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Min-Jeong K, Akula HK, Marden J, Li K, Hu B, Vaska P, Qu W. The potential utility of (2S,4R)-4-[18F] fluoroglutamine as a novel metabolic imaging marker for inflammation explored by rat models of arthritis and paw edema. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4493375. [PMID: 38947024 PMCID: PMC11213212 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4493375/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Purpose (2S,4R)-4-[18F]fluoroglutamine ([18F]FGln) is a promising metabolic imaging marker in cancer. Based on the fact that major inflammatory cells are heavily dependent on glutamine metabolism like cancer cells, we explored the potential utility of [18F]FGln as a metabolic imaging marker for inflammation in two rat models: carrageenan-induced paw edema (CIPE) and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Procedures The CIPE model (n = 4) was generated by injecting 200 μL of 3% carrageenan solution into the left hind paw three hours before the PET. The CIA model (n = 4) was generated by injecting 200 μg of collagen emulsion subcutaneously at the tail base 3-4 weeks before the PET. A qualitative scoring system was used to assess the severity of paw inflammation. After a CT scan, 15.7 ± 4.9 MBq of [18F]FGln was injected via the tail vein, followed by a dynamic micro-PET scan for 90 minutes under anesthesia with isoflurane. The standard uptake value of [18F]FGln was measured by placing a volume of interest in each paw. The non-injected right hind paws of the CIPE model rats served as controls for both models. The paws with CIA were pathologically examined after PET. Results In CIPE models, uptake in the injected paw was higher compared to the non-injected paw by 52-83%. In CIA models, uptake in the paws with severe inflammation was higher than the averaged controls by 54-173%, while that with mild and no inflammation was slightly higher (33%) and lower (-7%), respectively. Combined overall, the [18F]FGln uptake in CIA showed a significant positive correlation with inflammation severity (r = 0.88, P = 0.009). The pathological findings confirmed profound inflammation in CIA. Conclusions [18F]FGln uptake was increased in both acute and chronic inflammation, and the uptake level was significantly correlated with the severity, suggesting its potential utility as a novel metabolic imaging marker for inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Min-Jeong
- Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine: Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine
| | - Hari K Akula
- Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine: Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine
| | - Jocelyn Marden
- Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine: Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine
| | | | - Bao Hu
- Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine: Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine
| | - Paul Vaska
- Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine: Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine
| | - Wenchao Qu
- Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine: Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine
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2
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Pantel AR, Bae SW, Li EJ, O'Brien SR, Manning HC. PET Imaging of Metabolism, Perfusion, and Hypoxia: FDG and Beyond. Cancer J 2024; 30:159-169. [PMID: 38753750 PMCID: PMC11101148 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000716] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Imaging glucose metabolism with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography has transformed the diagnostic and treatment algorithms of numerous malignancies in clinical practice. The cancer phenotype, though, extends beyond dysregulation of this single pathway. Reprogramming of other pathways of metabolism, as well as altered perfusion and hypoxia, also typifies malignancy. These features provide other opportunities for imaging that have been developed and advanced into humans. In this review, we discuss imaging metabolism, perfusion, and hypoxia in cancer, focusing on the underlying biology to provide context. We conclude by highlighting the ability to image multiple facets of biology to better characterize cancer and guide targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin R Pantel
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Seong-Woo Bae
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Elizabeth J Li
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sophia R O'Brien
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - H Charles Manning
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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3
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Liu S, Liu F, Hou X, Zhang Q, Ren Y, Zhu H, Yang Z, Xu X. KRAS Mutation Detection with (2 S,4 R)-4-[ 18F]FGln for Noninvasive PDAC Diagnosis. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2034-2042. [PMID: 38456403 PMCID: PMC10989612 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00082] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which has a poor prognosis and nonspecific symptoms and progresses rapidly, is the most common pancreatic cancer type. Inhibitors targeting KRAS G12D and G12C mutations have been pivotal in PDAC treatment. Cancer cells with different KRAS mutations exhibit various degrees of glutamine dependency; in particular, cells with KRAS G12D mutations exhibit increased glutamine uptake. (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FGln has recently been developed for clinical cancer diagnosis and tumor cell metabolism analysis. Thus, we verified the heterogeneity of glutamine dependency in PDAC models with different KRAS mutations by a visual and noninvasive method with (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FGln. Two tumor-bearing mouse models (bearing the KRAS G12D or G12C mutation) were injected with (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FGln, and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging features and biodistribution were observed and analyzed. The SUVmax in the regions of interest (ROI) was significantly higher in PANC-1 (G12D) tumors than in MIA PaCa-2 (G12C) tumors. Biodistribution analysis revealed higher tumor accumulation of (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FGln and other metrics, such as T/M and T/B, in the PANC-1 mouse models compared to those in the MIAPaCa-2 mouse models. In conclusion, PDAC cells with the KRAS G12D and G12C mutations exhibit various degrees of (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FGln uptake, indicating that (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FGln might be applied to detect KRAS G12C and G12D mutations and provide treatment guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xingguo Hou
- State Key Laboratory
of Holistic
Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory
of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory
for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical
Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory
of Holistic
Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory
of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory
for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical
Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Ya’nan Ren
- State Key Laboratory
of Holistic
Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory
of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory
for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical
Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory
of Holistic
Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory
of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory
for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical
Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- State Key Laboratory
of Holistic
Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory
of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory
for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical
Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- State Key Laboratory
of Holistic
Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory
of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory
for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical
Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
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Huang S, Ren L, Beck JA, Phelps TE, Olkowski C, Ton A, Roy J, White ME, Adler S, Wong K, Cherukuri A, Zhang X, Basuli F, Choyke PL, Jagoda EM, LeBlanc AK. Exploration of Imaging Biomarkers for Metabolically-Targeted Osteosarcoma Therapy in a Murine Xenograft Model. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2023; 38:475-485. [PMID: 37253167 PMCID: PMC10623067 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2022.0090] [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] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive pediatric cancer with unmet therapeutic needs. Glutaminase 1 (GLS1) inhibition, alone and in combination with metformin, disrupts the bioenergetic demands of tumor progression and metastasis, showing promise for clinical translation. Materials and Methods: Three positron emission tomography (PET) clinical imaging agents, [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-2-D-glucose ([18F]FDG), 3'-[18F]fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine ([18F]FLT), and (2S, 4R)-4-[18F]fluoroglutamine ([18F]GLN), were evaluated in the MG63.3 human OS xenograft mouse model, as companion imaging biomarkers after treatment for 7 d with a selective GLS1 inhibitor (CB-839, telaglenastat) and metformin, alone and in combination. Imaging and biodistribution data were collected from tumors and reference tissues before and after treatment. Results: Drug treatment altered tumor uptake of all three PET agents. Relative [18F]FDG uptake decreased significantly after telaglenastat treatment, but not within control and metformin-only groups. [18F]FLT tumor uptake appears to be negatively affected by tumor size. Evidence of a flare effect was seen with [18F]FLT imaging after treatment. Telaglenastat had a broad influence on [18F]GLN uptake in tumor and normal tissues. Conclusions: Image-based tumor volume quantification is recommended for this paratibial tumor model. The performance of [18F]FLT and [18F]GLN was affected by tumor size. [18F]FDG may be useful in detecting telaglenastat's impact on glycolysis. Exploration of kinetic tracer uptake protocols is needed to define clinically relevant patterns of [18F]GLN uptake in patients receiving telaglenastat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Huang
- Comparative Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ling Ren
- Comparative Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessica A. Beck
- Comparative Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tim E. Phelps
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Colleen Olkowski
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anita Ton
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jyoti Roy
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Margaret E. White
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen Adler
- Clinical Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Karen Wong
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aswini Cherukuri
- Comparative Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Chemistry and Synthesis Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Falguni Basuli
- Chemistry and Synthesis Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter L. Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elaine M. Jagoda
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy K. LeBlanc
- Comparative Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Li J, Ni B, Yu X, Wang C, Li L, Zhou Y, Gu Y, Huang G, Hou J, Liu J, Chen Y. Metabolic kinetic modeling of [ 11C]methionine based on total-body PET in multiple myeloma. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:2683-2691. [PMID: 37039900 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06219-y] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disease characterized by the secretion of monoclonal immunoglobulins and has a high demand for amino acids. [11C]methionine total-body PET is capable of noninvasive dynamic monitoring of radiotracer in vivo, thus providing a way to reveal the dynamic changes of myeloma metabolism. This study aims to analyze the metabolic process of [11C]methionine based on kinetic modeling, and to preliminary reveal its application value in MM. METHODS Dynamic total-body [11C]methionine PET/CT was conducted with uEXPLORER in 12 subjects (9 MM patients and 3 controls). The tissue time activity curves (TACs) of organs and bone marrows were extracted. Model fitting of TACs was operated using PMOD Kinetic Modeling. After validation by Goodness of fit (GOF), the reversible two-tissue compartment model (2T4k) was used to further analysis. R software was used to analyze the correlation between kinetic parameters and clinical indicators. RESULTS The 2T4k has passed the criterion of GOF and was used to fit the data of 0-20 minutes. The [11C]methionine net uptake rate (Ki) was significantly higher in the MM lesions than in the non-myeloma controls (control: 0.040±0.007 mL/g/min, MM: 0.171±0.108 mL/g/min, p=0.009). The Ki values were found to be correlated with M protein levels in MM patients. MM patients with t(4;14) translocations had an elevated k4 value compared with t(4;14) negative patients. CONCLUSION MM lesions have a propensity for uptake of [11C]methionine. The serum levels of M protein are correlated with [11C]methionine uptake rate in myeloma. Metabolic classification based on the k4 value may be a promising strategy for risk stratification in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Beiwen Ni
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lianghua Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Central Research Institute, United Imaging Healthcare Group Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Gu
- Central Research Institute, United Imaging Healthcare Group Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yumei Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Jiménez-Alonso JJ, López-Lázaro M. Dietary Manipulation of Amino Acids for Cancer Therapy. Nutrients 2023; 15:2879. [PMID: 37447206 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells cannot proliferate and survive unless they obtain sufficient levels of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids (AAs). Unlike normal cells, cancer cells have genetic and metabolic alterations that may limit their capacity to obtain adequate levels of the 20 AAs in challenging metabolic environments. However, since normal diets provide all AAs at relatively constant levels and ratios, these potentially lethal genetic and metabolic defects are eventually harmless to cancer cells. If we temporarily replace the normal diet of cancer patients with artificial diets in which the levels of specific AAs are manipulated, cancer cells may be unable to proliferate and survive. This article reviews in vivo studies that have evaluated the antitumor activity of diets restricted in or supplemented with the 20 proteinogenic AAs, individually and in combination. It also reviews our recent studies that show that manipulating the levels of several AAs simultaneously can lead to marked survival improvements in mice with metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel López-Lázaro
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
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Lovibond S, Gewirtz AN, Pasquini L, Krebs S, Graham MS. The promise of metabolic imaging in diffuse midline glioma. Neoplasia 2023; 39:100896. [PMID: 36944297 PMCID: PMC10036941 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100896] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Recent insights into histopathological and molecular subgroups of glioma have revolutionized the field of neuro-oncology by refining diagnostic categories. An emblematic example in pediatric neuro-oncology is the newly defined diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3 K27-altered. DMG represents a rare tumor with a dismal prognosis. The diagnosis of DMG is largely based on clinical presentation and characteristic features on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with biopsy limited by its delicate neuroanatomic location. Standard MRI remains limited in its ability to characterize tumor biology. Advanced MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging offer additional value as they enable non-invasive evaluation of molecular and metabolic features of brain tumors. These techniques have been widely used for tumor detection, metabolic characterization and treatment response monitoring of brain tumors. However, their role in the realm of pediatric DMG is nascent. By summarizing DMG metabolic pathways in conjunction with their imaging surrogates, we aim to elucidate the untapped potential of such imaging techniques in this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lovibond
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra N Gewirtz
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simone Krebs
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Radiochemistry and Imaging Sciences Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Maya S Graham
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Sponagel J, Jones JK, Frankfater C, Zhang S, Tung O, Cho K, Tinkum KL, Gass H, Nunez E, Spitz DR, Chinnaiyan P, Schaefer J, Patti GJ, Graham MS, Mauguen A, Grkovski M, Dunphy MP, Krebs S, Luo J, Rubin JB, Ippolito JE. Sex differences in brain tumor glutamine metabolism reveal sex-specific vulnerabilities to treatment. MED 2022; 3:792-811.e12. [PMID: 36108629 PMCID: PMC9669217 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain cancer incidence and mortality rates are greater in males. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie those sex differences could improve treatment strategies. Although sex differences in normal metabolism are well described, it is currently unknown whether they persist in cancerous tissue. METHODS Using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and mass spectrometry, we assessed sex differences in glioma metabolism in samples from affected individuals. We assessed the role of glutamine metabolism in male and female murine transformed astrocytes using isotope labeling, metabolic rescue experiments, and pharmacological and genetic perturbations to modulate pathway activity. FINDINGS We found that male glioblastoma surgical specimens are enriched for amino acid metabolites, including glutamine. Fluoroglutamine PET imaging analyses showed that gliomas in affected male individuals exhibit significantly higher glutamine uptake. These sex differences were well modeled in murine transformed astrocytes, in which male cells imported and metabolized more glutamine and were more sensitive to glutaminase 1 (GLS1) inhibition. The sensitivity to GLS1 inhibition in males was driven by their dependence on glutamine-derived glutamate for α-ketoglutarate synthesis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle replenishment. Females were resistant to GLS1 inhibition through greater pyruvate carboxylase (PC)-mediated TCA cycle replenishment, and knockdown of PC sensitized females to GLS1 inhibition. CONCLUSION Our results show that clinically important sex differences exist in targetable elements of metabolism. Recognition of sex-biased metabolism may improve treatments through further laboratory and clinical research. FUNDING This work was supported by NIH grants, Joshua's Great Things, the Siteman Investment Program, and the Barnard Research Fund.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Sponagel
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jill K Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Cheryl Frankfater
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Resource, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Olivia Tung
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kevin Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kelsey L Tinkum
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hannah Gass
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Elena Nunez
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Douglas R Spitz
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Prakash Chinnaiyan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA; Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI 48073, USA
| | - Jacob Schaefer
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Gary J Patti
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maya S Graham
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Audrey Mauguen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Milan Grkovski
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mark P Dunphy
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Simone Krebs
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jingqin Luo
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joshua B Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Joseph E Ippolito
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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9
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Lin M, Coll RP, Cohen AS, Georgiou DK, Manning HC. PET Oncological Radiopharmaceuticals: Current Status and Perspectives. Molecules 2022; 27:6790. [PMID: 36296381 PMCID: PMC9609795 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27206790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging is the visual representation of biological processes that take place at the cellular or molecular level in living organisms. To date, molecular imaging plays an important role in the transition from conventional medical practice to precision medicine. Among all imaging modalities, positron emission tomography (PET) has great advantages in sensitivity and the ability to obtain absolute imaging quantification after corrections for photon attenuation and scattering. Due to the ability to label a host of unique molecules of biological interest, including endogenous, naturally occurring substrates and drug-like compounds, the role of PET has been well established in the field of molecular imaging. In this article, we provide an overview of the recent advances in the development of PET radiopharmaceuticals and their clinical applications in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Lin
- Cyclotron Radiochemistry Facility, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Ryan P. Coll
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Allison S. Cohen
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dimitra K. Georgiou
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Henry Charles Manning
- Cyclotron Radiochemistry Facility, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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10
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[18F]-(2S,4R)4-Fluoroglutamine PET Imaging of Glutamine Metabolism in Murine Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Mol Imaging 2022; 2022:5185951. [PMID: 35967756 PMCID: PMC9351703 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5185951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Quantitative in vivo [18F]-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine ([18F]4-FGln or more simply [18F]FGln) metabolic kinetic parameters are compared with activity levels of glutamine metabolism in different types of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods For this study, we used two transgenic mouse models of HCC induced by protooncogenes, MYC, and MET. Biochemical data have shown that tumors induced by MYC have increased levels of glutamine metabolism compared to those induced by MET. One-hour dynamic [18F]FGln PET data were acquired and reconstructed for fasted MYC mice (n = 11 tumors from 7 animals), fasted MET mice (n = 8 tumors from 6 animals), fasted FVBN controls (n = 8 normal liver regions from 6 animals), nonfasted MYC mice (n = 16 tumors from 6 animals), and nonfasted FVBN controls (n = 8 normal liver regions from 3 animals). The influx rate constants (K1) using the one-tissue compartment model were derived for each tumor with the left ventricular blood pool input function. Results Influx rate constants were significantly higher for MYC tumors (K1 = 0.374 ± 0.133) than for MET tumors (K1 = 0.141 ± 0.058) under fasting conditions (P = 0.0002). Rate constants were also significantly lower for MET tumors (K1 = 0.141 ± 0.135) than normal livers (K1 = 0.332 ± 0.179) under fasting conditions (P = 0.0123). Fasting conditions tested for MYC tumors and normal livers did not result in any significant difference with P values > 0.005. Conclusion Higher influx rate constants corresponded to elevated levels of glutamine metabolism as determined by biochemical assays. The data showed that there is a distinctive difference in glutamine metabolism between MYC and MET tumors. Our study has demonstrated the potential of [18F]FGln PET imaging as a tool to assess glutamine metabolism in HCC tumors in vivo with a caution that it may not be able to clearly distinguish HCC tumors from normal liver tissue.
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11
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Cheng C, Geng F, Li Z, Zhong Y, Wang H, Cheng X, Zhao Y, Mo X, Horbinski C, Duan W, Chakravarti A, Cheng X, Guo D. Ammonia stimulates SCAP/Insig dissociation and SREBP-1 activation to promote lipogenesis and tumour growth. Nat Metab 2022; 4:575-588. [PMID: 35534729 PMCID: PMC9177652 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is associated with elevated glucose and glutamine consumption, but how cancer cells can sense their levels to activate lipid synthesis is unknown. Here, we reveal that ammonia, released from glutamine, promotes lipogenesis via activation of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), endoplasmic reticulum-bound transcription factors that play a central role in lipid metabolism. Ammonia activates the dissociation of glucose-regulated, N-glycosylated SREBP-cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) from insulin-inducible gene protein (Insig), an endoplasmic reticulum-retention protein, leading to SREBP translocation and lipogenic gene expression. Notably, 25-hydroxycholesterol blocks ammonia to access its binding site on SCAP. Mutating aspartate D428 to alanine prevents ammonia binding to SCAP, abolishes SREBP-1 activation and suppresses tumour growth. Our study characterizes the unknown role, opposite to sterols, of ammonia as a key activator that stimulates SCAP-Insig dissociation and SREBP-1 activation to promote tumour growth and demonstrates that SCAP is a critical sensor of glutamine, glucose and sterol levels to precisely control lipid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunming Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, and College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Feng Geng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, and College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zoe Li
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yaogang Zhong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, and College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Huabao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, and College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, and College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yue Zhao
- Bioinformatics Shared Resource Group, Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiaokui Mo
- Biostatistic Center and Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Craig Horbinski
- Departments of Pathology and Neurosurgery, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wenrui Duan
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at the Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Arnab Chakravarti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, and College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiaolin Cheng
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Translational Data Analytics Institute (TDAI) at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Deliang Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, and College of Medicine at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Center for Cancer Metabolism, James Comprehensive Cancer Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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12
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van Genugten EAJ, Weijers JAM, Heskamp S, Kneilling M, van den Heuvel MM, Piet B, Bussink J, Hendriks LEL, Aarntzen EHJG. Imaging the Rewired Metabolism in Lung Cancer in Relation to Immune Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 11:786089. [PMID: 35070990 PMCID: PMC8779734 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.786089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Alterations in the micro-environmental metabolic characteristics are recognized as important tools for cancer cells to interact with the resident and infiltrating T-cells within this tumor microenvironment. Cancer-induced metabolic changes in the micro-environment also affect treatment outcomes. In particular, immune therapy efficacy might be blunted because of somatic mutation-driven metabolic determinants of lung cancer such as acidity and oxygenation status. Based on these observations, new onco-immunological treatment strategies increasingly include drugs that interfere with metabolic pathways that consequently affect the composition of the lung cancer tumor microenvironment (TME). Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has developed a wide array of tracers targeting metabolic pathways, originally intended to improve cancer detection and staging. Paralleling the developments in understanding metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, as well as its effects on stromal, immune, and endothelial cells, a wave of studies with additional imaging tracers has been published. These tracers are yet underexploited in the perspective of immune therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of currently available PET tracers for clinical studies and discuss their potential roles in the development of effective immune therapeutic strategies, with a focus on lung cancer. We report on ongoing efforts that include PET/CT to understand the outcomes of interactions between cancer cells and T-cells in the lung cancer microenvironment, and we identify areas of research which are yet unchartered. Thereby, we aim to provide a starting point for molecular imaging driven studies to understand and exploit metabolic features of lung cancer to optimize immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien A J van Genugten
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc), Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jetty A M Weijers
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc), Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sandra Heskamp
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc), Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Manfred Kneilling
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Berber Piet
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Johan Bussink
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboudumc, Netherlands
| | - Lizza E L Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre (UMC), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Erik H J G Aarntzen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc), Nijmegen, Netherlands
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13
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Halama A, Suhre K. Advancing Cancer Treatment by Targeting Glutamine Metabolism—A Roadmap. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030553. [PMID: 35158820 PMCID: PMC8833671 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dysregulated glutamine metabolism is one of the metabolic features evident in cancer cells when compared to normal cells. Cancer cells utilize glutamine for energy generation as well as the synthesis of other molecules that are critical for cancer growth and progression. Therefore, drugs targeting glutamine metabolism have been extensively investigated. However, inhibition of glutamine metabolism in cancer cells results in the activation of other metabolic pathways enabling cancer cells to survive. In this review, we summarize and discuss the targets in glutamine metabolism, which has been probed in the development of anticancer drugs in preclinical and clinical studies. We further discuss pathways activated in response to glutamine metabolism inhibition, enabling cancer cells to survive the challenge. Finally, we put into perspective combined treatment strategies targeting glutamine metabolism along with other pathways as potential treatment options. Abstract Tumor growth and metastasis strongly depend on adapted cell metabolism. Cancer cells adjust their metabolic program to their specific energy needs and in response to an often challenging tumor microenvironment. Glutamine metabolism is one of the metabolic pathways that can be successfully targeted in cancer treatment. The dependence of many hematological and solid tumors on glutamine is associated with mitochondrial glutaminase (GLS) activity that enables channeling of glutamine into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, generation of ATP and NADPH, and regulation of glutathione homeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Small molecules that target glutamine metabolism through inhibition of GLS therefore simultaneously limit energy availability and increase oxidative stress. However, some cancers can reprogram their metabolism to evade this metabolic trap. Therefore, the effectiveness of treatment strategies that rely solely on glutamine inhibition is limited. In this review, we discuss the metabolic and molecular pathways that are linked to dysregulated glutamine metabolism in multiple cancer types. We further summarize and review current clinical trials of glutaminolysis inhibition in cancer patients. Finally, we put into perspective strategies that deploy a combined treatment targeting glutamine metabolism along with other molecular or metabolic pathways and discuss their potential for clinical applications.
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14
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PET/MR Imaging of a Lung Metastasis Model of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma with (2S,4R)-4-[ 18F]Fluoroglutamine. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:959-972. [PMID: 35732988 PMCID: PMC9681699 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-022-01747-9] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metabolic reprogramming plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Currently, positron emission tomography (PET) reporters are not used clinically to visualize altered glutamine metabolism in ccRCC, which greatly hinders detection, staging, and real-time therapeutic assessment. We sought to determine if (2S,4R)-4-[18F]fluoroglutamine ([18F]FGln) could be used to interrogate altered glutamine metabolism in ccRCC lesions in the lung. PROCEDURES We generated a novel ccRCC lung lesion model using the ccRCC cell line UMRC3 stably transfected with GFP and luciferase constructs. This cell line was used for characterization of [18F]FGln uptake and retention by transport analysis in cell culture and by PET/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in animal models. Tumor growth in animal models was monitored using bioluminescence (BLI) and MRI. After necropsy, UMRC3 tumor growth in lung tissue was verified by fluorescence imaging and histology. RESULTS In UMRC3 cells, [18F]FGln cell uptake was twofold higher than cell uptake in normal kidney HEK293 cells. Tracer cell uptake was reduced by 60-90% in the presence of excess glutamine in the media and by 20-50% upon treatment with V-9302, an inhibitor of the major glutamine transporter alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2). Furthermore, in UMRC3 cells, [18F]FGln cell uptake was reduced by siRNA knockdown of ASCT2 to levels obtained by the addition of excess exogenous glutamine. Conversely, [18F]FGln cellular uptake was increased in the presence of the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839. Using simultaneous PET/MRI for visualization, retention of [18F]FGln in vivo in ccRCC lung tumors was 1.5-fold greater than normal lung tissue and twofold greater than muscle. In ccRCC lung tumors, [18F]FGln retention did not change significantly upon treatment with CB-839. CONCLUSIONS We report one of the first direct orthotopic mouse models of ccRCC lung lesions. Using PET/MR imaging, lung tumors were easily discerned from normal tissue. Higher uptake of [18F]FGln was observed in a ccRCC cell line and lung lesions compared to HEK293 cells and normal lung tissue, respectively. [18F]FGln cell uptake was modulated by exogenous glutamine, V-9302, siRNA knockdown of ASCT2, and CB-839. Interestingly, in a pilot therapeutic study with CB-839, we observed no difference in treated tumors relative to untreated controls. This was in contrast with cellular studies, where CB-839 increased glutamine uptake.
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15
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Emberley E, Pan A, Chen J, Dang R, Gross M, Huang T, Li W, MacKinnon A, Singh D, Sotirovska N, Steggerda SM, Wang T, Parlati F. The glutaminase inhibitor telaglenastat enhances the antitumor activity of signal transduction inhibitors everolimus and cabozantinib in models of renal cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259241. [PMID: 34731180 PMCID: PMC8565744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated metabolism is a hallmark of cancer that manifests through alterations in bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways to enable tumor cell proliferation and survival. Tumor cells exhibit high rates of glycolysis, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect, and an increase in glutamine consumption to support the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumors express high levels of glutaminase (GLS), the enzyme required for the first step in metabolic conversion of glutamine to glutamate and the entry of glutamine into the TCA cycle. We found that RCC cells are highly dependent on glutamine for proliferation, and this dependence strongly correlated with sensitivity to telaglenstat (CB-839), an investigational, first-in-class, selective, orally bioavailable GLS inhibitor. Metabolic profiling of RCC cell lines treated with telaglenastat revealed a decrease in glutamine consumption, which was concomitant with a decrease in the production of glutamate and other glutamine-derived metabolites, consistent with GLS inhibition. Treatment of RCC cells with signal transduction inhibitors everolimus (mTOR inhibitor) or cabozantinib (VEGFR/MET/AXL inhibitor) in combination with telaglenastat resulted in decreased consumption of both glucose and glutamine and synergistic anti-proliferative effects. Treatment of mice bearing Caki-1 RCC xenograft tumors with cabozantinib plus telaglenastat resulted in reduced tumor growth compared to either agent alone. Enhanced anti-tumor activity was also observed with the combination of everolimus plus telaglenastat. Collectively, our results demonstrate potent, synergistic, anti-tumor activity of telaglenastat plus signal transduction inhibitors cabozantinib or everolimus via a mechanism involving dual inhibition of glucose and glutamine consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Emberley
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Alison Pan
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Jason Chen
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Rosalyn Dang
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Matt Gross
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Tony Huang
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Weiqun Li
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Andrew MacKinnon
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Devansh Singh
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Natalija Sotirovska
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Tracy Wang
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Francesco Parlati
- Calithera Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Epova EY, Shevelev AB, Shurubor YI, Cooper AJL, Biryukova YK, Bogdanova ES, Tyno YY, Lebedeva AA, Krasnikov BF. A novel efficient producer of human ω-amidase (Nit2) in Escherichia coli. Anal Biochem 2021; 632:114332. [PMID: 34391728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114332] [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: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nit2/ω-amidase catalyzes the hydrolysis of α-ketoglutaramate (KGM, the α-keto acid analogue of glutamine) to α-ketoglutarate and ammonia. The enzyme also catalyzes the amide hydrolysis of monoamides of 4- and 5-C-dicarboxylates, including α-ketosuccinamate (KSM, the α-keto acid analogue of asparagine) and succinamate (SM). Here we describe an inexpensive procedure for high-yield expression of human Nit2 (hNit2) in Escherichia coli and purification of the expressed protein. This work includes: 1) the design of a genetic construct (pQE-Nit22) obtained from the previously described construct (pQE-Nit2) by replacing rare codons within an 81 bp-long DNA fragment "preferred" by E. coli near the translation initiation site; 2) methods for producing and maintaining the pQE-Nit22 construct; 3) purification of recombinant hNit2; and 4) activity measurements of the purified enzyme with KGM and SM. Important features of the hNit2 gene within the pQE-Nit22 construct are: 1) optimized codon composition, 2) the presence of an N-terminus His6 tag immediately after the initiating codon ATG (Met) that permits efficient purification of the end-product on a Ni-NTA-agarose column. We anticipate that the availability of high yield hNit2/ω-amidase will be helpful in elucidating the normal and pathological roles of this enzyme and in the design of specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Yu Epova
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexei B Shevelev
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Arthur J L Cooper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Yulia K Biryukova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S Bogdanova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yaroslav Ya Tyno
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Lebedeva
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris F Krasnikov
- Centre for Strategic Planning of FMBA of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
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17
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Krebs S, Barasch JG, Young RJ, Grommes C, Schöder H. Positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in primary central nervous system lymphoma-a narrative review. ANNALS OF LYMPHOMA 2021; 5. [PMID: 34223561 PMCID: PMC8248935 DOI: 10.21037/aol-20-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review addresses the challenges of primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma diagnosis, assessment of treatment response, and detection of recurrence. Primary CNS lymphoma is a rare form of extra-nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can involve brain, spinal cord, leptomeninges, and eyes. Primary CNS lymphoma lesions are most commonly confined to the white matter or deep cerebral structures such as basal ganglia and deep periventricular regions. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard diagnostic modality employed by neuro-oncologists. MRI often shows common morphological features such as a single or multiple uniformly well-enhancing lesions without necrosis but with moderate surrounding edema. Other brain tumors or inflammatory processes can show similar radiological patterns, making differential diagnosis difficult. [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has selected utility in cerebral lymphoma, especially in diagnosis. Primary CNS lymphoma can sometimes present with atypical findings on MRI and FDG PET, such as disseminated disease, non-enhancing or ring-like enhancing lesions. The complementary strengths of PET and MRI have led to the development of combined PET-MR systems, which in some cases may improve lesion characterization and detection. By highlighting active developments in this field, including advanced MRI sequences, novel radiotracers, and potential imaging biomarkers, we aim to spur interest in sophisticated imaging approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Krebs
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia G Barasch
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert J Young
- Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Brain Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christian Grommes
- Brain Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heiko Schöder
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Cohen AS, Grudzinski J, Smith GT, Peterson TE, Whisenant JG, Hickman TL, Ciombor KK, Cardin D, Eng C, Goff LW, Das S, Coffey RJ, Berlin JD, Manning HC. First-in-Human PET Imaging and Estimated Radiation Dosimetry of l-[5- 11C]-Glutamine in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. J Nucl Med 2021; 63:36-43. [PMID: 33931465 PMCID: PMC8717201 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.120.261594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. In addition to glucose, glutamine is an important nutrient for cellular growth and proliferation. Noninvasive imaging via PET may help facilitate precision treatment of cancer through patient selection and monitoring of treatment response. l-[5-11C]-glutamine (11C-glutamine) is a PET tracer designed to study glutamine uptake and metabolism. The aim of this first-in-human study was to evaluate the radiologic safety and biodistribution of 11C-glutamine for oncologic PET imaging. Methods: Nine patients with confirmed metastatic colorectal cancer underwent PET/CT imaging. Patients received 337.97 ± 44.08 MBq of 11C-glutamine. Dynamic PET acquisitions that were centered over the abdomen or thorax were initiated simultaneously with intravenous tracer administration. After the dynamic acquisition, a whole-body PET/CT scan was acquired. Volume-of-interest analyses were performed to obtain estimates of organ-based absorbed doses of radiation. Results: 11C-glutamine was well tolerated in all patients, with no observed safety concerns. The organs with the highest radiation exposure included the bladder, pancreas, and liver. The estimated effective dose was 4.46E-03 ± 7.67E-04 mSv/MBq. Accumulation of 11C-glutamine was elevated and visualized in lung, brain, bone, and liver metastases, suggesting utility for cancer imaging. Conclusion: PET using 11C-glutamine appears safe for human use and allows noninvasive visualization of metastatic colon cancer lesions in multiple organs. Further studies are needed to elucidate its potential for other cancers and for monitoring response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison S Cohen
- Vanderbilt Center for Molecular Probes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Gary T Smith
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Section Chief, Nuclear Medicine, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville VA Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Todd E Peterson
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jennifer G Whisenant
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Tiffany L Hickman
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Kristen K Ciombor
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Dana Cardin
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Cathy Eng
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Laura W Goff
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Satya Das
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Robert J Coffey
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jordan D Berlin
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - H Charles Manning
- Vanderbilt Center for Molecular Probes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; .,Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
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19
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Viswanath V, Zhou R, Lee H, Li S, Cragin A, Doot RK, Mankoff DA, Pantel AR. Kinetic Modeling of 18F-(2 S,4 R)4-Fluoroglutamine in Mouse Models of Breast Cancer to Estimate Glutamine Pool Size as an Indicator of Tumor Glutamine Metabolism. J Nucl Med 2020; 62:1154-1162. [PMID: 33277391 PMCID: PMC8833875 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.120.250977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The PET radiotracer 18F-(2S,4R)4-fluoroglutamine (18F-Gln) reflects glutamine transport and can be used to infer glutamine metabolism. Mouse xenograft studies have demonstrated that 18F-Gln uptake correlates directly with glutamine pool size and is inversely related to glutamine metabolism through the glutaminase enzyme. To provide a framework for the analysis of 18F-Gln-PET, we have examined 18F-Gln uptake kinetics in mouse models of breast cancer at baseline and after inhibition of glutaminase. We describe results of the preclinical analysis and computer simulations with the goal of model validation and performance assessment in anticipation of human breast cancer patient studies. Methods: Triple-negative breast cancer and receptor-positive xenografts were implanted in athymic mice. PET mouse imaging was performed at baseline and after treatment with a glutaminase inhibitor or a vehicle solution for 4 mouse groups. Dynamic PET images were obtained for 1 h beginning at the time of intravenous injection of 18F-Gln. Kinetic analysis and computer simulations were performed on representative time-activity curves, testing 1- and 2-compartment models to describe kinetics. Results: Dynamic imaging for 1 h captured blood and tumor time-activity curves indicative of largely reversible uptake of 18F-Gln in tumors. Consistent with this observation, a 2-compartment model indicated a relatively low estimate of the rate constant of tracer trapping, suggesting that the 1-compartment model is preferable. Logan plot graphical analysis demonstrated late linearity, supporting reversible kinetics and modeling with a single compartment. Analysis of the mouse data and simulations suggests that estimates of glutamine pool size, specifically the distribution volume (VD) for 18F-Gln, were more reliable using the 1-compartment reversible model than the 2-compartment irreversible model. Tumor-to-blood ratios, a more practical potential proxy of VD, correlated well with volume of distribution from single-compartment models and Logan analyses. Conclusion: Kinetic analysis of dynamic 18F-Gln-PET images demonstrated the ability to measure VD to estimate glutamine pool size, a key indicator of cellular glutamine metabolism, by both a 1-compartment model and Logan analysis. Changes in VD with glutaminase inhibition support the ability to assess response to glutamine metabolism-targeted therapy. Concordance of kinetic measures with tumor-to-blood ratios provides a clinically feasible approach to human imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Viswanath
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hsiaoju Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shihong Li
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Abigail Cragin
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert K Doot
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David A Mankoff
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Austin R Pantel
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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20
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Riess JW, Frankel P, Shackelford D, Dunphy M, Badawi RD, Nardo L, Cherry SR, Lanza I, Reid J, Gonsalves WI, Kunos C, Gandara DR, Lara PN, Newman E, Paik PK. Phase 1 Trial of MLN0128 (Sapanisertib) and CB-839 HCl (Telaglenastat) in Patients With Advanced NSCLC (NCI 10327): Rationale and Study Design. Clin Lung Cancer 2020; 22:67-70. [PMID: 33229301 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are currently no approved targeted therapies for lung squamous-cell carcinoma (LSCC) and KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). About 30% of LSCC and 25% of KRAS-mutant LUAD exhibit hyperactive NRF2 pathway activation through mutations in NFE2L2 (the gene encoding NRF2) or its negative regulator, KEAP1. Preclinical data demonstrate that these tumors are uniquely sensitive to dual inhibition of glycolysis and glutaminolysis via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and glutaminase inhibitors. This phase 1 study was designed to assess safety and preliminary activity of the mTOR inhibitor MLN0128 (sapanisertib) in combination with the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 HCl. METHODS Phase 1 dose finding will use the queue-based variation of the 3 + 3 dose escalation scheme with the primary endpoint of identifying the recommended expansion dose. To confirm the acceptable tolerability of the recommended expansion dose, patients will subsequently enroll onto 1 of 4 expansion cohorts (n = 14 per cohort): (1) LSCC harboring NFE2L2 or (2) KEAP1 mutations, or (3) LUAD harboring KRAS/(KEAP1 or NFE2L2) coalterations, or (4) LSCC wild type for NFE2L2 and KEAP1. The primary endpoint of the dose expansion is to determine the preliminary efficacy of MLN0128/CB-839 combination therapy. CONCLUSION This phase 1 study will determine the recommended expansion dose and preliminary efficacy of MLN0128 and CB-839 in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with a focus on subsets of LSCC and KRAS-mutant LUAD harboring NFE2L2 or KEAP1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Riess
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA.
| | - Paul Frankel
- City of Hope Department of Biostatistics, Duarte, CA
| | - David Shackelford
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA, Rochester, MN
| | - Mark Dunphy
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Ramsey D Badawi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Lorenzo Nardo
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - Simon R Cherry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA; Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - Ian Lanza
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Joel Reid
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Wilson I Gonsalves
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Charles Kunos
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Rockville, MD
| | - David R Gandara
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - Primo N Lara
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - Edward Newman
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Paul K Paik
- Department of Medical Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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21
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Non-Coding RNAs as Key Regulators of Glutaminolysis in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082872. [PMID: 32326003 PMCID: PMC7216265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082872] [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] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit exacerbated metabolic activity to maintain their accelerated proliferation and microenvironmental adaptation in order to survive under nutrient-deficient conditions. Tumors display an increase in glycolysis, glutaminolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis, which provide their energy source. Glutamine is critical for fundamental cellular processes, where intermediate metabolites produced through glutaminolysis are necessary for the maintenance of mitochondrial metabolism. These include antioxidants to remove reactive oxygen species, and the generation of the nonessential amino acids, purines, pyrimidines and fatty acids required for cellular replication and the activation of cell signaling. Some cancer cells are highly dependent on glutamine consumption since its catabolism provides an anaplerotic pathway to feed the Krebs cycle. Intermediate members of the glutaminolysis pathway have been found to be deregulated in several types of cancers and have been proposed as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers. This review summarizes the main players in the glutaminolysis pathway, how they have been found to be deregulated in cancer and their implications for cancer maintenance. Furthermore, non-coding RNAs are now recognized as new participants in the regulation of glutaminolysis; therefore, their involvement in glutamine metabolism in cancer is discussed in detail.
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