1
|
Yan Y, Li S, Su L, Tang X, Chen X, Gu X, Yang G, Chi H, Huang S. Mitochondrial inhibitors: a new horizon in breast cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1421905. [PMID: 39027328 PMCID: PMC11254633 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1421905] [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: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, due to resistance to standard therapies such as endocrine therapy, anti-HER2 therapy and chemotherapy, continues to pose a major health challenge. A growing body of research emphasizes the heterogeneity and plasticity of metabolism in breast cancer. Because differences in subtypes exhibit a bias toward metabolic pathways, targeting mitochondrial inhibitors shows great potential as stand-alone or adjuvant cancer therapies. Multiple therapeutic candidates are currently in various stages of preclinical studies and clinical openings. However, specific inhibitors have been shown to face multiple challenges (e.g., single metabolic therapies, mitochondrial structure and enzymes, etc.), and combining with standard therapies or targeting multiple metabolic pathways may be necessary. In this paper, we review the critical role of mitochondrial metabolic functions, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, in metabolic reprogramming of breast cancer cells. In addition, we outline the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on metabolic pathways in different subtypes of breast cancer and mitochondrial inhibitors targeting different metabolic pathways, aiming to provide additional ideas for the development of mitochondrial inhibitors and to improve the efficacy of existing therapies for breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Yan
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Sijie Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lanqian Su
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinrui Tang
- Paediatrics Department, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Biology Department, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shangke Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Das C, Bhattacharya A, Adhikari S, Mondal A, Mondal P, Adhikary S, Roy S, Ramos K, Yadav KK, Tainer JA, Pandita TK. A prismatic view of the epigenetic-metabolic regulatory axis in breast cancer therapy resistance. Oncogene 2024; 43:1727-1741. [PMID: 38719949 PMCID: PMC11161412 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03054-9] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation established during development to maintain patterns of transcriptional expression and silencing for metabolism and other fundamental cell processes can be reprogrammed in cancer, providing a molecular mechanism for persistent alterations in phenotype. Metabolic deregulation and reprogramming are thus an emerging hallmark of cancer with opportunities for molecular classification as a critical preliminary step for precision therapeutic intervention. Yet, acquisition of therapy resistance against most conventional treatment regimens coupled with tumor relapse, continue to pose unsolved problems for precision healthcare, as exemplified in breast cancer where existing data informs both cancer genotype and phenotype. Furthermore, epigenetic reprograming of the metabolic milieu of cancer cells is among the most crucial determinants of therapeutic resistance and cancer relapse. Importantly, subtype-specific epigenetic-metabolic interplay profoundly affects malignant transformation, resistance to chemotherapy, and response to targeted therapies. In this review, we therefore prismatically dissect interconnected epigenetic and metabolic regulatory pathways and then integrate them into an observable cancer metabolism-therapy-resistance axis that may inform clinical intervention. Optimally coupling genome-wide analysis with an understanding of metabolic elements, epigenetic reprogramming, and their integration by metabolic profiling may decode missing molecular mechanisms at the level of individual tumors. The proposed approach of linking metabolic biochemistry back to genotype, epigenetics, and phenotype for specific tumors and their microenvironment may thus enable successful mechanistic targeting of epigenetic modifiers and oncometabolites despite tumor metabolic heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandrima Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India.
| | - Apoorva Bhattacharya
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Swagata Adhikari
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Atanu Mondal
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Payel Mondal
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Santanu Adhikary
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Siddhartha Roy
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Kenneth Ramos
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kamlesh K Yadav
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - John A Tainer
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Tej K Pandita
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M University, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu G, Guan F, Li S, Zhang Q, Zhang X, Qin Y, Sun Z, Peng S, Cheng J, Li Y, Ren R, Fan T, Liu H. Glutaminase potentiates the glycolysis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by interacting with PDK1. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:897-911. [PMID: 38353358 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23696] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that glutaminase (GLS) as a key mitochondrial enzyme plays a pivotal role in glutaminolysis, which widely participates in glutamine metabolism serving as main energy sources and building blocks for tumor growth. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of GLS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. Here, we found that GLS was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cells. GLS inhibitor CB-839 significantly suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells, whereas GLS overexpression displayed the opposite effects. In addition, CB-839 markedly suppressed glucose consumption and lactate production, coupled with the downregulation of glycolysis-related proteins HK2, PFKM, PKM2 and LDHA, whereas GLS overexpression exhibited the adverse results. In vivo animal experiment revealed that CB-839 dramatically suppressed tumor growth, whereas GLS overexpression promoted tumor growth in ESCC cells xenografted nude mice. Mechanistically, GLS was localized in mitochondria of ESCC cells, which interacted with PDK1 protein. CB-839 attenuated the interaction of GLS and PDK1 in ESCC cells by suppressing PDK1 expression, which further evoked the downregulation of p-PDHA1 (s293), however, GLS overexpression markedly enhanced the level of p-PDHA1 (s293). These findings suggest that interaction of GLS with PDK1 accelerates the glycolysis of ESCC cells by inactivating PDH enzyme, and thus targeting GLS may be a novel therapeutic approach for ESCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhao Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fangxia Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shenglei Li
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's Hospital), Translational Medicine Research Center Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yue Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhangzhan Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shaohua Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiexing Cheng
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yiyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruili Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tianli Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Guz W, Podgórski R, Bober Z, Aebisher D, Truszkiewicz A, Olek M, Machorowska Pieniążek A, Kawczyk-Krupka A, Bartusik-Aebisher D. In Vitro MRS of Cells Treated with Trastuzumab at 1.5 Tesla. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1719. [PMID: 38338997 PMCID: PMC10855746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Trastuzumab on the MCF-7 and CRL-2314 breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, an attempt was made to optimize magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for cell culture studies, with particular emphasis on the impact of treatment with Trastuzumab. The research materials included MCF-7 and CRL-2314 breast cancer cell lines. The study examined the response of these cell lines to treatment with Trastuzumab. The clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, OPTIMA MR360 manufactured by GEMS, with a magnetic field induction of 1.5 T, was used. Due to the nature of the tested objects, their size and shape, it was necessary to design and manufacture additional receiving coils. They were used to image the tested cell cultures and record the spectroscopic signal. The spectra obtained by MRS were confirmed by NMR using a 300 MHz NMR Fourier 300 with the TopSpin 3.1 system from Bruker. The designed receiving coils allowed for conducting experiments with the cell lines in a satisfactory manner. These tests would not be possible using factory-delivered coils due to their parameters and the size of the test objects, whose volume did not exceed 1 mL. MRS studies revealed an increase in the metabolite at 1.9 ppm, which indicates the induction of histone acetylation. Changes in histone acetylation play a very important role in both cell development and differentiation processes. The use of Trastuzumab therapy in breast cancer cells increases the levels of acetylated histones. MRS studies and spectra obtained from the 300 MHz NMR system are consistent with the specificity inherent in both systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiesław Guz
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Medical College of Rzeszów University, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Rafal Podgórski
- Department of Biochemistry and General Chemistry, Medical College of Rzeszów University, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (R.P.); (D.B.-A.)
| | - Zuzanna Bober
- Department of Photomedicine and Physical Chemistry, Medical College of Rzeszów University, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (Z.B.); (A.T.)
| | - David Aebisher
- Department of Photomedicine and Physical Chemistry, Medical College of Rzeszów University, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (Z.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Adrian Truszkiewicz
- Department of Photomedicine and Physical Chemistry, Medical College of Rzeszów University, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (Z.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Marcin Olek
- Department of Densitry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland (A.M.P.)
| | - Agnieszka Machorowska Pieniążek
- Department of Densitry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland (A.M.P.)
| | - Aleksandra Kawczyk-Krupka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Center for Laser Diagnostics and Therapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher
- Department of Biochemistry and General Chemistry, Medical College of Rzeszów University, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (R.P.); (D.B.-A.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ahn S, Park JH, Grimm SL, Piyarathna DWB, Samanta T, Putluri V, Mezquita D, Fuqua SA, Putluri N, Coarfa C, Kaipparettu BA. Metabolomic Rewiring Promotes Endocrine Therapy Resistance in Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:291-304. [PMID: 37906431 PMCID: PMC10842725 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Approximately one-third of endocrine-treated women with estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ER+) breast cancers are at risk of recurrence due to intrinsic or acquired resistance. Thus, it is vital to understand the mechanisms underlying endocrine therapy resistance in ER+ breast cancer to improve patient treatment. Mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) has been shown to be a major metabolic pathway in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that can activate Src signaling. Here, we found metabolic reprogramming that increases FAO in ER+ breast cancer as a mechanism of resistance to endocrine therapy. A metabolically relevant, integrated gene signature was derived from transcriptomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic analyses in TNBC cells following inhibition of the FAO rate-limiting enzyme carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), and this TNBC-derived signature was significantly associated with endocrine resistance in patients with ER+ breast cancer. Molecular, genetic, and metabolomic experiments identified activation of AMPK-FAO-oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) signaling in endocrine-resistant ER+ breast cancer. CPT1 knockdown or treatment with FAO inhibitors in vitro and in vivo significantly enhanced the response of ER+ breast cancer cells to endocrine therapy. Consistent with the previous findings in TNBC, endocrine therapy-induced FAO activated the Src pathway in ER+ breast cancer. Src inhibitors suppressed the growth of endocrine-resistant tumors, and the efficacy could be further enhanced by metabolic priming with CPT1 inhibition. Collectively, this study developed and applied a TNBC-derived signature to reveal that metabolic reprogramming to FAO activates the Src pathway to drive endocrine resistance in ER+ breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Increased fatty acid oxidation induced by endocrine therapy activates Src signaling to promote endocrine resistance in breast cancer, which can be overcome using clinically approved therapies targeting FAO and Src.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songyeon Ahn
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jun Hyoung Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sandra L. Grimm
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Tagari Samanta
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Vasanta Putluri
- Advanced Technology Core, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Dereck Mezquita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Suzanne A.W. Fuqua
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Nagireddy Putluri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Benny Abraham Kaipparettu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xia H, Zhu J, Zheng Z, Xiao P, Yu X, Wu M, Xue L, Xu X, Wang X, Guo Y, Zheng C, Ding S, Wang Y, Peng X, Fu S, Li J, Deng X. Amino acids and their roles in tumor immunotherapy of breast cancer. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3647. [PMID: 38084655 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3647] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. The primary treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy. The effectiveness of breast cancer therapy varies depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as individual factors. Advances in early detection and improved treatments have significantly increased survival rates for breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, specific subtypes of breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer, still lack effective treatment strategies. Thus, novel and effective therapeutic targets for breast cancer need to be explored. As substrates of protein synthesis, amino acids are important sources of energy and nutrition, only secondly to glucose. The rich supply of amino acids enables the tumor to maintain its proliferative competence through participation in energy generation, nucleoside synthesis and maintenance of cellular redox balance. Amino acids also play an important role in immune-suppressive microenvironment formation. Thus, the biological effects of amino acids may change unexpectedly in tumor-specific or oncogene-dependent manners. In recent years, there has been significant progress in the study of amino acid metabolism, particularly in their potential application as therapeutic targets in breast cancer. In this review, we provide an update on amino acid metabolism and discuss the therapeutic implications of amino acids in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhuo Xia
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianyu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jishou University, Jishou, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuomeng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Peiyao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaohui Yu
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Muyao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lian Xue
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuxuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chanjuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siyu Ding
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoning Peng
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jishou University, Jishou, Hunan, China
| | - Shujun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junjun Li
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiyun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Departments of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Carneiro TJ, Carvalho ALMB, Vojtek M, Carmo IF, Marques MPM, Diniz C, Gil AM. Disclosing a metabolic signature of cisplatin resistance in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells by NMR metabolomics. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:310. [PMID: 38057765 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03124-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This work compared the metabolic profile of a parental MDA-MB-231 cisplatin-sensitive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line with that of a derived cisplatin-resistant line, to characterize inherent metabolic adaptations to resistance, as a means for marker and new TNBC therapies discovery. Supported by cytotoxic, microscopic and biochemical characterization of both lines, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics was employed to characterize cell polar extracts for the two cell lines, as a function of time (0, 24 and 48 h), and identify statistically relevant differences both between sensitive and resistant cells and their time course behavior. Biochemical results revealed a slight increase in activation of the NF-κB pathway and a marked decrease of the ERK signaling pathway in resistant cells. This was accompanied by lower glycolytic and glutaminolytic activities, possibly linked to glutamine being required to increase stemness capacity and, hence, higher survival to cisplatin. The TCA cycle dynamics seemed to be time-dependent, with an apparent activation at 48 h preferentially supported by anaplerotic aromatic amino acids, leucine and lysine. A distinct behavior of leucine, compared to the other branched-chain-amino-acids, suggested the importance of the recognized relationship between leucine and in mTOR-mediated autophagy to increase resistance. Suggested markers of MDA-MB-231 TNBC cisplatin-resistance included higher phosphocreatine/creatine ratios, hypotaurine/taurine-mediated antioxidant protective mechanisms, a generalized marked depletion in nucleotides/nucleosides, and a distinctive pattern of choline compounds. Although the putative hypotheses generated here require biological demonstration, they pave the way to the use of metabolites as markers of cisplatin-resistance in TNBC and as guidance to develop therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana J Carneiro
- Department of Chemistry and CICECO -Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4150-755, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana L M Batista Carvalho
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Martin Vojtek
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4150-755, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês F Carmo
- Department of Chemistry and CICECO -Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula M Marques
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carmen Diniz
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4150-755, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana M Gil
- Department of Chemistry and CICECO -Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yuan J, Yang L, Li Z, Zhang H, Wang Q, Huang J, Wang B, Mohan CD, Sethi G, Wang G. The role of the tumor microenvironment in endocrine therapy resistance in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1261283. [PMID: 37900137 PMCID: PMC10611521 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1261283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is the prominent strategy for the treatment of hormone-positive breast cancers. The emergence of resistance to endocrine therapy is a major health concern among hormone-positive breast cancer patients. Resistance to endocrine therapy demands the design of newer therapeutic strategies. The understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms of endocrine resistance, components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and interaction of resistant breast cancer cells with the cellular/acellular components of the intratumoral environment are essential to formulate new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of endocrine therapy-resistant breast cancers. In the first half of the article, we have discussed the general mechanisms (including mutations in estrogen receptor gene, reregulated activation of signaling pathways, epigenetic changes, and cell cycle alteration) responsible for endocrine therapy resistance in hormone-positive breast cancers. In the latter half, we have emphasized the precise role of cellular (cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, and cancer stem cells) and acellular components (collagen, fibronectin, and laminin) of TME in the development of endocrine resistance in hormone-positive breast cancers. In sum, the article provides an overview of the relationship between endocrine resistance and TME in hormone-positive breast cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yuan
- Department of Endocrine and Vascular Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Endocrine and Vascular Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Endocrine and Vascular Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Vascular Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Endocrine and Vascular Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Vascular Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya Mohan
- Department of Studies in Molecular Biology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore Karnataka, India
- FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Geng Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Vascular Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Olukoya AO, Stires H, Bahnassy S, Persaud S, Guerra Y, Ranjit S, Ma S, Cruz MI, Benitez C, Rozeboom AM, Ceuleers H, Berry DL, Jacobsen BM, Raj GV, Riggins RB. Riluzole Suppresses Growth and Enhances Response to Endocrine Therapy in ER+ Breast Cancer. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad117. [PMID: 37766843 PMCID: PMC10521904 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Resistance to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer remains a significant clinical problem. Riluzole is FDA-approved for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A benzothiazole-based glutamate release inhibitor with several context-dependent mechanism(s) of action, riluzole has shown antitumor activity in multiple malignancies, including melanoma, glioblastoma, and breast cancer. We previously reported that the acquisition of tamoxifen resistance in a cellular model of invasive lobular breast cancer is accompanied by the upregulation of GRM mRNA expression and growth inhibition by riluzole. Methods We tested the ability of riluzole to reduce cell growth, alone and in combination with endocrine therapy, in a diverse set of ER+ invasive ductal and lobular breast cancer-derived cell lines, primary breast tumor explant cultures, and the estrogen-independent, ESR1-mutated invasive lobular breast cancer patient-derived xenograft model HCI-013EI. Results Single-agent riluzole suppressed the growth of ER+ invasive ductal and lobular breast cancer cell lines in vitro, inducing a histologic subtype-associated cell cycle arrest (G0-G1 for ductal, G2-M for lobular). Riluzole induced apoptosis and ferroptosis and reduced phosphorylation of multiple prosurvival signaling molecules, including Akt/mTOR, CREB, and Fak/Src family kinases. Riluzole, in combination with either fulvestrant or 4-hydroxytamoxifen, additively suppressed ER+ breast cancer cell growth in vitro. Single-agent riluzole significantly inhibited HCI-013EI patient-derived xenograft growth in vivo, and the combination of riluzole plus fulvestrant significantly reduced proliferation in ex vivo primary breast tumor explant cultures. Conclusion Riluzole may offer therapeutic benefits in diverse ER+ breast cancers, including lobular breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji O Olukoya
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Hillary Stires
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Shaymaa Bahnassy
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Sonali Persaud
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Yanira Guerra
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Suman Ranjit
- Department of Biochemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Shihong Ma
- Departments of Urology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - M Idalia Cruz
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Carlos Benitez
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Aaron M Rozeboom
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Hannah Ceuleers
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Deborah L Berry
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Britta M Jacobsen
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ganesh V Raj
- Departments of Urology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rebecca B Riggins
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bai R, Meng Y, Cui J. Therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic characteristics of cancer cells. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023:104037. [PMID: 37236409 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104037] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is one of the important characteristics of cancer and is a key process leading to malignant proliferation, tumor development and treatment resistance. A variety of therapeutic drugs targeting metabolic reaction enzymes, transport receptors, and special metabolic processes have been developed. In this review, we investigate the characteristics of multiple metabolic changes in cancer cells, including glycolytic pathways, lipid metabolism, and glutamine metabolism changes, describe how these changes promote tumor development and tumor resistance, and summarize the progress and challenges of therapeutic strategies targeting various links of tumor metabolism in combination with current study data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rilan Bai
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Ying Meng
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li S, Zeng H, Fan J, Wang F, Xu C, Li Y, Tu J, Nephew KP, Long X. Glutamine metabolism in breast cancer and possible therapeutic targets. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115464. [PMID: 36849062 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by metabolic reprogramming, which is a hot topic in tumor treatment research. Cancer cells alter metabolic pathways to promote their growth, and the common purpose of these altered metabolic pathways is to adapt the metabolic state to the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Most cancer cells in a state of nonhypoxia will increase the uptake of glucose and produce lactate, called the Warburg effect. Increased glucose consumption is used as a carbon source to support cell proliferation, including nucleotide, lipid and protein synthesis. In the Warburg effect, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity decreases, thereby disrupting the TCA cycle. In addition to glucose, glutamine is also an important nutrient for the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, an important carbon bank and nitrogen bank for the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, providing ribose, nonessential amino acids, citrate, and glycerin necessary for cancer cell growth and proliferation and compensating for the reduction in oxidative phosphorylation pathways in cancer cells caused by the Warburg effect. In human plasma, glutamine is the most abundant amino acid. Normal cells produce glutamine via glutamine synthase (GLS), but the glutamine synthesized by tumor cells is insufficient to meet their high growth needs, resulting in a "glutamine-dependent phenomenon." Most cancers have an increased glutamine demand, including breast cancer. Metabolic reprogramming not only enables tumor cells to maintain the reduction-oxidation (redox) balance and commit resources to biosynthesis but also establishes heterogeneous metabolic phenotypes of tumor cells that are distinct from those of nontumor cells. Thus, targeting the metabolic differences between tumor and nontumor cells may be a promising and novel anticancer strategy. Glutamine metabolic compartments have emerged as promising candidates, especially in TNBC and drug-resistant breast cancer. In this review, the latest discoveries of breast cancer and glutamine metabolism are discussed, novel treatment methods based on amino acid transporters and glutaminase are discussed, and the relationship between glutamine metabolism and breast cancer metastasis, drug resistance, tumor immunity and ferroptosis are explained, which provides new ideas for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junli Fan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fubing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yirong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Xinghua Long
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
HPV16 E6 and E7 Oncoproteins Stimulate the Glutamine Pathway Maintaining Cell Proliferation in a SNAT1-Dependent Fashion. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020324. [PMID: 36851539 PMCID: PMC9964736 DOI: 10.3390/v15020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer establishment, where the viral oncogenes E6 and E7 promote a cancerous phenotype. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer involves alterations in glutamine metabolism, also named glutaminolysis, to provide energy for supporting cancer processes including migration, proliferation, and production of reactive oxygen species, among others. The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins on the regulation of glutaminolysis and its contribution to cell proliferation. We found that the E6 and E7 oncoproteins exacerbate cell proliferation in a glutamine-dependent manner. Both oncoproteins increased the levels of transporter SNAT1, as well as GLS2 and GS enzymes; E6 also increased LAT1 transporter protein levels, while E7 increased ASCT2 and xCT. Some of these alterations are also regulated at a transcriptional level. Consistently, the amount of SNAT1 protein decreased in Ca Ski cells when E6 and E7 expression was knocked down. In addition, we demonstrated that cell proliferation was partially dependent on SNAT1 in the presence of glutamine. Interestingly, SNAT1 expression was higher in cervical cancer compared with normal cervical cells. The high expression of SNAT1 was associated with poor overall survival of cervical cancer patients. Our results indicate that HPV oncoproteins exacerbate glutaminolysis supporting the malignant phenotype.
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang K, Li YJ, Peng LJ, Gao HF, Liu LM, Chen H. M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-193b-3p promotes progression and glutamine uptake of pancreatic cancer by targeting TRIM62. Biol Direct 2023; 18:1. [PMID: 36631876 PMCID: PMC9832623 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy that requires effective novel therapies. M2 macrophages are abundant in the PC microenvironment and promote cancer progression. Exosomes are emerging mediators of the crosstalk between cancer cells and the microenvironment. This study was conducted to explore the role of M2 macrophage-derived exosomes in PC. METHODS Exosomes derived from M2 macrophages were extracted. miR-193b-3p and TRIM62 were overexpressed or silenced to examine their function in PC. Luminescence assays were used to investigate the interaction between miR-193b-3p and TRIM62. Cell proliferation was examined by EdU staining. Would healing and transwell assays were applied to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to assess the interaction between TRIM62 and c-Myc. Gene and protein expressions were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. RESULTS M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-193b-3p promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutamine uptake of SW1990 cells. Mechanism study revealed that TRIM62 is a target of miR-193b-3p. TRIM62 inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutamine uptake of SW1990 cells by promoting c-Myc ubiquitination. Our data also suggested that TRIM62 expression negatively correlated with miR-193b-3p and c-Myc expression. High-expression of miR-193b-3p and c-Myc predicts poor prognosis, whereas low-expression of TRIM62 predicts poor prognosis in patients with PC. CONCLUSION M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-193b-3p enhances the proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutamine uptake of PC cells by targeting TRIM62, resulting in the decrease of c-Myc ubiquitination. This study not only reveals the mechanism underlying the crosstalk between M2 macrophages and PC cells but also suggests a promising therapeutic target for PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yu-Jie Li
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lin-Jia Peng
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Hui-Feng Gao
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lu-Ming Liu
- grid.452404.30000 0004 1808 0942Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xuan DTM, Wu CC, Wang WJ, Hsu HP, Ta HDK, Anuraga G, Chiao CC, Wang CY. Glutamine synthetase regulates the immune microenvironment and cancer development through the inflammatory pathway. Int J Med Sci 2023; 20:35-49. [PMID: 36619229 PMCID: PMC9812810 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.75625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although adjuvant tamoxifen therapy is beneficial to estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients, a significant number of patients still develop metastasis or undergo recurrence. Therefore, identifying novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for these patients is urgently needed. Predictive markers and therapeutic strategies for tamoxifen-resistant ER+ breast cancer are not clear, and micro (mi)RNAs have recently become a focal research point in cancer studies owing to their regulation of gene expressions, metabolism, and many other physiological processes. Therefore, systematic investigation is required to understand the modulation of gene expression in tamoxifen-resistant patients. High-throughput technology uses a holistic approach to observe differences among expression profiles of thousands of genes, which provides a comprehensive level to extensively investigate functional genomics and biological processes. Through a bioinformatics analysis, we revealed that glutamine synthetase/glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) might play essential roles in the recurrence of tamoxifen-resistant ER+ patients. GLUL increases intracellular glutamine usage via glutaminolysis, and further active metabolism-related downstream molecules in cancer cell. However, how GLUL regulates the tumor microenvironment for tamoxifen-resistant ER+ breast cancer remains unexplored. Analysis of MetaCore pathway database demonstrated that GLUL is involved in the cell cycle, immune response, interleukin (IL)-4-induced regulators of cell growth, differentiation, and metabolism-related pathways. Experimental data also confirmed that the knockdown of GLUL in breast cancer cell lines decreased cell proliferation and influenced expressions of specific downstream molecules. Through a Connectivity Map (CMap) analysis, we revealed that certain drugs/molecules, including omeprazole, methacholine chloride, ioversol, fulvestrant, difenidol, cycloserine, and MK-801, may serve as potential treatments for tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer patients. These drugs may be tested in combination with current therapies in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer patients. Collectively, our study demonstrated the crucial roles of GLUL, which provide new targets for the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Do Thi Minh Xuan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Che Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jan Wang
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 40676, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ping Hsu
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Hoang Dang Khoa Ta
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Gangga Anuraga
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, PGRI Adi Buana University, East Java, Surabaya 60234, Indonesia
| | - Chung-Chieh Chiao
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Wang
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Andrade de Oliveira K, Sengupta S, Yadav AK, Clarke R. The complex nature of heterogeneity and its roles in breast cancer biology and therapeutic responsiveness. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1083048. [PMID: 36909339 PMCID: PMC9997040 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1083048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity is a complex feature of cells and tissues with many interacting components. Depending on the nature of the research context, interacting features of cellular, drug response, genetic, molecular, spatial, temporal, and vascular heterogeneity may be present. We describe the various forms of heterogeneity with examples of their interactions and how they play a role in affecting cellular phenotype and drug responses in breast cancer. While cellular heterogeneity may be the most widely described and invoked, many forms of heterogeneity are evident within the tumor microenvironment and affect responses to the endocrine and cytotoxic drugs widely used in standard clinical care. Drug response heterogeneity is a critical determinant of clinical response and curative potential and also is multifaceted when encountered. The interactive nature of some forms of heterogeneity is readily apparent. For example, the process of metastasis has the properties of both temporal and spatial heterogeneity within the host, whereas each individual metastatic deposit may exhibit cellular, genetic, molecular, and vascular heterogeneity. This review describes the many forms of heterogeneity, their integrated activities, and offers some insights into how heterogeneity may be understood and studied in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karla Andrade de Oliveira
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Piaui, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Surojeet Sengupta
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States
| | - Anil Kumar Yadav
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States
| | - Robert Clarke
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert Clarke,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xu F, Shi J, Qin X, Zheng Z, Chen M, Lin Z, Ye J, Li M. Hormone-Glutamine Metabolism: A Critical Regulatory Axis in Endocrine-Related Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710086. [PMID: 36077501 PMCID: PMC9456462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine-related cancers and hormones are undoubtedly highly interconnected. How hormones support or repress tumor induction and progression has been extensively profiled. Furthermore, advances in understanding the role of glutamine metabolism in mediating tumorigenesis and development, coupled with these in-depth studies on hormone (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, androgen, prostaglandin, thyroid hormone, and insulin) regulation of glutamine metabolism, have led us to think about the relationship between these three factors, which remains to be elucidated. Accordingly, in this review, we present an updated overview of glutamine metabolism traits and its influence on endocrine oncology, as well as its upstream hormonal regulation. More importantly, this hormone/glutamine metabolism axis may help in the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for endocrine-related cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengyuan Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jialu Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Xueyun Qin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zimeng Zheng
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Min Chen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zhi Lin
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Jiangfeng Ye
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138632, Singapore
| | - Mingqing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, China
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lv L, Yang S, Zhu Y, Zhai X, Li S, Tao X, Dong D. Relationship between metabolic reprogramming and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:942064. [PMID: 36059650 PMCID: PMC9434120 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.942064] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women. At present, chemotherapy is the main method to treat breast cancer in addition to surgery and radiotherapy, but the process of chemotherapy is often accompanied by the development of drug resistance, which leads to a reduction in drug efficacy. Furthermore, mounting evidence indicates that drug resistance is caused by dysregulated cellular metabolism, and metabolic reprogramming, including enhanced glucose metabolism, fatty acid synthesis and glutamine metabolic rates, is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Changes in metabolism have been considered one of the most important causes of resistance to treatment, and knowledge of the mechanisms involved will help in identifying potential treatment deficiencies. To improve women’s survival outcomes, it is vital to elucidate the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and drug resistance in breast cancer. This review analyzes and investigates the reprogramming of metabolism and resistance to breast cancer therapy, and the results offer promise for novel targeted and cell-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Shilei Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yanna Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xufeng Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Xufeng Tao, ; Deshi Dong,
| | - Deshi Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Xufeng Tao, ; Deshi Dong,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jayarathna DK, Rentería ME, Batra J, Gandhi NS. A supervised machine learning approach identifies gene-regulating factor-mediated competing endogenous RNA networks in hormone-dependent cancers. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1394-1408. [PMID: 35757968 PMCID: PMC9542250 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) have become an emerging topic in cancer research due to their role in gene regulatory networks. To date, traditional ceRNA bioinformatic studies have investigated microRNAs as the only factor regulating gene expression. Growing evidence suggests that genomic (e.g., copy number alteration [CNA]), transcriptomic (e.g., transcription factors [TFs]), and epigenomic (e.g., DNA methylation [DM]) factors can influence ceRNA regulatory networks. Herein, we used the Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, a machine learning approach, to integrate DM, CNA, and TFs data with RNA expression to infer ceRNA networks in cancer risk. The gene‐regulating factors‐mediated ceRNA networks were identified in four hormone‐dependent (HD) cancer types: prostate, breast, colorectal, and endometrial. The shared ceRNAs across HD cancer types were further investigated using survival analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and protein–protein interaction network analysis. We found two (BUB1 and EXO1) and one (RRM2) survival‐significant ceRNA(s) shared across breast‐colorectal‐endometrial and prostate–colorectal–endometrial combinations, respectively. Both BUB1 and BUB1B genes were identified as shared ceRNAs across more than two HD cancers of interest. These genes play a critical role in cell division, spindle‐assembly checkpoint signalling, and correct chromosome alignment. Furthermore, shared ceRNAs across multiple HD cancers have been involved in essential cancer pathways such as cell cycle, p53 signalling, and chromosome segregation. Identifying ceRNAs' roles across multiple related cancers will improve our understanding of their shared disease biology. Moreover, it contributes to the knowledge of RNA‐mediated cancer pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dulari K Jayarathna
- Centre for Genomics and Personalized Health, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Miguel E Rentería
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jyotsna Batra
- Centre for Genomics and Personalized Health, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Neha S Gandhi
- Centre for Genomics and Personalized Health, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cheng W, Li G, Ye Z, Hu J, Gao L, Jia X, Zhao S, Wang Y, Zhou Q. NEDD4L inhibits cell viability, cell cycle progression, and glutamine metabolism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via ubiquitination of c-Myc. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:716-724. [PMID: 35593463 PMCID: PMC9827801 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common subtype of esophageal cancer with high incidence. Surgery remains the main strategy for treatment of ESCC at early stage. However, the treatment outcome is unsatisfactory. Therefore, finding new therapeutics is of great importance. In the present study, we measured the level of NEDD4L, an ubiquitin protein ligase, in clinical samples and investigated the effects of NEDD4L on cell viability, cell cycle progression, and glutamine metabolism in TE14 cells determined by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and biochemical analysis, respectively. The results show that NEDD4L is significantly decreased in ESCC specimens, and its decreased expression is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Overexpression of NEDD4L significantly inhibits cell viability, cell cycle progression, and glutamine metabolism in TE14 cells. Mechanistic study indicates that NEDD4L regulates tumor progression through ubiquitination of c-Myc and modulation of glutamine metabolism. NEDD4L inhibits cell viability, cell cycle progression, and glutamine metabolism in ESCC by ubiquitination of c-Myc to decrease the expressions of GLS1 and SLC1A5. Our findings highlight the importance of NEDD4L/c-Myc signaling in ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Department of Hematologic and OncologyXinjiang Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Digestive System Tumorthe Center Hospital of Karamay CityKaramay834000China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- Department of OncologyTongji HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200065China
| | - Zhou Ye
- Department of General SurgeryXinjiang Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Digestive System Tumorthe Center Hospital of Karamay CityKaramay834000China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Hematologic and OncologyXinjiang Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Digestive System Tumorthe Center Hospital of Karamay CityKaramay834000China
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Hematologic and OncologyXinjiang Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Digestive System Tumorthe Center Hospital of Karamay CityKaramay834000China
| | - Xiaoling Jia
- Department of Hematologic and OncologyXinjiang Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Digestive System Tumorthe Center Hospital of Karamay CityKaramay834000China
| | - Suping Zhao
- Department of Hematologic and OncologyXinjiang Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Digestive System Tumorthe Center Hospital of Karamay CityKaramay834000China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Science and Educationthe Center Hospital of Karamay CityKaramay834000China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Hematologic and OncologyXinjiang Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Digestive System Tumorthe Center Hospital of Karamay CityKaramay834000China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Alloferon Affects the Chemosensitivity of Pancreatic Cancer by Regulating the Expression of SLC6A14. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051113. [PMID: 35625849 PMCID: PMC9138528 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051113] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PCa), one of the most malignant solid tumors, has a high mortality rate. Although there have been many trials of chemotherapeutic drugs such as gemcitabine, the mortality rates remain significantly higher than for other types of cancer. Therefore, more effective ways of improving conventional therapy for PCa are needed. Cancer cells take up large amounts of glutamine to drive their rapid proliferation. Recent studies show that the amino acid transporter SLC6A14 is upregulated in some cancers alongside glutamine metabolism. Alloferon, a peptide isolated from the insect immune system, exerts anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects via its immunomodulatory function. In addition, it has anti-tumoral effects, although the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of alloferon on the PCa cell lines Panc-1 and AsPC-1. Exposure of these cells to alloferon for 3 weeks led to the downregulation of SLC6A14 expression and decreased glutamine uptake. Given that SLC6A14 plays a role in tumor progression and survival by promoting glutamine uptake into cancer cells, alloferon could be a potential adjuvant for the chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine.
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen X, Chen Y, Zhang M, Cheng H, Mai H, Yi M, Xu H, Yuan X, Liu S, Wen F. HucMSC exosomes promoted imatinib-induced apoptosis in K562-R cells via a miR-145a-5p/USP6/GLS1 axis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:92. [PMID: 35091542 PMCID: PMC8799639 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04531-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm with increasing incidence worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) play a role in cancer treatment. Dysregulation of miR-146a has been found in both adult and pediatric patients with acute leukemia. Knockdown of glutaminase-1 (GLS1) resulted in inhibition of tumor growth. However, the role of miR-146a-5p/USP6/GLS1 in leukemia and chemoresistance of leukemia cells remains to be elucidated. In the current study, USP6 level was increased in bone marrow aspiration specimens of patients with CML and associated with poor prognosis. USP6 was significantly upregulated in imatinib (IM)-resistant clinical samples compared with IM-sensitive samples. USP6 overexpression significantly inhibited IM-induced apoptosis of leukemia cells. Overexpressing USP6 significantly increased GLS1 ubiquitination to decrease GLS protein. A mechanism study indicated that USP6 regulation of IM resistance of CML cells was GLS1 dependent and regulated by miR-146a-5p. Administration of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hucMSC) exosomes promoted IM-induced cell apoptosis through miR-145a-5p/USP6. Therefore, hucMSC exosomes promoted IM-induced apoptosis of K562-R cells by suppressing GLS1 ubiquitination to increase GLS protein via miR-146a-5p and its target GLS1. The findings highlight the importance of miR-146a-5p/USP6/GLS1 signaling in chemoresistance of leukemia and provide new insights into therapeutic strategies for chemoresistant leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China.,Shenzhen Institute of Pediatrics, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China.,Shenzhen Institute of Pediatrics, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Huirong Mai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Meng Yi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Huanli Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Xiuli Yuan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Sixi Liu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China.
| | - Feiqiu Wen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China. .,Shenzhen Institute of Pediatrics, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gonçalves AC, Richiardone E, Jorge J, Polónia B, Xavier CPR, Salaroglio IC, Riganti C, Vasconcelos MH, Corbet C, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB. Impact of cancer metabolism on therapy resistance - Clinical implications. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 59:100797. [PMID: 34955385 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite an increasing arsenal of anticancer therapies, many patients continue to have poor outcomes due to the therapeutic failures and tumor relapses. Indeed, the clinical efficacy of anticancer therapies is markedly limited by intrinsic and/or acquired resistance mechanisms that can occur in any tumor type and with any treatment. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to implement fundamental changes in the tumor treatment paradigm by the development of new experimental strategies that can help to predict the occurrence of clinical drug resistance and to identify alternative therapeutic options. Apart from mutation-driven resistance mechanisms, tumor microenvironment (TME) conditions generate an intratumoral phenotypic heterogeneity that supports disease progression and dismal outcomes. Tumor cell metabolism is a prototypical example of dynamic, heterogeneous, and adaptive phenotypic trait, resulting from the combination of intrinsic [(epi)genetic changes, tissue of origin and differentiation dependency] and extrinsic (oxygen and nutrient availability, metabolic interactions within the TME) factors, enabling cancer cells to survive, metastasize and develop resistance to anticancer therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding metabolism-based mechanisms conferring adaptive resistance to chemo-, radio-and immunotherapies as well as targeted therapies. Furthermore, we report the role of TME-mediated intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity in therapy resistance and how adaptations in amino acid, glucose, and lipid metabolism support the growth of therapy-resistant cancers and/or cellular subpopulations. We also report the intricate interplay between tumor signaling and metabolic pathways in cancer cells and discuss how manipulating key metabolic enzymes and/or providing dietary changes may help to eradicate relapse-sustaining cancer cells. Finally, in the current era of personalized medicine, we describe the strategies that may be applied to implement metabolic profiling for tumor imaging, biomarker identification, selection of tailored treatments and monitoring therapy response during the clinical management of cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elena Richiardone
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Belgium
| | - Joana Jorge
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Polónia
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Torino, Italy
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Belgium.
| | - Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Hematology Service, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Saatci O, Huynh-Dam KT, Sahin O. Endocrine resistance in breast cancer: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1691-1710. [PMID: 34623477 PMCID: PMC8611518 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02136-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-positive (ER +) breast cancer accounts for approximately 75% of all breast cancers. Endocrine therapies, including selective ER modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors (AIs), and selective ER down-regulators (SERDs) provide substantial clinical benefit by reducing the risk of disease recurrence and mortality. However, resistance to endocrine therapies represents a major challenge, limiting the success of ER + breast cancer treatment. Mechanisms of endocrine resistance involve alterations in ER signaling via modulation of ER (e.g., ER downregulation, ESR1 mutations or fusions); alterations in ER coactivators/corepressors, transcription factors (TFs), nuclear receptors and epigenetic modulators; regulation of signaling pathways; modulation of cell cycle regulators; stress signaling; and alterations in tumor microenvironment, nutrient stress, and metabolic regulation. Current therapeutic strategies to improve outcome of endocrine-resistant patients in clinics include inhibitors against mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) subunit, p110α. Preclinical studies reveal novel therapeutic targets, some of which are currently tested in clinical trials as single agents or in combination with endocrine therapies, such as ER partial agonists, ER proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), next-generation SERDs, AKT inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor 1 and 2 (EGFR/HER2) dual inhibitors, HER2 targeting antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the established and emerging mechanisms of endocrine resistance, alterations during metastatic recurrence, and discuss the approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials testing the combination of novel targeted therapies with endocrine therapy in endocrine-resistant ER + breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Saatci
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, 715, Sumter Street, CLS609D, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Kim-Tuyen Huynh-Dam
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, 715, Sumter Street, CLS609D, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, 715, Sumter Street, CLS609D, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hussein S, Khanna P, Yunus N, Gatza ML. Nuclear Receptor-Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming and the Impact on HR+ Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194808. [PMID: 34638293 PMCID: PMC8508306 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States, with hormone receptor positive (HR+) tumors representing more than two-thirds of new cases. Recent evidence has indicated that dysregulation of multiple metabolic programs, which can be driven through nuclear receptor activity, is essential for tumor genesis, progression, therapeutic resistance and metastasis. This study will review the current advances in our understanding of the impact and implication of altered metabolic processes driven by nuclear receptors, including hormone-dependent signaling, on HR+ breast cancer. Abstract Metabolic reprogramming enables cancer cells to adapt to the changing microenvironment in order to maintain metabolic energy and to provide the necessary biological macromolecules required for cell growth and tumor progression. While changes in tumor metabolism have been long recognized as a hallmark of cancer, recent advances have begun to delineate the mechanisms that modulate metabolic pathways and the consequence of altered signaling on tumorigenesis. This is particularly evident in hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancers which account for approximately 70% of breast cancer cases. Emerging evidence indicates that HR+ breast tumors are dependent on multiple metabolic processes for tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance and that changes in metabolic programs are driven, in part, by a number of key nuclear receptors including hormone-dependent signaling. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and impact of hormone receptor mediated metabolic reprogramming on HR+ breast cancer genesis and progression as well as the therapeutic implications of these metabolic processes in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa Hussein
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; (S.H.); (P.K.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Pooja Khanna
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; (S.H.); (P.K.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA;
| | - Neha Yunus
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA;
| | - Michael L. Gatza
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA; (S.H.); (P.K.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-732-235-8751
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Inhibition of Metabolism as a Therapeutic Option for Tamoxifen-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092398. [PMID: 34572047 PMCID: PMC8467413 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells have an increased need for glucose and, despite aerobic conditions, obtain their energy through aerobic oxidation and lactate fermentation, instead of aerobic oxidation alone. Glutamine is an essential amino acid in the human body. Glutaminolysis and glycolysis are crucial for cancer cell survival. In the therapy of estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer (BC), the focus lies on hormone sensitivity targeting therapy with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT), although this therapy is partially limited by the development of resistance. Therefore, further targets for therapy improvement of ERα-positive BC with secondary 4-OHT resistance are needed. Hence, increased glucose requirement and upregulated glutaminolysis in BC cells could be used. We have established sublines of ERα-positive MCF7 and T47D BC cells, which were developed to be resistant to 4-OHT. Further, glycolysis inhibitor 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2-DG) and glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 were analyzed. Co-treatments using 4-OHT and CB-839, 2-DG and CB-839, or 4-OHT, 2-DG and CB-839, respectively, showed significantly stronger inhibitory effects on viability compared to single treatments. It could be shown that tamoxifen-resistant BC cell lines, compared to the non-resistant cell lines, exhibited a stronger reducing effect on cell viability under co-treatments. In addition, the tamoxifen-resistant BC cell lines showed increased expression of proto-oncogene c-Myc compared to the parental cell lines. This could be reduced depending on the treatment. Suppression of c-Myc expression using specific siRNA completely abolished resistance to 4OH-tamoxifen. In summary, our data suggest that combined treatments affecting the metabolism of BC are suitable depending on the cellularity and resistance status. In addition, the anti-metabolic treatments affected the expression of the proto-oncogene c-Myc, a key player in the regulation of cancer cell metabolism.
Collapse
|
26
|
Jariyal H, Gupta C, Andhale S, Gadge S, Srivastava A. Comparative stemness and differentiation of luminal and basal breast cancer stem cell type under glutamine-deprivation. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:207-222. [PMID: 33511560 PMCID: PMC7991029 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00603-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamine (gln) metabolism has emerged as a cancer therapeutic target in past few years, however, the effect of gln-deprivation of bCSCs remains elusive in breast cancer. In this study, effect of glutamine on stemness and differentiation potential of bCSCs isolated from MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 were studied. We have shown that bCSCs differentiate into CD24+ epithelial population under gln-deprivation and demonstrated increased expression of epithelial markers such as e-cadherin, claudin-1 and decreased expression of mesenchymal protein n-cadherin. MCF-7-bCSCs showed a decrease in EpCAMhigh population whereas MDAMB-231-bCSCs increased CD44high population in response to gln-deprivation. The expression of intracellular stem cell markers such sox-2, oct-4 and nanog showed a drastic decrease in gene expression under gln-deprived MDAMB-231-bCSCs. Finally, localization of β-catenin in MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 cells showed its accumulation in cytosol or perinuclear space reducing its efficiency to transcribe downstream genes. Conclusively, our study demonstrated that gln-deprivation induces differentiation of bCSCs into epithelial subtypes and also reduces stemness of bCSCs mediated by reduced nuclear localization of β-catenin. It also suggests that basal and luminal bCSCs respond differentially towards changes in extracellular and intracellular gln. This study could significantly affect the gln targeting regimen of breast cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heena Jariyal
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Chanchal Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Shambhavi Andhale
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Sonali Gadge
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Akshay Srivastava
- Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Opposite Air force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li H, Gao C, Liang Q, Liu C, Liu L, Zhuang J, Yang J, Zhou C, Feng F, Sun C. Cryptotanshinone Is a Intervention for ER-Positive Breast Cancer: An Integrated Approach to the Study of Natural Product Intervention Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:592109. [PMID: 33505309 PMCID: PMC7832090 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.592109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Resistance to endocrine therapy has hampered clinical treatment in patients with ER-positive breast cancer (BRCA). Studies have confirmed that cryptotanshinone (CPT) has cytotoxic effects on BRCA cells and can significantly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of ER-positive cancer cells. Methods: We analyzed the gene high-throughput data of ER-positive and negative BRCA to screen out key gene targets for ER-positive BRCA. Finally, the effects of CPT on BRCA cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) were examined, and quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of the key targets during CPT intervention. Results: A total of 169 differentially expressed genes were identified, and revealed that CPT affects the ER-positive BRCA cells by regulating CDK1, CCNA2, and ESR1. The overall experimental results initially show that MCF-7 cells were more sensitive to CPT than MDA-MB-231 cells, and the expression of ESR1 was not affected in the BRCA cells during CPT intervention, while the expression of CDK1 and CCNA2 were significantly down-regulated. Conclusion: CPT can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BRCA cells by regulating CDK1, CCNA2, and ESR1, especially in ER-positive BRCA samples. On the one hand, our research has discovered the possible mechanism that CPT can better interfere with ER+ BRCA; on the other hand, the combination of high-throughput data analysis and network pharmacology provides valuable information for identifying the mechanism of drug intervention in the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huayao Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chundi Gao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qing Liang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Departmen of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.,Department of Oncology, Affilited Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Departmen of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.,Department of Oncology, Affilited Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Departmen of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Departmen of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Fubin Feng
- Departmen of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.,Department of Basic Medical Science, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Departmen of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.,Chinese Medicine Innovation Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Feng J, Ren J, Yang Q, Liao L, Cui L, Gong Y, Sun S. Metabolic gene signature for predicting breast cancer recurrence using transcriptome analysis. Future Oncol 2021; 17:71-80. [PMID: 33397130 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The study aimed at identifying a metabolic gene signature for stratifying the risk of recurrence in breast cancer. Materials & methods: The data of patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The limma package was used to identify differentially expressed metabolic genes, and a metabolic gene signature was constructed. Results: A five-gene metabolic signature was established that demonstrated satisfactory accuracy and predictive power in both training and validation cohorts. Also, a nomogram for predicting recurrence-free survival was established using a combination of the metabolism gene risk score and the clinicopathological features. Conclusions: The proposed metabolic gene signature and nomogram have a significant prognostic value and may improve the recurrence risk stratification for breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Feng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery II, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Qingfeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Lingxia Liao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Le Cui
- Department of Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Yiping Gong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| | - Shengrong Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Morotti M, Zois CE, El-Ansari R, Craze ML, Rakha EA, Fan SJ, Valli A, Haider S, Goberdhan DCI, Green AR, Harris AL. Increased expression of glutamine transporter SNAT2/SLC38A2 promotes glutamine dependence and oxidative stress resistance, and is associated with worse prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:494-505. [PMID: 33028955 PMCID: PMC7852531 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01113-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamine (Gln) is an abundant nutrient used by cancer cells. Breast cancers cells and particularly triple-receptor negative breast cancer (TNBC) are reported to be dependent on Gln to produce the energy required for survival and proliferation. Despite intense research on the role of the intracellular Gln pathway, few reports have focussed on Gln transporters in breast cancer and TNBC. METHODS The role and localisation of the Gln transporter SLC38A2/SNAT2 in response to Gln deprivation or pharmacological stresses was examined in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Subsequently, the effect of SLC38A2 knockdown in Gln-sensitive cell lines was analysed. The prognostic value of SLC38A2 in a cohort of breast cancer was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS SLC38A2 was identified as a strongly expressed amino acid transporter in six breast cancer cell lines. We confirmed an autophagic route of degradation for SLC38A2. SLC38A2 knockdown decreased Gln consumption, inhibited cell growth, induced autophagy and led to ROS production in a subgroup of Gln-sensitive cell lines. High expression of SLC38A2 protein was associated with poor breast cancer specific survival in a large cohort of patients (p = 0.004), particularly in TNBC (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS These results position SLC38A2 as a selective target for inhibiting growth of Gln-dependent breast cancer cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Morotti
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK.
| | - Christos E Zois
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Rokaya El-Ansari
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Madeleine L Craze
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Shih-Jung Fan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Le Gros Clark Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Alessandro Valli
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Syed Haider
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, Division of Breast Cancer Research, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Deborah C I Goberdhan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Le Gros Clark Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Adrian L Harris
- Hypoxia and Angiogenesis Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Li J, Eu JQ, Kong LR, Wang L, Lim YC, Goh BC, Wong ALA. Targeting Metabolism in Cancer Cells and the Tumour Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204831. [PMID: 33092283 PMCID: PMC7588013 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting altered tumour metabolism is an emerging therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. The metabolic reprogramming that accompanies the development of malignancy creates targetable differences between cancer cells and normal cells, which may be exploited for therapy. There is also emerging evidence regarding the role of stromal components, creating an intricate metabolic network consisting of cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and cancer stem cells. This metabolic rewiring and crosstalk with the tumour microenvironment play a key role in cell proliferation, metastasis, and the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will discuss therapeutic opportunities, which arise from dysregulated metabolism and metabolic crosstalk, highlighting strategies that may aid in the precision targeting of altered tumour metabolism with a focus on combinatorial therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK;
| | - Jie Qing Eu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
| | - Li Ren Kong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Yaw Chyn Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Department of Pathology, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Andrea L. A. Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; (J.Q.E.); (L.R.K.); (L.W.); (Y.C.L.); (B.C.G.)
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-6779-5555
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Shen D, Kruger L, Deatherage T, Denton TT. Synthesis of α-Ketoglutaramic acid. Anal Biochem 2020; 607:113862. [PMID: 32771374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
α-Ketoglutaramic acid (KGM, α-ketoglutaramate), also known as 2-oxoglutaramic acid (OGM, 2-oxoglutaramate), is a substrate of ω-amidase, also known as Nitrilase 2 (NIT2), and is essential for studying the canonical role of ω-amidase, as well as its role in multiple diseases. Until now, KGM used for biological studies has been prepared most often by the enzymatic oxidation of l-glutamine using snake venom l-amino acid oxidase, which provides KGM as an aqueous solution, containing by-products including 5-oxoproline and α-ketoglutarate. The enzymatic method for KGM preparation, therefore, cannot provide pure product or an accurate percent yield evaluation. Here, we report a synthetic method for the preparation of this important substrate, KGM, in 3 steps, from l-2-hydroxyglutaramic acid, in pure form, in 53% overall yield.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dunxin Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
| | - Laken Kruger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
| | - Tyler Deatherage
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States
| | - Travis T Denton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99201, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
de Heer EC, Jalving M, Harris AL. HIFs, angiogenesis, and metabolism: elusive enemies in breast cancer. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:5074-5087. [PMID: 32870818 PMCID: PMC7524491 DOI: 10.1172/jci137552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and the HIF-dependent cancer hallmarks angiogenesis and metabolic rewiring are well-established drivers of breast cancer aggressiveness, therapy resistance, and poor prognosis. Targeting of HIF and its downstream targets in angiogenesis and metabolism has been unsuccessful so far in the breast cancer clinical setting, with major unresolved challenges residing in target selection, development of robust biomarkers for response prediction, and understanding and harnessing of escape mechanisms. This Review discusses the pathophysiological role of HIFs, angiogenesis, and metabolism in breast cancer and the challenges of targeting these features in patients with breast cancer. Rational therapeutic combinations, especially with immunotherapy and endocrine therapy, seem most promising in the clinical exploitation of the intricate interplay of HIFs, angiogenesis, and metabolism in breast cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C. de Heer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Oncology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mathilde Jalving
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Oncology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Adrian L. Harris
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Petővári G, Dankó T, Tőkés AM, Vetlényi E, Krencz I, Raffay R, Hajdu M, Sztankovics D, Németh K, Vellai-Takács K, Jeney A, Kulka J, Sebestyén A. In Situ Metabolic Characterisation of Breast Cancer and Its Potential Impact on Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092492. [PMID: 32899149 PMCID: PMC7563878 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of tremendous developments in breast cancer treatment, the relatively high incidence of relapsing cases indicates a great need to find new therapeutic strategies in recurrent, metastatic and advanced cases. The bioenergetic needs of growing tumours at the primary site or in metastases-accumulating genomic alterations and further heterogeneity-are supported by metabolic rewiring, an important hallmark of cancer. Adaptation mechanisms as well as altered anabolic and catabolic processes balance according to available nutrients, energy, oxygen demand and overgrowth or therapeutic resistance. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) hyperactivity may contribute to this metabolic plasticity and progression in breast carcinomas. We set out to assess the metabolic complexity in breast cancer cell lines and primary breast cancer cases. Cellular metabolism and mTOR-related protein expression were characterised in ten cell lines, along with their sensitivity to specific mTOR and other metabolic inhibitors. Selected immunohistochemical reactions were performed on ~100 surgically removed breast cancer specimens. The obtained protein expression scores were correlated with survival and other clinicopathological data. Metabolic and mTOR inhibitor mono-treatments had moderate antiproliferative effects in the studied cell lines in a subtype-independent manner, revealing their high adaptive capacity and survival/growth potential. Immunohistochemical analysis of p-S6, Rictor, lactate dehydrogenase A, glutaminase, fatty acid synthase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A in human samples identified high mTOR activity and potential metabolic plasticity as negative prognostic factors for breast cancer patients, even in subtypes generally considered as low-risk. According to our results, breast cancer is characterised by considerable metabolic diversity, which can be targeted by combining antimetabolic treatments and recent therapies. Alterations in these pathways may provide novel targets for future drug development in breast cancer. We also propose a set of immunostainings for scoring metabolic heterogeneity in individual cases in order to select patients who may benefit from more accurate follow-up and specific therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Petővári
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (G.P.); (T.D.); (E.V.); (I.K.); (R.R.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (A.J.)
| | - Titanilla Dankó
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (G.P.); (T.D.); (E.V.); (I.K.); (R.R.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (A.J.)
| | - Anna-Mária Tőkés
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 93, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary; (A.-M.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Enikő Vetlényi
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (G.P.); (T.D.); (E.V.); (I.K.); (R.R.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (A.J.)
| | - Ildikó Krencz
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (G.P.); (T.D.); (E.V.); (I.K.); (R.R.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (A.J.)
| | - Regina Raffay
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (G.P.); (T.D.); (E.V.); (I.K.); (R.R.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (A.J.)
| | - Melinda Hajdu
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (G.P.); (T.D.); (E.V.); (I.K.); (R.R.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (A.J.)
| | - Dániel Sztankovics
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (G.P.); (T.D.); (E.V.); (I.K.); (R.R.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (A.J.)
| | - Krisztina Németh
- MS Metabolomics Laboratory, Core Facility, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Blvd 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Krisztina Vellai-Takács
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - András Jeney
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (G.P.); (T.D.); (E.V.); (I.K.); (R.R.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (A.J.)
| | - Janina Kulka
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 93, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary; (A.-M.T.); (J.K.)
| | - Anna Sebestyén
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary; (G.P.); (T.D.); (E.V.); (I.K.); (R.R.); (M.H.); (D.S.); (A.J.)
- Correspondence: or
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Seyfried TN, Mukherjee P, Iyikesici MS, Slocum A, Kalamian M, Spinosa JP, Chinopoulos C. Consideration of Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy as a Complementary or Alternative Approach for Managing Breast Cancer. Front Nutr 2020; 7:21. [PMID: 32219096 PMCID: PMC7078107 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00021] [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: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Ultrastructural and biochemical evidence from breast biopsy tissue and cancer cells shows mitochondrial abnormalities that are incompatible with energy production through oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Consequently, breast cancer, like most cancers, will become more reliant on substrate level phosphorylation (fermentation) than on oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) for growth consistent with the mitochondrial metabolic theory of cancer. Glucose and glutamine are the prime fermentable fuels that underlie therapy resistance and drive breast cancer growth through substrate level phosphorylation (SLP) in both the cytoplasm (Warburg effect) and the mitochondria (Q-effect), respectively. Emerging evidence indicates that ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT) can reduce glucose availability to tumor cells while simultaneously elevating ketone bodies, a non-fermentable metabolic fuel. It is suggested that KMT would be most effective when used together with glutamine targeting. Information is reviewed for suggesting how KMT could reduce systemic inflammation and target tumor cells without causing damage to normal cells. Implementation of KMT in the clinic could improve progression free and overall survival for patients with breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Purna Mukherjee
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Mehmet S. Iyikesici
- Medical Oncology, Kemerburgaz University Bahcelievler Medical Park Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdul Slocum
- Medical Oncology, Chemo Thermia Oncology Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Dragan M, Nguyen MU, Guzman S, Goertzen C, Brackstone M, Dhillo WS, Bech PR, Clarke S, Abbara A, Tuck AB, Hess DA, Pine SR, Zong WX, Wondisford FE, Su X, Babwah AV, Bhattacharya M. G protein-coupled kisspeptin receptor induces metabolic reprograming and tumorigenesis in estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:106. [PMID: 32034133 PMCID: PMC7005685 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2305-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly metastatic and deadly disease. TNBC tumors lack estrogen receptor (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 (ErbB2) and exhibit increased glutamine metabolism, a requirement for tumor growth. The G protein-coupled kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) is highly expressed in patient TNBC tumors and promotes malignant transformation of breast epithelial cells. This study found that TNBC patients displayed elevated plasma kisspeptin levels compared with healthy subjects. It also provides the first evidence that in addition to promoting tumor growth and metastasis in vivo, KISS1R-induced glutamine dependence of tumors. In addition, tracer-based metabolomics analyses revealed that KISS1R promoted glutaminolysis and nucleotide biosynthesis by increasing c-Myc and glutaminase levels, key regulators of glutamine metabolism. Overall, this study establishes KISS1R as a novel regulator of TNBC metabolism and metastasis, suggesting that targeting KISS1R could have therapeutic potential in the treatment of TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Dragan
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mai-Uyen Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Stephania Guzman
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Cameron Goertzen
- Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Muriel Brackstone
- Department of Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul R Bech
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie Clarke
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alan B Tuck
- Department of Pathology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - David A Hess
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sharon R Pine
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Wei-Xing Zong
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Frederic E Wondisford
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Su
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Andy V Babwah
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Moshmi Bhattacharya
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. .,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. .,Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Magaway C, Kim E, Jacinto E. Targeting mTOR and Metabolism in Cancer: Lessons and Innovations. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121584. [PMID: 31817676 PMCID: PMC6952948 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells support their growth and proliferation by reprogramming their metabolism in order to gain access to nutrients. Despite the heterogeneity in genetic mutations that lead to tumorigenesis, a common alteration in tumors occurs in pathways that upregulate nutrient acquisition. A central signaling pathway that controls metabolic processes is the mTOR pathway. The elucidation of the regulation and functions of mTOR can be traced to the discovery of the natural compound, rapamycin. Studies using rapamycin have unraveled the role of mTOR in the control of cell growth and metabolism. By sensing the intracellular nutrient status, mTOR orchestrates metabolic reprogramming by controlling nutrient uptake and flux through various metabolic pathways. The central role of mTOR in metabolic rewiring makes it a promising target for cancer therapy. Numerous clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of mTOR inhibition for cancer treatment. Rapamycin analogs have been approved to treat specific types of cancer. Since rapamycin does not fully inhibit mTOR activity, new compounds have been engineered to inhibit the catalytic activity of mTOR to more potently block its functions. Despite highly promising pre-clinical studies, early clinical trial results of these second generation mTOR inhibitors revealed increased toxicity and modest antitumor activity. The plasticity of metabolic processes and seemingly enormous capacity of malignant cells to salvage nutrients through various mechanisms make cancer therapy extremely challenging. Therefore, identifying metabolic vulnerabilities in different types of tumors would present opportunities for rational therapeutic strategies. Understanding how the different sources of nutrients are metabolized not just by the growing tumor but also by other cells from the microenvironment, in particular, immune cells, will also facilitate the design of more sophisticated and effective therapeutic regimen. In this review, we discuss the functions of mTOR in cancer metabolism that have been illuminated from pre-clinical studies. We then review key findings from clinical trials that target mTOR and the lessons we have learned from both pre-clinical and clinical studies that could provide insights on innovative therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy to target mTOR signaling and the metabolic network in cancer.
Collapse
|
37
|
Desbats MA, Giacomini I, Prayer-Galetti T, Montopoli M. Iron granules in plasma cells. J Clin Pathol 1982; 10:281. [PMID: 32211323 PMCID: PMC7068907 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy is the first cause of cancer-associated death. Thus, new strategies to deal with the evasion of drug response and to improve clinical outcomes are needed. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms associated with uncontrolled cell growth result in metabolism reprogramming. Cancer cells enhance anabolic pathways and acquire the ability to use different carbon sources besides glucose. An oxygen and nutrient-poor tumor microenvironment determines metabolic interactions among normal cells, cancer cells and the immune system giving rise to metabolically heterogeneous tumors which will partially respond to metabolic therapy. Here we go into the best-known cancer metabolic profiles and discuss several studies that reported tumors sensitization to chemotherapy by modulating metabolic pathways. Uncovering metabolic dependencies across different chemotherapy treatments could help to rationalize the use of metabolic modulators to overcome therapy resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Andrea Desbats
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Monica Montopoli
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Monica Montopoli
| |
Collapse
|