1
|
Schauner R, Cress J, Hong C, Wald D, Ramakrishnan P. Single cell and bulk RNA expression analyses identify enhanced hexosamine biosynthetic pathway and O-GlcNAcylation in acute myeloid leukemia blasts and stem cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1327405. [PMID: 38601153 PMCID: PMC11004450 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1327405] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults with an overall poor prognosis and high relapse rate. Multiple factors including genetic abnormalities, differentiation defects and altered cellular metabolism contribute to AML development and progression. Though the roles of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis are defined in AML, the role of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), which regulates the O-GlcNAcylation of cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins, remains poorly defined. Methods We studied the expression of the key enzymes involved in the HBP in AML blasts and stem cells by RNA sequencing at the single-cell and bulk level. We performed flow cytometry to study OGT protein expression and global O-GlcNAcylation. We studied the functional effects of inhibiting O-GlcNAcylation on transcriptional activation in AML cells by Western blotting and real time PCR and on cell cycle by flow cytometry. Results We found higher expression levels of the key enzymes in the HBP in AML as compared to healthy donors in whole blood. We observed elevated O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) expression in AML stem and bulk cells as compared to normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). We also found that both AML bulk cells and stem cells show significantly enhanced OGT protein expression and global O-GlcNAcylation as compared to normal HSPCs, validating our in silico findings. Gene set analysis showed substantial enrichment of the NF-κB pathway in AML cells expressing high OGT levels. Inhibition of O-GlcNAcylation decreased NF-κB nuclear translocation and the expression of selected NF-κB-dependent genes controlling cell cycle. It also blocked cell cycle progression suggesting a link between enhanced O-GlcNAcylation and NF-κB activation in AML cell survival and proliferation. Discussion Our study suggests the HBP may prove a potential target, alone or in combination with other therapeutic approaches, to impact both AML blasts and stem cells. Moreover, as insufficient targeting of AML stem cells by traditional chemotherapy is thought to lead to relapse, blocking HBP and O-GlcNAcylation in AML stem cells may represent a novel promising target to control relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Schauner
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Jordan Cress
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Changjin Hong
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - David Wald
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Parameswaran Ramakrishnan
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pathology, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pereira-Vieira J, Weber DD, Silva S, Barbosa-Matos C, Granja S, Reis RM, Queirós O, Ko YH, Kofler B, Casal M, Baltazar F. Glucose Metabolism as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Cytarabine-Resistant Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:442. [PMID: 38675105 PMCID: PMC11055074 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040442] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Altered glycolytic metabolism has been associated with chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, there are still aspects that need clarification, as well as how to explore these metabolic alterations in therapy. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the role of glucose metabolism in the acquired resistance of AML cells to cytarabine (Ara-C) and to explore it as a therapeutic target. Resistance was induced by stepwise exposure of AML cells to increasing concentrations of Ara-C. Ara-C-resistant cells were characterized for their growth capacity, genetic alterations, metabolic profile, and sensitivity to different metabolic inhibitors. Ara-C-resistant AML cell lines, KG-1 Ara-R, and MOLM13 Ara-R presented different metabolic profiles. KG-1 Ara-R cells exhibited a more pronounced glycolytic phenotype than parental cells, with a weaker acute response to 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) but higher sensitivity after 48 h. KG-1 Ara-R cells also display increased respiration rates and are more sensitive to phenformin than parental cells. On the other hand, MOLM13 Ara-R cells display a glucose metabolism profile similar to parental cells, as well as sensitivity to glycolytic inhibitors. These results indicate that acquired resistance to Ara-C in AML may involve metabolic adaptations, which can be explored therapeutically in the AML patient setting who developed resistance to therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Pereira-Vieira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.P.-V.); (C.B.-M.); (S.G.); (R.M.R.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela D. Weber
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (D.D.W.); (B.K.)
| | - Sâmia Silva
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil;
| | - Catarina Barbosa-Matos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.P.-V.); (C.B.-M.); (S.G.); (R.M.R.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Granja
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.P.-V.); (C.B.-M.); (S.G.); (R.M.R.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Department of Pathological, Cytological and Thanatological Anatomy, ESS|P.PORTO, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.P.-V.); (C.B.-M.); (S.G.); (R.M.R.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, SP, Brazil;
| | - Odília Queirós
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
| | - Young H. Ko
- KoDiscovery, LLC, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) Center, 701 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA;
| | - Barbara Kofler
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (D.D.W.); (B.K.)
| | - Margarida Casal
- Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.P.-V.); (C.B.-M.); (S.G.); (R.M.R.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Burk AC, Apostolova P. Metabolic instruction of the graft-versus-leukemia immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1347492. [PMID: 38500877 PMCID: PMC10944922 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1347492] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is frequently performed to cure hematological malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), through the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. In this immunological process, donor immune cells eliminate residual cancer cells in the patient and exert tumor control through immunosurveillance. However, GVL failure and subsequent leukemia relapse are frequent and associated with a dismal prognosis. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying AML immune evasion is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies to boost the GVL effect. Cellular metabolism has emerged as an essential regulator of survival and cell fate for both cancer and immune cells. Leukemia and T cells utilize specific metabolic programs, including the orchestrated use of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, to support their growth and function. Besides regulating cell-intrinsic processes, metabolism shapes the extracellular environment and plays an important role in cell-cell communication. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of how metabolism might affect the anti-leukemia immune response. First, we provide a general overview of the mechanisms of immune escape after allo-HCT and an introduction to leukemia and T cell metabolism. Further, we discuss how leukemia and myeloid cell metabolism contribute to an altered microenvironment that impairs T cell function. Next, we review the literature linking metabolic processes in AML cells with their inhibitory checkpoint ligand expression. Finally, we focus on recent findings concerning the role of systemic metabolism in sustained GVL efficacy. While the majority of evidence in the field still stems from basic and preclinical studies, we discuss translational findings and propose further avenues for bridging the gap between bench and bedside.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Cathrin Burk
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Petya Apostolova
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Hematology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lu Q, Qu W, Wen Y, Ke P, Zhao L, Wang Q, Chen S, Zeng Z. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals the links between the metabolic heterogeneity and cell identity in NBM and AML. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:1100-1104. [PMID: 38009537 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiongyu Lu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenqiang Qu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Wen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Peng Ke
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Luyao Zhao
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qingyuan Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Suning Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Zeng
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jang Y, Koh JS, Park JH, Choi S, Duong PTT, Heo BY, Lee SW, Kim JY, Lee MW, Kim SH, Song IC. Enhanced Expression of Glycolytic Enzymes and Succinate Dehydrogenase Complex Flavoprotein Subunit A by Mesothelin Promotes Glycolysis and Mitochondrial Respiration in Myeloblasts of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2140. [PMID: 38396817 PMCID: PMC10888725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by rapid growth and uncontrolled proliferation of undifferentiated myeloid cells. Metabolic reprogramming is commonly observed in the bone marrow of AML patients, as leukemia cells require increased ATP supply to support disease progression. In this study, we examined the potential role of mesothelin as a metabolic modulator in myeloid cells in AML. Mesothelin is a well-known marker of solid tumors that promotes cancer cell proliferation and survival. We initially analyzed alterations in mesothelin expression in the myeloblast subpopulations, defined as SSC-Alow/CD45dim, obtained from the bone marrow of AML patients using flow cytometry. Our results showed overexpression of mesothelin in 34.8% of AML patients. Subsequently, metabolic changes in leukemia cells were evaluated by comparing the oxygen consumption rates (OCR) of bone marrow samples derived from adult AML patients. Notably, a higher OCR was observed in the mesothelin-positive compared to the mesothelin-low and non-expressing groups. Treatment with recombinant human mesothelin protein enhanced OCR and increased the mRNA expression of glycolytic enzymes and mitochondrial complex II in KG1α AML cells. Notably, siRNA targeting mesothelin in KG1α cells led to the reduction of glycolysis-related gene expression but had no effect on the mitochondrial complex gene. The collective results demonstrate that mesothelin induces metabolic changes in leukemia cells, facilitating the acquisition of a rapid supply of ATP for proliferation in AML. Therefore, the targeting of mesothelin presents a potentially promising approach to mitigating the progression of AML through the inhibition of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in myeloid cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunseon Jang
- Translational Immunology Institute, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Suk Koh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Park
- Translational Immunology Institute, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Suyoung Choi
- Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Pham Thi Thuy Duong
- Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Bu Yeon Heo
- Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project for Medical Science, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Woo Lee
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Yeon Kim
- Research Institute for Medical Science, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Won Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Hwan Kim
- Research Institute for Medical Science, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Chan Song
- Translational Immunology Institute, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Humphries S, Bond DR, Germon ZP, Keely S, Enjeti AK, Dun MD, Lee HJ. Crosstalk between DNA methylation and hypoxia in acute myeloid leukaemia. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:150. [PMID: 37705055 PMCID: PMC10500762 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01566-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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a deadly disease characterised by the uncontrolled proliferation of immature myeloid cells within the bone marrow. Altered regulation of DNA methylation is an important epigenetic driver of AML, where the hypoxic bone marrow microenvironment can help facilitate leukaemogenesis. Thus, interactions between epigenetic regulation and hypoxia signalling will have important implications for AML development and treatment. MAIN BODY This review summarises the importance of DNA methylation and the hypoxic bone marrow microenvironment in the development, progression, and treatment of AML. Here, we focus on the role hypoxia plays on signalling and the subsequent regulation of DNA methylation. Hypoxia is likely to influence DNA methylation through altered metabolic pathways, transcriptional control of epigenetic regulators, and direct effects on the enzymatic activity of epigenetic modifiers. DNA methylation may also prevent activation of hypoxia-responsive genes, demonstrating bidirectional crosstalk between epigenetic regulation and the hypoxic microenvironment. Finally, we consider the clinical implications of these interactions, suggesting that reduced cell cycling within the hypoxic bone marrow may decrease the efficacy of hypomethylating agents. CONCLUSION Hypoxia is likely to influence AML progression through complex interactions with DNA methylation, where the therapeutic efficacy of hypomethylating agents may be limited within the hypoxic bone marrow. To achieve optimal outcomes for AML patients, future studies should therefore consider co-treatments that can promote cycling of AML cells within the bone marrow or encourage their dissociation from the bone marrow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Humphries
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Danielle R Bond
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Zacary P Germon
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Simon Keely
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Immune Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Anoop K Enjeti
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Waratah, NSW, 2298, Australia
- New South Wales Health Pathology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Heather J Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Park MN. The Therapeutic Potential of a Strategy to Prevent Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cell Reprogramming in Older Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12037. [PMID: 37569414 PMCID: PMC10418941 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common and incurable leukemia subtype. Despite extensive research into the disease's intricate molecular mechanisms, effective treatments or expanded diagnostic or prognostic markers for AML have not yet been identified. The morphological, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, biomolecular, and clinical characteristics of AML patients are extensive and complex. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) consist of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and cancer cells transformed by a complex, finely-tuned interaction that causes the complexity of AML. Microenvironmental regulation of LSCs dormancy and the diagnostic and therapeutic implications for identifying and targeting LSCs due to their significance in the pathogenesis of AML are discussed in this review. It is essential to perceive the relationship between the niche for LSCs and HSCs, which together cause the progression of AML. Notably, methylation is a well-known epigenetic change that is significant in AML, and our data also reveal that microRNAs are a unique factor for LSCs. Multiple-targeted approaches to reduce the risk of epigenetic factors, such as the administration of natural compounds for the elimination of local LSCs, may prevent potentially fatal relapses. Furthermore, the survival analysis of overlapping genes revealed that specific targets had significant effects on the survival and prognosis of patients. We predict that the multiple-targeted effects of herbal products on epigenetic modification are governed by different mechanisms in AML and could prevent potentially fatal relapses. Thus, these strategies can facilitate the incorporation of herbal medicine and natural compounds into the advanced drug discovery and development processes achievable with Network Pharmacology research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moon Nyeo Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chianese U, Papulino C, Megchelenbrink W, Tambaro FP, Ciardiello F, Benedetti R, Altucci L. Epigenomic machinery regulating pediatric AML: clonal expansion mechanisms, therapies, and future perspectives. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:84-101. [PMID: 37003397 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.03.009] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with a genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional etiology mainly presenting somatic and germline abnormalities. AML incidence rises with age but can also occur during childhood. Pediatric AML (pAML) accounts for 15-20% of all pediatric leukemias and differs considerably from adult AML. Next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled the research community to "paint" the genomic and epigenomic landscape in order to identify pathology-associated mutations and other prognostic biomarkers in pAML. Although current treatments have improved the prognosis for pAML, chemoresistance, recurrence, and refractory disease remain major challenges. In particular, pAML relapse is commonly caused by leukemia stem cells that resist therapy. Marked patient-to-patient heterogeneity is likely the primary reason why the same treatment is successful for some patients but, at best, only partially effective for others. Accumulating evidence indicates that patient-specific clonal composition impinges significantly on cellular processes, such as gene regulation and metabolism. Although our understanding of metabolism in pAML is still in its infancy, greater insights into these processes and their (epigenetic) modulation may pave the way toward novel treatment options. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the function of genetic and epigenetic (mis)regulation in pAML, including metabolic features observed in the disease. Specifically, we describe how (epi)genetic machinery can affect chromatin status during hematopoiesis, leading to an altered metabolic profile, and focus on the potential value of targeting epigenetic abnormalities in precision and combination therapy for pAML. We also discuss the possibility of using alternative epidrug-based therapeutic approaches that are already in clinical practice, either alone as adjuvant treatments and/or in combination with other drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Chianese
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Chiara Papulino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Wout Megchelenbrink
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Francesco Paolo Tambaro
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Pediatric Oncology Department AORN Santobono Pausilipon, 80129, Naples Italy.
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; Biogem Institute of Molecular and Genetic Biology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy; IEOS, Institute for Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), 80131 Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Venugopal S, Xie Z, Zeidan AM. An overview of novel therapies in advanced clinical testing for acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:109-119. [PMID: 36718500 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2174521] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The past decade has seen a sea change in the AML landscape with vastly improved cognizance of molecular pathogenesis, clonal evolution, and importance of measurable residual disease. Since 2017, the therapeutic armamentarium of AML has considerably expanded with the approval of midostaurin, enasidenib, ivosidenib, gilteritinib, and venetoclax in combination with hypomethylating agents and others. Nevertheless, relapse and treatment refractoriness remain the insurmountable challenges in AML therapy. This has galvanized the leukemic research community leading to the discovery and development of agents that specifically target gene mutations, molecularly agnostic therapies that exploit immune environment, apoptotic pathways, leukemic cell surface antigens and so forth. AREAS COVERED This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology of AML in the context of non-cellular immune and molecularly targeted and agnostic therapies that are in clinical trial development in AML. EXPERT OPINION Ever growing understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and metabolomics in AML has allowed the researchers to identify targets directed at specific genes and metabolic pathways. As a result, AML therapy is constantly evolving and so are the escape mechanisms leading to disease relapse. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to sequentially evaluate the patient during AML treatment and intervene at the right time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Venugopal
- Division of Hematology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zhuoer Xie
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, FL, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tabe Y, Konopleva M. Resistance to energy metabolism - targeted therapy of AML cells residual in the bone marrow microenvironment. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:138-150. [PMID: 37065866 PMCID: PMC10099600 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
In response to the changing availability of nutrients and oxygen in the bone marrow microenvironment, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells continuously adjust their metabolic state. To meet the biochemical demands of their increased proliferation, AML cells strongly depend on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Recent data indicate that a subset of AML cells remains quiescent and survives through metabolic activation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), which causes uncoupling of mitochondrial OXPHOS and facilitates chemoresistance. For targeting these metabolic vulnerabilities of AML cells, inhibitors of OXPHOS and FAO have been developed and investigated for their therapeutic potential. Recent experimental and clinical evidence has revealed that drug-resistant AML cells and leukemic stem cells rewire metabolic pathways through interaction with BM stromal cells, enabling them to acquire resistance against OXPHOS and FAO inhibitors. These acquired resistance mechanisms compensate for the metabolic targeting by inhibitors. Several chemotherapy/targeted therapy regimens in combination with OXPHOS and FAO inhibitors are under development to target these compensatory pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Tabe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 112-8421, Japan
- Department of Medicine (Oncology) and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Medicine (Oncology) and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence to: Prof. Marina Konopleva, Department of Medicine (Oncology) and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center,1300 Morris Park Avenue, NY 10461, USA; Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lipids and the cancer stemness regulatory system in acute myeloid leukemia. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:333-344. [PMID: 35996953 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease of impaired myeloid differentiation and a caricature of normal hematopoiesis. Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are responsible for long-term clonal propagation in AML just as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) sustain lifelong hematopoiesis. LSCs are often resistant to standard chemotherapy and are responsible for clinical relapse. Although AML is highly heterogeneous, determinants of stemness are prognostic for AML patient survival and can predict AML drug sensitivity. Therefore, one way to overcome challenges preventing efficacious treatment outcomes is to target LSC stemness. Metabolomic and lipidomic studies of serum and cells from AML patients are emerging to complement genomic, transcriptomic, epigenetic, and proteomic data sets to characterize and stratify AML. Recent studies have shown the value of fractionating LSCs versus blasts when characterizing metabolic pathways and implicate the importance of lipid balance to LSCs function. As more extensive metabolic studies coupled to functional in vivo assays are conducted on highly purified HSCs, bulk AML, and LSCs, the similarities and differences in lipid homeostasis in stem-like versus more mature AML subtypes as well as from normal HSCs are emerging. Here, we discuss the latest findings from studies of lipid function in LSCs, with a focus on sphingolipids (SLs) as stemness/lineage fate mediators in AML, and the balance of fatty acid anabolism and catabolism fueling metabolic flexibility and drug resistance in AML. We also discuss how designing successful strategies to target lipid vulnerabilities and improve AML patient survival should take into consideration the hierarchical nature of AML.
Collapse
|
12
|
Properties of Leukemic Stem Cells in Regulating Drug Resistance in Acute and Chronic Myeloid Leukemias. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081841. [PMID: 36009388 PMCID: PMC9405586 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Notoriously known for their capacity to reconstitute hematological malignancies in vivo, leukemic stem cells (LSCs) represent key drivers of therapeutic resistance and disease relapse, posing as a major medical dilemma. Despite having low abundance in the bulk leukemic population, LSCs have developed unique molecular dependencies and intricate signaling networks to enable self-renewal, quiescence, and drug resistance. To illustrate the multi-dimensional landscape of LSC-mediated leukemogenesis, in this review, we present phenotypical characteristics of LSCs, address the LSC-associated leukemic stromal microenvironment, highlight molecular aberrations that occur in the transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and metabolome of LSCs, and showcase promising novel therapeutic strategies that potentially target the molecular vulnerabilities of LSCs.
Collapse
|
13
|
Kelesoglu N, Kori M, Turanli B, Arga KY, Yilmaz BK, Duru OA. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: New Multiomics Molecular Signatures and Implications for Systems Medicine Diagnostics and Therapeutics Innovation. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2022; 26:392-403. [PMID: 35763314 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2022.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common, complex, and multifactorial malignancy of the hematopoietic system. AML diagnosis and treatment outcomes display marked heterogeneity and patient-to-patient variations. To date, AML-related biomarker discovery research has employed single omics inquiries. Multiomics analyses that reconcile and integrate the data streams from multiple levels of the cellular hierarchy, from genes to proteins to metabolites, offer much promise for innovation in AML diagnostics and therapeutics. We report, in this study, a systems medicine and multiomics approach to integrate the AML transcriptome data and reporter biomolecules at the RNA, protein, and metabolite levels using genome-scale biological networks. We utilized two independent transcriptome datasets (GSE5122, GSE8970) in the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We identified new multiomics molecular signatures of relevance to AML: miRNAs (e.g., mir-484 and miR-519d-3p), receptors (ACVR1 and PTPRG), transcription factors (PRDM14 and GATA3), and metabolites (in particular, amino acid derivatives). The differential expression profiles of all reporter biomolecules were crossvalidated in independent RNA-Seq and miRNA-Seq datasets. Notably, we found that PTPRG holds important prognostication potential as evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. The multiomics relationships unraveled in this analysis point toward the genomic pathogenesis of AML. These multiomics molecular leads warrant further research and development as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurdan Kelesoglu
- Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Medi Kori
- Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Beste Turanli
- Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kazim Yalcin Arga
- Department of Bioengineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Karademir Yilmaz
- Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ates Duru
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Nişantaşı University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|