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Wang N, Wang B, Maswikiti EP, Yu Y, Song K, Ma C, Han X, Ma H, Deng X, Yu R, Chen H. AMPK-a key factor in crosstalk between tumor cell energy metabolism and immune microenvironment? Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:237. [PMID: 38762523 PMCID: PMC11102436 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02011-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has now garnered significant attention as an essential component in cancer therapy during this new era. However, due to immune tolerance, immunosuppressive environment, tumor heterogeneity, immune escape, and other factors, the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy has been limited with its application to very small population size. Energy metabolism not only affects tumor progression but also plays a crucial role in immune escape. Tumor cells are more metabolically active and need more energy and nutrients to maintain their growth, which causes the surrounding immune cells to lack glucose, oxygen, and other nutrients, with the result of decreased immune cell activity and increased immunosuppressive cells. On the other hand, immune cells need to utilize multiple metabolic pathways, for instance, cellular respiration, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways to maintain their activity and normal function. Studies have shown that there is a significant difference in the energy expenditure of immune cells in the resting and activated states. Notably, competitive uptake of glucose is the main cause of impaired T cell function. Conversely, glutamine competition often affects the activation of most immune cells and the transformation of CD4+T cells into inflammatory subtypes. Excessive metabolite lactate often impairs the function of NK cells. Furthermore, the metabolite PGE2 also often inhibits the immune response by inhibiting Th1 differentiation, B cell function, and T cell activation. Additionally, the transformation of tumor-suppressive M1 macrophages into cancer-promoting M2 macrophages is influenced by energy metabolism. Therefore, energy metabolism is a vital factor and component involved in the reconstruction of the tumor immune microenvironment. Noteworthy and vital is that not only does the metabolic program of tumor cells affect the antigen presentation and recognition of immune cells, but also the metabolic program of immune cells affects their own functions, ultimately leading to changes in tumor immune function. Metabolic intervention can not only improve the response of immune cells to tumors, but also increase the immunogenicity of tumors, thereby expanding the population who benefit from immunotherapy. Consequently, identifying metabolic crosstalk molecules that link tumor energy metabolism and immune microenvironment would be a promising anti-tumor immune strategy. AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase in eukaryotes, serving as the central regulator of metabolic pathways. The sequential activation of AMPK and its associated signaling cascades profoundly impacts the dynamic alterations in tumor cell bioenergetics. By modulating energy metabolism and inflammatory responses, AMPK exerts significant influence on tumor cell development, while also playing a pivotal role in tumor immunotherapy by regulating immune cell activity and function. Furthermore, AMPK-mediated inflammatory response facilitates the recruitment of immune cells to the tumor microenvironment (TIME), thereby impeding tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. AMPK, as the link between cell energy homeostasis, tumor bioenergetics, and anti-tumor immunity, will have a significant impact on the treatment and management of oncology patients. That being summarized, the main objective of this review is to pinpoint the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy by regulating the energy metabolism of the tumor immune microenvironment and to provide guidance for the development of new immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Bofang Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Ewetse Paul Maswikiti
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Yang Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Kewei Song
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Chenhui Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Xiaowen Han
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Huanhuan Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Xiaobo Deng
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Rong Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Hao Chen
- The Department of Tumor Surgery, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Oncology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China.
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Ray SK, Mukherjee S. Hyperoxic-hypoxic Paradox: Breast Cancer Microenvironment and an Innovative Treatment Strategy. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:729-732. [PMID: 38415470 DOI: 10.2174/0118715206290816240220062545] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
A small therapeutic range of oxygen is required for effective metabolism. As a result, hypoxia (low oxygen concentration) is one of the most potent inducers of gene expression, metabolic alterations, and regenerative processes, such as angiogenesis, stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The cellular response is controlled by sensing the increased oxygen levels (hyperoxia) or hypoxia via specific chemoreceptor cells. Surprisingly, changes in free oxygen concentration instead of absolute oxygen levels may be regarded as a deficiency of oxygen at the cellular level. Recurrent intermittent hyperoxia may trigger many mediators of cellular pathways typically generated during hypoxia. The dilemma of hyperoxic-hypoxic conditions is known as the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox. According to the latest data, the hypoxic microenvironment, crucial during cancer formation, has been demonstrated to play a key role in regulating breast cancer growth and metastasis. Hypoxic circumstances cause breast cancer cells to respond in a variety of ways. Transcription factors are identified as hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) that have been suggested to be a factor in the pathobiology of breast cancer and a possible therapeutic target, driving the cellular response to hypoxia. Breast cancer has a dismal prognosis due to a high level of resistance to practically all well-known cancer management that has been related to hypoxia-based interactions between tumor cells and the stromal milieu. We attempt to review the enigma by exploring the starring roles of HIFs in breast cancer, the HIF paradox, and the hyperoxic-hypoxic enigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Kumar Ray
- Independent Researcher, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462020, India
| | - Sukhes Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Science, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462020, India
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Hu J, Liu Q, Feng B, Lu Y, Chen K. Deciphering the Hypoxia-immune interface in esophageal squamous carcinoma: a prognostic network model. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1296814. [PMID: 38148838 PMCID: PMC10751000 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1296814] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The rapid progress and poor prognosis of the exercise of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCA) bring great challenges to the treatment. Hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment has become a key factor in the pathogenesis of tumors. However, due to the lack of clear therapeutic targets, hypoxia targeted therapy of ESCA is still in the exploratory stage. Methods To bridge this critical gap, we mined a large number of gene expression profiles and clinical data on ESCA from public databases. First, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and functional enrichment analysis were performed. We next delved into the relationship between hypoxia and apoptotic cell interactions. Meanwhile, using LASAS-Cox regression, we designed a robust prognostic risk score, which was subsequently validated in the GSE53625 cohort. In addition, we performed a comprehensive analysis of immune cell infiltration and tumor microenvironment using cutting-edge computational tools. Results Hypoxia-related genes were identified and classified by WGCNA. Functional enrichment analysis further elucidated the mechanism by which hypoxia affected the ESCA landscape. The results of the interaction analysis of hypoxia and apoptotic cells revealed their important roles in driving tumor progression. The validation results of the prognostic risk score model in the GSE53625 cohort obtained a good area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the risk score was independently verified as a significant predictor of ESCA outcome. The results of immune cell infiltration and tumor microenvironment analysis reveal the profound impact of immune cell dynamics on tumor evolution. Conclusion Overall, our study presents a pioneering hypoxiacentered gene signature for prognostication in ESCA, providing valuable prognostic insights that could potentially revolutionize patient stratification and therapeutic management in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology of The Eastern Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qilong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology of The Eastern Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bi Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology of The Eastern Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology of The Eastern Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology of The Eastern Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Ray SK, Mukherjee S. Hypoxia-Inducible Factors-Based Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Breast Cancer with More Cancer Susceptibility. Curr Mol Med 2023; 23:285-288. [PMID: 35570541 DOI: 10.2174/1566524022666220513124853] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are a collection of transcriptional factors that engage in the regulation of oxygen homeostasis. They are hypoxia-responsive stress factors whose expression is linked to tumor growth and angiogenesis. HIF is a crucial player in the progression of breast cancer. Patients with high levels of hypoxia-inducible HIFs in their primary tumor biopsies had a higher chance of metastasis, the leading cause of breast cancer-related death. HIF polymorphisms have been shown in several epidemiological studies to influence breast cancer susceptibility. In the oxygendependent degradation domain, several short nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the HIF gene have been connected with higher HIF activity. To find SNP that make up the genetic diversity that underpins the phenotypic difference found between individuals in their susceptibility to cancer and the course of their disease, researchers used a variety of potential pathway-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Kumar Ray
- Independent Researcher, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462020, India
| | - Sukhes Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462020. India
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Golhani V, Ray SK, Mukherjee S. Role of MicroRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Regulating Angiogenesis in Human Breast Cancer- A Molecular Medicine Perspective. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:882-893. [PMID: 34923940 DOI: 10.2174/1566524022666211217114527] [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: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are proficient in regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. Considering the recent trend in exploiting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as cancer therapeutics, the potential use of miRNAs and lncRNAs as biomarkers and novel therapeutic agents against angiogenesis is an important scientific aspect. An estimated 70% of the genome is actively transcribed, only 2% of which codes for known protein-coding genes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a large and diverse class of RNAs > 200 nucleotides in length, and not translated into protein, and are of utmost importance and it governs the expression of genes in a temporal, spatial, and cell context-dependent manner. Angiogenesis is an essential process for organ morphogenesis and growth during development, and it is relevant during the repair of wounded tissue in adults. It is coordinated by an equilibrium of pro-and anti-angiogenic factors; nevertheless, when affected, it promotes several diseases, including breast cancer. Signaling pathways involved here are tightly controlled systems that regulate the appropriate timing of gene expression required for the differentiation of cells down a particular lineage essential for proper tissue development. Lately, scientific reports are indicating that ncRNAs, such as miRNAs, and lncRNAs, play critical roles in angiogenesis related to breast cancer. The specific roles of various miRNAs and lncRNAs in regulating angiogenesis in breast cancer, with particular focus on the downstream targets and signaling pathways regulated by these ncRNAs with molecular medicine perspective, are highlighted in this write-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Golhani
- Department of Biochemistry. All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462020, India
| | | | - Sukhes Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry. All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462020, India
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