1
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Wu Z, Xiao C, Li F, Huang W, You F, Li X. Mitochondrial fusion-fission dynamics and its involvement in colorectal cancer. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1058-1075. [PMID: 38158734 PMCID: PMC11076987 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13578] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer have elevated its status as a significant public health concern. Recent research has elucidated the crucial role of mitochondrial fusion-fission dynamics in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer. Elevated mitochondrial fission or fusion activity can contribute to the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, thereby activating oncogenic pathways that drive cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and drug resistance. Nevertheless, excessive mitochondrial fission can induce apoptosis, whereas moderate mitochondrial fusion can protect cells from oxidative stress. This imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics can exert dual roles as both promoters and inhibitors of colorectal cancer progression. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the fusion-fission dynamics and the underlying pathological mechanisms in colorectal cancer cells. Additionally, it offers partial insights into the mitochondrial kinetics in colorectal cancer-associated cells, such as immune and endothelial cells. This review is aimed at identifying key molecular events involved in colorectal cancer progression and highlighting the potential of mitochondrial dynamic proteins as emerging targets for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihong Wu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
| | - Chong Xiao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
- Oncology Teaching and Research DepartmentChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
| | - Fang Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
| | - Wenbo Huang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
| | - Fengming You
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
- Institute of OncologyChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
| | - Xueke Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
- Oncology Teaching and Research DepartmentChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChina
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2
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Wu Z, Xiao C, Long J, Huang W, You F, Li X. Mitochondrial dynamics and colorectal cancer biology: mechanisms and potential targets. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:91. [PMID: 38302953 PMCID: PMC10835948 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01490-4] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health concern, and its development is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria can adapt to the high metabolic demands of cancer cells owing to their plasticity and dynamic nature. The fusion-fission dynamics of mitochondria play a crucial role in signal transduction and metabolic functions of CRC cells. Enhanced mitochondrial fission promotes the metabolic reprogramming of CRC cells, leading to cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Excessive fission can also trigger mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. In contrast, excessive mitochondrial fusion leads to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) overproduction and abnormal tumor proliferation, whereas moderate fusion protects intestinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage, thus preventing colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Therefore, an imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics can either promote or inhibit CRC progression. This review provides an overview of the mechanism underlying mitochondrial fusion-fission dynamics and their impact on CRC biology. This revealed the dual role of mitochondrial fusion-fission dynamics in CRC development and identified potential drug targets. Additionally, this study partially explored mitochondrial dynamics in immune and vascular endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment, suggesting promising prospects for targeting key fusion/fission effector proteins against CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihong Wu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Chong Xiao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Oncology Teaching and Research Department of Chengdu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jing Long
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Wenbo Huang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Fengming You
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Institute of Oncology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Xueke Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Oncology Teaching and Research Department of Chengdu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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3
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Zhang L, Zhang X, Liu H, Yang C, Yu J, Zhao W, Guo J, Zhou B, Jiang N. MTFR2-dependent mitochondrial fission promotes HCC progression. J Transl Med 2024; 22:73. [PMID: 38238834 PMCID: PMC10795309 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04845-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of mitochondrial dynamics, encompassing fission, fusion, and mitophagy, in cancer progression has been extensively studied. However, the specific impact of mitochondrial dynamics on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still under investigation. METHODS In this study, mitochondrial dynamic genes were obtained from the MitoCarta 3.0 database, and gene expression data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Based on the expression of these dynamic genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs), patients were stratified into two clusters. Subsequently, a prognostic model was constructed using univariate COX regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and the prognostic signature was evaluated. We analyzed the interaction between these model genes and dynamic genes to identify hub genes and reveal mitochondrial status. Furthermore, we assessed immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), tumor stemness indices (TSI), and the response to immune checkpoint block (ICB) therapy using the TIDE algorithm and risk scores. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and immunofluorescence (IF) were conducted to afford detailed visualization of the morphology of the mitochondria and the expression patterns of fission-associated proteins. RESULTS Patients in Cluster 2 exhibited heightened mitochondrial fission and had a worse prognosis. The up-regulated dynamic genes in Cluster 2 were identified as fission genes. GO/KEGG analyses reconfirmed the connection of Cluster 2 to augmented mitochondrial fission activities. Subsequently, a ten-gene prognostic signature based on the differentially expressed genes between the two clusters was generated, with all ten genes being up-regulated in the high-risk group. Moreover, the potential links between these ten signature genes and mitochondrial dynamics were explored, suggesting their involvement in mediating mitochondrial fission through interaction with MTFR2. Further investigation revealed that the high-risk group had an unfavorable prognosis, with a higher mutation frequency of TP53, increased immune checkpoint expression, a higher TIS score, and a lower TIDE score. The mitochondrial imbalance characterized by increased fission and upregulated MTFR2 and DNM1L expression was substantiated in both HCC specimens and cell lines. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we developed a novel MTFR2-related prognostic signature comprising ten mitochondrial dynamics genes. These genes play crucial roles in mitochondrial fission and have the potential to serve as important predictors and therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuzhen Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haichuan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Changhong Yang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiyao Yu
- The Second Clinical College of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Guo
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoyong Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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4
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Sun K, Chen L, Li Y, Huang B, Yan Q, Wu C, Lai Q, Fang Y, Cai J, Liu Y, Chen J, Wang X, Zhu Y, Dong S, Tan J, Li A, Liu S, Zhang Y. METTL14-dependent maturation of pri-miR-17 regulates mitochondrial homeostasis and induces chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:148. [PMID: 36810285 PMCID: PMC9944299 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05670-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
miR-17-5p has been found to be involved in the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC), and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most common RNA modification in eukaryotes. However, whether miR-17-5p contributes to chemotherapy sensitivity in CRC via m6A modification is unclear. In this study, we found that overexpression of miR-17-5p led to less apoptosis and lower drug sensitivity in vitro and in vivo under the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment, which indicated miR-17-5p led to 5-FU chemotherapy resistance. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that miR-17-5p-mediated chemoresistance was associated with mitochondrial homeostasis. miR-17-5p directly bound to the 3' untranslated region of Mitofusin 2 (MFN2), leading to decreased mitochondrial fusion and enhanced mitochondrial fission and mitophagy. Meanwhile, methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14) was downregulated in CRC, resulting in lower m6A level. Moreover, the low level of METTL14 promoted the expression of pri-miR-17 and miR-17-5p. Further experiments suggested that m6A mRNA methylation initiated by METTL14 inhibits pri-miR-17 mRNA decay via reducing the recognition of YTHDC2 to the "GGACC" binding site. The METTL14/miR-17-5p/MFN2 signaling axis may play a critical role in 5-FU chemoresistance in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangyue Sun
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Chen
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Li
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Huang
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Yan
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changjie Wu
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuhua Lai
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianqun Cai
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Liu
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junsheng Chen
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinke Wang
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhu
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyu Dong
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyu Tan
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aimin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Side Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. .,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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5
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Liu AR, Lv Z, Yan ZW, Wu XY, Yan LR, Sun LP, Yuan Y, Xu Q. Association of mitochondrial homeostasis and dynamic balance with malignant biological behaviors of gastrointestinal cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:27. [PMID: 36647167 PMCID: PMC9843870 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03878-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria determine the physiological status of most eukaryotes. Mitochondrial dynamics plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, and the disorder in mitochondrial dynamics could affect cellular energy metabolism leading to tumorigenesis. In recent years, disrupted mitochondrial dynamics has been found to influence the biological behaviors of gastrointestinal cancer with the potential to be a novel target for its individualized therapy. This review systematically introduced the role of mitochondrial dynamics in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, and further elaborated the effects of disrupted mitochondrial dynamics on the cellular biological behaviors of gastrointestinal cancer as well as its association with cancer progression. We aim to provide clues for elucidating the etiology and pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancer from the perspective of mitochondrial homeostasis and disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao-ran Liu
- grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 North NanjingBei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning People’s Republic of China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Zhi Lv
- grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 North NanjingBei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning People’s Republic of China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Zi-wei Yan
- grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 North NanjingBei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning People’s Republic of China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Xiao-yang Wu
- grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 North NanjingBei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning People’s Republic of China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Li-rong Yan
- grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 North NanjingBei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning People’s Republic of China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Li-ping Sun
- grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 North NanjingBei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning People’s Republic of China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 North NanjingBei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning People’s Republic of China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Qian Xu
- grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 North NanjingBei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning People’s Republic of China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China ,grid.412636.40000 0004 1757 9485Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
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6
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Sollazzo M, De Luise M, Lemma S, Bressi L, Iorio M, Miglietta S, Milioni S, Kurelac I, Iommarini L, Gasparre G, Porcelli AM. Respiratory Complex I dysfunction in cancer: from a maze of cellular adaptive responses to potential therapeutic strategies. FEBS J 2022; 289:8003-8019. [PMID: 34606156 PMCID: PMC10078660 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16218] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria act as key organelles in cellular bioenergetics and biosynthetic processes producing signals that regulate different molecular networks for proliferation and cell death. This ability is also preserved in pathologic contexts such as tumorigenesis, during which bioenergetic changes and metabolic reprogramming confer flexibility favoring cancer cell survival in a hostile microenvironment. Although different studies epitomize mitochondrial dysfunction as a protumorigenic hit, genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of respiratory complex I causing a severe impairment is associated with a low-proliferative phenotype. In this scenario, it must be considered that despite the initial delay in growth, cancer cells may become able to resume proliferation exploiting molecular mechanisms to overcome growth arrest. Here, we highlight the current knowledge on molecular responses activated by complex I-defective cancer cells to bypass physiological control systems and to re-adapt their fitness during microenvironment changes. Such adaptive mechanisms could reveal possible novel molecular players in synthetic lethality with complex I impairment, thus providing new synergistic strategies for mitochondrial-based anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Sollazzo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica De Luise
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Lemma
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Licia Bressi
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Iorio
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Miglietta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Milioni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ivana Kurelac
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Studio e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie (CSR) Ginecologiche, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luisa Iommarini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Studio e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie (CSR) Ginecologiche, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gasparre
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Studio e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie (CSR) Ginecologiche, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Studio e Ricerca sulle Neoplasie (CSR) Ginecologiche, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (CIRI) Life Sciences and Technologies for Health, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
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7
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Irshad R, Raj N, Gabr GA, Manzoor N, Husain M. Integrated network pharmacology and experimental analysis unveil multi-targeted effect of 18α- glycyrrhetinic acid against non-small cell lung cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1018974. [PMID: 36313358 PMCID: PMC9596789 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1018974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most malignant types of cancer with soaring incidence rates worldwide, attributed to its heterogeneity and complex etiology. Evidently, alternative anti-cancer therapies comprising traditional medicines and natural products have gained attention for their ability to act as chemopreventive agents with minimal toxicities, either alone or in combination. Accumulating studies have substantiated the inevitability of network pharmacology studies for effectively mapping molecular targets of natural products against multifaceted diseases, including cancer. The 18α-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA), a triterpenoid found in licorice plants, has shown promising medicinal properties, although, its mechanism of action against NSCLC yet remains elusive. The present study was conducted to explore the anti- NSCLC potential of 18α-GA, employing integrative network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental research. Initially, network analysis revealed 181 common targets of 18α-GA in NSCLC as shown in the “compound-target- disease” network employing Cytoscape 3.8.2. Further analyses identified EGFR, AKT1, PI3KR1, MAPK1, IGF1, and SRC as the most crucial hub targets of 18α-GA against NSCLC. Moreover, molecular docking simulations and functional enrichment analyses indicated the involvement of multiple signaling pathways in suppressing NSCLC. Subsequent in-vitro studies verified the antiproliferative effect of 18α-GA on two NSCLC cancer cell lines, H1299 and A549. Mechanistically, 18α-GA arrested cell cycle at the G1 phase, induced apoptosis, decreased migratory potential, and protein expression levels of EGFR-PI3K/AKT, as examined by flow cytometry, morphological assessment, RT-PCR, and western blot. In conclusion, this study delineates the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanism(s) of 18α-GA as a putative novel drug against NSCLC. However, further studies are warranted to elucidate the complete molecular mechanism(s) using animal models of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Irshad
- Virology and Oncology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Nafis Raj
- Medical Mycology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Gamal A. Gabr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al- Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nikhat Manzoor
- Medical Mycology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Husain
- Virology and Oncology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Mohammad Husain,
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8
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Tumor Cell Glycolysis—At the Crossroad of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Autophagy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061041. [PMID: 35326492 PMCID: PMC8947107 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of glycolysis, induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy), are phenotypic changes that occur in tumor cells, in response to similar stimuli, either tumor cell-autonomous or from the tumor microenvironment. Available evidence, herein reviewed, suggests that glycolysis can play a causative role in the induction of EMT and autophagy in tumor cells. Thus, glycolysis has been shown to induce EMT and either induce or inhibit autophagy. Glycolysis-induced autophagy occurs both in the presence (glucose starvation) or absence (glucose sufficiency) of metabolic stress. In order to explain these, in part, contradictory experimental observations, we propose that in the presence of stimuli, tumor cells respond by upregulating glycolysis, which will then induce EMT and inhibit autophagy. In the presence of stimuli and glucose starvation, upregulated glycolysis leads to adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and autophagy induction. In the presence of stimuli and glucose sufficiency, upregulated glycolytic enzymes (e.g., aldolase or glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase) or decreased levels of glycolytic metabolites (e.g., dihydroxyacetone phosphate) may mimic a situation of metabolic stress (herein referred to as “pseudostarvation”), leading, directly or indirectly, to AMPK activation and autophagy induction. We also discuss possible mechanisms, whereby glycolysis can induce a mixed mesenchymal/autophagic phenotype in tumor cells. Subsequently, we address unresolved problems in this field and possible therapeutic consequences.
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PI3K-AKT Pathway Modulation by Thymoquinone Limits Tumor Growth and Glycolytic Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042305. [PMID: 35216429 PMCID: PMC8880628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of death in men and the fourth in women worldwide and is characterized by deranged cellular energetics. Thymoquinone, an active component from Nigella sativa, has been extensively studied against cancer, however, its role in affecting deregulated cancer metabolism is largely unknown. Further, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is one of the most activated pathways in cancer and its activation is central to most deregulated metabolic pathways for supporting the anabolic needs of growing cancer cells. Herein, we provide evidence that thymoquinone inhibits glycolytic metabolism (Warburg effect) in colorectal cancer cell lines. Further, we show that such an abrogation of deranged cell metabolism was due, at least in part, to the inhibition of the rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme, Hexokinase 2 (HK2), via modulating the PI3/AKT axis. While overexpression of HK2 showed that it is essential for fueling glycolytic metabolism as well as sustaining tumorigenicity, its pharmacologic and/or genetic inhibition led to a reduction in the observed effects. The results decipher HK2 mediated inhibitory effects of thymoquinone in modulating its glycolytic metabolism and antitumor effects. In conclusion, we provide evidence of metabolic perturbation by thymoquinone in CRC cells, highlighting its potential to be used/repurposed as an antimetabolite drug, though the latter needs further validation utilizing other suitable cell and/or preclinical animal models.
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