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Jiang Y, Sun M. SLC7A11: the Achilles heel of tumor? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1438807. [PMID: 39040097 PMCID: PMC11260620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1438807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The non-natriuretic-dependent glutamate/cystine inverse transporter-system Xc- is composed of two protein subunits, SLC7A11 and SLC3A2, with SLC7A11 serving as the primary functional component responsible for cystine uptake and glutathione biosynthesis. SLC7A11 is implicated in tumor development through its regulation of redox homeostasis, amino acid metabolism, modulation of immune function, and induction of programmed cell death, among other processes relevant to tumorigenesis. In this paper, we summarize the structure and biological functions of SLC7A11, and discuss its potential role in tumor therapy, which provides a new direction for precision and personalized treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulang Jiang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyu Sun
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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2
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Huber K, Giralt A, Dreos R, Michenthaler H, Geller S, Barquissau V, Ziegler DV, Tavernari D, Gallart-Ayala H, Krajina K, Jonas K, Ciriello G, Ivanisevic J, Prokesch A, Pichler M, Fajas L. E2F transcription factor-1 modulates expression of glutamine metabolic genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and uterine sarcoma cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119721. [PMID: 38580088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is considered as a hallmark of cancer and is clinically exploited as a novel target for therapy. The E2F transcription factor-1 (E2F1) regulates various cellular processes, including proliferative and metabolic pathways, and acts, depending on the cellular and molecular context, as an oncogene or tumor suppressor. The latter is evident by the observation that E2f1-knockout mice develop spontaneous tumors, including uterine sarcomas. This dual role warrants a detailed investigation of how E2F1 loss impacts metabolic pathways related to cancer progression. Our data indicate that E2F1 binds to the promoter of several glutamine metabolism-related genes. Interestingly, the expression of genes in the glutamine metabolic pathway were increased in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking E2F1. In addition, we confirm that E2f1-/- MEFs are more efficient in metabolizing glutamine and producing glutamine-derived precursors for proliferation. Mechanistically, we observe a co-occupancy of E2F1 and MYC on glutamine metabolic promoters, increased MYC binding after E2F1 depletion and that silencing of MYC decreased the expression of glutamine-related genes in E2f1-/- MEFs. Analyses of transcriptomic profiles in 29 different human cancers identified uterine sarcoma that showed a negative correlation between E2F1 and glutamine metabolic genes. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of E2F1 in the uterine sarcoma cell line SK-UT-1 confirmed elevated glutamine metabolic gene expression, increased proliferation and increased MYC binding to glutamine-related promoters upon E2F1 loss. Together, our data suggest a crucial role of E2F1 in energy metabolism and metabolic adaptation in uterine sarcoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Huber
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Albert Giralt
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - René Dreos
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Helene Michenthaler
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah Geller
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Barquissau
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dorian V Ziegler
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Tavernari
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Cancer Center Léman, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hector Gallart-Ayala
- Metabolomics Unit, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katarina Krajina
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Jonas
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Giovanni Ciriello
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Cancer Center Léman, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julijana Ivanisevic
- Metabolomics Unit, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Prokesch
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Pichler
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Translational Oncology, II. Med. Clinics, University Hospital of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Lluis Fajas
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Muranaka H, Akinsola R, Billet S, Pandol SJ, Hendifar AE, Bhowmick NA, Gong J. Glutamine Supplementation as an Anticancer Strategy: A Potential Therapeutic Alternative to the Convention. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1057. [PMID: 38473414 PMCID: PMC10930819 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine, a multifaceted nonessential/conditionally essential amino acid integral to cellular metabolism and immune function, holds pivotal importance in the landscape of cancer therapy. This review delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding both glutamine antagonism strategies and glutamine supplementation within the context of cancer treatment, emphasizing the critical role of glutamine metabolism in cancer progression and therapy. Glutamine antagonism, aiming to disrupt tumor growth by targeting critical metabolic pathways, is challenged by the adaptive nature of cancer cells and the complex metabolic microenvironment, potentially compromising its therapeutic efficacy. In contrast, glutamine supplementation supports immune function, improves gut integrity, alleviates treatment-related toxicities, and improves patient well-being. Moreover, recent studies highlighted its contributions to epigenetic regulation within cancer cells and its potential to bolster anti-cancer immune functions. However, glutamine implementation necessitates careful consideration of potential interactions with ongoing treatment regimens and the delicate equilibrium between supporting normal cellular function and promoting tumorigenesis. By critically assessing the implications of both glutamine antagonism strategies and glutamine supplementation, this review aims to offer comprehensive insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting glutamine metabolism for effective cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Muranaka
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Rasaq Akinsola
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Sandrine Billet
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Andrew E. Hendifar
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Neil A. Bhowmick
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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Liu D, Wang H, Li X, Liu J, Zhang Y, Hu J. Small molecule inhibitors for cancer metabolism: promising prospects to be explored. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:8051-8076. [PMID: 37002510 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal metabolism is the main hallmark of cancer, and cancer metabolism plays an important role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, studying the changes of tumor metabolic pathways is beneficial to find targets for the treatment of cancer diseases. The success of metabolism-targeted chemotherapy suggests that cancer metabolism research will provide potential new targets for the treatment of malignant tumors. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to systemically review recent research findings on targeted inhibitors of tumor metabolism. In addition, we summarized new insights into tumor metabolic reprogramming and discussed how to guide the exploration of new strategies for cancer-targeted therapy. CONCLUSION Cancer cells have shown various altered metabolic pathways, providing sufficient fuel for their survival. The combination of these pathways is considered to be a more useful method for screening multilateral pathways. Better understanding of the clinical research progress of small molecule inhibitors of potential targets of tumor metabolism will help to explore more effective cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - HongPing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - XingXing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - JiFang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - YanLing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Ni J, Dai W, Liu C, Ling Y, Mou H. A pan-cancer analysis of SLC1A5 in human cancers. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17598. [PMID: 37408893 PMCID: PMC10319225 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2, ASCT2 (solute carrier family 1 member 5, SLC1A5), is a major transporter of the amino acid, glutamine. Although SLC1A5 has been reported to be associated with some types of cancer, less pan-cancer analysis, which would give a comprehensive understanding of SLC1A5 across human cancers, has been carried out. Methods We used the TCGA and GEO databases to investigate the oncogenic role of SLC1A5. We examined gene and protein expression, survival, genetic mutations, protein phosphorylation, immunocyte infiltration and the related genes correlated pathways. In HCT116 cells, SLC1A5 was silenced by siRNAs and the mRNA and protein was checked by Q-PCR and WB, respectively and the cellular function was assessed by CCK8, cell cycle and apoptosis. Results We found that SLC1A5 was over-expressed in multiple types of cancer and that elevated expression of SLC1A5 was associated with poor survival in many cancers. The missense mutation of R330 H/C was associated with poor survival, especially in uterine carcinosarcoma. Furthermore, we found enhanced phosphorylation of S503 in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, elevated SLC1A5 expression was associated with immune cell infiltration in many cancers. KEGG and GO analysis showed that SLC1A5 and its related genes were involved in central carbon metabolism in cancer, due to their amino acid transport activity. The cellular function indicated that SLC1A5 may influence the cell proliferation by affecting DNA synthesis. Conclusions Our findings highlighted the important role of SLC1A5 in tumorigenesis and provided insights into potential cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ni
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Experimental Research Centre, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Wumin Dai
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Experimental Research Centre, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Chun Liu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Yutian Ling
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Experimental Research Centre, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Hanzhou Mou
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Experimental Research Centre, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
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6
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Jiang X, Du W, Shi C, Kang M, Song Q, Zhang L, Pei D. Identification of a lipid metabolism-related gene for cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1186064. [PMID: 37251324 PMCID: PMC10213444 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1186064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumors frequently evade immune surveillance through multiple pathways to escape T cell recognition and destruction. Previous studies indicated that lipid metabolism alteration could affect the anti-tumor immunity of cancer cells. Nonetheless, the studies that investigated lipid metabolism-related gene for cancer immunotherapy are still few. Materials and methods: By mining the TCGA database, we screened out carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2 (CPT2), a key enzyme in the fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) process associated with anti-tumor immunity. We then analyzed the gene expression and clinicopathological features of CPT2 using open-source platforms and databases. Molecular proteins interacting with CPT2 were also identified using web interaction tools. Subsequently, the relationship between CPT2 and survival was analyzed in cancer patients. Results: Our study revealed that CPT2 played a vital role in tumor microenvironment and immune response signaling pathways. We have also demonstrated that increased CPT2 gene expression could enhance the level of tumor immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, high CPT2 expression positively related with overall survival associated with immunotherapy. CPT2 expression was also associated with the prognosis of human cancers, suggesting that CPT2 may be a potential biomarker for predicting the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the relationship between CPT2 and tumor immune microenvironment was first proposed in this study. Therefore, further studies on CPT2 may provide new insights into the development of effective cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wenqi Du
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ce Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Mengjie Kang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiuya Song
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lansheng Zhang
- Department of Oncological Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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The ferroptosis signature predicts the prognosis and immune microenvironment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1861. [PMID: 36732567 PMCID: PMC9895067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a cancer with a high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. Growing studies suggest that ferroptosis take part in the development of tumours. At the same time, the connection between ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and the prognosis of NPC remains unclear. In this study, we explored the dysregulated FRGs between normal control and tumour samples of NPC. Firstly, 14 of 36 differentially expressed FRGs were identified in NPC tissues compared to normal tissues, among which ABCC1, GLS2, CS and HMGCR were associated with poor prognosis for patients. The four ferroptosis genes were used for consensus cluster analysis and two risk-related FRGs (ABCC1 and GLS2) were used in a risk model. The ROC curve revealed the good predictive performance of this risk signature. Multivariate analysis revealed that risk score and intratumoral TILs were independent risk factors linked to prognosis. Additionally, our results suggested that the risk signature was attached to the immune microenvironment. Moreover, the NPC patients with high risk were sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs including axitinib, docetaxel, embelin, epothilone.B, parthenolide, thapsigargin, tipifarnib, vinorelbine. Finally, the expression of ABCC1 and GLS2 was validated in NPC tissues using immunohistochemistry. Together, these results revealed ferroptosis may be a potential biomarker in NPC and representing a promising future direction in prognosis and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NPC.
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HPV16 E6 and E7 Oncoproteins Stimulate the Glutamine Pathway Maintaining Cell Proliferation in a SNAT1-Dependent Fashion. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020324. [PMID: 36851539 PMCID: PMC9964736 DOI: 10.3390/v15020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer establishment, where the viral oncogenes E6 and E7 promote a cancerous phenotype. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer involves alterations in glutamine metabolism, also named glutaminolysis, to provide energy for supporting cancer processes including migration, proliferation, and production of reactive oxygen species, among others. The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins on the regulation of glutaminolysis and its contribution to cell proliferation. We found that the E6 and E7 oncoproteins exacerbate cell proliferation in a glutamine-dependent manner. Both oncoproteins increased the levels of transporter SNAT1, as well as GLS2 and GS enzymes; E6 also increased LAT1 transporter protein levels, while E7 increased ASCT2 and xCT. Some of these alterations are also regulated at a transcriptional level. Consistently, the amount of SNAT1 protein decreased in Ca Ski cells when E6 and E7 expression was knocked down. In addition, we demonstrated that cell proliferation was partially dependent on SNAT1 in the presence of glutamine. Interestingly, SNAT1 expression was higher in cervical cancer compared with normal cervical cells. The high expression of SNAT1 was associated with poor overall survival of cervical cancer patients. Our results indicate that HPV oncoproteins exacerbate glutaminolysis supporting the malignant phenotype.
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The amino acid transporter SLC7A11-mediated crosstalk implicated in cancer therapy and the tumor microenvironment. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 205:115241. [PMID: 36084707 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), an amino acid transporter protein is frequently overexpressed in human malignancies. The expression and activity of SLC7A11 is finely regulated by oncogenes and tumor suppressors in tumor cells through various mechanisms and is highly specific for cystine and glutamate. Cystine is mainly transported intracellularly by SLC7A11 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and is involved in GSH synthesis, which leads to ferroptosis resistance in tumor cells and promotes tumorigenesis and progression. The downregulation of SLC7A11 presents a unique drug discovery opportunity for ferroptosis-related diseases. Experimental work has shown that the combination of targeting SLC7A11 and tumor immunotherapy triggers ferroptosis more potently. Moreover, immunotargeting of SLC7A11 increases the chemosensitivity of cancer stem cells to doxorubicin, suggesting that it may act as an adjuvant to chemotherapy. Thus, SLC7A11 could be a promising target to overcome resistance mechanisms in conventional cancer treatments. This review provides an overview of the regulatory network of SLC7A11 in the TME and progress in the development of SLC7A11 inhibitors. In addition, we summarize the cytotoxic effects of blocking SLC7A11 in cancer cells, cancer stem cells and immune cells.
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10
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Du K, Zou J, Wang B, Liu C, Khan M, Xie T, Huang X, Shen P, Tian Y, Yuan Y. A Metabolism-Related Gene Prognostic Index Bridging Metabolic Signatures and Antitumor Immune Cycling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:857934. [PMID: 35844514 PMCID: PMC9282908 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.857934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the era of immunotherapy, predictive or prognostic biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are urgently needed. Metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a non-negligible reason for the low therapeutic response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. We aimed to construct a metabolism-related gene prognostic index (MRGPI) for HNSCC bridging metabolic characteristics and antitumor immune cycling and identified the immunophenotype, genetic alternations, potential targeted inhibitors, and the benefit of immunotherapy in MRGPI-defined subgroups of HNSCC. Methods Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC dataset (n = 502), metabolism-related hub genes were identified by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Seven genes were identified to construct the MRGPI by using the Cox regression method and validated with an HNSCC dataset (n = 270) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Afterward, the prognostic value, metabolic activities, genetic alternations, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), immunophenotype, Connectivity map (cMAP), and benefit of immunotherapy in MRGPI-defined subgroups were analyzed. Results The MRGPI was constructed based on HPRT1, AGPAT4, AMY2B, ACADL, CKM, PLA2G2D, and ADA. Patients in the low-MRGPI group had better overall survival than those in the high-MRGPI group, consistent with the results in the GEO cohort (cutoff value = 1.01). Patients with a low MRGPI score display lower metabolic activities and an active antitumor immunity status and more benefit from immunotherapy. In contrast, a higher MRGPI score was correlated with higher metabolic activities, more TP53 mutation rate, lower antitumor immunity ability, an immunosuppressive TME, and less benefit from immunotherapy. Conclusion The MRGPI is a promising indicator to distinguish the prognosis, the metabolic, molecular, and immune phenotype, and the benefit from immunotherapy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunpeng Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Zou
- Department of Liver Surgery of the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baiyao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunshan Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Khan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Piao Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunhong Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yunhong Tian, ; Yawei Yuan,
| | - Yawei Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yunhong Tian, ; Yawei Yuan,
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