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Bai J, Zhang X, Zhao Z, Sun S, Cheng W, Yu H, Chang X, Wang B. CuO Nanozymes Catalyze Cysteine and Glutathione Depletion Induced Ferroptosis and Cuproptosis for Synergistic Tumor Therapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2400326. [PMID: 38813723 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The latest research identifies that cysteine (Cys) is one of the key factors in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and recurrence. The direct depletion of intracellular Cys shows a profound antitumor effect. However, using nanozymes to efficiently deplete Cys for tumor therapy has not yet attracted widespread attention. Here, a (3-carboxypropyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide-derived hyaluronic acid-modified copper oxide nanorods (denoted as MitCuOHA) are designed with cysteine oxidase-like, glutathione oxidase-like and peroxidase-like activities to realize Cys depletion and further induce cellular ferroptosis and cuproptosis for synergistic tumor therapy. MitCuOHA nanozymes can efficiently catalyze the depletion of Cys and glutathione (GSH), accompanied by the generation of H2O2 and the subsequent conversion into highly active hydroxyl radicals, thereby successfully inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells. Meanwhile, copper ions released by MitCuOHA under tumor microenvironment stimulation directly bind to lipoylated proteins of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, leading to the abnormal aggregation of lipoylated proteins and subsequent loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, which ultimately triggers proteotoxic stress and cell cuproptosis. Both in vitro and in vivo results show the drastically enhanced anticancer efficacy of Cys oxidation catalyzed by the MitCuOHA nanozymes, demonstrating the high feasibility of such catalytic Cys depletion-induced synergistic ferroptosis and cuproptosis therapeutic concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Zhiwen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Shihao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Wenyuan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Hongxiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Xinyue Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Baodui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
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Yamauchi T, Okano Y, Terada D, Yasukochi S, Tsuruta A, Tsurudome Y, Ushijima K, Matsunaga N, Koyanagi S, Ohdo S. Epigenetic repression of de novo cysteine synthetases induces intra-cellular accumulation of cysteine in hepatocarcinoma by up-regulating the cystine uptake transporter xCT. Cancer Metab 2024; 12:23. [PMID: 39113116 PMCID: PMC11304919 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-024-00352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metabolic reprogramming of amino acids is critical for cancer cell growth and survival. Notably, intracellular accumulation of cysteine is often observed in various cancers, suggesting its potential role in alleviating the oxidative stress associated with rapid proliferation. The liver is the primary organ for cysteine biosynthesis, but much remains unknown about the metabolic alterations of cysteine and their mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. METHODS RNA-seq data from patients with hepatocarcinoma were analyzed using the TNMplot database. The underlying mechanism of the oncogenic alteration of cysteine metabolism was studied in mice implanted with BNL 1ME A.7 R.1 hepatocarcinoma. RESULTS Database analysis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma revealed that the expression of enzymes involved in de novo cysteine synthesis was down-regulated accompanying with increased expression of the cystine uptake transporter xCT. Similar alterations in gene expression have also been observed in a syngeneic mouse model of hepatocarcinoma. The enhanced expression of DNA methyltransferase in murine hepatocarcinoma cells caused methylation of the upstream regions of cysteine synthesis genes, thereby repressing their expression. Conversely, suppression of de novo cysteine synthesis in healthy liver cells induced xCT expression by up-regulating the oxidative-stress response factor NRF2, indicating that reduced de novo cysteine synthesis repulsively increases cystine uptake via enhanced xCT expression, leading to intracellular cysteine accumulation. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of xCT activity decreased intracellular cysteine levels and suppressed hepatocarcinoma tumor growth in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate an underlying mechanism of the oncogenic alteration of cysteine metabolism in hepatocarcinoma and highlight the efficacy of alteration of cysteine metabolism as a viable therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Yamauchi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yumi Okano
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Daishu Terada
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Sai Yasukochi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akito Tsuruta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuya Tsurudome
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ushijima
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Naoya Matsunaga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoru Koyanagi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Shigehiro Ohdo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Borbényi-Galambos K, Czikora Á, Erdélyi K, Nagy P. Versatile roles of cysteine persulfides in tumor biology. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 79:102440. [PMID: 38422870 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.102440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Rewiring the transsulfuration pathway is recognized as a rapid adaptive metabolic response to environmental conditions in cancer cells to support their increased cysteine demand and to produce Reactive Sulfur Species (RSS) including hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and cysteine persulfide. This can directly (via RSS) or indirectly (by supplying Cys) trigger chemical or enzyme catalyzed persulfidation on critical protein cysteine residues to protect them from oxidative damage and to orchestrate protein functions, and thereby contribute to cancer cell plasticity. In this review key aspects of persulfide-mediated biological processes are highlighted and critically discussed in relation to cancer cell survival, bioenergetics, proliferation as well as in tumor angiogenesis, adaptation to hypoxia and oxidative stress, and regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Borbényi-Galambos
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, 1122, Hungary; Kálmán Laki Doctoral School, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hajdú-Bihar County, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Czikora
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
| | - Katalin Erdélyi
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, 1122, Hungary
| | - Péter Nagy
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, 1122, Hungary; Department of Anatomy and Histology, HUN-REN-UVMB Laboratory of Redox Biology Research Group, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, 1078, Hungary; Chemistry Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hajdú-Bihar County, 4012, Hungary.
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Dyachenko EI, Bel’skaya LV. The Role of Amino Acids in Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Mechanisms in Cancer: A Review. Metabolites 2023; 14:28. [PMID: 38248831 PMCID: PMC10818545 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, the antioxidant properties of amino acids and their role in the physicochemical processes accompanying oxidative stress in cancer remain unclear. Cancer cells are known to extensively uptake amino acids, which are used as an energy source, antioxidant precursors that reduce oxidative stress in cancer, and as regulators of inhibiting or inducing tumor cell-associated gene expression. This review examines nine amino acids (Cys, His, Phe, Met, Trp, Tyr, Pro, Arg, Lys), which play a key role in the non-enzymatic oxidative process in various cancers. Conventionally, these amino acids can be divided into two groups, in one of which the activity increases (Cys, Phe, Met, Pro, Arg, Lys) in cancer, and in the other, it decreases (His, Trp, Tyr). The review examines changes in the metabolism of nine amino acids in eleven types of oncology. We have identified the main nonspecific mechanisms of changes in the metabolic activity of amino acids, and described direct and indirect effects on the redox homeostasis of cells. In the future, this will help to understand better the nature of life of a cancer cell and identify therapeutic targets more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lyudmila V. Bel’skaya
- Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Omsk State Pedagogical University, Omsk 644099, Russia;
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Arnhold J. Inflammation-Associated Cytotoxic Agents in Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:81. [PMID: 38201509 PMCID: PMC10778456 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory processes are related to all stages of tumorigenesis. As inflammation is closely associated with the activation and release of different cytotoxic agents, the interplay between cytotoxic agents and antagonizing principles is highlighted in this review to address the question of how tumor cells overcome the enhanced values of cytotoxic agents in tumors. In tumor cells, the enhanced formation of mitochondrial-derived reactive species and elevated values of iron ions and free heme are antagonized by an overexpression of enzymes and proteins, contributing to the antioxidative defense and maintenance of redox homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, tumor cells can even survive additional stress caused by radio- and chemotherapy. Through the secretion of active agents from tumor cells, immune cells are suppressed in the tumor microenvironment and an enhanced formation of extracellular matrix components is induced. Different oxidant- and protease-based cytotoxic agents are involved in tumor-mediated immunosuppression, tumor growth, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Considering the special metabolic conditions in tumors, the main focus here was directed on the disturbed balance between the cytotoxic agents and protective mechanisms in late-stage tumors. This knowledge is mandatory for the implementation of novel anti-cancerous therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Arnhold
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
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Hong L, Braden DC, Zhao Y, Skoko JJ, Chang F, Woodcock SR, Uvalle C, Casey A, Wood K, Salvatore SR, Asan A, Harkness T, Fagunloye A, Razzaghi M, Straub A, Spies M, Brown DD, Lee AV, Schopfer F, Freeman BA, Neumann CA. Small molecule nitroalkenes inhibit RAD51-mediated homologous recombination and amplify triple-negative breast cancer cell killing by DNA-directed therapies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.11.552990. [PMID: 37645906 PMCID: PMC10462009 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.11.552990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Nitro fatty acids (NO 2 -FAs) are endogenously generated lipid signaling mediators from metabolic and inflammatory reactions between conjugated diene fatty acids and nitric oxide or nitrite-derived reactive species. NO 2 -FAs undergo reversible Michael addition with hyperreactive protein cysteine thiolates to induce posttranslational protein modifications that can impact protein function. Herein, we report a novel mechanism of action of natural and non-natural nitroalkenes structurally similar to ( E ) 10-nitro-octadec-9-enoic acid (CP-6), recently de-risked by preclinical Investigational New Drug-enabling studies and Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials and found to induce DNA damage in a TNBC xenograft by inhibiting homologous-recombination (HR)-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). CP-6 specifically targets Cys319, essential in RAD51-controlled HR-mediated DNA DSB repair in cells. A nitroalkene library screen identified two structurally different nitroalkenes, a non-natural fatty acid [( E ) 8-nitro- nonadec-7-enoic acid (CP-8)] and a dicarboxylate ester [dimethyl ( E )nitro-oct-4-enedioate (CP- 23)] superior to CP-6 in TNBC cells killing, synergism with three different inhibitors of the poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and γ-IR. CP-8 and CP-23 effectively inhibited γ-IR-induced RAD51 foci formation and HR in a GFP-reported assay but did not affect benign human epithelial cells or cell cycle phases. In vivo, CP-8 and CP-23's efficacies diverged as only CP-8 showed promising anticancer activities alone and combined with the PARP inhibitor talazoparib in an HR-proficient TNBC mouse model. As preliminary preclinical toxicology analysis also suggests CP-8 as safe, our data endorse CP-8 as a novel anticancer molecule for treating cancers sensitive to homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair inhibitors.
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