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Zhang Y, Yan H, Wei Y, Wei X. Decoding mitochondria's role in immunity and cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189107. [PMID: 38734035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189107] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The functions of mitochondria, including energy production and biomolecule synthesis, have been known for a long time. Given the rising incidence of cancer, the role of mitochondria in cancer has become increasingly popular. Activated by components released by mitochondria, various pathways interact with each other to induce immune responses to protect organisms from attack. However, mitochondria play dual roles in the progression of cancer. Abnormalities in proteins, which are the elementary structures of mitochondria, are closely linked with oncogenesis. Both the aberrant accumulation of intermediates and mutations in enzymes result in the generation and progression of cancer. Therefore, targeting mitochondria to treat cancer may be a new strategy. Several drugs aimed at inhibiting mutated enzymes and accumulated intermediates have been tested clinically. Here, we discuss the current understanding of mitochondria in cancer and the interactions between mitochondrial functions, immune responses, and oncogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss mitochondria as hopeful targets for cancer therapy, providing insights into the progression of future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong Yan
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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2
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Gao L, Wei Z, Ying F, Huang L, Zhang J, Sun S, Wang Z, Cai J, Zhang Y. Glutamine metabolism prognostic index predicts tumour microenvironment characteristics and therapeutic efficacy in ovarian cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18198. [PMID: 38506093 PMCID: PMC10951877 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18198] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence has highlighted the multifunctional characteristics of glutamine metabolism (GM) in cancer initiation, progression and therapeutic regimens. However, the overall role of GM in the tumour microenvironment (TME), clinical stratification and therapeutic efficacy in patients with ovarian cancer (OC) has not been fully elucidated. Here, three distinct GM clusters were identified and exhibited different prognostic values, biological functions and immune infiltration in TME. Subsequently, glutamine metabolism prognostic index (GMPI) was constructed as a new scoring model to quantify the GM subtypes and was verified as an independent predictor of OC. Patients with low-GMPI exhibited favourable survival outcomes, lower enrichment of several oncogenic pathways, less immunosuppressive cell infiltration and better immunotherapy responses. Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed a unique evolutionary trajectory of OC cells from high-GMPI to low-GMPI, and OC cells with different GMPI might communicate with distinct cell populations through ligand-receptor interactions. Critically, the therapeutic efficacy of several drug candidates was validated based on patient-derived organoids (PDOs). The proposed GMPI could serve as a reliable signature for predicting patient prognosis and contribute to optimising therapeutic strategies for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zheng Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThird Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi HospitalTaiyuanChina
| | - Feiquan Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jingni Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Si Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zehua Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Wang B, Pei J, Xu S, Liu J, Yu J. A glutamine tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells: recent advances in unraveling the ongoing battle. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:74. [PMID: 38459595 PMCID: PMC10921613 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02994-0] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine metabolism plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, immune cell function, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism has been implicated in cancer development and immune responses, supported by mounting evidence. Cancer cells heavily rely on glutamine as a critical nutrient for survival and proliferation, while immune cells require glutamine for activation and proliferation during immune reactions. This metabolic competition creates a dynamic tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells. Targeting glutamine transporters and downstream enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism holds significant promise in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic approaches that improve anti-tumor immunity and patient outcomes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in unraveling the tug-of-war of glutamine metabolism between cancer and immune cells and explore potential applications of basic science discoveries in the clinical setting. Further investigations into the regulation of glutamine metabolism in cancer and immune cells are expected to yield valuable insights, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinli Pei
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengnan Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Fan Y, Xue H, Li Z, Huo M, Gao H, Guan X. Exploiting the Achilles' heel of cancer: disrupting glutamine metabolism for effective cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1345522. [PMID: 38510646 PMCID: PMC10952006 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1345522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells have adapted to rapid tumor growth and evade immune attack by reprogramming their metabolic pathways. Glutamine is an important nitrogen resource for synthesizing amino acids and nucleotides and an important carbon source in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and lipid biosynthesis pathway. In this review, we summarize the significant role of glutamine metabolism in tumor development and highlight the vulnerabilities of targeting glutamine metabolism for effective therapy. In particular, we review the reported drugs targeting glutaminase and glutamine uptake for efficient cancer treatment. Moreover, we discuss the current clinical test about targeting glutamine metabolism and the prospective direction of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Han Xue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingge Huo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongxia Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
| | - Xingang Guan
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Liao L, Xu H, Zhao Y, Zheng X. Metabolic interventions combined with CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade for the treatment of tumors: mechanisms and strategies. Front Med 2023; 17:805-822. [PMID: 37897562 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1025-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies based on immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) have significantly improved patient outcomes and offered new approaches to cancer therapy over the past decade. To date, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 represent the main class of immunotherapy. Blockade of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 has shown remarkable efficacy in several specific types of cancers, however, a large subset of refractory patients presents poor responsiveness to ICB therapy; and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Recently, numerous studies have revealed that metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells restrains immune responses by remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME) with various products of metabolism, and combination therapies involving metabolic inhibitors and ICIs provide new approaches to cancer therapy. Nevertheless, a systematic summary is lacking regarding the manner by which different targetable metabolic pathways regulate immune checkpoints to overcome ICI resistance. Here, we demonstrate the generalized mechanism of targeting cancer metabolism at three crucial immune checkpoints (CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1) to influence ICB therapy and propose potential combined immunotherapeutic strategies co-targeting tumor metabolic pathways and immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Huilin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yuhan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Zhao L, Chen X, Wu H, He Q, Ding L, Yang B. Strategies to synergize PD-1/PD-L1 targeted cancer immunotherapies to enhance antitumor responses in ovarian cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115724. [PMID: 37524205 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115724] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Anti-programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies have developed rapidly but exhibited modest activity in ovarian cancer (OC), achieving a clinical response rate ranging from 5.9% to 19%. Current evidence indicate that the establishment of an integrated cancer-immunity cycle is a prerequisite for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Any impairment in this cycle, including lack of cancer antigens release, impaired antigen-presenting, decreased T cell priming and activation, less T cells that are trafficked or infiltrated in tumor microenvironment (TME), and low tumor recognition and killings, will lead to decreased infiltrated cytotoxic T cells to tumor bed and treatment failure. Therefore, combinatorial strategies aiming to modify cancer-immunity cycle and reprogram tumor immune microenvironment are of great interest. By far, various strategies have been studied to enhance responsiveness to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in OC. Platinum-based chemotherapy increases neoantigens release; poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) improve the function of antigen-presenting cells and promote the trafficking of T cells into tumors; epigenetic drugs help to complete the immune cycle by affecting multiple steps; immunotherapies like anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies reactivate T cells, and other treatment strategies like radiotherapy helps to increase the expression of tumor antigens. In this review, we will summarize the preclinical studies by analyzing their contribution in modifying the cancer immunity cycle and remodeling tumor environment, and we will also summarize recent progress in clinical trials and discuss some perspectives to improve these treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Honghai Wu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ling Ding
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Liu D, Wang H, Li X, Liu J, Zhang Y, Hu J. Small molecule inhibitors for cancer metabolism: promising prospects to be explored. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:8051-8076. [PMID: 37002510 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04501-4] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal metabolism is the main hallmark of cancer, and cancer metabolism plays an important role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, studying the changes of tumor metabolic pathways is beneficial to find targets for the treatment of cancer diseases. The success of metabolism-targeted chemotherapy suggests that cancer metabolism research will provide potential new targets for the treatment of malignant tumors. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to systemically review recent research findings on targeted inhibitors of tumor metabolism. In addition, we summarized new insights into tumor metabolic reprogramming and discussed how to guide the exploration of new strategies for cancer-targeted therapy. CONCLUSION Cancer cells have shown various altered metabolic pathways, providing sufficient fuel for their survival. The combination of these pathways is considered to be a more useful method for screening multilateral pathways. Better understanding of the clinical research progress of small molecule inhibitors of potential targets of tumor metabolism will help to explore more effective cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - HongPing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - XingXing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - JiFang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - YanLing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Cadenas-De Miguel S, Lucianer G, Elia I. The metabolic cross-talk between cancer and T cells. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:597-609. [PMID: 37080875 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.03.004] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The metabolic cross-talk between cancer cells and T cells dictates cancer formation and progression. These cells possess metabolic plasticity. Thus, they adapt their metabolic profile to meet their phenotypic requirements. However, the nutrient microenvironment of a tumor is a very hostile niche in which these cells are forced to compete for the available nutrients. The hyperactive metabolism of tumor cells often outcompetes the antitumorigenic CD8+ T cells while promoting the protumorigenic exhausted CD8+ T cells and T regulatory (Treg) cells. Thus, cancer cells elude the immune response and spread in an uncontrolled manner. Identifying the metabolic pathways necessary to shift the balance from a protumorigenic to an antitumorigenic immune phenotype is essential to potentiate antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Lucianer
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilaria Elia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhao G, Orsulic S, Matei D. Metabolic dependencies and targets in ovarian cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 245:108413. [PMID: 37059310 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Reprogramming of cellular metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. Cancer cells undergo metabolic adaptations to maintain tumorigenicity and survive under the attack of immune cells and chemotherapy in the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic alterations in ovarian cancer in part overlap with findings from other solid tumors and in part reflect unique traits. Altered metabolic pathways not only facilitate ovarian cancer cells' survival and proliferation but also endow them to metastasize, acquire resistance to chemotherapy, maintain cancer stem cell phenotype and escape the effects of anti-tumor immune defense. In this review, we comprehensively review the metabolic signatures of ovarian cancer and their impact on cancer initiation, progression, and resistance to treatment. We highlight novel therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic pathways under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Driskill Graduate Training Program in Life Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yinu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Guangyuan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Driskill Graduate Training Program in Life Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Nadhan R, Kashyap S, Ha JH, Jayaraman M, Song YS, Isidoro C, Dhanasekaran DN. Targeting Oncometabolites in Peritoneal Cancers: Preclinical Insights and Therapeutic Strategies. Metabolites 2023; 13:618. [PMID: 37233659 PMCID: PMC10222714 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050618] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal cancers present significant clinical challenges with poor prognosis. Understanding the role of cancer cell metabolism and cancer-promoting metabolites in peritoneal cancers can provide new insights into the mechanisms that drive tumor progression and can identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and treatment response. Cancer cells dynamically reprogram their metabolism to facilitate tumor growth and overcome metabolic stress, with cancer-promoting metabolites such as kynurenines, lactate, and sphingosine-1-phosphate promoting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. Targeting cancer-promoting metabolites could also lead to the development of effective combinatorial and adjuvant therapies involving metabolic inhibitors for the treatment of peritoneal cancers. With the observed metabolomic heterogeneity in cancer patients, defining peritoneal cancer metabolome and cancer-promoting metabolites holds great promise for improving outcomes for patients with peritoneal tumors and advancing the field of precision cancer medicine. This review provides an overview of the metabolic signatures of peritoneal cancer cells, explores the role of cancer-promoting metabolites as potential therapeutic targets, and discusses the implications for advancing precision cancer medicine in peritoneal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revathy Nadhan
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.N.); (S.K.); (J.H.H.); (M.J.)
| | - Srishti Kashyap
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.N.); (S.K.); (J.H.H.); (M.J.)
| | - Ji Hee Ha
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.N.); (S.K.); (J.H.H.); (M.J.)
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Muralidharan Jayaraman
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.N.); (S.K.); (J.H.H.); (M.J.)
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and NanoBioImaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Danny N. Dhanasekaran
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.N.); (S.K.); (J.H.H.); (M.J.)
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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11
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Ni R, Li Z, Li L, Peng D, Ming Y, Li L, Liu Y. Rethinking glutamine metabolism and the regulation of glutamine addiction by oncogenes in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1143798. [PMID: 36959802 PMCID: PMC10029103 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1143798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamine, the most abundant non-essential amino acid in human blood, is crucial for cancer cell growth and cancer progression. Glutamine mainly functions as a carbon and nitrogen source for biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and redox homeostasis maintenance in cancer cells. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism is a notable metabolic characteristic of cancer cells. Some carcinogen-driven cancers exhibit a marked dependence on glutamine, also known as glutamine addiction, which has rendered the glutamine metabolic pathway a breakpoint in cancer therapeutics. However, some cancer cells can adapt to the glutamine unavailability by reprogramming metabolism, thus limiting the success of this therapeutic approach. Given the complexity of metabolic networks and the limited impact of inhibiting glutamine metabolism alone, the combination of glutamine metabolism inhibition and other therapeutic methods may outperform corresponding monotherapies in the treatment of cancers. This review summarizes the uptake, transport, and metabolic characteristics of glutamine, as well as the regulation of glutamine dependence by some important oncogenes in various cancers to emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, we discuss a glutamine metabolic pathway, the glutaminase II pathway, that has been substantially overlooked. Finally, we discuss the applicability of polytherapeutic strategies targeting glutamine metabolism to provide a new perspective on cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ni
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Peng
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Ming
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of pharmacy, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Li, ; Yao Liu,
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of pharmacy, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Li, ; Yao Liu,
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12
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Kao TW, Chuang YC, Lee HL, Kuo CC, Shen YA. Therapeutic Targeting of Glutaminolysis as a Novel Strategy to Combat Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315296. [PMID: 36499623 PMCID: PMC9737183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the ability to self-renew and are the primary driving force behind cancer metastatic dissemination and the preeminent hurdle to cancer treatment. As opposed to differentiated, non-malignant tumor offspring, CSCs have sophisticated metabolic patterns that, depending on the kind of cancer, rely mostly on the oxidation of major fuel substrates such as glucose, glutamine, and fatty acids for survival. Glutaminolysis is a series of metabolic reactions that convert glutamine to glutamate and, eventually, α-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle that provides biosynthetic building blocks. These building blocks are mostly utilized in the synthesis of macromolecules and antioxidants for redox homeostasis. A recent study revealed the cellular and molecular interconnections between glutamine and cancer stemness in the cell. Researchers have increasingly focused on glutamine catabolism in their attempt to discover an effective therapy for cancer stem cells. Targeting catalytic enzymes in glutaminolysis, such as glutaminase (GLS), is achievable with small molecule inhibitors, some of which are in early-phase clinical trials and have promising safety profiles. This review summarizes the current findings in glutaminolysis of CSCs and focuses on novel cancer therapies that target glutaminolysis in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Wan Kao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chen Chuang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Lun Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Kuo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yao-An Shen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Yang X, Li Z, Ren H, Peng X, Fu J. New progress of glutamine metabolism in the occurrence, development, and treatment of ovarian cancer from mechanism to clinic. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1018642. [PMID: 36523985 PMCID: PMC9745299 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1018642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that can be synthesized by cells. It plays a vital role in the growth and proliferation of mammalian cells cultured in vitro. In the process of tumor cell proliferation, glutamine not only contributes to protein synthesis but also serves as the primary nitrogen donor for purine and pyrimidine synthesis. Studies have shown that glutamine-addicted tumor cells depend on glutamine for survival and reprogram glutamine utilization through the Krebs cycle. Potential therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancer including blocking the entry of glutamine into the tricarboxylic acid cycle in highly aggressive ovarian cancer cells or inhibiting glutamine synthesis in less aggressive ovarian cancer cells. Glutamine metabolism is associated with poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. Combining platinum-based chemotherapy with inhibition of glutamine metabolic pathways may be a new strategy for treating ovarian cancer, especially drug-resistant ovarian cancer. This article reviews the role of glutamine metabolism in the biological behaviors of ovarian cancer cells, such as proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance. Its potential use as a new target or biomarker for ovarian cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the prognosis is investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanru Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Fu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Lin Y, Zhou X, Ni Y, Zhao X, Liang X. Metabolic reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer: A novel orientation for immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1030831. [PMID: 36311734 PMCID: PMC9613923 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1030831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic tumor, with the highest mortality rate. Numerous studies have been conducted on the treatment of ovarian cancer in the hopes of improving therapeutic outcomes. Immune cells have been revealed to play a dual function in the development of ovarian cancer, acting as both tumor promoters and tumor suppressors. Increasingly, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been proposed and confirmed to play a unique role in tumor development and treatment by altering immunosuppressive and cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of tumor cells through metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, studies of immunometabolism have provided new insights into the understanding of the TIME. Targeting or activating metabolic processes of the TIME has the potential to be an antitumor therapy modality. In this review, we summarize the composition of the TIME of ovarian cancer and its metabolic reprogramming, its relationship with drug resistance in ovarian cancer, and recent research advances in immunotherapy.
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Yung MMH, Siu MKY, Ngan HYS, Chan DW, Chan KKL. Orchestrated Action of AMPK Activation and Combined VEGF/PD-1 Blockade with Lipid Metabolic Tunning as Multi-Target Therapeutics against Ovarian Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126857. [PMID: 35743298 PMCID: PMC9224484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies worldwide, and chemoresistance is a critical obstacle in the clinical management of the disease. Recent studies have suggested that exploiting cancer cell metabolism by applying AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activating agents and distinctive adjuvant targeted therapies can be a plausible alternative approach in cancer treatment. Therefore, the perspectives about the combination of AMPK activators together with VEGF/PD-1 blockade as a dual-targeted therapy against ovarian cancer were discussed herein. Additionally, ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic regulated cell death triggered by the availability of redox-active iron, have been proposed to be governed by multiple layers of metabolic signalings and can be synergized with immunotherapies. To this end, ferroptosis initiating therapies (FITs) and metabolic rewiring and immunotherapeutic approaches may have substantial clinical potential in combating ovarian cancer development and progression. It is hoped that the viewpoints deliberated in this review would accelerate the translation of remedial concepts into clinical trials and improve the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingo M. H. Yung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
| | - Michelle K. Y. Siu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
| | - Hextan Y. S. Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
| | - David W. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: or (D.W.C.); (K.K.L.C.); Tel.: +852-3917-9367 or +852-3943-6053 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-4260 (K.K.L.C.); Fax: +852-2816-1947 or +852-2603-5123 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-0947 (K.K.L.C.)
| | - Karen K. L. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
- Correspondence: or (D.W.C.); (K.K.L.C.); Tel.: +852-3917-9367 or +852-3943-6053 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-4260 (K.K.L.C.); Fax: +852-2816-1947 or +852-2603-5123 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-0947 (K.K.L.C.)
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Xu X, Chang X, Huang J, Zhang D, Wang M, Jing T, Zhuang Y, Kou J, Qiu Z, Wang J, Li Z, Bian J. Discovery of novel glutaminase 1 allosteric inhibitor with 4-piperidinamine linker and aromatic heterocycles. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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