1
|
Sánchez ML, Mangas A, Coveñas R. Glioma and Peptidergic Systems: Oncogenic and Anticancer Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7990. [PMID: 39063232 PMCID: PMC11277022 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioma cells overexpress different peptide receptors that are useful for research, diagnosis, management, and treatment of the disease. Oncogenic peptides favor the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells, as well as angiogenesis, whereas anticancer peptides exert antiproliferative, antimigration, and anti-angiogenic effects against gliomas. Other peptides exert a dual effect on gliomas, that is, both proliferative and antiproliferative actions. Peptidergic systems are therapeutic targets, as peptide receptor antagonists/peptides or peptide receptor agonists can be administered to treat gliomas. Other anticancer strategies exerting beneficial effects against gliomas are discussed herein, and future research lines to be developed for gliomas are also suggested. Despite the large amount of data supporting the involvement of peptides in glioma progression, no anticancer drugs targeting peptidergic systems are currently available in clinical practice to treat gliomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Lisardo Sánchez
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla and León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Arturo Mangas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla and León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla and León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Grupo GIR USAL-BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ebrahimi S, Mirzavi F, Hashemy SI, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Stummer W, Gorji A. The in vitro anti-cancer synergy of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, aprepitant, and 5-aminolevulinic acid in glioblastoma. Biofactors 2023; 49:900-911. [PMID: 37092793 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant type of cerebral neoplasm in adults with a poor prognosis. Currently, combination therapy with different anti-cancer agents is at the forefront of GBM research. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the potential anti-cancer synergy of a clinically approved neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, aprepitant, and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), a prodrug that elicits fluorescent porphyrins in gliomas on U-87 human GBM cells. We found that aprepitant and 5-ALA effectively inhibited GBM cell viability. The combinatorial treatment of these drugs exerted potent synergistic growth inhibitory effects on GBM cells. Moreover, aprepitant and 5-ALA induced apoptosis and altered the levels of apoptotic genes (up-regulation of Bax and P53 along with downregulation of Bcl-2). Furthermore, aprepitant and 5-ALA increased the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, a highly pro-apoptotic and fluorescent photosensitizer. Aprepitant and 5-ALA significantly inhibited GBM cell migration and reduced matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activities. Importantly, all these effects were more prominent following aprepitant-5-ALA combination treatment than either drug alone. Collectively, the combination of aprepitant and 5-ALA leads to considerable synergistic anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-migratory effects on GBM cells and provides a firm basis for further evaluation of this combination as a novel therapeutic approach for GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Safieh Ebrahimi
- Epilepsy Research Center, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farshad Mirzavi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Isaac Hashemy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Walter Stummer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Ali Gorji
- Epilepsy Research Center, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Erin N, Szallasi A. Carcinogenesis and Metastasis: Focus on TRPV1-Positive Neurons and Immune Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:983. [PMID: 37371563 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Both sensory neurons and immune cells, albeit at markedly different levels, express the vanilloid (capsaicin) receptor, Transient Receptor Potential, Vanilloid-1 (TRPV1). Activation of TRPV1 channels in sensory afferent nerve fibers induces local effector functions by releasing neuropeptides (most notably, substance P) which, in turn, trigger neurogenic inflammation. There is good evidence that chronic activation or inactivation of this inflammatory pathway can modify tumor growth and metastasis. TRPV1 expression was also demonstrated in a variety of mammalian immune cells, including lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Therefore, the effects of TRPV1 agonists and antagonists may vary depending on the prominent cell type(s) activated and/or inhibited. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of TRPV1 activity on immune cells and nerve endings in distinct locations is necessary to predict the outcome of therapies targeting TRPV1 channels. Here, we review the neuro-immune modulation of cancer growth and metastasis, with focus on the consequences of TRPV1 activation in nerve fibers and immune cells. Lastly, the potential use of TRPV1 modulators in cancer therapy is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuray Erin
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Turkey
- Immuno-Pharmacology and Immuno-Oncology Unit, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Arpad Szallasi
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
An Overview of the Molecular Cues and Their Intracellular Signaling Shared by Cancer and the Nervous System: From Neurotransmitters to Synaptic Proteins, Anatomy of an All-Inclusive Cooperation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314695. [PMID: 36499024 PMCID: PMC9739679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314695] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose an overview of the molecular cues and their intracellular signaling involved in the crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system. While "cancer neuroscience" as a field is still in its infancy, the relation between cancer and the nervous system has been known for a long time, and a huge body of experimental data provides evidence that tumor-nervous system connections are widespread. They encompass different mechanisms at different tumor progression steps, are multifaceted, and display some intriguing analogies with the nervous system's physiological processes. Overall, we can say that many of the paradigmatic "hallmarks of cancer" depicted by Weinberg and Hanahan are affected by the nervous system in a variety of manners.
Collapse
|
5
|
Neurotransmitters: Potential Targets in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163970. [PMID: 36010960 PMCID: PMC9406056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163970] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aiming to discover potential treatments for GBM, this review connects emerging research on the roles of neurotransmitters in the normal neural and the GBM microenvironments and sheds light on the prospects of their application in the neuropharmacology of GBM. Conventional therapy is blamed for its poor effect, especially in inhibiting tumor recurrence and invasion. Facing this dilemma, we focus on neurotransmitters that modulate GBM initiation, progression and invasion, hoping to provide novel therapy targeting GBM. By analyzing research concerning GBM therapy systematically and scientifically, we discover increasing insights into the regulatory effects of neurotransmitters, some of which have already shown great potential in research in vivo or in vitro. After that, we further summarize the potential drugs in correlation with previously published research. In summary, it is worth expecting that targeting neurotransmitters could be a promising novel pharmacological approach for GBM treatment. Abstract For decades, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a type of the most lethal brain tumor, has remained a formidable challenge in terms of its treatment. Recently, many novel discoveries have underlined the regulatory roles of neurotransmitters in the microenvironment both physiologically and pathologically. By targeting the receptors synaptically or non-synaptically, neurotransmitters activate multiple signaling pathways. Significantly, many ligands acting on neurotransmitter receptors have shown great potential for inhibiting GBM growth and development, requiring further research. Here, we provide an overview of the most novel advances concerning the role of neurotransmitters in the normal neural and the GBM microenvironments, and discuss potential targeted drugs used for GBM treatment.
Collapse
|
6
|
The Neurokinin-1 Receptor Is Essential for the Viability of Human Glioma Cells: A Possible Target for Treating Glioblastoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6291504. [PMID: 35434136 PMCID: PMC9006081 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6291504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma or glioma is the most common malignant brain tumor. Patients have a prognosis of approximately 15 months, despite the current aggressive treatment. Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) occurs naturally in human glioma, and it is necessary for the tumor development. Objective The purpose of the study was to increase the knowledge about the involvement of the substance P (SP)/NK-1R system in human glioma. Methods Cellular localization of NK-1R and SP was studied in GAMG and U-87 MG glioma cell lines by immunofluorescence. The contribution of both SP and NK-1R to the viability of these cells was also assessed after applying the tachykinin 1 receptor (TAC1R) or the tachykinin 1 (TAC1) small interfering RNA gene silencing method, respectively. Results Both SP and the NK-1R (full-length and truncated isoforms) were localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of GAMG and U-87 MG glioma cells. The presence of full-length NK-1R isoform was mainly observed in the nucleus, while the level of truncated isoform was higher in the cytoplasm. Cell proliferation was decreased when glioma cells were transfected with TAC1R siRNA, but not with TAC1. U-87 MG cells were more sensitive to the effect of the TAC1R inhibition than GAMG cells. The decrease in the number of glioma cells after silencing of the TAC1R siRNA gene was due to apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms. In human primary fibroblast cultured cells, TAC1R silencing by siRNA did not produce any change in cell viability. Conclusions Our results show for the first time that the expression of the TAC1R gene (NK-1R) is essential for the viability of GAMG and U-87 MG glioma cells. On the contrary, the TAC1R gene is not essential for the viability of normal cells, confirming that NK-1R could be a promising and specific therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.
Collapse
|
7
|
The Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist Aprepitant, a New Drug for the Treatment of Hematological Malignancies: Focus on Acute Myeloid Leukemia. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061659. [PMID: 32492831 PMCID: PMC7355887 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061659] [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: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy. To treat the disease successfully, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. One of these strategies can be the use of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) antagonists (e.g., aprepitant), because the substance P (SP)/NK-1R system is involved in cancer progression, including AML. AML patients show an up-regulation of the NK-1R mRNA expression; human AML cell lines show immunoreactivity for both SP and the NK-1R (it is overexpressed: the truncated isoform is more expressed than the full-length form) and, via this receptor, SP and NK-1R antagonists (aprepitant, in a concentration-dependent manner) respectively exert a proliferative action or an antileukemic effect (apoptotic mechanisms are triggered by promoting oxidative stress via mitochondrial Ca++ overload). Aprepitant inhibits the formation of AML cell colonies and, in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, is more effective in inducing cytotoxic effects and AML cell growth blockade. NK-1R antagonists also exert an antinociceptive effect in myeloid leukemia-induced bone pain. The antitumor effect of aprepitant is diminished when the NF-κB pathway is overactivated and the damage induced by aprepitant in cancer cells is higher than that exerted in non-cancer cells. Thus, the SP/NK-1R system is involved in AML, and aprepitant is a promising antitumor strategy against this hematological malignancy. In this review, the involvement of this system in solid and non-solid tumors (in particular in AML) is updated and the use of aprepitant as an anti-leukemic strategy for the treatment of AML is also mentioned (a dose of aprepitant (>20 mg/kg/day) for a period of time according to the response to treatment is suggested). Aprepitant is currently used in clinical practice as an anti-nausea medication.
Collapse
|
8
|
Javid H, Mohammadi F, Zahiri E, Hashemy SI. The emerging role of substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor signaling pathways in growth and development of tumor cells. J Physiol Biochem 2019; 75:415-421. [PMID: 31372898 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-019-00697-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tachykinins (TKs) include an evolutionarily conserved group of small bio-active peptides which possess a common carboxyl-terminal sequence, Phe-X-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2. TKs also have been shown to have implications in different steps of carcinogenesis, such as angiogenesis, mitogenesis, metastasis, and other growth-related events. The biological actions of substance P (SP), as the most important member of the TK family, are mainly mediated through a G protein-coupled receptor named neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R). More recently, it has become clear that SP/NK1R system is involved in the initiation and activation of signaling pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Therefore, SP may contribute to triggering a variety of effector mechanisms including protein synthesis and a number of transcription factors that modulate the expression of genes involved in these processes. The overwhelming insights into the blockage of NK1R using specific antagonists could suggest a therapeutic approach in cancer therapy. In this review, we focus on evidence supporting an association between the signaling pathways of the SP/NK1R system and cancer cell proliferation and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Javid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fariba Mohammadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elnaz Zahiri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Isaac Hashemy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|