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Lund LM, Marchi AN, Alderfer L, Hall E, Hammer J, Trull KJ, Hanjaya-Putra D, White KA. Intracellular pH dynamics respond to microenvironment stiffening and mediate vasculogenic mimicry through β-catenin. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.04.597454. [PMID: 38895391 PMCID: PMC11185592 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.04.597454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Dysregulated intracellular pH (pHi) dynamics and an altered tumor microenvironment have emerged as drivers of cancer cell phenotypes. However, the molecular integration between the physical properties of the microenvironment and dynamic intracellular signaling responses remains unclear. Here, we use two metastatic cell models, one breast and one lung, to assess pHi response to varying extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. To experimentally model ECM stiffening, we use two tunable-stiffness hydrogel systems: Matrigel and hyaluronic acid (HA) gels, which mimic the increased protein secretion and crosslinking associated with ECM stiffening. We find that single-cell pHi decreases with increased ECM stiffness in both hydrogel systems and both metastatic cell types. We also observed that stiff ECM promotes vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a phenotype associated with metastasis and resistance. Importantly, we show that decreased pHi is both a necessary and sufficient mediator of VM, as raising pHi on stiff ECM reduces VM phenotypes and lowering pHi on soft ECM drives VM. We characterize β-catenin as a pH-dependent molecular mediator of pH-dependent VM, where stiffness-driven changes in β-catenin abundance can be overridden by increased pHi. We uncover a dynamic relationship between matrix stiffness and pHi, thus suggesting pHi dynamics can override mechanosensitive cell responses to the extracellular microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Lund
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 USA
| | - Angelina N Marchi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 USA
| | - Laura Alderfer
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 153 Multidisciplinary Engineering Research Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Current: Vivodyne, Suite 775 601 Walnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19106 USA
| | - Eva Hall
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 153 Multidisciplinary Engineering Research Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Jacob Hammer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 USA
| | - Keelan J Trull
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 USA
| | - Donny Hanjaya-Putra
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 USA
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 153 Multidisciplinary Engineering Research Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 250 Nieuwland Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Katharine A White
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617 USA
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Kisor KP, Ruiz DG, Jacobson MP, Barber DL. A role for pH dynamics regulating transcription factor DNA binding selectivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595212. [PMID: 38826444 PMCID: PMC11142074 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular pH (pHi) dynamics regulates diverse cell processes such as proliferation, dysplasia, and differentiation, often mediated by the protonation state of a functionally critical histidine residue in endogenous pH sensing proteins. How pHi dynamics can directly regulate gene expression and whether transcription factors can function as pH sensors has received limited attention. We tested the prediction that transcription factors with a histidine in their DNA binding domain (DBD) that forms hydrogen bonds with nucleotides can have pH-regulated activity, which is relevant to more than 85 transcription factors in distinct families, including FOX, KLF, SOX and MITF/Myc. Focusing on FOX family transcription factors, we used unbiased SELEX-seq to identify pH-dependent DNA binding motif preferences, then confirm pH-regulated binding affinities for FOXC2, FOXM1, and FOXN1 to a canonical FkhP DNA motif that are 2.5 to 7.5 greater at pH 7.0 compared with pH 7.5. For FOXC2, we also find greater activity for an FkhP motif at lower pHi in cells and that pH-regulated binding and activity are dependent on a conserved histidine (His122) in the DBD. RNA-seq with FOXC2 also reveals pH-dependent differences in enriched promoter motifs. Our findings identify pH-regulated transcription factor-DNA binding selectivity with relevance to how pHi dynamics can regulate gene expression for myriad cell behaviours.
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Fustaino V, Papoff G, Ruberti F, Ruberti G. Co-Expression Network Analysis Unveiled lncRNA-mRNA Links Correlated to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance and/or Intermediate Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Phenotypes in a Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cellular Model System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3863. [PMID: 38612674 PMCID: PMC11011530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073863] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated mRNA-lncRNA co-expression patterns in a cellular model system of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sensitive and resistant to the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) erlotinib/gefitinib. The aim of this study was to unveil insights into the complex mechanisms of NSCLC targeted therapy resistance and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Genome-wide RNA expression was quantified for weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to correlate the expression levels of mRNAs and lncRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis and identification of lncRNAs were conducted on modules associated with the EGFR-TKI response and/or intermediate EMT phenotypes. We constructed lncRNA-mRNA co-expression networks and identified key modules and their enriched biological functions. Processes enriched in the selected modules included RHO (A, B, C) GTPase and regulatory signaling pathways, apoptosis, inflammatory and interleukin signaling pathways, cell adhesion, cell migration, cell and extracellular matrix organization, metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Interestingly, several lncRNAs, already shown to be dysregulated in cancer, are connected to a small number of mRNAs, and several lncRNAs are interlinked with each other in the co-expression network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fustaino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Campus Adriano Buzzati Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Roma), Italy; (G.P.); (F.R.)
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Czowski BJ, White KA. Intracellular pH regulates β-catenin with low pHi increasing adhesion and signaling functions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586349. [PMID: 38585883 PMCID: PMC10996556 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular pH (pHi) dynamics are linked to cell processes including proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The adherens junction (AJ) and signaling protein β-catenin has decreased abundance at high pHi due to increased proteasomal-mediated degradation. However, the effects of low pHi on β-catenin abundance and functions have not been characterized. Here, we show that low pHi stabilizes β-catenin in epithelial cells using population-level and single-cell assays. β-catenin abundance is increased at low pHi and decreased at high pHi. We also assay single-cell protein degradation rates to show that β-catenin half-life is longer at low compared to high pHi. Importantly, we show that AJs are not disrupted by β-catenin loss at high pHi due to rescue by plakoglobin. Finally, we show that low pHi increases β-catenin transcriptional activity in single cells and is indistinguishable from a Wnt-on state. This work characterizes pHi as a rheostat regulating β-catenin abundance, stability, and function and implicates β-catenin as a molecular mediator of pHi-dependent cell processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Czowski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame
| | - Katharine A White
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame
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Eriksson I, Öllinger K. Lysosomes in Cancer-At the Crossroad of Good and Evil. Cells 2024; 13:459. [PMID: 38474423 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050459] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Although it has been known for decades that lysosomes are central for degradation and recycling in the cell, their pivotal role as nutrient sensing signaling hubs has recently become of central interest. Since lysosomes are highly dynamic and in constant change regarding content and intracellular position, fusion/fission events allow communication between organelles in the cell, as well as cell-to-cell communication via exocytosis of lysosomal content and release of extracellular vesicles. Lysosomes also mediate different forms of regulated cell death by permeabilization of the lysosomal membrane and release of their content to the cytosol. In cancer cells, lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy are increased to support the increased metabolism and allow growth even under nutrient- and oxygen-poor conditions. Tumor cells also induce exocytosis of lysosomal content to the extracellular space to promote invasion and metastasis. However, due to the enhanced lysosomal function, cancer cells are often more susceptible to lysosomal membrane permeabilization, providing an alternative strategy to induce cell death. This review summarizes the current knowledge of cancer-associated alterations in lysosomal structure and function and illustrates how lysosomal exocytosis and release of extracellular vesicles affect disease progression. We focus on functional differences depending on lysosomal localization and the regulation of intracellular transport, and lastly provide insight how new therapeutic strategies can exploit the power of the lysosome and improve cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Eriksson
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Öllinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
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Arnhold J. Inflammation-Associated Cytotoxic Agents in Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:81. [PMID: 38201509 PMCID: PMC10778456 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010081] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory processes are related to all stages of tumorigenesis. As inflammation is closely associated with the activation and release of different cytotoxic agents, the interplay between cytotoxic agents and antagonizing principles is highlighted in this review to address the question of how tumor cells overcome the enhanced values of cytotoxic agents in tumors. In tumor cells, the enhanced formation of mitochondrial-derived reactive species and elevated values of iron ions and free heme are antagonized by an overexpression of enzymes and proteins, contributing to the antioxidative defense and maintenance of redox homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, tumor cells can even survive additional stress caused by radio- and chemotherapy. Through the secretion of active agents from tumor cells, immune cells are suppressed in the tumor microenvironment and an enhanced formation of extracellular matrix components is induced. Different oxidant- and protease-based cytotoxic agents are involved in tumor-mediated immunosuppression, tumor growth, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Considering the special metabolic conditions in tumors, the main focus here was directed on the disturbed balance between the cytotoxic agents and protective mechanisms in late-stage tumors. This knowledge is mandatory for the implementation of novel anti-cancerous therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Arnhold
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
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Ghosh S, Lai JY. Recent advances in the design of intracellular pH sensing nanoprobes based on organic and inorganic materials. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:117089. [PMID: 37683789 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
In the biological system, the intracellular pH (pHi) plays an important role in regulating diverse physiological activities, including enzymatic action, ion transport, cell proliferation, metabolism, and programmed cell death. The monitoring of pH inside living cells is also crucial for studying cellular events such as phagocytosis, endocytosis, and receptor-ligand internalization. Furthermore, some organelles, viz., endosomes and lysosomes, have intracompartmental pH, which is critical for maintaining the stability of protein structure and function. The dysfunction and abnormal pH regulation can result in terminal diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer, and so forth. Therefore, the accuracy of intracellular pH measurement is always the top priority and demands cutting-edge research and analysis. Such techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence imaging, preferably use nanotechnology due to their remarkable advantages, such as a non-invasive approach and providing accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility. In the past decades, there have been numerous attempts to design and construct non-invasive organic and inorganic materials-based nanoprobes for pHi sensing. For Raman-based techniques, metal nanostructures such as Au/Ag/Cu nanoparticles are utilized to enhance the signal intensity. As for the fluorescence-based studies, the organic-based small molecules, such as dyes, show higher sensitivity toward pH. However, they possess several drawbacks, including high photobleaching rate, and autofluorescence background signals. To this end, there are alternative nanomaterials proposed, including semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), carbon QDs, upconversion nanoparticles, and so forth. Moreover, the fluorescence technique allows for ratiometric measurement of pHi, which as a result, offers a reliable calibration curve. This timely review will critically examine the current progression in the existing nanoprobes. In addition, based on our knowledge and available research findings, we provide a brief future outlook that may advance the state-of-the-art methodologies for pHi sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip Ghosh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Yang Lai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, 33305, Taiwan; Department of Materials Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, 24301, Taiwan; Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, 33303, Taiwan.
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Xin Y, Li K, Huang M, Liang C, Siemann D, Wu L, Tan Y, Tang X. Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine. Oncogene 2023; 42:3457-3490. [PMID: 37864030 PMCID: PMC10656290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
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Grants
- R35 GM150812 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project no. 11972316, Y.T.), Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Project no. JCYJ20200109142001798, SGDX2020110309520303, and JCYJ20220531091002006, Y.T.), General Research Fund of Hong Kong Research Grant Council (PolyU 15214320, Y. T.), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF18191421, Y.T.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1-CD75, 1-ZE2M, and 1-ZVY1, Y.T.), the Cancer Pilot Research Award from UF Health Cancer Center (X. T.), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R35GM150812 (X. T.), the National Science Foundation under grant number 2308574 (X. T.), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0393 (X. T.), the University Scholar Program (X. T.), UF Research Opportunity Seed Fund (X. T.), the Gatorade Award (X. T.), and the National Science Foundation REU Site at UF: Engineering for Healthcare (Douglas Spearot and Malisa Sarntinoranont). We are deeply grateful for the insightful discussions with and generous support from all members of Tang (UF)’s and Tan (PolyU)’s laboratories and all staff members of the MAE/BME/ECE/Health Cancer Center at UF and BME at PolyU.
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chenyu Liang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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9
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Kazyken D, Lentz SI, Wadley M, Fingar DC. Alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) increases PI3K activity to promote mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling and function during growth factor limitation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105097. [PMID: 37507012 PMCID: PMC10477693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The conserved protein kinase mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) responds to diverse environmental cues to control cell metabolism and promote cell growth, proliferation, and survival as part of two multiprotein complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. Our prior work demonstrated that an alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) increases mTORC2 activity and cell survival in complete media in part by activating AMP-activated protein kinase, a kinase best known to sense energetic stress. It is important to note that an alkaline pHi represents an underappreciated hallmark of cancer cells that promotes their oncogenic behaviors. In addition, mechanisms that control mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling and function remain incompletely defined, particularly in response to stress conditions. Here, we demonstrate that an alkaline pHi increases phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity to promote mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling in the absence of serum growth factors. Alkaline pHi increases mTORC1 activity through PI3K-Akt signaling, which mediates inhibitory phosphorylation of the upstream proteins tuberous sclerosis complex 2 and proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa and dissociates tuberous sclerosis complex from lysosomal membranes, thus enabling Rheb-mediated activation of mTORC1. Thus, alkaline pHi mimics growth factor-PI3K signaling. Functionally, we also demonstrate that an alkaline pHi increases cap-dependent protein synthesis through inhibitory phosphorylation of eIF4E binding protein 1 and suppresses apoptosis in a PI3K- and mTOR-dependent manner. We speculate that an alkaline pHi promotes a low basal level of cell metabolism (e.g., protein synthesis) that enables cancer cells within growing tumors to proliferate and survive despite limiting growth factors and nutrients, in part through elevated PI3K-mTORC1 and/or PI3K-mTORC2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dubek Kazyken
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
| | - Stephen I Lentz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maxwell Wadley
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Diane C Fingar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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Liu Y, Reyes E, Castillo-Azofeifa D, Klein OD, Nystul T, Barber DL. Intracellular pH dynamics regulates intestinal stem cell lineage specification. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3745. [PMID: 37353491 PMCID: PMC10290085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39312-9] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular pH dynamics is increasingly recognized to regulate myriad cell behaviors. We report a finding that intracellular pH dynamics also regulates adult stem cell lineage specification. We identify an intracellular pH gradient in mouse small intestinal crypts, lowest in crypt stem cells and increasing along the crypt column. Disrupting this gradient by inhibiting H+ efflux by Na+/H+ exchanger 1 abolishes crypt budding and blocks differentiation of Paneth cells, which are rescued with exogenous WNT. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and lineage tracing we demonstrate that intracellular pH dynamics acts downstream of ATOH1, with increased pH promoting differentiation toward the secretory lineage. Our findings indicate that an increase in pH is required for the lineage specification that contributes to crypt maintenance, establishing a role for intracellular pH dynamics in cell fate decisions within an adult stem cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Efren Reyes
- Program in Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - David Castillo-Azofeifa
- Program in Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Program in Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Todd Nystul
- Departments of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Diane L Barber
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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11
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Lowther KM, Bartolucci AF, Massey RE, Brown J, Peluso JJ. Supplementing culture medium with the weak acid, 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione (DMO) limits the development of aneuploid mouse embryos through a Trp53-dependent mechanism. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1215-1223. [PMID: 37058262 PMCID: PMC10239418 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02788-x] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was designed to determine if DMO limits in vitro development of aneuploid-enriched mouse embryos by activating a Trp53-dependent mechanism. METHODS Mouse cleavage-stage embryos were treated with reversine to induce aneuploidy or vehicle to generate controls, and then cultured in media supplemented with DMO to reduce the pH of the culture media. Embryo morphology was assessed by phase microscopy. Cell number, mitotic figures, and apoptotic bodies were revealed by staining fixed embryos with DAPI. mRNA levels of Trp53, Oct-4, and Cdx2 were monitored by quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCRs). The effect of Trp53 on the expression of Oct-4 and Cdx2 was assessed by depleting Trp53 using Trp53 siRNA. RESULTS Aneuploid-enriched late-stage blastocysts were morphologically indistinguishable from control blastocysts but had fewer cells and reduced mRNA levels of Oct-4 and Cdx2. Adding 1 mM DMO to the culture media during the 8-cell to blastocyst transition reduced the formation of aneuploid-enriched late-stage blastocysts but not control blastocysts and further suppressed the levels of Oct-4 and Cdx2 mRNA. Trp53 RNA levels in aneuploid-enriched embryos that were exposed to DMO were > twofold higher than controls, and Trp53 siRNA levels reduced the levels of Trp53 and increased levels of Oct-4 and Cdx2 mRNA by > twofold. CONCLUSION These studies suggest that the development of morphologically normal aneuploid-enriched mouse blastocysts can be inhibited by adding low amounts of DMO to the culture media, which results in elevated levels of Trp53 mRNA that suppresses Oct-4 and Cdx2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M Lowther
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave., CT, 06030, Farmington, USA
| | - Alison F Bartolucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
- The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | | | - Judy Brown
- Institute for Systems Genomics, UCONN, Storrs, CT, 06268, USA
| | - John J Peluso
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave., CT, 06030, Farmington, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
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12
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Kumar S, Vassallo JD, Nattamai KJ, Hassan A, Karns R, Vollmer A, Soller K, Sakk V, Sacma M, Nemkov T, D'Alessandro A, Geiger H. pH regulates hematopoietic stem cell potential via polyamines. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55373. [PMID: 36943011 PMCID: PMC10157373 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon ex vivo culture, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) quickly lose potential and differentiate into progenitors. The identification of culture conditions that maintain the potential of HSCs ex vivo is therefore of high clinical interest. Here, we demonstrate that the potential of murine and human HSCs is maintained when cultivated for 2 days ex vivo at a pH of 6.9, in contrast to cultivation at the commonly used pH of 7.4. When cultivated at a pH of 6.9, HSCs remain smaller, less metabolically active, less proliferative and show enhanced reconstitution ability upon transplantation compared to HSC cultivated at pH 7.4. HSCs kept at pH 6.9 show an attenuated polyamine pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of the polyamine pathway in HSCs cultivated at pH 7.4 with DFMO mimics phenotypes and potential of HSCs cultivated at pH 6.9. Ex vivo exposure to a pH of 6.9 is therefore a positive regulator of HSC function by reducing polyamines. These findings might improve HSC short-term cultivation protocols for transplantation and gene therapy interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Kumar
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Jeffrey D Vassallo
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kalpana J Nattamai
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Aishlin Hassan
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rebekah Karns
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Karin Soller
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vadim Sakk
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mehmet Sacma
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Travis Nemkov
- University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Hartmut Geiger
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Aging Research Center, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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13
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The Prime and Integral Cause of Cancer in the Post-Warburg Era. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020540. [PMID: 36672490 PMCID: PMC9856494 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020540] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Back to beginnings. A century ago, Otto Warburg published that aerobic glycolysis and the respiratory impairment of cells were the prime cause of cancer, a phenomenon that since then has been known as "the Warburg effect". In his early studies, Warburg looked at the effects of hydrogen ions (H+), on glycolysis in anaerobic conditions, as well as of bicarbonate and glucose. He found that gassing with CO2 led to the acidification of the solutions, resulting in decreased rates of glycolysis. It appears that Warburg first interpreted the role of pH on glycolysis as a secondary phenomenon, a side effect that was there just to compensate for the effect of bicarbonate. However, later on, while talking about glycolysis in a seminar at the Rockefeller Foundation, he said: "Special attention should be drawn to the remarkable influence of the bicarbonate…". Departing from the very beginnings of this metabolic cancer research in the 1920s, our perspective advances an analytic as well as the synthetic approach to the new "pH-related paradigm of cancer", while at the same time addressing the most fundamental and recent changing concepts in cancer metabolic etiology and its potential therapeutic implications.
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14
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Kshitiz, Afzal J, Suhail Y, Chang H, Hubbi ME, Hamidzadeh A, Goyal R, Liu Y, Sun P, Nicoli S, Dang CV, Levchenko A. Lactate-dependent chaperone-mediated autophagy induces oscillatory HIF-1α activity promoting proliferation of hypoxic cells. Cell Syst 2022; 13:1048-1064.e7. [PMID: 36462504 PMCID: PMC10012408 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Response to hypoxia is a highly regulated process, but little is known about single-cell responses to hypoxic conditions. Using fluorescent reporters of hypoxia response factor-1α (HIF-1α) activity in various cancer cell lines and patient-derived cancer cells, we show that hypoxic responses in individual cancer cells can be highly dynamic and variable. These responses fall into three classes, including oscillatory activity. We identify a molecular mechanism that can account for all three response classes, implicating reactive-oxygen-species-dependent chaperone-mediated autophagy of HIF-1α in a subset of cells. Furthermore, we show that oscillatory response is modulated by the abundance of extracellular lactate in a quorum-sensing-like mechanism. We show that oscillatory HIF-1α activity rescues hypoxia-mediated inhibition of cell division and causes broad suppression of genes downregulated in cancers and activation of genes upregulated in many cancers, suggesting a mechanism for aggressive growth in a subset of hypoxic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Junaid Afzal
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yasir Suhail
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Hao Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA
| | - Maimon E Hubbi
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Archer Hamidzadeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA
| | - Ruchi Goyal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA
| | - Yamin Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Stefania Nicoli
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Chi V Dang
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10016, USA; The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA.
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15
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Melatonin Treatment Triggers Metabolic and Intracellular pH Imbalance in Glioblastoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213467. [DOI: 10.3390/cells11213467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring in glioblastoma (GBM) is linked to intra- and extracellular pH regulation. In this study, we sought to characterize the role of melatonin on intracellular pH modulation and metabolic consequences to identify the mechanisms of action underlying melatonin oncostatic effects on GBM tumor initiating cells. GBM tumor initiating cells were treated at different times with melatonin (1.5 and 3.0 mM). We analyzed melatonin’s functional effects on GBM proliferation, cell cycle, viability, stemness, and chemo-radiosensitivity. We then assessed the effects of melatonin on GBM metabolism by analyzing the mitochondrial and glycolytic parameters. We also measured the intracellular and extracellular pH. Finally, we tested the effects of melatonin on a mouse subcutaneous xenograft model. We found that melatonin downregulated LDHA and MCT4, decreasing lactate production and inducing a decrease in intracellular pH that was associated with an increase in ROS and ATP depletion. These changes blocked cell cycle progression and induced cellular death and we observed similar results in vivo. Melatonin’s cytotoxic effects on GBM were due, at least in part, to intracellular pH modulation, which has emerged as a newly identified mechanism, providing new insights into the oncostatic effect of melatonin on GBM.
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16
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Pyo K, Matus MF, Malola S, Hulkko E, Alaranta J, Lahtinen T, Häkkinen H, Pettersson M. Tailoring the interaction between a gold nanocluster and a fluorescent dye by cluster size: creating a toolbox of range-adjustable pH sensors. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2022; 4:4579-4588. [PMID: 36425249 PMCID: PMC9606730 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00487a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We present a novel strategy for tailoring the fluorescent azadioxatriangulenium (KU) dye-based pH sensor to the target pH range by regulating the pK a value of the gold nanoclusters. Based on the correlation between the pK a and surface curvature of ligand-protected nanoparticles, the pK a value of the gold nanoclusters was controlled by size. In particular, three different-sized para-mercaptobenzoic acid (p-MBA) protected gold nanoclusters, Au25(p-MBA)18, Au102(p-MBA)44, and Au210-230(p-MBA)70-80 were used as the regulator for the pH range of the KU response. The negatively charged gold nanoclusters enabled the positively charged KU to bind to the surface, forming a complex and quenching the fluorescence of the KU by the energy transfer process. The fluorescence was restored after adjusting the surface charge of the gold nanocluster by controlling the solution pH. In addition, the KU exhibited a significantly different pH response behaviour for each gold nanocluster. Au210-230(p-MBA)70-80 showed a higher pH response range than Au102(p-MBA)44, which was intuitive. However, Au25(p-MBA)18 showed an unexpectedly high pH response behaviour. pK a titration measurement, molecular dynamics simulations, and essential dynamics analysis showed that small nanoclusters do not follow the scaling between the curvature and the pK a value. Instead, the behaviour is governed by the distribution and interaction of p-MBA ligands on the nanocluster surface. This work presents an effective design strategy for fabricating a range adjustable pH sensor by understanding the protonation behaviour of the ultrasmall gold nanoclusters in an atomic range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunglim Pyo
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 FI-40014 Finland
| | - María Francisca Matus
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 FI-40014 Finland
| | - Sami Malola
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 FI-40014 Finland
| | - Eero Hulkko
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 FI-40014 Finland
| | - Johanna Alaranta
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 FI-40014 Finland
| | - Tanja Lahtinen
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 FI-40014 Finland
| | - Hannu Häkkinen
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 FI-40014 Finland
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 FI-40014 Finland
| | - Mika Pettersson
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä P. O. Box 35 FI-40014 Finland
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17
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Electrostatics in Computational Biophysics and Its Implications for Disease Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810347. [PMID: 36142260 PMCID: PMC9499338 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810347] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This review outlines the role of electrostatics in computational molecular biophysics and its implication in altering wild-type characteristics of biological macromolecules, and thus the contribution of electrostatics to disease mechanisms. The work is not intended to review existing computational approaches or to propose further developments. Instead, it summarizes the outcomes of relevant studies and provides a generalized classification of major mechanisms that involve electrostatic effects in both wild-type and mutant biological macromolecules. It emphasizes the complex role of electrostatics in molecular biophysics, such that the long range of electrostatic interactions causes them to dominate all other forces at distances larger than several Angstroms, while at the same time, the alteration of short-range wild-type electrostatic pairwise interactions can have pronounced effects as well. Because of this dual nature of electrostatic interactions, being dominant at long-range and being very specific at short-range, their implications for wild-type structure and function are quite pronounced. Therefore, any disruption of the complex electrostatic network of interactions may abolish wild-type functionality and could be the dominant factor contributing to pathogenicity. However, we also outline that due to the plasticity of biological macromolecules, the effect of amino acid mutation may be reduced, and thus a charge deletion or insertion may not necessarily be deleterious.
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18
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Scalable Production of Extracellular Vesicles and Its Therapeutic Values: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147986. [PMID: 35887332 PMCID: PMC9315612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are minute vesicles with lipid bilayer membranes. EVs are secreted by cells for intercellular communication. Recently, EVs have received much attention, as they are rich in biological components such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins that play essential roles in tissue regeneration and disease modification. In addition, EVs can be developed as vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases, as the vesicle membrane has an abundance of antigenic determinants and virulent factors. EVs for therapeutic applications are typically collected from conditioned media of cultured cells. However, the number of EVs secreted by the cells is limited. Thus, it is critical to devise new strategies for the large-scale production of EVs. Here, we discussed the strategies utilized by researchers for the scalable production of EVs. Techniques such as bioreactors, mechanical stimulation, electrical stimulation, thermal stimulation, magnetic field stimulation, topographic clue, hypoxia, serum deprivation, pH modification, exposure to small molecules, exposure to nanoparticles, increasing the intracellular calcium concentration, and genetic modification have been used to improve the secretion of EVs by cultured cells. In addition, nitrogen cavitation, porous membrane extrusion, and sonication have been utilized to prepare EV-mimetic nanovesicles that share many characteristics with naturally secreted EVs. Apart from inducing EV production, these upscaling interventions have also been reported to modify the EVs’ cargo and thus their functionality and therapeutic potential. In summary, it is imperative to identify a reliable upscaling technique that can produce large quantities of EVs consistently. Ideally, the produced EVs should also possess cargo with improved therapeutic potential.
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19
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SLC26A9 deficiency causes gastric intraepithelial neoplasia in mice and aggressive gastric cancer in humans. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:381-398. [PMID: 35426084 PMCID: PMC9187568 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00672-x] [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] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Solute carrier family 26 member (SLC26A9) is a Cl− uniporter with very high expression levels in the gastric mucosa. Here, we describe morphological and molecular alterations in gastric mucosa of slc26a9−/− mice and in selective parietal cell-deleted slc26a9fl/fl/Atp4b-Cre mice and correlate SLC26A9 expression levels with morphological and clinical parameters in a cohort of gastric cancer (GC) patients. Methods The expression patterns of genes related to transport and enzymatic function, proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, barrier integrity, metaplasia and neoplasia development were studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and RNA microarray analysis. SLC26A9 expression and cellular/clinical phenotypes were studied in primary human GC tissues and GC cell lines. Results We found that both complete and parietal cell-selective Slc26a9 deletion in mice caused spontaneous development of gastric premalignant and malignant lesions. Dysregulated differentiation of gastric stem cells in an inflammatory environment, activated Wnt signaling, cellular hyperproliferation, apoptosis inhibition and metaplasia were observed. Analysis of human gastric precancerous and cancerous tissues revealed that SLC26A9 expression progressively decreased from atrophic gastritis to GC, and that downregulation of SLC26A9 was correlated with patient survival. Exogenous expression of SLC26A9 in GC cells induced upregulation of the Cl−/HCO3− exchanger AE2, G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and suppressed their proliferation, migration and invasion. Conclusions Our data indicate that SLC26A9 deletion in parietal cells is sufficient to trigger gastric metaplasia and the development of neoplastic lesions. In addition, we found that SLC26A9 expression decreases during human gastric carcinogenesis, and that exogenous SLC26A9 expression in GC cells reduces their malignant behavior. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13402-022-00672-x.
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20
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de Oliveira VM, Dias MMG, Avelino TM, Videira NB, da Silva FB, Doratioto TR, Whitford PC, Leite VBP, Figueira ACM. pH and the Breast Cancer Recurrent Mutation D538G Affect the Process of Activation of Estrogen Receptor α. Biochemistry 2022; 61:455-463. [PMID: 35238537 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is a regulatory protein that can access a set of distinct structural configurations. ERα undergoes extensive remodeling as it interacts with different agonists and antagonists, as well as transcription activation and repression factors. Moreover, breast cancer tumors resistant to hormone therapy have been associated with the imbalance between the active and inactive ERα states. Cancer-activating mutations in ERα play a crucial role in this imbalance and can promote the progression of cancer. However, the rate of this progression can also be increased by dysregulated pH in the tumor microenvironment. Many molecular aspects of the process of activation of ERα that can be affected by these pH changes and mutations are still unclear. Thus, we applied computational and experimental techniques to explore the activation process dynamics of ER for environments with different pHs and in the presence of one of the most recurrent cancer-activating mutations, D538G. Our results indicated that the effect of the pH increase associated with the D538G mutation promoted a robust stabilization of the active state of ER. We were also able to determine the main protein regions that have the most potential to influence the activation process under different pH conditions, which may provide targets of future therapeutics for the treatment of hormone-resistant breast cancer tumors. Finally, the approach used here can be applied for proteins associated with the proliferation of other cancer types, which can also have their function affected by small pH changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius M de Oliveira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, National Center for Research in Energy and Materials, LNBio/CNPEM, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Marieli M G Dias
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, National Center for Research in Energy and Materials, LNBio/CNPEM, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Thayná M Avelino
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, National Center for Research in Energy and Materials, LNBio/CNPEM, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Natália B Videira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, National Center for Research in Energy and Materials, LNBio/CNPEM, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando B da Silva
- Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São José do Rio Preto 01140-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Tábata R Doratioto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, National Center for Research in Energy and Materials, LNBio/CNPEM, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Paul C Whitford
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Vitor B P Leite
- Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São José do Rio Preto 01140-070, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina M Figueira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, National Center for Research in Energy and Materials, LNBio/CNPEM, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
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21
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Nikolovska K, Cao L, Hensel I, Di Stefano G, Seidler A, Zhou K, Qian J, Singh AK, Riederer B, Seidler U. Sodium/hydrogen-exchanger-2 modulates colonocyte lineage differentiation. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2022; 234:e13774. [PMID: 34985202 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM The sodium/hydrogen exchanger 2 (NHE2) is an intestinal acid extruder with crypt-predominant localization and unresolved physiological significance. Our aim was to decipher its role in colonic epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation and electrolyte transport. METHODS Alterations induced by NHE2-deficiency were addressed in murine nhe2-/- and nhe2+/+ colonic crypts and colonoids, and NHE2-knockdown and control Caco2Bbe cells using pH-fluorometry, gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence. RESULTS pHi -measurements along the colonic cryptal axis revealed significantly decreased intracellular pH (pHi ) in the middle segment of nhe2-/- compared to nhe2+/+ crypts. Increased Nhe2 mRNA expression was detected in murine colonoids in the transiently amplifying/progenitor cell stage (TA/PE). Lack of Nhe2 altered the differentiation programme of colonic epithelial cells with reduced expression of absorptive lineage markers alkaline phosphatase (iAlp), Slc26a3 and transcription factor hairy and enhancer-of-split 1 (Hes1), but increased expression of secretory lineage markers Mucin 2, trefoil factor 3 (Tff3), enteroendocrine marker chromogranin A and murine atonal homolog 1 (Math1). Enterocyte differentiation was found to be pHi dependent with acidic pHi reducing, and alkaline pHi stimulating the expression of enterocyte differentiation markers in Caco2Bbe cells. A thicker mucus layer, longer crypts and an expanded brush border membrane zone of sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) abundance may explain the lack of inflammation and the normal fluid absorptive rate in nhe2-/- colon. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that NHE2 expression is activated when colonocytes emerge from the stem cell niche. Its activity increases progenitor cell pHi and thereby supports absorptive enterocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Nikolovska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology Tongji Hospital Huazhong University Wuhan China
| | - Inga Hensel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - Gabriella Di Stefano
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - Anna Elisabeth Seidler
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - Kunyan Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - Jiajie Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
- Department of Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery First Affiliated Hospital of Zheijang University Hangzhou China
| | - Anurag Kumar Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
- Department of Physiological Chemistry University of Halle Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Brigitte Riederer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - Ursula Seidler
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
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22
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Chang X, Zhao G, Liu C, Wang X, Abdulkhaleq AMA, Zhang J, Zhou X. One-step microwave synthesis of red-emissive carbon dots for cell imaging in extreme acidity and light emitting diodes. RSC Adv 2022; 12:28021-28033. [PMID: 36320228 PMCID: PMC9524442 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra04026c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Red emissive carbon dots (R-CDs) have received great attention in biological fields due to their deep tissue penetrability, great bioimaging capability, low interference from auto-fluorescence, and potential for optoelectronic applications. Herein, excitation-independent, highly acid-sensitive R-CDs were successfully obtained via one-step microwave treatment of o-phenylenediamine (o-PD) and phosphoric acid and carefully purified by column chromatography. The relationship between the fluorescence emission and surface groups of the R-CDs was studied in detail using XPS, NMR, and fluorescence spectroscopy, and the different mechanisms of action of the R-CDs and acid in H2O and ethanol were determined. The excellent anti-interference ability and biocompatibility of the R-CDs were confirmed, and the probes were successfully used for imaging A549 and Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells in extreme acidity. Finally, based on their relatively high quantum yield and long wavelength emission, the application potential of the R-CDs in the fabrication of red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was investigated. Highly acid-sensitive R-CDs were obtained via a microwave method. The relationship between the FL emission and the surface groups of the R-CDs was studied in detail. The R-CDs were used for cell imaging in extreme acidity and fabrication of red LEDs.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Chang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121001, P. R. China
| | - Guizhi Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121001, P. R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121001, P. R. China
| | - Xueshi Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121001, P. R. China
| | | | - Jie Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121001, P. R. China
| | - Xibin Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121001, P. R. China
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23
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Kazyken D, Lentz SI, Fingar DC. Alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) activates AMPK-mTORC2 signaling to promote cell survival during growth factor limitation. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101100. [PMID: 34418433 PMCID: PMC8479482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling controls cell metabolism, promotes cell survival, and contributes to tumorigenesis, yet its upstream regulation remains poorly defined. Although considerable evidence supports the prevailing view that amino acids activate mTOR complex 1 but not mTORC2, several studies reported paradoxical activation of mTORC2 signaling by amino acids. We noted that after amino acid starvation of cells in culture, addition of an amino acid solution increased mTORC2 signaling. Interestingly, we found the pH of the amino acid solution to be alkaline, ∼pH 10. These observations led us to discover and demonstrate here that alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) represents a previously unknown activator of mTORC2. Using a fluorescent pH-sensitive dye (cSNARF1-AM) coupled with live-cell imaging, we demonstrate that culturing cells in media at an alkaline pH induces a rapid rise in the pHi, which increases mTORC2 catalytic activity and downstream signaling to the pro-growth and pro-survival kinase Akt. Alkaline pHi also activates AMPK, a canonical sensor of energetic stress. Functionally, alkaline pHi activates AMPK-mTOR signaling, which attenuates apoptosis caused by growth factor withdrawal. Collectively, these findings reveal that alkaline pHi increases mTORC2- and AMPK-mediated signaling to promote cell survival during conditions of growth factor limitation, analogous to the demonstrated ability of energetic stress to activate AMPK–mTORC2 and promote cell survival. As an elevated pHi represents an underappreciated hallmark of cancer cells, we propose that the alkaline pHi stress sensing by AMPK–mTORC2 may contribute to tumorigenesis by enabling cancer cells at the core of a growing tumor to evade apoptosis and survive.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kazyken
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - S I Lentz
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - D C Fingar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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VISTA: A Mediator of Quiescence and a Promising Target in Cancer Immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2021; 42:209-227. [PMID: 33495077 PMCID: PMC8088836 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a B7 family member that maintains T cell and myeloid quiescence and is a promising target for combination cancer immunotherapy. During inflammatory challenges, VISTA activity reprograms macrophages towards reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines and increased production of interleukin (IL)-10 and other anti-inflammatory mediators. The interaction of VISTA with its ligands is regulated by pH, and the acidic pH ~6.0 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates VISTA binding to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1). Targeting intratumoral pH might be a way to reduce the immunoinhibitory activity of the VISTA pathway and enhance antitumor immune responses. We review differences among VISTA therapeutics under development as candidate immunotherapies, focusing on VISTA binding partners and the unique structural features of this interaction.
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25
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Amiri M, Seidler UE, Nikolovska K. The Role of pH i in Intestinal Epithelial Proliferation-Transport Mechanisms, Regulatory Pathways, and Consequences. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:618135. [PMID: 33553180 PMCID: PMC7862550 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.618135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the maturation of intestinal epithelial cells along the crypt/surface axis, a multitude of acid/base transporters are differentially expressed in their apical and basolateral membranes, enabling processes of electrolyte, macromolecule, nutrient, acid/base and fluid secretion, and absorption. An intracellular pH (pHi)-gradient is generated along the epithelial crypt/surface axis, either as a consequence of the sum of the ion transport activities or as a distinctly regulated entity. While the role of pHi on proliferation, migration, and tumorigenesis has been explored in cancer cells for some time, emerging evidence suggests an important role of the pHi in the intestinal stem cells (ISCs) proliferative rate under physiological conditions. The present review highlights the current state of knowledge about the potential regulatory role of pHi on intestinal proliferation and differentiation.
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26
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Harguindey S, Alfarouk K, Polo Orozco J, Fais S, Devesa J. Towards an Integral Therapeutic Protocol for Breast Cancer Based upon the New H +-Centered Anticancer Paradigm of the Late Post-Warburg Era. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7475. [PMID: 33050492 PMCID: PMC7589677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A brand new approach to the understanding of breast cancer (BC) is urgently needed. In this contribution, the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of this disease is approached from the new pH-centric anticancer paradigm. Only this unitarian perspective, based upon the hydrogen ion (H+) dynamics of cancer, allows for the understanding and integration of the many dualisms, confusions, and paradoxes of the disease. The new H+-related, wide-ranging model can embrace, from a unique perspective, the many aspects of the disease and, at the same time, therapeutically interfere with most, if not all, of the hallmarks of cancer known to date. The pH-related armamentarium available for the treatment of BC reviewed here may be beneficial for all types and stages of the disease. In this vein, we have attempted a megasynthesis of traditional and new knowledge in the different areas of breast cancer research and treatment based upon the wide-ranging approach afforded by the hydrogen ion dynamics of cancer. The concerted utilization of the pH-related drugs that are available nowadays for the treatment of breast cancer is advanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Harguindey
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Biology and Metabolism, 01004 Vitoria, Spain;
| | - Khalid Alfarouk
- Department of Pharmacology, Al-Ghad International Colleges for Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 42316, Saudi Arabia and Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Tampa, FL 33617, USA;
| | - Julián Polo Orozco
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Biology and Metabolism, 01004 Vitoria, Spain;
| | - Stefano Fais
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (National Institute of Health), 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Jesús Devesa
- Scientific Direction, Foltra Medical Centre, 15886 Teo, Spain;
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