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Ciuffreda P, Xynomilakis O, Casati S, Ottria R. Fluorescence-Based Enzyme Activity Assay: Ascertaining the Activity and Inhibition of Endocannabinoid Hydrolytic Enzymes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7693. [PMID: 39062935 PMCID: PMC11276806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147693] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, known for its regulatory role in various physiological processes, relies on the activities of several hydrolytic enzymes, such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and α/β-hydrolase domains 6 (ABHD6) and 12 (ABHD12), to maintain homeostasis. Accurate measurement of these enzymes' activities is crucial for understanding their function and for the development of potential therapeutic agents. Fluorometric assays, which offer high sensitivity, specificity, and real-time monitoring capabilities, have become essential tools in enzymatic studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the principles behind these assays, the various substrates and fluorophores used, and advances in assay techniques used not only for the determination of the kinetic mechanisms of enzyme reactions but also for setting up kinetic assays for the high-throughput screening of each critical enzyme involved in endocannabinoid degradation. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to highlight the strengths and limitations of current fluorometric assays and suggest future directions for improving the measurement of enzyme activity in the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberta Ottria
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy; (P.C.); (O.X.); (S.C.)
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2
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Aguzzi C, Zeppa L, Morelli MB, Marinelli O, Giangrossi M, Amantini C, Santoni G, Sazzad H, Nabissi M. Anticancer effect of minor phytocannabinoids in preclinical models of multiple myeloma. Biofactors 2024. [PMID: 38760945 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a blood cancer caused by uncontrolled growth of clonal plasmacells. Bone disease is responsible for the severe complications of MM and is caused by myeloma cells infiltrating the bone marrow and inducing osteoclast activation. To date, no treatment for MM is truly curative since patients relapse and become refractory to all drug classes. Cannabinoids are already used as palliative in cancer patients. Furthermore, their proper anticancer effect was demonstrated in many cancer models in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials. Anyway, few information was reported on the effect of cannabinoids on MM and no data has been provided on minor phytocannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidivarin (CBDV). Scientific literature also reported cannabinoids beneficial effect against bone disease. Here, we examined the cytotoxic activity of CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBDV in vitro in MM cell lines, their effect in modulating MM cells invasion toward bone cells and the bone resorption. Subsequently, according to the in vitro results, we selected CBN for in vivo study in a MM xenograft mice model. Results showed that the phytocannabinoids inhibited MM cell growth and induced necrotic cell death. Moreover, the phytocannabinoids reduced the invasion of MM cells toward osteoblast cells and bone resorption in vitro. Lastly, CBN reduced in vivo tumor mass. Together, our results suggest that CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBDV can be promising anticancer agents for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Aguzzi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
- Integrative Therapy Discovery Lab, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Laura Zeppa
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
- Integrative Therapy Discovery Lab, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Morelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
- Integrative Therapy Discovery Lab, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Oliviero Marinelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
- Integrative Therapy Discovery Lab, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | | | - Consuelo Amantini
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Giorgio Santoni
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Nabissi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
- Integrative Therapy Discovery Lab, University of Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
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3
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Doganc F, Ozkan T, Farhangzad N, Mavideniz A, Celik I, Sunguroglu A, Göker H. Synthesis of novel indol-3-acetamido analogues as potent anticancer agents, biological evaluation and molecular modeling studies. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107429. [PMID: 38728910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107429] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and their antitumoral activity has been reported against some various cancer cell lines. Some synthetic cannabinoids possessing indole rings such as JWH-015 and JWH-133 particularly bind to the cannabinoid CB2 receptor and it was reported that they inhibit the proliferation and growth of various cancer cells without their psychoactive effects. However, the pharmacological action mechanisms of the cannabinoids are completely unknown. In this study, we report the synthesis of some new cannabinoidic novel indoles and evaluate their anticancer activity on various cancerous and normal cell lines (U87, RPMI 8226, HL60 and L929) using several cellular and molecular assays including MTT assay, real-time q-PCR, scratch assay, DAPI assay, Annexin V-PE/7AAD staining, caspase3/7 activity tests. Our findings indicated that compounds 7, 10, 13, 16, and 17 could reduce cell viability effectively. Compound 17 markedly increased proapoptotic genes (BAX, BAD, and BIM), tumor suppressor gene (p53) expression levels as well as the BAX/BCL-2 ratio in U87 cells. In addition, 17 inhibited cell migration. Based on these results, 17 was chosen for determining the mechanism of cell death in U87 cells. DAPI and Annexin V-7AAD staining results showed that 17 induced apoptosis, moreover activated caspase 3/7 significantly. Hence, compound 17, was selected as a lead compound for further pharmacomodulation. To rationalize the observed biological activities of 17, our study also included a comprehensive analysis using molecular docking and MD simulations. This integrative approach revealed that 17 fits tightly into the active site of the CB2 receptor and is involved in key interactions that may be responsible for its anti-proliferative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Doganc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara 06560, Turkey
| | - Tulin Ozkan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nazila Farhangzad
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey; Graduate School of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Dışkapı, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Acelya Mavideniz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara 06560, Turkey; Graduate School of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Dışkapı, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ismail Celik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey
| | - Asuman Sunguroglu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakan Göker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara 06560, Turkey.
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4
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Akimov MG, Gretskaya NM, Gorbacheva EI, Khadour N, Chernavskaya VS, Sherstyanykh GD, Kovaleko TF, Fomina-Ageeva EV, Bezuglov VV. The Interaction of the Endocannabinoid Anandamide and Paracannabinoid Lysophosphatidylinositol during Cell Death Induction in Human Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2271. [PMID: 38396948 PMCID: PMC10888638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042271] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and paracannabinoid lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) play a significant role in cancer cell proliferation regulation. While anandamide inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells, LPI is known as a cancer stimulant. Despite the known endocannabinoid receptor crosstalk and simultaneous presence in the cancer microenvironment of both molecules, their combined activity has never been studied. We evaluated the effect of LPI on the AEA activity in six human breast cancer cell lines of different carcinogenicity (MCF-10A, MCF-7, BT-474, BT-20, SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231) using resazurin and LDH tests after a 72 h incubation. AEA exerted both anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activity with EC50 in the range from 31 to 80 µM. LPI did not significantly affect the cell viability. Depending on the cell line, the response to the LPI-AEA combination varied from a decrease in AEA cytotoxicity to an increase in it. Based on the inhibitor analysis of the endocannabinoid receptor panel, we showed that for the former effect, an active GPR18 receptor was required and for the latter, an active CB2 receptor. The data obtained for the first time are important for the understanding the manner by which endocannabinoid receptor ligands acting simultaneously can modulate cancer growth at different stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail G. Akimov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.M.G.); (E.I.G.); (N.K.); (V.S.C.); (G.D.S.); (T.F.K.); (E.V.F.-A.); (V.V.B.)
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5
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Shi Y, Wu S, Zhang X, Cao Y, Zhang L. Lipid metabolism-derived FAAH is a sensitive marker for the prognosis and immunotherapy of osteosarcoma patients. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23499. [PMID: 38169921 PMCID: PMC10758879 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid metabolism in cancer refers to the alterations in how cancer cells process and utilize lipids, a type of fat molecule. It was investigated how lipid metabolism relates to osteosarcoma. Genes relevant to lipid metabolism were gathered to create lipid metabolism-associated clusters and locate the dangerous marker. We investigated FAAH's prognostic significance, route annotation, immunotherapy response, and medication prediction. Besides, FAAH is proven to be a potent, dangerous marker that may promote growth and migration and inhibit the apoptosis of osteosarcoma. FAAH exhibits higher expression levels in tumor tissues as compared to normal tissues. In conclusion, FAAH is identified in this work as a potentially dangerous gene and immunotherapy determinant. This study requires more investigation to determine how FAAH influences the immune response in osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yangbo Cao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China
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6
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Wardill HR, Wooley LT, Bellas OM, Cao K, Cross CB, van Dyk M, Kichenadasse G, Bowen JM, Zannettino ACW, Shakib S, Crawford GB, Boublik J, Davis MM, Smid SD, Price TJ. Supporting gut health with medicinal cannabis in people with advanced cancer: potential benefits and challenges. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:19-30. [PMID: 37884682 PMCID: PMC10781684 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02466-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The side effects of cancer therapy continue to cause significant health and cost burden to the patient, their friends and family, and governments. A major barrier in the way in which these side effects are managed is the highly siloed mentality that results in a fragmented approach to symptom control. Increasingly, it is appreciated that many symptoms are manifestations of common underlying pathobiology, with changes in the gastrointestinal environment a key driver for many symptom sequelae. Breakdown of the mucosal barrier (mucositis) is a common and early side effect of many anti-cancer agents, known to contribute (in part) to a range of highly burdensome symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, infection, malnutrition, fatigue, depression, and insomnia. Here, we outline a rationale for how, based on its already documented effects on the gastrointestinal microenvironment, medicinal cannabis could be used to control mucositis and prevent the constellation of symptoms with which it is associated. We will provide a brief update on the current state of evidence on medicinal cannabis in cancer care and outline the potential benefits (and challenges) of using medicinal cannabis during active cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Wardill
- The School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Luke T Wooley
- The School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Olivia M Bellas
- The School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katrina Cao
- Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Courtney B Cross
- The School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Madele van Dyk
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders Medical Centre/Flinders University, SA Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ganessan Kichenadasse
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders Medical Centre/Flinders University, SA Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network South Australia, SA Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Joanne M Bowen
- The School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew C W Zannettino
- The School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sepehr Shakib
- The School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gregory B Crawford
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network South Australia, SA Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Mellar M Davis
- The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Scott D Smid
- The School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Timothy J Price
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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7
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Wilson G, Yang L, Su X, Ding S, Li L, Yang Y, Wang X, Wang W, Sa Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Ma X. Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds modulating the endocannabinoid system in various diseases and disorders: review. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1410-1444. [PMID: 37906390 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The components of the ECS are proven to modulate a vast bulk of various physiological and pathological processes due to their abundance throughout the human body. Such discoveries have attracted the researchers' attention and emerged as a potential therapeutical target for the treatment of various diseases. In the present article, we reviewed the discoveries of natural compounds, herbs, herbs formula, and their therapeutic properties in various diseases and disorders by modulating the ECS. We also summarize the molecular mechanisms through which these compounds elicit their properties by interacting with the ECS based on the existing findings. Our study provides the insight into the use of natural compounds that modulate ECS in various diseases and disorders, which in turn may facilitate future studies exploiting natural lead compounds as novel frameworks for designing more effective and safer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gidion Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Shuqin Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Liuyan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Youyue Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Weibiao Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yuping Sa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jianyu Chen
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1, Huatuo Road, Minhoushangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Xueqin Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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8
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Wittig F, Pannenberg L, Schwarz R, Bekeschus S, Ramer R, Hinz B. Antiangiogenic Action of JZL184 on Endothelial Cells via Inhibition of VEGF Expression in Hypoxic Lung Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2332. [PMID: 37830546 PMCID: PMC10572003 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192332] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
JZL184, an inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and thus of the degradation of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), mediates various anticancer effects in preclinical studies. However, studies on the effect of this or other MAGL inhibitors under hypoxia, an important factor in tumor biology and response to cancer therapy, have not yet been performed in cancer cells. In the present study, the impact of the conditioned media (CM) of A549 and H358 lung cancer cells incubated with JZL184 under hypoxic conditions on the angiogenic properties of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was investigated. Treatment of HUVECs with CM derived from cancer cells cultured for 48 h under hypoxic conditions was associated with a substantial increase in migration and tube formation compared with unconditioned medium, which was inhibited when cancer cells were incubated with JZL184. In this process, JZL184 led to a significant increase in 2-AG levels in both cell lines. Analysis of a panel of proangiogenic factors revealed inhibition of hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by JZL184. Antiangiogenic and VEGF-lowering effects were also demonstrated for the MAGL inhibitor MJN110. Receptor antagonist experiments suggest partial involvement of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in the antiangiogenic and VEGF-lowering effects induced by JZL184. The functional importance of VEGF for angiogenesis in the selected system is supported by observations showing inhibition of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) phosphorylation in HUVECs by CM from hypoxic cancer cells treated with JZL184 or when hypoxic cancer cell-derived CM was spiked with a neutralizing VEGF antibody. On the other hand, JZL184 did not exert a direct effect on VEGFR2 activation induced by recombinant VEGF, so there seems to be no downstream effect on already released VEGF. In conclusion, these results reveal a novel mechanism of antiangiogenic action of JZL184 under conditions of hypoxic tumor-endothelial communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Wittig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Liza Pannenberg
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Rico Schwarz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.P.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
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9
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Yan YC, Meng GX, Yang CC, Yang YF, Tan SY, Yan LJ, Ding ZN, Ma YL, Dong ZR, Li T. Diacylglycerol lipase alpha promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and induces lenvatinib resistance by enhancing YAP activity. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:404. [PMID: 37414748 PMCID: PMC10325985 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05919-5] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
As an important hydrolytic enzyme that yields 2-AG and free fatty acids, diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLA) is involved in exacerbating malignant phenotypes and cancer progression, but the role of the DAGLA/2-AG axis in HCC progression remains unclear. Here, we found that the upregulation of components of the DAGLA/2-AG axis in HCC samples is correlated with tumour stage and patient prognosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the DAGLA/2-AG axis promoted HCC progression by regulating cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Mechanistically, the DAGLA/2AG axis significantly inhibited LATS1 and YAP phosphorylation, promoted YAP nuclear translocation and activity, and ultimately led to TEAD2 upregulation and increased PHLDA2 expression, which could be enhanced by DAGLA/2AG-induced activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. More importantly, DAGLA induced resistance to lenvatinib therapy during HCC treatment. Our study demonstrates that inhibiting the DAGLA/2-AG axis could be a novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit HCC progression and enhance the therapeutic effects of TKIs, which warrant further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Guang-Xiao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Chun-Cheng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Ya-Fei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Si-Yu Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Zi-Niu Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Yun-Long Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China.
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China.
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10
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Wittig F, Henkel L, Prüser JL, Merkord J, Ramer R, Hinz B. Inhibition of Monoacylglycerol Lipase Decreases Angiogenic Features of Endothelial Cells via Release of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 from Lung Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:1757. [PMID: 37443791 PMCID: PMC10340590 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the well-described anticarcinogenic effects of endocannabinoids, the influence of the endocannabinoid system on tumor angiogenesis is still debated. In the present study, conditioned medium (CM) from A549 and H358 lung cancer cells treated with ascending concentrations of the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor JZL184 and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), a prominent MAGL substrate, caused a concentration-dependent reduction in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and tube formation compared with CM from vehicle-treated cancer cells. Comparative experiments with MAGL inhibitors JW651 and MJN110 showed the same results. On the other hand, the angiogenic properties of HUVECs were not significantly altered by direct stimulation with JZL184 or 2-AG or by exposure to CM of JZL184- or 2-AG-treated non-cancerous bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Inhibition of HUVEC migration and tube formation by CM of JZL184- and 2-AG-treated A549 cells was abolished in the presence of the CB1 antagonist AM-251. Increased release of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) from JZL184- or 2-AG-stimulated A549 or H358 cells was shown to exert an antiangiogenic effect on HUVECs, as confirmed by siRNA experiments. In addition, JZL184 caused a dose-dependent regression of A549 tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice, which was associated with a decreased number of CD31-positive cells and upregulation of TIMP-1-positive cells in xenograft tissue. In conclusion, our data suggest that elevation of 2-AG by MAGL inhibition leads to increased release of TIMP-1 from lung cancer cells, which mediates an antiangiogenic effect on endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (L.H.); (J.L.P.); (J.M.); (R.R.)
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11
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Ebrahimi N, Far NP, Fakhr SS, Faghihkhorasani F, Miraghel SA, Chaleshtori SR, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Beiranvand S, Baziyar P, Manavi MS, Zarrabi A, Nabavi N, Ren J, Aref AR. The endocannabinoid system, a new gatekeeper in the pharmacology of human hepatocellular carcinoma. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115914. [PMID: 37062475 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite numerous prevention methodologies and treatment options, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remains as the third leading life-threatening cancer. It is thus pertinent to develop new treatment modality to fight this devastating carcinoma. Ample recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory and antitumor roles of the endocannabinoid system in various forms of cancers. Preclinical studies have also confirmed that cannabinoid therapy can be an optimal regimen for cancer treatments. The endocannabinoid system is involved in many cancer-related processes, including induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent apoptosis, autophagy, PITRK and ERK signaling pathways, cell invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotypes. Moreover, changes in signaling transduction of the endocannabinoid system can be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC. Due to its pivotal role in lipid metabolism, the endocannabinoid system affects metabolic reprogramming as well as lipid content of exosomes. In addition, due to the importance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), several studies have examined the relationship between microRNAs and the endocannabinoid system in HCC. However, HCC is a pathological condition with high heterogeneity, and therefore using the endocannabinoid system for treatment has faced many controversies. While some studies favored a role of the endocannabinoid system in carcinogenesis and tumor induction, others exhibited the anticancer potential of endocannabinoids in HCC. In this review, specific studies delineating the relationship between endocannabinoids and HCC are examined. Based on collected findings, detailed studies of the molecular mechanism of endocannabinoids as well as preclinical studies for investigating therapeutic or carcinogenic impacts in HCC cancer are strongly suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nazanin Pazhouhesh Far
- Department of Microbiology,Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siavash Seifollahy Fakhr
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Campus, Hamar, Norway
| | | | - Seyed Ali Miraghel
- Nocivelli Institute for Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Sheida Beiranvand
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Payam Baziyar
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Uinversity of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | | | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
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12
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Hao J, Chen Q, Feng Y, Jiang Q, Sun H, Deng B, Huang X, Guan J, Chen Q, Liu X, Wang Y, Cao P, Feng F, Li X. Combination treatment with FAAH inhibitors/URB597 and ferroptosis inducers significantly decreases the growth and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma cells via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:247. [PMID: 37024452 PMCID: PMC10079857 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05779-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic form of programmed cell death characterized by significant iron-dependent peroxidation of phospholipids, is regulated by cellular metabolism, redox homeostasis, and various cancer-related signaling pathways. Recently, considerable progress has been made in demonstrating the critical role of lipid metabolism in regulating ferroptosis, indicating the potential of combinational strategies for treating cancer in the future. In this study, we explored the combinational effects of lipid metabolism compounds and ferroptosis inducers on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. We found potent synergy of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 with ferroptosis inducer (1S, 3R)-RSL3 (RSL3) in inhibiting the growth and metastasis of RCC cells both in vitro and in vivo via induction of G1 cell cycle arrest and promotion of the production of lipid peroxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, inhibition of FAAH increased the sensitivity of RCC cells to ferroptosis. Genome-wide RNA sequencing indicated that the combination of URB597 and RSL3 has more significant effects on regulation of the expression of genes related to cell proliferation, the cell cycle, cell migration and invasion, and ferroptosis than either single agent alone. Moreover, we found that combinational treatment modulated the sensitivity of RCC cells to ferroptosis via the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathway. These data demonstrate that dual targeting of FAAH and ferroptosis could be a promising strategy for treating RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Hao
- Department of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
- Department of General practice medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Qiguang Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yongmin Feng
- Department of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
| | - Qiyu Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Huiwei Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Botian Deng
- Department of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
- Department of General practice medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Jibin Guan
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Qiuping Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
| | - Xincheng Liu
- Department of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
| | - Yanjin Wang
- Department of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Fan Feng
- Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China.
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13
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Boyacıoğlu Ö, Korkusuz P. Cannabinoids as Prospective Anti-Cancer Drugs: Mechanism of Action in Healthy and Cancer Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1410:145-169. [PMID: 36396926 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids modulate many physiological and pathological processes by binding classical cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) or 2 (CB2) or non-cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids are known to exert antiproliferative, apoptotic, anti-migratory and anti-invasive effect on cancer cells by inducing or inhibiting various signaling cascades. In this chapter, we specifically emphasize the latest research works about the alterations in endocannabinoid system (ECS) components in malignancies and cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, autophagy, and death by cannabinoid administration, emphasizing their mechanism of action, and give a future perspective for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Boyacıoğlu
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Atılım University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petek Korkusuz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
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14
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Mock ED, Gagestein B, van der Stelt M. Anandamide and other N-acylethanolamines: A class of signaling lipids with therapeutic opportunities. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 89:101194. [PMID: 36150527 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2022.101194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), including N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA, anandamide), N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA, synaptamide) and their oxygenated metabolites are a lipid messenger family with numerous functions in health and disease, including inflammation, anxiety and energy metabolism. The NAEs exert their signaling role through activation of various G protein-coupled receptors (cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, GPR55, GPR110, GPR119), ion channels (TRPV1) and nuclear receptors (PPAR-α and PPAR-γ) in the brain and periphery. The biological role of the oxygenated NAEs, such as prostamides, hydroxylated anandamide and DHEA derivatives, are less studied. Evidence is accumulating that NAEs and their oxidative metabolites may be aberrantly regulated or are associated with disease severity in obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, neuroinflammation and liver cirrhosis. Here, we comprehensively review NAE biosynthesis and degradation, their metabolism by lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases and cytochrome P450s and the biological functions of these signaling lipids. We discuss the latest findings and therapeutic potential of modulating endogenous NAE levels by inhibition of their degradation, which is currently under clinical evaluation for neuropsychiatric disorders. We also highlight NAE biosynthesis inhibition as an emerging topic with therapeutic opportunities in endocannabinoid and NAE signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot D Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Berend Gagestein
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands.
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15
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Punzo F, Argenziano M, Tortora C, Di Paola A, Mutarelli M, Pota E, Di Martino M, Di Pinto D, Marrapodi MM, Roberti D, Rossi F. Effect of CB2 Stimulation on Gene Expression in Pediatric B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: New Possible Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8651. [PMID: 35955786 PMCID: PMC9369382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia type B (B-ALL) is the most common kind of pediatric leukemia, characterized by the clonal proliferation of type B lymphoid stem cells. Important progress in ALL treatments led to improvements in long-term survival; nevertheless, many adverse long-term consequences still concern the medical community. Molecular and cellular target therapies, together with immunotherapy, are promising strategies to overcome these concerns. Cannabinoids, enzymes involved in their metabolism, and cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) constitute the endocannabinoid system, involved in inflammation, immune response, and cancer. CB2 receptor stimulation exerts anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects in many tumors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CB2 stimulation on B-ALL cell lines, SUP-B15, by RNA sequencing, Western blotting, and ELISA. We observe a lower expression of CB2 in SUP-B15 cells compared to lymphocytes from healthy subjects, hypothesizing its involvement in B-ALL pathogenesis. CB2 stimulation reduces the expression of CD9, SEC61G, TBX21, and TMSB4X genes involved in tumor growth and progression, and also negatively affects downstream intracellular pathways. Our findings suggest an antitumor role of CB2 stimulation in B-ALL, and highlight a functional correlation between CB2 receptors and specific anti-tumoral pathways, even though further investigations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Punzo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Maura Argenziano
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Chiara Tortora
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Alessandra Di Paola
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Margherita Mutarelli
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “Eduardo Caianiello” ISASI-CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Elvira Pota
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Martina Di Martino
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Daniela Di Pinto
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Maria Maddalena Marrapodi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Domenico Roberti
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, Via Luigi De Crecchio 4, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.A.); (C.T.); (A.D.P.); (E.P.); (M.D.M.); (D.D.P.); (M.M.M.); (D.R.)
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16
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Rupprecht A, Theisen U, Wendt F, Frank M, Hinz B. The Combination of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Suppresses Mitochondrial Respiration of Human Glioblastoma Cells via Downregulation of Specific Respiratory Chain Proteins. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133129. [PMID: 35804909 PMCID: PMC9265124 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid from Cannabis sativa L. that exhibits no psychoactivity and, like the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), shows anticancer effects in preclinical cell and animal models. Previous studies have indicated a stronger cancer-targeting effect when THC and CBD are combined. Here, we investigated how the combination of THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio affects glioblastoma cell survival. The compounds were found to synergistically enhance cell death, which was attributed to mitochondrial damage and disruption of energy metabolism. A detailed look at the mitochondrial electron transfer chain showed that THC/CBD selectively decreased certain subunits of complexes I and IV. These data highlight the fundamental changes in cellular energy metabolism when cancer cells are exposed to a mixture of cannabinoids and underscore the potential of combining cannabinoids in cancer treatment. Abstract Phytocannabinoids represent a promising approach in glioblastoma therapy. Previous work has shown that a combined treatment of glioblastoma cells with submaximal effective concentrations of psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) greatly increases cell death. In the present work, the glioblastoma cell lines U251MG and U138MG were used to investigate whether the combination of THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio is associated with a disruption of cellular energy metabolism, and whether this is caused by affecting mitochondrial respiration. Here, the combined administration of THC and CBD (2.5 µM each) led to an inhibition of oxygen consumption rate and energy metabolism. These effects were accompanied by morphological changes to the mitochondria, a release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol and a marked reduction in subunits of electron transport chain complexes I (NDUFA9, NDUFB8) and IV (COX2, COX4). Experiments with receptor antagonists and inhibitors showed that the degradation of NDUFA9 occurred independently of the activation of the cannabinoid receptors CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 and of usual degradation processes mediated via autophagy or the proteasomal system. In summary, the results describe a previously unknown mitochondria-targeting mechanism behind the toxic effect of THC and CBD on glioblastoma cells that should be considered in future cancer therapy, especially in combination strategies with other chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Rupprecht
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.R.); (U.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Ulrike Theisen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.R.); (U.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Franziska Wendt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.R.); (U.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Marcus Frank
- Electron Microscopy Centre, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Department Life, Light and Matter, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.R.); (U.T.); (F.W.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Ramer R, Wendt F, Wittig F, Schäfer M, Boeckmann L, Emmert S, Hinz B. Impact of Cannabinoid Compounds on Skin Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071769. [PMID: 35406541 PMCID: PMC8997154 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system are of interest as potential systemic chemotherapeutic treatments and for palliative care in cancer. In this context, cannabinoid compounds have been successfully tested as a systemic therapeutic option in preclinical models over the past decades. Recent findings have suggested an essential function of the endocannabinoid system in the homeostasis of various skin functions and indicated that cannabinoids could also be considered for the treatment and prophylaxis of tumour diseases of the skin. Cannabinoids have been shown to exert their anticarcinogenic effects at different levels of skin cancer progression, such as inhibition of tumour growth, proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis, as well as inducing apoptosis and autophagy. This review provides an insight into the current literature on cannabinoid compounds as potential pharmaceuticals for the treatment of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (R.R.); (F.W.); (F.W.)
| | - Franziska Wendt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (R.R.); (F.W.); (F.W.)
| | - Felix Wittig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (R.R.); (F.W.); (F.W.)
| | - Mirijam Schäfer
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.S.); (L.B.); (S.E.)
| | - Lars Boeckmann
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.S.); (L.B.); (S.E.)
| | - Steffen Emmert
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.S.); (L.B.); (S.E.)
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (R.R.); (F.W.); (F.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-381-494-5770
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18
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Falasca V, Falasca M. Targeting the Endocannabinoidome in Pancreatic Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:320. [PMID: 35204820 PMCID: PMC8869154 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common malignancy of the pancreas, is an aggressive and lethal form of cancer with a very high mortality rate. High heterogeneity, asymptomatic initial stages and a lack of specific diagnostic markers result in an end-stage diagnosis when the tumour has locally advanced or metastasised. PDAC is resistant to most of the available chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments, making surgery the most potent curative treatment. The desmoplastic tumour microenvironment contributes to determining PDAC pathophysiology, immune response and therapeutic efficacy. The existing therapeutic approaches such as FDA-approved chemotherapeutics, gemcitabine, abraxane and folfirinox, prolong survival marginally and are accompanied by adverse effects. Several studies suggest the role of cannabinoids as anti-cancer agents. Cannabinoid receptors are known to be expressed in pancreatic cells, with a higher expression reported in pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of the endocannabinoid system might offer therapeutic benefits in pancreatic cancer. In addition, emerging data suggest that cannabinoids in combination with chemotherapy can increase survival in transgenic pancreatic cancer murine models. This review provides an overview of the regulation of the expanded endocannabinoid system, or endocannabinoidome, in PDAC and will explore the potential of targeting this system for novel anticancer approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Falasca
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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19
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Sabnis RW. Novel Aminocyclobutanes as Monoacylglycerol Lipase Modulators. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:162-163. [PMID: 35178170 PMCID: PMC8842127 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ram W. Sabnis
- Smith, Gambrell
& Russell LLP, 1105 W. Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States
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