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Bi HE, Zhang J, Yao Y, Wang S, Yao J, Shao Z, Jiang Q. Expression and functional significance of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 in uveal melanoma. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:196. [PMID: 38670942 PMCID: PMC11053060 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01963-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UVM), an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening ocular cancer, arises from melanocytes in the uveal tract of the eye. The exploration of novel oncotargets for UVM is of paramount importance. In this study, we show that PCK1 (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1) expression is upregulated in various UVM tissues as well as in primary UVM cells and immortalized lines. Furthermore, bioinformatics studies reveal that PCK1 overexpression in UVM correlates with advanced disease stages and poor patient survival. Genetic silencing (utilizing viral shRNA) or knockout (via CRISPR/Cas9) of PCK1 significantly curtailed cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and motility, while provoking apoptosis in primary and immortalized UVM cells. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of PCK1, achieved through a viral construct, bolstered UVM cell proliferation and migration. Gαi3 expression and Akt phosphorylation were reduced following PCK1 silencing or knockout, but increased after PCK1 overexpression in UVM cells. Restoring Akt phosphorylation through a constitutively active mutant Akt1 (S473D) ameliorated the growth inhibition, migration suppression, and apoptosis induced by PCK1 silencing in UVM cells. Additionally, ectopic expression of Gαi3 restored Akt activation and counteracted the anti-UVM cell effects by PCK1 silencing. In vivo, the growth of subcutaneous xenografts of primary human UVM cells was significantly inhibited following intratumoral injection of adeno-associated virus (aav) expressing PCK1 shRNA. PCK1 depletion, Gαi3 downregulation, Akt inhibition, proliferation arrest, and apoptosis were detected in PCK1-silenced UVM xenografts. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that PCK1 promotes UVM cell growth possibly by modulating the Gαi3-Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-E Bi
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yujia Yao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Suyu Wang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Yao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Zhijiang Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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2
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Zhao PW, Cui JX, Wang XM. Upregulation of p300 in paclitaxel-resistant TNBC: implications for cell proliferation via the PCK1/AMPK axis. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2024; 24:5. [PMID: 38378770 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-024-00324-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role of p300 in the context of paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, focusing on its interaction with the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1)/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. METHODS The expression of p300 and PCK1 at the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level was detected using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The GeneCards and GEPIA databases were used to investigate the relationship between p300 and PCK1. The MDA-MB-231/PTX cell line, known for its PTX resistance, was chosen to understand the specific role of p300 in such cells. The Lipofectamine™ 3000 reagent was used to transfer the p300 small interfering RNA and the overexpression of PCK1 plasmid into MDA-MB-231/PTX. The expression levels of p300, PCK1, 5'AMPK and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) were determined using the western blot test. RESULTS In TNBC cancer tissue, the expression of p300 was increased compared with TNBC paracancerous tissue (P < 0.05). In the MDA-MB-231 cell line of TNBC, the expression of p300 was lower than in the PTX-resistant TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231/PTX) (P < 0.05). The PCK1 expression was decreased in the TNBC cancer tissue compared with TNBC paracancerous tissue, and the PCK1 expression was reduced in MDA-MB-231/PTX than in MDA-MB-231 (P < 0.05) indicating that PCK1 was involved in the resistance function. Additionally, p-AMPK was decreased in MDA-MB-231/PTX compared with MDA-MB-231 (P < 0.05). The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level was also detected and was significantly lower in MDA-MB-231/PTX than in MDA-MB-231 (P < 0.05). Additionally, cell proliferation increased significantly in MDA-MB-231/PTX at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05) suggesting that MDA-MB-231/PTX cells obtained the resistance function which was associated with AMPK and ATP level. When p300 was inhibited, p-AMPK and ATP levels elevated in MDA-MB-231/PTX (P < 0.05). When PCK1 was suppressed, the ATP consumption rate decreased, and cell proliferation increased (P < 0.05). However, there were no changes in p300. CONCLUSIONS In MDA-MB-231/PTX, p300 can inhibit p-AMPK and ATP levels by inhibiting PCK1 expression. Our findings suggest that targeting p300 could modulate the PCK1/AMPK axis, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for overcoming PTX resistance in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Wei Zhao
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, No.5 Xinhua Street, Huimin District, Hohhot, 010059, China
| | - Jia-Xian Cui
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, No.5 Xinhua Street, Huimin District, Hohhot, 010059, China
| | - Xiu-Mei Wang
- Medical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, No. 42 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China.
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Giriyappagoudar M, Vastrad B, Horakeri R, Vastrad C. Study on Potential Differentially Expressed Genes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Bioinformatics and Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3109. [PMID: 38137330 PMCID: PMC10740779 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease with reduced quality of life and earlier mortality, but its pathogenesis and key genes are still unclear. In this investigation, bioinformatics was used to deeply analyze the pathogenesis of IPF and related key genes, so as to investigate the potential molecular pathogenesis of IPF and provide guidance for clinical treatment. Next-generation sequencing dataset GSE213001 was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between IPF and normal control group. The DEGs between IPF and normal control group were screened with the DESeq2 package of R language. The Gene Ontology (GO) and REACTOME pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed. Using the g:Profiler, the function and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via the Integrated Interactions Database (IID) database. Cytoscape with Network Analyzer was used to identify the hub genes. miRNet and NetworkAnalyst databaseswereused to construct the targeted microRNAs (miRNAs), transcription factors (TFs), and small drug molecules. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to validate the hub genes. A total of 958 DEGs were screened out in this study, including 479 up regulated genes and 479 down regulated genes. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in response to stimulus, GPCR ligand binding, microtubule-based process, and defective GALNT3 causes HFTC. In combination with the results of the PPI network, miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network, hub genes including LRRK2, BMI1, EBP, MNDA, KBTBD7, KRT15, OTX1, TEKT4, SPAG8, and EFHC2 were selected. Cyclothiazide and rotigotinethe are predicted small drug molecules for IPF treatment. Our findings will contribute to identification of potential biomarkers and novel strategies for the treatment of IPF, and provide a novel strategy for clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muttanagouda Giriyappagoudar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubballi 580022, Karnataka, India;
| | - Basavaraj Vastrad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, K.L.E. Socitey’s College of Pharmacy, Gadag 582101, Karnataka, India;
| | - Rajeshwari Horakeri
- Department of Computer Science, Govt First Grade College, Hubballi 580032, Karnataka, India;
| | - Chanabasayya Vastrad
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Chanabasava Nilaya, Bharthinagar, Dharwad 580001, Karnataka, India
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4
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Dervovic D, Malik AA, Chen ELY, Narimatsu M, Adler N, Afiuni-Zadeh S, Krenbek D, Martinez S, Tsai R, Boucher J, Berman JM, Teng K, Ayyaz A, Lü Y, Mbamalu G, Loganathan SK, Lee J, Zhang L, Guidos C, Wrana J, Valipour A, Roux PP, Reimand J, Jackson HW, Schramek D. In vivo CRISPR screens reveal Serpinb9 and Adam2 as regulators of immune therapy response in lung cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3150. [PMID: 37258521 PMCID: PMC10232477 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
How the genetic landscape governs a tumor's response to immunotherapy remains poorly understood. To assess the immune-modulatory capabilities of 573 genes associated with altered cytotoxicity in human cancers, here we perform CRISPR/Cas9 screens directly in mouse lung cancer models. We recover the known immune evasion factors Stat1 and Serpinb9 and identify the cancer testis antigen Adam2 as an immune modulator, whose expression is induced by KrasG12D and further elevated by immunotherapy. Using loss- and gain-of-function experiments, we show that ADAM2 functions as an oncogene by restraining interferon and TNF cytokine signaling causing reduced presentation of tumor-associated antigens. ADAM2 also restricts expression of the immune checkpoint inhibitors PDL1, LAG3, TIGIT and TIM3 in the tumor microenvironment, which might explain why ex vivo expanded and adoptively transferred cytotoxic T-cells show enhanced cytotoxic efficacy in ADAM2 overexpressing tumors. Together, direct in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 screens can uncover genetic alterations that control responses to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzana Dervovic
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmad A Malik
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Edward L Y Chen
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Masahiro Narimatsu
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nina Adler
- Computational Biology Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Somaieh Afiuni-Zadeh
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dagmar Krenbek
- Department of Pathology and Bacteriology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastien Martinez
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ricky Tsai
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan Boucher
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jacob M Berman
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katie Teng
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arshad Ayyaz
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - YiQing Lü
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Geraldine Mbamalu
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sampath K Loganathan
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jongbok Lee
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Li Zhang
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cynthia Guidos
- SickKids Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Wrana
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arschang Valipour
- Karl-Landsteiner-Institute for Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Klinik Floridsdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philippe P Roux
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jüri Reimand
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Computational Biology Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hartland W Jackson
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Schramek
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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5
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Identification of Novel miRNAs, Targeting Genes, Signaling Pathway, and the Small Molecule for Overcoming Oxaliplatin Resistance of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:3825760. [PMID: 36193307 PMCID: PMC9526582 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3825760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the globally common cancers is colorectal cancer (CRC). At present, a surgical approach remains a good option for CRC patients; however, 20% of surgically treated CRC patients experience metastasis. Currently, even the first-line used drug, oxaliplatin, remains inadequate for treating metastatic CRC, and its side effect of neurotoxicity is a major problem when treating CRC. The Gene Omnibus GSE42387 database contains gene expression profiles of parental and oxaliplatin-resistant LoVo cell lines. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between parental and oxaliplatin-resistance LoVo cells, protein-protein interactions (PPIs), and a pathway analysis were determined to identify overall biological changes by an online DAVID bioinformatics analysis. The ability of DEGs to predict overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was validated by the SPSS 22.0, using liver metastasis CRC patient samples of GSE41258. The bioinformatics web tools of the GEPIA, the Human Protein Atlas, WebGestalt, and TIMER platforms were used. In total, 218 DEGs were identified, among which 105 were downregulated and 113 were upregulated. After mapping the PPI networks and pathways, 60 DEGs were identified as hub genes (with high degrees). Six genes (TGFB1, CD36, THBS1, FABP1, PCK1, and IRS1) were involved with malaria, PPAR signaling, and the adipocytokine signaling pathway. High expressions of CD36 and PCK1 were associated with the poor survival of CRC patients in the GSE41258 database. We predicted specific micro (mi)RNAs that targeted the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of PCK1 by using miRWalk. It was found that three miRNAs, viz., miR-7-5p, miR-20a-3p, and miR-636, may be upstream targets of those genes. High expression levels of miR-7-5p, miR-20a-3p, and miR-636 were associated with poor OS of CRC patients, and the small-molecule compound, mersalyl, is a promising drug for treating oxaliplatin-resistant CRC. In conclusion, miR-7-5p miR-20a-3p, and miR-636 targeted the PCK1 biomarker in the PPAR signaling pathway, which is involved in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC. Meanwhile, mersalyl was identified as a potential drug for overcoming oxaliplatin resistance in CRC. Our findings may provide novel directions and strategies for CRC therapies.
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Fang Y, Fang D. Comprehensive analysis of placental gene-expression profiles and identification of EGFR-mediated autophagy and ferroptosis suppression in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Gene 2022; 834:146594. [PMID: 35643225 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) was the most common liver disease specific to pregnancy. The symptoms of ICP were maternal pruritus and increased bile acid level in serum which was related to preterm birth, fetal distress, meconium-stained amniotic fluid and stillbirth. However, the mechanism of ICP progression on fetal development remained obscure. Sequencing data of 2 normal placenta samples and 4 intrahepatic cholestasis samples during pregnancy was analyzed by GEO2R. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used for analysis of differentially expressed genes. MCODE - A plug-in of Cytoscape was used for molecular complex detection. STRING, Cytoscape, GeneMANIA, NetworkAnalyst, TransmiR, JASPAR, DGIdb and DrugBank were used in this study. Furthermore, histopathological and cell experiments were used to verify our results. Our study identified the key KEGG pathway and four MCODEs which were closely with ICP development, further, sorted by degree centrality, we showed top 30 genes from 7209 differential genes, such as TP53, SRC, EGFR, ESR1, IL10, CD8A, MAPK3, PTPRC, EGF, KIT, ITGAM, LEP and CSF2, etc. Moreover, these hub genes participated in JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway and STAT1/3 regulated these genes expression in a direct way or miRNA-mediated manner. Drug-target analysis about up-regulated genes among hub genes showed that these genes contained multiple drug action site. Furthermore, hub gene-EGFR was associated with destroyed autophagy and ferroptosis. In conclusion, our study analyzed key genes and pathways in ICP development. JAK-STAT3 pathway and EGFR might be a potential target for ICP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, People's Republic of China
| | - Dajun Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Zhao Q, Lin X, Wang G. Targeting SREBP-1-Mediated Lipogenesis as Potential Strategies for Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:952371. [PMID: 35912181 PMCID: PMC9330218 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.952371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), a transcription factor with a basic helix–loop–helix leucine zipper, has two isoforms, SREBP-1a and SREBP-1c, derived from the same gene for regulating the genes of lipogenesis, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase. Importantly, SREBP-1 participates in metabolic reprogramming of various cancers and has been a biomarker for the prognosis or drug efficacy for the patients with cancer. In this review, we first introduced the structure, activation, and key upstream signaling pathway of SREBP-1. Then, the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of SREBP-1-regulated lipogenesis in various types of cancer, such as colorectal, prostate, breast, and hepatocellular cancer, were summarized. We also discussed potential therapies targeting the SREBP-1-regulated pathway by small molecules, natural products, or the extracts of herbs against tumor progression. This review could provide new insights in understanding advanced findings about SREBP-1-mediated lipogenesis in cancer and its potential as a target for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushi Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xingyu Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xingyu Lin, ; Guan Wang,
| | - Guan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xingyu Lin, ; Guan Wang,
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Yao J, Wu XY, Yu Q, Yang SF, Yuan J, Zhang ZQ, Xue JS, Jiang Q, Chen MB, Xue GH, Cao C. The requirement of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 for angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn6928. [PMID: 35622925 PMCID: PMC9140980 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn6928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We here examined the potential biological function of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) in angiogenesis. shRNA- or CRISPR-Cas9-induced PCK1 depletion potently inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration, sprouting, and tube formation, whereas ectopic PCK1 overexpression exerted opposite activity. In HUVECs, Gαi3 expression and Akt activation were decreased following PCK1 depletion, but were augmented by ectopic PCK1 overexpression. In vivo, retinal expression of PCK1 gradually increased from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P5. The intravitreous injection of endothelial-specific PCK1 shRNA adenovirus at P1 potently inhibited the radial extension of vascular plexus at P5. Conditional endothelial knockdown of PCK1 in adult mouse retina increased vascular leakage and the number of acellular capillaries while decreasing the number of RGCs in murine retinas. In diabetic retinopathy patients, PCK1 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in retinal tissues. Together, PCK1 is essential for angiogenesis possibly by mediating Gαi3 expression and Akt activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin-yuan Wu
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Yu
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuo-fei Yang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Yuan
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-qing Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jin-song Xue
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min-bin Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Guan-hua Xue
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Cao
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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9
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Xiang J, Wang K, Tang N. PCK1 dysregulation in cancer: Metabolic reprogramming, oncogenic activation, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2022; 10:101-112. [PMID: 37013052 PMCID: PMC10066343 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The last few decades have witnessed an advancement in our understanding of multiple cancer cell pathways related to metabolic reprogramming. One of the most important cancer hallmarks, including aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect), the central carbon pathway, and multiple-branch metabolic pathway remodeling, enables tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), a key rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis, catalyzes the conversion of oxaloacetate to phosphoenolpyruvate. PCK1 expression in gluconeogenic tissues is tightly regulated during fasting. In tumor cells, PCK1 is regulated in a cell-autonomous manner rather than by hormones or nutrients in the extracellular environment. Interestingly, PCK1 has an anti-oncogenic role in gluconeogenic organs (the liver and kidneys), but a tumor-promoting role in cancers arising from non-gluconeogenic organs. Recent studies have revealed that PCK1 has metabolic and non-metabolic roles in multiple signaling networks linking metabolic and oncogenic pathways. Aberrant PCK1 expression results in the activation of oncogenic pathways, accompanied by metabolic reprogramming, to maintain tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying PCK1 expression and regulation, and clarify the crosstalk between aberrant PCK1 expression, metabolic rewiring, and signaling pathway activation. In addition, we highlight the clinical relevance of PCK1 and its value as a putative cancer therapeutic target.
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Sebestyén A, Dankó T, Sztankovics D, Moldvai D, Raffay R, Cervi C, Krencz I, Zsiros V, Jeney A, Petővári G. The role of metabolic ecosystem in cancer progression — metabolic plasticity and mTOR hyperactivity in tumor tissues. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 40:989-1033. [PMID: 35029792 PMCID: PMC8825419 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite advancements in cancer management, tumor relapse and metastasis are associated with poor outcomes in many cancers. Over the past decade, oncogene-driven carcinogenesis, dysregulated cellular signaling networks, dynamic changes in the tissue microenvironment, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, protein expression within regulatory pathways, and their part in tumor progression are described in several studies. However, the complexity of metabolic enzyme expression is considerably under evaluated. Alterations in cellular metabolism determine the individual phenotype and behavior of cells, which is a well-recognized hallmark of cancer progression, especially in the adaptation mechanisms underlying therapy resistance. In metabolic symbiosis, cells compete, communicate, and even feed each other, supervised by tumor cells. Metabolic reprogramming forms a unique fingerprint for each tumor tissue, depending on the cellular content and genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental alterations of the developing cancer. Based on its sensing and effector functions, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is considered the master regulator of metabolic adaptation. Moreover, mTOR kinase hyperactivity is associated with poor prognosis in various tumor types. In situ metabolic phenotyping in recent studies highlights the importance of metabolic plasticity, mTOR hyperactivity, and their role in tumor progression. In this review, we update recent developments in metabolic phenotyping of the cancer ecosystem, metabolic symbiosis, and plasticity which could provide new research directions in tumor biology. In addition, we suggest pathomorphological and analytical studies relating to metabolic alterations, mTOR activity, and their associations which are necessary to improve understanding of tumor heterogeneity and expand the therapeutic management of cancer.
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Zhu XR, Peng SQ, Wang L, Chen XY, Feng CX, Liu YY, Chen MB. Identification of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:918. [PMID: 34620839 PMCID: PMC8497628 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04201-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortalities and is characterized by rapid disease progression. Identification of novel therapeutic targets for this devastating disease is important. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) is the rate-limiting enzyme of gluconeogenesis. The current study tested the expression and potential functions of PCK1 in pancreatic cancer. We show that PCK1 mRNA and protein levels are significantly elevated in human pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. In established and primary pancreatic cancer cells, PCK1 silencing (by shRNA) or CRISPR/Cas9-induced PCK1 knockout potently inhibited cell growth, proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced robust apoptosis activation. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of PCK1 in pancreatic cancer cells accelerated cell proliferation and migration. RNA-seq analyzing of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCK1-silenced pancreatic cancer cells implied that DEGs were enriched in the PI3K-Akt-mTOR cascade. In pancreatic cancer cells, Akt-mTOR activation was largely inhibited by PCK1 shRNA, but was augmented after ectopic PCK1 overexpression. In vivo, the growth of PCK1 shRNA-bearing PANC-1 xenografts was largely inhibited in nude mice. Akt-mTOR activation was suppressed in PCK1 shRNA-expressing PANC-1 xenograft tissues. Collectively, PCK1 is a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ren Zhu
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Shi-Qing Peng
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Chen
- Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Chun-Xia Feng
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Liu
- Clinical Research and Lab Center, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Min-Bin Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China.
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