and number to adapt to various environmental signals in diverse physio-pathological contexts. Mitochondrial dynamics refers to the delicate balance between mitochondrial fission (or fragmentation) and fusion, that plays a pivotal role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and quality control, impinging on other mitochondrial processes such as metabolism, apoptosis, mitophagy, and autophagy. In this review, we will discuss how dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics can affect different cancer hallmarks, significantly impacting tumor growth, survival, invasion, and chemoresistance. Special emphasis will be given to emerging non-coding RNA molecules targeting the main fusion/fission effectors, acting as novel relevant upstream regulators of the mitochondrial dynamics rheostat in a wide range of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Torcasio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viglietto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Hu Z, Linn N, Li Q, Zhang K, Liao J, Han Q, Zhang H, Guo J, Hu L, Pan J, Li Y, Tang Z. MitomiR-504 alleviates the copper-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by suppressing Bak1 expression in porcine jejunal epithelial cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160157. [PMID: 36379340 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Copper (Cu), an environmental heavy metal pollutant, has been widely researched in its toxicology. Recently, an increasing number of mitochondrial microRNAs (mitomiRs) have been shown to involve in the metabolic regulation. However, the underlying mechanisms of mitomiRs on regulating apoptosis under Cu exposure are still unclear. Here, we proved that Cu induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in porcine jejunal epithelial cells, concomitant with distinct reduction of mitomiR-504 in vivo and in vitro. The miR-504 mimic notably enhanced the mRNA and protein expressions of Bak1, Bax, Cleaved-caspase3 and Caspase-9, and significantly decreased the apoptosis rate and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels, indicating that overexpression of mitomiR-504 attenuated the Cu-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Besides, Bak1 was confirmed as a direct target of mitomiR-504 by the bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Subsequently, transfection of siRNA targeting Bak1 significantly enhanced the alleviating effect of miR-504 mimic on the Cu-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Overall, these suggested that overexpression of mitomiR-504 alleviated the Cu-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in jejunal epithelial cells by suppressing Bak1 expression. These findings are conducive to elucidating the mechanism of Cu-induced jejunal epithelial pathologies, providing a new research idea for the Cu toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoying Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Nandar Linn
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Quanwei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Kai Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jianzhao Liao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qingyue Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jianying Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lianmei Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jiaqiang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhaoxin Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, PR China.
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MicroRNA-300 Inhibits the Proliferation and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer Cells via Posttranscriptional Suppression of G Protein-Coupled Receptor 34 (GPR34). JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:2669822. [PMID: 34950207 PMCID: PMC8691979 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2669822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the dominant gynecological disorders which has poor prognosis and often diagnosed at advanced stages where it becomes nearly impossible to effectively manage this disorder. MicroRNA-300 (miR-300) has dual role in human tumorogenesis. However, characterization of its regulatory action has not been made in cervical cancer. The molecular role of miR-300 in cervical cancer was thus explored in the present study with prime focus on elucidating its mechanism of action. The results showed significant (P < 0.05) downregulation of miR-300 in cervical cancer. Overexpression of miR-300 in cervical cancer cells inhibited their proliferation in vitro by inducing apoptosis. Cervical cancer cells overexpressing miR-300 also showed decreased rates of migration and invasion. G protein-coupled receptor 34 (GPR34) was found to be the functional regulatory target of miR-300 in cervical cancer. GPR34 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Silencing of GPR34 inhibited the growth of the cervical cancer cells. However, overexpression of GPR34 could prevent the tumor-suppressive effects of miR-300 on cervical cancer cells. Collectively, the results of the current study are indicative of the tumor-suppressive regulatory role of miR-300 in cervical cancer and suggestive of the potential therapeutic value of miR-300/GPR34 molecular axis.
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Sharma P, Sharma V, Ahluwalia TS, Dogra N, Kumar S, Singh S. Let-7a induces metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer cells via targeting mitochondrial encoded ND4. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:629. [PMID: 34838007 PMCID: PMC8627041 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02339-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES MicroRNA (miRNA) that translocate from the nucleus to mitochondria are referred to as mitochondrial microRNA (mitomiR). Albeit mitomiRs have been shown to modulate gene expression, their functional impact within mitochondria is unknown. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether the mitochondrial genome is regulated by miR present inside the mitochondria. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we report mitomiR let-7a regulates mitochondrial transcription in breast cancer cells and reprogram the metabolism accordingly. These effects were mediated through the interaction of let-7a with mtDNA, as studied by RNA pull-down assays, altering the activity of Complex I in a cell line-specific manner. Our study, for the first time, identifies the role of mitomiR (let-7a) in regulating the mitochondrial genome by transcriptional repression and its contribution to regulating mitochondrial metabolism of breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION These findings uncover a novel mechanism by which mitomiR regulates mitochondrial transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Sharma
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Vibhuti Sharma
- Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Nilambra Dogra
- Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Sandeep Singh
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India.
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Song F, Li F. MicroRNA-29a suppresses the growth of human cervical cancer cells by targeting cell division cycle 42 (CDC42). JOURNAL OF TAIBAH UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/16583655.2021.1991732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Song
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengshuang Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Sharma P, Singh S. Combinatorial Effect of DCA and Let-7a on Triple-Negative MDA-MB-231 Cells: A Metabolic Approach of Treatment. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735420911437. [PMID: 32248711 PMCID: PMC7136934 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420911437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dichloroacetate (DCA) is a metabolic modulator that inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and promotes the influx of pyruvate into the tricarboxylic acid cycle for complete oxidation of glucose. DCA stimulates oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) more than glycolysis by altering the morphology of the mitochondria and supports mitochondrial apoptosis. As a consequence, DCA induces apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. Recently, the role of miRNAs has been reported in regulating gene expression at the transcriptional level and also in reprogramming energy metabolism. In this article, we indicate that DCA treatment leads to the upregulation of let-7a expression, but DCA-induced cancer cell death is independent of let-7a. We observed that the combined effect of DCA and let-7a induces apoptosis, reduces reactive oxygen species generation and autophagy, and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis. This was later accompanied by stimulation of OXPHOS in combined treatment and was thus involved in metabolic reprogramming of MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandeep Singh
- Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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9
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Su Q, Xu Y, Cai R, Dai R, Yang X, Liu Y, Kong B. miR-146a inhibits mitochondrial dysfunction and myocardial infarction by targeting cyclophilin D. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 23:1258-1271. [PMID: 33717647 PMCID: PMC7907681 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases; however, their roles in ischemic heart disease remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that miR-146a is enriched in the mitochondrial fraction of cardiomyocytes, and its level significantly decreases after ischemic reperfusion (I/R) challenge. Cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of miR-146a aggravated myocardial infarction, apoptosis, and cardiac dysfunction induced by the I/R injury. Overexpression of miR-146a suppressed anoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway and increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. miR-146a overexpression also blocked mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and attenuated the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c leakage; meanwhile, miR-146a knockdown elicited the opposite effects. Additionally, miR-146a overexpression decreased cyclophilin D protein, not mRNA, expression. The luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-146a binds to the coding sequence of the cyclophilin D gene. Restoration of cyclophilin D reversed the inhibitory action of miR-146a on cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, cardiomyocyte-specific cyclophilin D deletion completely abolished the exacerbation of myocardial infarction and apoptosis observed in miR-146a cardiomyocyte-deficient mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that nuclear miR-146a translocates into the mitochondria and regulates mitochondrial function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our study unveils a novel role for miR-146a in ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Su
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuli Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Ruping Cai
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Rixin Dai
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiheng Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second People’s Hospital of Nanning City, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530031, Guangxi, China
| | - Binghui Kong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
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de la Cruz López KG, Toledo Guzmán ME, Sánchez EO, García Carrancá A. mTORC1 as a Regulator of Mitochondrial Functions and a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1373. [PMID: 31921637 PMCID: PMC6923780 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous proliferation of tumor cells requires constant adaptations of energy metabolism to rapidly fuel cell growth and division. This energetic adaptation often comprises deregulated glucose uptake and lactate production in the presence of oxygen, a process known as the "Warburg effect." For many years it was thought that the Warburg effect was a result of mitochondrial damage, however, unlike this proposal tumor cell mitochondria maintain their functionality, and is essential for integrating a variety of signals and adapting the metabolic activity of the tumor cell. The mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a master regulator of numerous cellular processes implicated in proliferation, metabolism, and cell growth. mTORC1 controls cellular metabolism mainly by regulating the translation and transcription of metabolic genes, such as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator-1 α (PGC-1α), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1/2 (SREBP1/2), and hypoxia inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α). Interestingly it has been shown that mTORC1 regulates mitochondrial metabolism, thus representing an important regulator in mitochondrial function. Here we present an overview on the role of mTORC1 in the regulation of mitochondrial functions in cancer, considering new evidences showing that mTORC1 regulates the translation of nucleus-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs that result in an increased ATP mitochondrial production. Moreover, we discuss the relationship between mTORC1 and glutaminolysis, as well as mitochondrial metabolites. In addition, mitochondrial fission processes regulated by mTORC1 and its impact on cancer are discussed. Finally, we also review the therapeutic efficacy of mTORC1 inhibitors in cancer treatments, considering its use in combination with other drugs, with particular focus on cellular metabolism inhibitors, that could help improve their anti neoplastic effect and eliminate cancer cells in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Griselda de la Cruz López
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Alejandro García Carrancá
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México & Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Alejandro García Carrancá
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