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Veeramachaneni RK, Suter RK, Rowland E, Jermakowicz A, Ayad NG. Glutaminase 2 as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189182. [PMID: 39293549 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary adult brain tumor. Despite standard-of-care treatment, which consists of surgical resection, temozolomide (TMZ) treatment, and radiotherapy, the prognosis for GBM patients remains poor with a five-year survival rate of 5 %. With treatment, the median survival time is 14 months, suggesting the dire need for new, more effective therapies. Glutaminolysis, the metabolic pathway by which cells can convert glutamine to ATP, is essential for the survival of GBM cells and represents a putative target for treatment. Glutamine replenishes tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates through glutaminolysis. The first step of glutaminolysis, the deamination of glutamine, can be carried out by either glutaminase 1 (GLS) or glutaminase 2 (GLS2). However, it is becoming increasingly clear that these enzymes have opposing functions in GBM; GLS induces deamination of glutamine, thereby acting in an oncogenic fashion, while GLS2 has non-enzymatic, tumor-suppressive functions that are repressed in GBM. In this review, we explore the important role of glutaminolysis and the opposing roles of GLS and GLS2 in GBM. Further, we provide a detailed discussion of GLS2's newly discovered non-enzymatic functions that can be targeted in GBM. We conclude by considering therapeutic approaches that have emerged from the understanding of GLS and GLS2's opposing roles in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rithvik K Veeramachaneni
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert K Suter
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Emma Rowland
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anna Jermakowicz
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nagi G Ayad
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Fu H, Wu S, Shen H, Luo K, Huang Z, Lu N, Li Y, Lan Q, Xian Y. Glutamine Metabolism Heterogeneity in Glioblastoma Unveils an Innovative Combination Therapy Strategy. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:52. [PMID: 38724832 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02201-x] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains challenging. Unraveling the orchestration of glutamine metabolism may provide a novel viewpoint on GBM therapy. The study presented a full and comprehensive comprehending of the glutamine metabolism atlas and heterogeneity in GBM for facilitating the development of a more effective therapeutic choice. Transcriptome data from large GBM cohorts were integrated in this study. A glutamine metabolism-based classification was established through consensus clustering approach, and a classifier by LASSO analysis was defined for differentiating the classification. Prognosis, signaling pathway activity, tumor microenvironment, and responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and small molecular drugs were characterized in each cluster. A combinational therapy of glutaminase inhibitor CB839 with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) was proposed, and the influence on glutamine metabolism, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and migration was measured in U251 and U373 cells. We discovered that GBM presented heterogeneous glutamine metabolism-based clusters, with unique survival outcomes, activity of signaling pathways, tumor microenvironment, and responses to ICB and small molecular compounds. In addition, the classifier could accurately differentiate the two clusters. Strikingly, the combinational therapy of CB839 with DHA synergistically attenuated glutamine metabolism, triggered apoptosis and ROS accumulation, and impaired migrative capacity in GBM cells, demonstrating the excellent preclinical efficacy. Altogether, our findings unveil the glutamine metabolism heterogeneity in GBM and propose an innovative combination therapy of CB839 with DHA for this malignant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huangde Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530031, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530005, China.
| | - Shengtian Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530031, China
| | - Hechun Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530031, China
| | - Kai Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530031, China
| | - Zhongxiang Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530031, China
| | - Nankun Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530031, China
| | - Yaolin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530031, China
| | - Qian Lan
- Department of Laboratory, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530031, China
| | - Yishun Xian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530031, China
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Onciul R, Brehar FM, Toader C, Covache-Busuioc RA, Glavan LA, Bratu BG, Costin HP, Dumitrascu DI, Serban M, Ciurea AV. Deciphering Glioblastoma: Fundamental and Novel Insights into the Biology and Therapeutic Strategies of Gliomas. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2402-2443. [PMID: 38534769 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas constitute a diverse and complex array of tumors within the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by a wide range of prognostic outcomes and responses to therapeutic interventions. This literature review endeavors to conduct a thorough investigation of gliomas, with a particular emphasis on glioblastoma (GBM), beginning with their classification and epidemiological characteristics, evaluating their relative importance within the CNS tumor spectrum. We examine the immunological context of gliomas, unveiling the intricate immune environment and its ramifications for disease progression and therapeutic strategies. Moreover, we accentuate critical developments in understanding tumor behavior, focusing on recent research breakthroughs in treatment responses and the elucidation of cellular signaling pathways. Analyzing the most novel transcriptomic studies, we investigate the variations in gene expression patterns in glioma cells, assessing the prognostic and therapeutic implications of these genetic alterations. Furthermore, the role of epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of gliomas is underscored, suggesting that such changes are fundamental to tumor evolution and possible therapeutic advancements. In the end, this comparative oncological analysis situates GBM within the wider context of neoplasms, delineating both distinct and shared characteristics with other types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razvan Onciul
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurosurgery Department, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Felix-Mircea Brehar
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Toader
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Vascular Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases, 077160 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Luca-Andrei Glavan
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Gabriel Bratu
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Horia Petre Costin
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - David-Ioan Dumitrascu
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Matei Serban
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Vlad Ciurea
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurosurgery Department, Sanador Clinical Hospital, 010991 Bucharest, Romania
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Krajcer A, Grzywna E, Lewandowska-Łańcucka J. Strategies increasing the effectiveness of temozolomide at various levels of anti-GBL therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115174. [PMID: 37459661 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115174] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBL) is the most common (60-70% of primary brain tumours) and the most malignant of the glial tumours. Although current therapies remain palliative, they have been proven to prolong overall survival. Within an optimal treatment regimen (incl. surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy) temozolomide as the current anti-GBL first-line chemotherapeutic has increased the median overall survival to 14-15 months, and the percentage of patients alive at two years has been reported to rise from 10.4% to 26.5%. Though, the effectiveness of temozolomide chemotherapy is limited by the serious systemic, dose-related side effects. Therefore, the ponderation regarding novel treatment methods along with innovative formulations is crucial to emerging the therapeutic potential of the widely used drug simultaneously reducing the drawbacks of its use. Herein the complex temozolomide application restrictions present at different levels of therapy as well as, the currently proposed strategies aimed at reducing those limitations are demonstrated. Approaches increasing the efficacy of anti-GBL treatment are addressed. Our paper is focused on the most recent developments in the field of nano/biomaterials-based systems for temozolomide delivery and their functionalization towards more effective blood-brain-barrier crossing and/or tumour targeting. Appropriate designing accounting for the physical and chemical features of formulations along with distinct routes of administration is also discussed. In addition, considering the multiple resistance mechanisms, the molecular heterogeneity and the evolution of tumour the purposely selected delivery methods, the combined therapeutic approaches and specifically focused on GBL cells therapies are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Krajcer
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewelina Grzywna
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Św. Anny 12, 31-008 Kraków, Poland
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De los Santos-Jiménez J, Rosales T, Ko B, Campos-Sandoval JA, Alonso FJ, Márquez J, DeBerardinis RJ, Matés JM. Metabolic Adjustments following Glutaminase Inhibition by CB-839 in Glioblastoma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:531. [PMID: 36672480 PMCID: PMC9856342 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Most tumor cells can use glutamine (Gln) for energy generation and biosynthetic purposes. Glutaminases (GAs) convert Gln into glutamate and ammonium. In humans, GAs are encoded by two genes: GLS and GLS2. In glioblastoma, GLS is commonly overexpressed and considered pro-oncogenic. We studied the metabolic effects of inhibiting GLS activity in T98G, LN229, and U87MG human glioblastoma cell lines by using the inhibitor CB-839. We performed metabolomics and isotope tracing experiments using U-13C-labeled Gln, as well as 15N-labeled Gln in the amide group, to determine the metabolic fates of Gln carbon and nitrogen atoms. In the presence of the inhibitor, the results showed an accumulation of Gln and lower levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, and aspartate, along with a decreased oxidative labeling and diminished reductive carboxylation-related labeling of these metabolites. Additionally, CB-839 treatment caused decreased levels of metabolites from pyrimidine biosynthesis and an accumulation of intermediate metabolites in the de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis pathway. The levels of some acetylated and methylated metabolites were significantly increased, including acetyl-carnitine, trimethyl-lysine, and 5-methylcytosine. In conclusion, we analyzed the metabolic landscape caused by the GLS inhibition of CB-839 in human glioma cells, which might lead to the future development of new combination therapies with CB-839.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan De los Santos-Jiménez
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Tracy Rosales
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bookyung Ko
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - José A. Campos-Sandoval
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Alonso
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Ralph J. DeBerardinis
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - José M. Matés
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
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Lauria G, Curcio R, Lunetti P, Tiziani S, Coppola V, Dolce V, Fiermonte G, Ahmed A. Role of Mitochondrial Transporters on Metabolic Rewiring of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:411. [PMID: 36672360 PMCID: PMC9857038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers worldwide and commonly presents as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of PDAC. Glucose and glutamine metabolism are extensively rewired in order to fulfil both energetic and synthetic demands of this aggressive tumour and maintain favorable redox homeostasis. The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), the glutamine carrier (SLC1A5_Var), the glutamate carrier (GC), the aspartate/glutamate carrier (AGC), and the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) have all been shown to influence PDAC cell growth and progression. The expression of MPC is downregulated in PDAC and its overexpression reduces cell growth rate, whereas the other four transporters are usually overexpressed and the loss of one or more of them renders PDAC cells unable to grow and proliferate by altering the levels of crucial metabolites such as aspartate. The aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate the current experimental evidence about the function of these carriers in PDAC metabolic rewiring. Dissecting the precise role of these transporters in the context of the tumour microenvironment is necessary for targeted drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziantonio Lauria
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Rosita Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Paola Lunetti
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Tiziani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, LiveSTRONG Cancer Institutes, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, USA
| | - Vincenzo Coppola
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
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El Atat O, Naser R, Abdelkhalek M, Habib RA, El Sibai M. Molecular targeted therapy: A new avenue in glioblastoma treatment. Oncol Lett 2022; 25:46. [PMID: 36644133 PMCID: PMC9811647 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, also referred to as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is grade IV astrocytoma characterized by being fast-growing and the most aggressive brain tumor. In adults, it is the most prevalent type of malignant brain tumor. Despite the advancements in both diagnosis tools and therapeutic treatments, GBM is still associated with poor survival rate without any statistically significant improvement in the past three decades. Patient's genome signature is one of the key factors causing the development of this tumor, in addition to previous radiation exposure and other environmental factors. Researchers have identified genomic and subsequent molecular alterations affecting core pathways that trigger the malignant phenotype of this tumor. Targeting intrinsically altered molecules and pathways is seen as a novel avenue in GBM treatment. The present review shed light on signaling pathways and intrinsically altered molecules implicated in GBM development. It discussed the main challenges impeding successful GBM treatment, such as the blood brain barrier and tumor microenvironment (TME), the plasticity and heterogeneity of both GBM and TME and the glioblastoma stem cells. The present review also presented current advancements in GBM molecular targeted therapy in clinical trials. Profound and comprehensive understanding of molecular participants opens doors for innovative, more targeted and personalized GBM therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oula El Atat
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Rayan Naser
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Maya Abdelkhalek
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ralph Abi Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon,Correspondence to: Professor Mirvat El Sibai, Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Koraytem Street, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon, E-mail:
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Glutamine-Derived Aspartate Biosynthesis in Cancer Cells: Role of Mitochondrial Transporters and New Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010245. [PMID: 35008407 PMCID: PMC8750728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, aspartate has been increasingly acknowledged as a critical player in the metabolism of cancer cells which use this metabolite for nucleotide and protein synthesis and for redox homeostasis. Most intracellular aspartate derives from the mitochondrial catabolism of glutamine. To date at least four mitochondrial transporters have been involved in this metabolic pathway. Their involvement appears to be cancer type-specific and dependent on glutamine availability. Targeting these mitochondrial transporters may represent a new attractive strategy to fight cancer. The aim of this review is to dissect the role of each of these transporters in relation to the type of cancer and the availability of nutrients in the tumoral microenvironment. Abstract Aspartate has a central role in cancer cell metabolism. Aspartate cytosolic availability is crucial for protein and nucleotide biosynthesis as well as for redox homeostasis. Since tumor cells display poor aspartate uptake from the external environment, most of the cellular pool of aspartate derives from mitochondrial catabolism of glutamine. At least four transporters are involved in this metabolic pathway: the glutamine (SLC1A5_var), the aspartate/glutamate (AGC), the aspartate/phosphate (uncoupling protein 2, UCP2), and the glutamate (GC) carriers, the last three belonging to the mitochondrial carrier family (MCF). The loss of one of these transporters causes a paucity of cytosolic aspartate and an arrest of cell proliferation in many different cancer types. The aim of this review is to clarify why different cancers have varying dependencies on metabolite transporters to support cytosolic glutamine-derived aspartate availability. Dissecting the precise metabolic routes that glutamine undergoes in specific tumor types is of upmost importance as it promises to unveil the best metabolic target for therapeutic intervention.
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Ulasov IV, Borovjagin A, Laevskaya A, Kamynina M, Timashev P, Cerchia L, Rozhkova EA. The IL13α 2R paves the way for anti-glioma nanotherapy. Genes Dis 2021; 10:89-100. [PMID: 37013057 PMCID: PMC10066331 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive (grade IV) gliomas characterized by a high rate of recurrence, resistance to therapy and a grim survival prognosis. The long-awaited improvement in GBM patients' survival rates essentially depends on advances in the development of new therapeutic approaches. Recent preclinical studies show that nanoscale materials could greatly contribute to the improvement of diagnosis and management of brain cancers. In the current review, we will discuss how specific features of glioma pathobiology can be employed for designing efficient targeting approaches. Moreover, we will summarize the main evidence for the potential of the IL-13R alpha 2 receptor (IL13α2R) targeting in GBM early diagnosis and experimental therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya V. Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., Moscow 119991, Russia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Anton Borovjagin
- Department of BioMedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Anastasia Laevskaya
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Margarita Kamynina
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., Moscow 119991, Russia
- Department of Polymers and Composites, N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, 4 Kosygin St, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1-3, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Elena A. Rozhkova
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
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Glutaminase isoforms expression switches microRNA levels and oxidative status in glioblastoma cells. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:14. [PMID: 33610185 PMCID: PMC7897386 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glutaminase isoenzymes GLS and GLS2 play apparently opposing roles in cancer: GLS acts as an oncoprotein, while GLS2 (GAB isoform) has context specific tumour suppressive activity. Some microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in progression of tumours, including gliomas. The aim was to investigate the effect of GLS and GAB expression on both miRNAs and oxidative status in glioblastoma cells. Methods
Microarray profiling of miRNA was performed in GLS-silenced LN229 and GAB-transfected T98G human glioblastoma cells and their wild-type counterparts. Results were validated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Oxidative status and antioxidant enzymes were determined by spectrophotometric or fluorescence assays in GLS-silenced LN229 and T98G, and GAB-transfected LN229 and T98G. Results MiRNA-146a-5p, miRNA-140-3p, miRNA-21-5p, miRNA-1260a, and miRNA-92a-3p were downregulated, and miRNA-1246 was upregulated when GLS was knocked down. MiRNA-140-3p, miRNA-1246, miRNA-1260a, miRNA-21-5p, and miRNA-146a-5p were upregulated when GAB was overexpressed. Oxidative status (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione levels), as well as antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) of silenced GLS glioblastoma cells and overexpressed GAB glioblastoma cells significantly changed versus their respective control glioblastoma cells. MiRNA-1246, miRNA-1260a, miRNA-146a-5p, and miRNA-21-5p have been characterized as strong biomarkers of glioblastoma proliferation linked to both GLS silencing and GAB overexpression. Total glutathione is a reliable biomarker of glioblastoma oxidative status steadily associated to both GLS silencing and GAB overexpression. Conclusions Glutaminase isoenzymes are related to the expression of some miRNAs and may contribute to either tumour progression or suppression through certain miRNA-mediated pathways, proving to be a key tool to switch cancer proliferation and redox status leading to a less malignant phenotype. Accordingly, GLS and GAB expression are especially involved in glutathione-dependent antioxidant defence.
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Matés JM, Campos-Sandoval JA, de Los Santos-Jiménez J, Segura JA, Alonso FJ, Márquez J. Metabolic Reprogramming of Cancer by Chemicals that Target Glutaminase Isoenzymes. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:5317-5339. [PMID: 31038055 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190416165004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming of tumours is a hallmark of cancer. Among the changes in the metabolic network of cancer cells, glutaminolysis is a key reaction altered in neoplasms. Glutaminase proteins control the first step in glutamine metabolism and their expression correlates with malignancy and growth rate of a great variety of cancers. The two types of glutaminase isoenzymes, GLS and GLS2, differ in their expression patterns and functional roles: GLS has oncogenic properties and GLS2 has been described as a tumour suppressor factor. RESULTS We have focused on glutaminase connections with key oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Targeting glutaminase isoenzymes includes different strategies aimed at deactivating the rewiring of cancer metabolism. In addition, we found a long list of metabolic enzymes, transcription factors and signalling pathways dealing with glutaminase. On the other hand, a number of chemicals have been described as isoenzyme-specific inhibitors of GLS and/or GLS2 isoforms. These molecules are being characterized as synergic and therapeutic agents in many types of tumours. CONCLUSION This review states the metabolic pathways that are rewired in cancer, the roles of glutaminase isoforms in cancer, as well as the metabolic circuits regulated by glutaminases. We also show the plethora of anticancer drugs that specifically inhibit glutaminase isoenzymes for treating several sets of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan A Segura
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J Alonso
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
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Majewska E, Márquez J, Albrecht J, Szeliga M. Erratum: Majewska, E. et al. Transfection with GLS2 Glutaminase (GAB) Sensitizes Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines to Oxidative Stress by a Common Mechanism Involving Suppression of the PI3K/AKT Pathway. Cancers 2019, 11, 115. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082068. [PMID: 32726986 PMCID: PMC7464458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Majewska
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (E.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Javier Márquez
- Canceromics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Jan Albrecht
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (E.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Monika Szeliga
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (E.M.); (J.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-2260-86416
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13
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Matés JM, Campos-Sandoval JA, de Los Santos-Jiménez J, Márquez J. Glutaminases regulate glutathione and oxidative stress in cancer. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2603-2623. [PMID: 32681190 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapies against cancer have improved both survival and quality of life of patients. However, metabolic rewiring evokes cellular mechanisms that reduce therapeutic mightiness. Resistant cells generate more glutathione, elicit nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, and overexpress many anti-oxidative genes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxin reductase, providing stronger antioxidant capacity to survive in a more oxidative environment due to the sharp rise in oxidative metabolism and reactive oxygen species generation. These changes dramatically alter tumour microenvironment and cellular metabolism itself. A rational design of therapeutic combination strategies is needed to flatten cellular homeostasis and accomplish a drop in cancer development. Context-dependent glutaminase isoenzymes show oncogenic and tumour suppressor properties, being mainly associated to MYC and p53, respectively. Glutaminases catalyze glutaminolysis in mitochondria, regulating oxidative phosphorylation, redox status and cell metabolism for tumour growth. In addition, the substrate and product of glutaminase reaction, glutamine and glutamate, respectively, can work as signalling molecules moderating redox and bioenergetic pathways in cancer. Novel synergistic approaches combining glutaminase inhibition and redox-dependent modulation are described in this review. Pharmacological or genetic glutaminase regulation along with oxidative chemotherapy can help to improve the design of combination strategies that escalate the rate of therapeutic success in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
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14
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Nuclear Translocation of Glutaminase GLS2 in Human Cancer Cells Associates with Proliferation Arrest and Differentiation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2259. [PMID: 32042057 PMCID: PMC7010782 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58264-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutaminase (GA) catalyzes the first step in mitochondrial glutaminolysis playing a key role in cancer metabolic reprogramming. Humans express two types of GA isoforms: GLS and GLS2. GLS isozymes have been consistently related to cell proliferation, but the role of GLS2 in cancer remains poorly understood. GLS2 is repressed in many tumor cells and a better understanding of its function in tumorigenesis may further the development of new therapeutic approaches. We analyzed GLS2 expression in HCC, GBM and neuroblastoma cells, as well as in monkey COS-7 cells. We studied GLS2 expression after induction of differentiation with phorbol ester (PMA) and transduction with the full-length cDNA of GLS2. In parallel, we investigated cell cycle progression and levels of p53, p21 and c-Myc proteins. Using the baculovirus system, human GLS2 protein was overexpressed, purified and analyzed for posttranslational modifications employing a proteomics LC-MS/MS platform. We have demonstrated a dual targeting of GLS2 in human cancer cells. Immunocytochemistry and subcellular fractionation gave consistent results demonstrating nuclear and mitochondrial locations, with the latter being predominant. Nuclear targeting was confirmed in cancer cells overexpressing c-Myc- and GFP-tagged GLS2 proteins. We assessed the subnuclear location finding a widespread distribution of GLS2 in the nucleoplasm without clear overlapping with specific nuclear substructures. GLS2 expression and nuclear accrual notably increased by treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with PMA and it correlated with cell cycle arrest at G2/M, upregulation of tumor suppressor p53 and p21 protein. A similar response was obtained by overexpression of GLS2 in T98G glioma cells, including downregulation of oncogene c-Myc. Furthermore, human GLS2 was identified as being hypusinated by MS analysis, a posttranslational modification which may be relevant for its nuclear targeting and/or function. Our studies provide evidence for a tumor suppressor role of GLS2 in certain types of cancer. The data imply that GLS2 can be regarded as a highly mobile and multilocalizing protein translocated to both mitochondria and nuclei. Upregulation of GLS2 in cancer cells induced an antiproliferative response with cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase.
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Obara-Michlewska M, Szeliga M. Targeting Glutamine Addiction in Gliomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020310. [PMID: 32013066 PMCID: PMC7072559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common malignant brain tumors are those of astrocytic origin, gliomas, with the most aggressive glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) among them. Despite efforts, medicine has not made progress in terms of the prognosis and life expectancy of glioma patients. Behind the malignant phenotype of gliomas lies multiple genetic mutations leading to reprogramming of their metabolism, which gives those highly proliferating cells an advantage over healthy ones. The so-called glutamine addiction is a metabolic adaptation that supplements oxidative glycolysis in order to secure neoplastic cells with nutrients and energy in unfavorable conditions of hypoxia. The present review aims at presenting the research and clinical attempts targeting the different metabolic pathways involved in glutamine metabolism in gliomas. A brief description of the biochemistry of glutamine transport, synthesis, and glutaminolysis, etc. will forego a detailed comparison of the therapeutic strategies undertaken to inhibit glutamine utilization by gliomas.
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16
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Matés JM, Di Paola FJ, Campos-Sandoval JA, Mazurek S, Márquez J. Therapeutic targeting of glutaminolysis as an essential strategy to combat cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 98:34-43. [PMID: 31100352 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming in cancer targets glutamine metabolism as a key mechanism to provide energy, biosynthetic precursors and redox requirements to allow the massive proliferation of tumor cells. Glutamine is also a signaling molecule involved in essential pathways regulated by oncogenes and tumor suppressor factors. Glutaminase isoenzymes are critical proteins to control glutaminolysis, a key metabolic pathway for cell proliferation and survival that directs neoplasms' fate. Adaptive glutamine metabolism can be altered by different metabolic therapies, including the use of specific allosteric inhibitors of glutaminase that can evoke synergistic effects for the therapy of cancer patients. We also review other clinical applications of in vivo assessment of glutaminolysis by metabolomic approaches, including diagnosis and monitoring of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Floriana J Di Paola
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Sybille Mazurek
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Javier Márquez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain.
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