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Li J, Liu X, Cai C, Zhang L, An Z, Guo Y, Zhang Y, Li W, Sun G, Li G, Kang X, Han R. Plasma exosome-derived miR-455-5p targets RPS6KB1 to regulate cartilage homeostasis in valgus-varus deformity (Gallus gallus). Poult Sci 2024; 103:104169. [PMID: 39244785 PMCID: PMC11407033 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104169] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Valgus-varus deformity (VVD) is a common long bone deformity in broilers. Imbalance in cartilage homeostasis is the main feature of leg disease. Exosomes act as an important intercellular communication vector that regulates chondrogenesis by encapsulating specific nucleic acids and proteins. However, the exact mechanism of how plasma exosomal miRNAs regulate cartilage homeostasis in VVD broilers remains unclear. This study first demonstrated the structural disorder, growth retardation, and reduced proliferative capacity of VVD cartilage in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, VVD and Normal broiler plasma exosomes were collected for miRNA sequencing. Cartilage-specific miR-455-5p was extraordinarily emphasized by performing bioinformatics analysis on differential miRNA target genes and further validated by tissue expression profiling. PKH67 fluorescently labeled plasma exosomes were shown to be taken up by chondrocytes, deliver miR-455-5p, inhibit chondrocyte proliferation, and disrupt their homeostasis, and these effects could be inhibited by the miR-inhibitors. Mechanistically, MiR-455-5p targets Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinase B1 (RPS6KB1) to inhibit RPS6 phosphorylation and reduce the synthesis of key proteins for cartilage proliferation, which in turn inhibits cartilage proliferation and disrupts its homeostasis. In conclusion, the present study identified abnormalities in VVD cartilage tissue and clarified the specific mechanism by which plasma exosome-derived miR-455-5p regulates cartilage homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzeng Li
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Chunxia Cai
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Lujie Zhang
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Zhiyuan An
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yujie Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Wenting Li
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Guirong Sun
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Guoxi Li
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiangtao Kang
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruili Han
- The Shennong Laboratory, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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Khan I, Kamal A, Akhtar S. Diabetes Driven Oncogenesis and Anticancer Potential of Repurposed Antidiabetic Drug: A Systemic Review. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:1907-1929. [PMID: 38954353 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01387-6] [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] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes and cancer are two prevalent disorders, pose significant public health challenges and contribute substantially to global mortality rates, with solely 10 million reported cancer-related deaths in 2020. This review explores the pathological association between diabetes and diverse cancer progressions, examining molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic intersections. From altered metabolic landscapes to dysregulated signaling pathways, the intricate links are delineated, offering a comprehensive understanding of diabetes as a modulator of tumorigenesis. Cancer cells develop drug resistance through mechanisms like enhanced drug efflux, genetic mutations, and altered drug metabolism, allowing them to survive despite chemotherapeutic agent. Glucose emerges as a pivotal player in diabetes progression, and serving as a crucial energy source for cancer cells, supporting their biosynthetic needs and adaptation to diverse microenvironments. Glycation, a non-enzymatic process that produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs), has been linked to the etiology of cancer and has been shown in a number of tumor forms, such as leiomyosarcomas, adenocarcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. Furthermore, in aggressive and metastatic breast cancer, the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) is increased, which may increase the malignancy of the tumor. Reprogramming glucose metabolism manifests as hallmark cancer features, including accelerated cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and evasion of apoptosis. This manuscript encapsulates the dual narrative of diabetes as a driver of cancer progression and the potential of repurposed antidiabetic drugs as formidable countermeasures. The amalgamation of mechanistic understanding and clinical trial outcomes establishes a robust foundation for further translational research and therapeutic advancements in the dynamic intersection of diabetes and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Khan
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aisha Kamal
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Salman Akhtar
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Alam A, Khan MS, Mathur Y, Sulaimani MN, Farooqui N, Ahmad SF, Nadeem A, Yadav DK, Mohammad T. Structure-based identification of potential inhibitors of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1, targeting cancer therapy: a combined docking and molecular dynamics simulations approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5758-5769. [PMID: 37365756 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2228912] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), commonly known as P70-S6 kinase 1 (p70S6), is a key protein kinase involved in cellular signaling pathways that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism. Its significant role is reported in the PIK3/mTOR signaling pathway and is associated with various complex diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and different types of cancer. Due to its involvement in various physiological and pathological conditions, S6K1 is considered as an attractive target for drug design and discovery. One way to target S6K1 is by developing small molecule inhibitors that specifically bind to its ATP-binding site, preventing its activation and thus inhibiting downstream signaling pathways necessary for cell growth and survival. In this study, we have conducted a multitier virtual screening of a pool of natural compounds to identify potential S6K1 inhibitors. We performed molecular docking on IMPPAT 2.0 library and selected top hits based on their binding affinity, ligand efficiency, and specificity towards S6K1. The selected hits were further assessed based on different filters of drug-likeliness where two compounds (Hecogenin and Glabrene) were identified as potential leads for S6K1 inhibition. Both compounds showed appreciable affinity, ligand efficiency and specificity towards S6K1 binding pocket, drug-like properties, and stable protein-ligand complexes in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Finally, our study has suggested that Hecogenin and Glabrene can be potential S6K1 inhibitors which are presumably implicated in the therapeutic management of associated diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and varying types of cancer.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsar Alam
- Department of Computer Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Shahzeb Khan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Yash Mathur
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Nayab Sulaimani
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Naqiya Farooqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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4
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Brugnoli F, Dell’Aira M, Tedeschi P, Grassilli S, Pierantoni M, Foschi R, Bertagnolo V. Effects of Garlic on Breast Tumor Cells with a Triple Negative Phenotype: Peculiar Subtype-Dependent Down-Modulation of Akt Signaling. Cells 2024; 13:822. [PMID: 38786044 PMCID: PMC11119207 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100822] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer includes tumor subgroups with morphological, molecular, and clinical differences. Intrinsic heterogeneity especially characterizes breast tumors with a triple negative phenotype, often leading to the failure of even the most advanced therapeutic strategies. To improve breast cancer treatment, the use of natural agents to integrate conventional therapies is the subject of ever-increasing attention. In this context, garlic (Allium sativum) shows anti-cancerous potential, interfering with the proliferation, motility, and malignant progression of both non-invasive and invasive breast tumor cells. As heterogeneity could be at the basis of variable effects, the main objective of our study was to evaluate the anti-tumoral activity of a garlic extract in breast cancer cells with a triple negative phenotype. Established triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines from patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were used, revealing subtype-dependent effects on morphology, cell cycle, and invasive potential, correlated with the peculiar down-modulation of Akt signaling, a crucial regulator in solid tumors. Our results first demonstrate that the effects of garlic on TNBC breast cancer are not unique and suggest that only more precise knowledge of the mechanisms activated by this natural compound in each tumor will allow for the inclusion of garlic in personalized therapeutic approaches to breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Brugnoli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (M.D.); (M.P.); (R.F.)
| | - Marcello Dell’Aira
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (M.D.); (M.P.); (R.F.)
| | - Paola Tedeschi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Silvia Grassilli
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marina Pierantoni
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (M.D.); (M.P.); (R.F.)
| | - Rebecca Foschi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (M.D.); (M.P.); (R.F.)
| | - Valeria Bertagnolo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (M.D.); (M.P.); (R.F.)
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5
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Kahkesh S, Khoshnazar SM, Gholinezhad Y, Esmailzadeh S, Hosseini SA, Alimohammadi M, Mafi A. The potential role of circular RNAs -regulated PI3K signaling in non-small cell lung cancer: Molecular insights and clinical perspective. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 257:155316. [PMID: 38692125 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for more than 80% of all cases, is the predominant form of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Significant progress has been made in diagnostic techniques, surgical interventions, chemotherapy protocols, and targeted therapies at the molecular level, leading to enhanced treatment outcomes in patients with NSCLC. Extensive evidence supports the use of circular RNAs (circRNAs), a specific category of naturally occurring non-coding small RNAs (ncRNAs), for the diagnosis, monitoring of treatment efficacy, and assessment of survival in NSCLC. CircRNAs have been identified to play significant roles in various aspects of cancer formation, either as tumor suppressors or tumor promoters, contributing to cancer development through several signaling pathways, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) pathway. This pathway is well-established because of its regulatory role in essential cellular processes. CircRNAs regulate the PI3K/AKT pathway by targeting diverse cellular elements. This review aims to provide insight into the involvement of several circRNAs linked to the PI3K/AKT pathway in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Kahkesh
- Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Mahdieh Khoshnazar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Yasaman Gholinezhad
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shakiba Esmailzadeh
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Alimohammadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Mafi
- Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Jia X, He X, Huang C, Li J, Dong Z, Liu K. Protein translation: biological processes and therapeutic strategies for human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:44. [PMID: 38388452 PMCID: PMC10884018 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01749-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein translation is a tightly regulated cellular process that is essential for gene expression and protein synthesis. The deregulation of this process is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. In this review, we discuss how deregulated translation can lead to aberrant protein synthesis, altered cellular functions, and disease progression. We explore the key mechanisms contributing to the deregulation of protein translation, including functional alterations in translation factors, tRNA, mRNA, and ribosome function. Deregulated translation leads to abnormal protein expression, disrupted cellular signaling, and perturbed cellular functions- all of which contribute to disease pathogenesis. The development of ribosome profiling techniques along with mass spectrometry-based proteomics, mRNA sequencing and single-cell approaches have opened new avenues for detecting diseases related to translation errors. Importantly, we highlight recent advances in therapies targeting translation-related disorders and their potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the growing interest lies in targeted therapies aimed at restoring precise control over translation in diseased cells is discussed. In conclusion, this comprehensive review underscores the critical role of protein translation in disease and its potential as a therapeutic target. Advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein translation deregulation, coupled with the development of targeted therapies, offer promising avenues for improving disease outcomes in various human diseases. Additionally, it will unlock doors to the possibility of precision medicine by offering personalized therapies and a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechao Jia
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Xinyu He
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Chuntian Huang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Jian Li
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Research Center for Basic Medicine Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Research Center for Basic Medicine Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
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Madhukar G, Subbarao N. Potential inhibitors of RPS6KB2 and NRF2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:1875-1900. [PMID: 37160694 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2205946] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Among the major altered pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, AKT/mTORC1/S6K and NRF2/KEAP1 pathway are quite significant. The overexpression and overstimulation of proteins from both these pathways makes them the promising candidates in cancer therapeutics. Inhibiting mTOR has been in research from past several decades but the tumour heterogeneity, and upregulation of several compensatory feed-back mechanisms, encourages to explore other downstream targets for inhibiting the pathway. One such downstream effectors of mTOR is S6K2. It is reported to be overexpressed in cancers such as head and neck cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. In case of NRF2/KEAP1 pathway, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2) is overexpressed in ∼90% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cases. It associates with poor survival rate and therapeutic resistance in HNSCC treatment. NRF2 pathway is the primary antioxidant pathway in the cell which also serves pro-tumorigenic functions, such as repression of apoptosis, cell proliferation support and chemoresistance. The aim of this work was to explore S6K2 and NRF2 and identify novel and potential inhibitors against them for treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Since the crystal structure of S6K2 was not available at the time of this study, we modelled its structure using homology modelling and performed high throughput screening, molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations and protein-ligand interaction studies to identify the inhibitors. We identified natural compounds Crocin and Gypenoside XVII against S6K2 and Chebulinic acid and Sennoside A against NRF2. This study provides a significant in-depth understanding of the two studied pathways and therefore can be used in the development of potential therapeutics against HNSCC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geet Madhukar
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Naidu Subbarao
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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8
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Ma Q, Yang Y, Chen S, Cheng H, Gong P, Hao J. Ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 (RPS6KB2) is a potential immunotherapeutic target for cancer that upregulates proinflammatory cytokines. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:229. [PMID: 38281249 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09134-5] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is still a leading cause of mortality. Over the years, cancer therapy has undergone significant advances driven by advancements in science and technology. A promising area of drug discovery in this field involves the development of therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. The urgent need to identify new pharmacological targets arises from the impact of tumor resistance on the effectiveness of current medications. Specifically, the RPS6KB2 gene on chromosome 11 has been implicated in cell cycle regulation and exhibits higher expression levels in tumor tissue. Given this association, there is a potential for this gene to serve as a target for cancer treatment. METHODS We conducted an analysis using the GTEx, TCGA, and CCLE databases to explore the relationship between RPS6KB2 and immune infiltration, the tumor microenvironment (TME), microsatellite instability (MSI), and more. Cell proliferation was assessed using EDU detection, while cell invasion and migration were evaluated via wound healing and Transwell assays. Additionally, western blot analysis was employed to measure expression of Bax, Bcl-2, MMP2, MMP9, PCNA, and proinflammatory factors. RESULTS Through data analysis and molecular biology methods, our study carefully examined the potential role of RPS6KB2 in cancer therapy. The data revealed that RPS6KB2 is aberrantly expressed in most cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Further analysis indicated its involvement in cancer cell apoptosis and migration, as well as its role in cancer immune processes. We validated the significance of RPS6KB2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting its capacity to upregulate proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION Our research indicates that RPS6KB2 is a prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltration in cancer that can affect antitumor immunity by increasing secretion of proinflammatory factors, providing a potential drug target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ma
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yipin Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuwen Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jiqing Hao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Zuo Z, Zhou Z, Chang Y, Liu Y, Shen Y, Li Q, Zhang L. Ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2): Regulation, function and targeting strategy in human cancer. Genes Dis 2024; 11:218-233. [PMID: 37588202 PMCID: PMC10425756 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) is a small subunit in ribonucleotide reductases, which participate in nucleotide metabolism and catalyze the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides, maintaining the dNTP pools for DNA biosynthesis, repair, and replication. RRM2 performs a critical role in the malignant biological behaviors of cancers. The structure, regulation, and function of RRM2 and its inhibitors were discussed. RRM2 gene can produce two transcripts encoding the same ORF. RRM2 expression is regulated at multiple levels during the processes from transcription to translation. Moreover, this gene is associated with resistance, regulated cell death, and tumor immunity. In order to develop and design inhibitors of RRM2, appropriate strategies can be adopted based on different mechanisms. Thus, a greater appreciation of the characteristics of RRM2 is a benefit for understanding tumorigenesis, resistance in cancer, and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, RRM2-targeted therapy will be more attention in future therapeutic approaches for enhancement of treatment effects and amelioration of the dismal prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanwen Zuo
- Innovative Drug R&D Center, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, Anhui 235000, China
- National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), and School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Zerong Zhou
- Innovative Drug R&D Center, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, Anhui 235000, China
- National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), and School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Yuzhou Chang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Agriculture and Biology, and Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuping Shen
- College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan 425199, China
| | - Qizhang Li
- Innovative Drug R&D Center, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, Anhui 235000, China
- National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), and School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Innovative Drug R&D Center, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, Anhui 235000, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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10
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Chen X, Fu K, Lai Y, Dong C, Chen Z, Huang Y, Li G, Jiang R, Wu H, Wang A, Huang S, Shen L, Gao W, Li S. Tetrahydropalmatine: Orchestrating survival - Regulating autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in perforator flaps. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115887. [PMID: 37984303 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115887] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Introduced in clinical practice in 1989, perforator flaps are vital for tissue defect repair, but they are challenged by distal necrosis. Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) from celandine is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This study investigates THP's use in perforator flaps. METHODS Thirty rats were divided into a control group and four THP concentration groups, while seventy-eight rats were categorized as control, THP, THP combined with rapamycin (RAP), and RAP alone. We created 11 cm by 2.5 cm multi-regional perforator flaps on rat backs, assessing survival blood flow and extracting skin flap tissue for autophagy, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and angiogenesis markers. RESULTS The THP group exhibited significantly reduced distal necrosis, increased blood flow density, and survival area on the seventh day compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot results demonstrated improved anti-oxidative stress and angiogenesis markers, along with decreased autophagy and apoptosis indicators. Combining THP with RAP diminished flap survival compared to THP alone. This was supported by protein expression changes in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION THP enhances flap survival by modulating autophagy, reducing tissue edema, promoting angiogenesis, and mitigating apoptosis and oxidative stress. THP offers a potential strategy for enhancing multi-regional perforator flap survival through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. These findings highlight THP's promise in combatting perforator flap necrosis, uncovering a novel mechanism for its impact on flap survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuankuai Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Kejian Fu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yingying Lai
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Chengji Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Zhuliu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yingying Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Guangyao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Renhao Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hongqiang Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Anyuan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Shaojie Huang
- Wenzhou Medical University School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, China
| | - Liyan Shen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Weiyang Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Shi Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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11
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Jin J, He J, Li X, Ni X, Jin X. The role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway: A potential target for cancer therapy. Gene 2023; 889:147807. [PMID: 37722609 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway controls key cellular processes, including proliferation and tumor progression, and abnormally high activation of this pathway is a hallmark in human cancers. The post-translational modification, such as Ubiquitination and deubiquitination, fine-tuning the protein level and the activity of members in this pathway play a pivotal role in maintaining normal physiological process. Emerging evidence show that the unbalanced ubiquitination/deubiquitination modification leads to human diseases via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the ubiquitination/deubiquitination regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may be helpful to uncover the underlying mechanism and improve the potential treatment of cancer via targeting this pathway. Herein, we summarize the latest research progress of ubiquitination and deubiquitination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, systematically discuss the associated crosstalk between them, as well as focus the clinical transformation via targeting ubiquitination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabei Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Xinming Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Xiaoqi Ni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
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12
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Khalil MI, Ali MM, Holail J, Houssein M. Growth or death? Control of cell destiny by mTOR and autophagy pathways. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 185:39-55. [PMID: 37944568 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the central regulators of cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism is the mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, which exists in two structurally and functionally different complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2; unlike m TORC2, mTORC1 is activated in response to the sufficiency of nutrients and is inhibited by rapamycin. mTOR complexes have critical roles not only in protein synthesis, gene transcription regulation, proliferation, tumor metabolism, but also in the regulation of the programmed cell death mechanisms such as autophagy and apoptosis. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic mechanism in which damaged molecules are recycled in response to nutrient starvation. Emerging evidence indicates that the mTOR signaling pathway is frequently activated in tumors. In addition, dysregulation of autophagy was associated with the development of a variety of human diseases, such as cancer and aging. Since mTOR can inhibit the induction of the autophagic process from the early stages of autophagosome formation to the late stage of lysosome degradation, the use of mTOR inhibitors to regulate autophagy could be considered a potential therapeutic option. The present review sheds light on the mTOR and autophagy signaling pathways and the mechanisms of regulation of mTOR-autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud I Khalil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, 11072809, Lebanon; Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511, Egypt.
| | - Mohamad M Ali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jasmine Holail
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Marwa Houssein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, 11072809, Lebanon.
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13
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Martinez-Lopez N, Mattar P, Toledo M, Bains H, Kalyani M, Aoun ML, Sharma M, McIntire LBJ, Gunther-Cummins L, Macaluso FP, Aguilan JT, Sidoli S, Bourdenx M, Singh R. mTORC2-NDRG1-CDC42 axis couples fasting to mitochondrial fission. Nat Cell Biol 2023:10.1038/s41556-023-01163-3. [PMID: 37386153 PMCID: PMC10344787 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01163-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Fasting triggers diverse physiological adaptations including increases in circulating fatty acids and mitochondrial respiration to facilitate organismal survival. The mechanisms driving mitochondrial adaptations and respiratory sufficiency during fasting remain incompletely understood. Here we show that fasting or lipid availability stimulates mTORC2 activity. Activation of mTORC2 and phosphorylation of its downstream target NDRG1 at serine 336 sustains mitochondrial fission and respiratory sufficiency. Time-lapse imaging shows that NDRG1, but not the phosphorylation-deficient NDRG1Ser336Ala mutant, engages with mitochondria to facilitate fission in control cells, as well as in those lacking DRP1. Using proteomics, a small interfering RNA screen, and epistasis experiments, we show that mTORC2-phosphorylated NDRG1 cooperates with small GTPase CDC42 and effectors and regulators of CDC42 to orchestrate fission. Accordingly, RictorKO, NDRG1Ser336Ala mutants and Cdc42-deficient cells each display mitochondrial phenotypes reminiscent of fission failure. During nutrient surplus, mTOR complexes perform anabolic functions; however, paradoxical reactivation of mTORC2 during fasting unexpectedly drives mitochondrial fission and respiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Martinez-Lopez
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Liver Basic Research Center at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pamela Mattar
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Miriam Toledo
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Henrietta Bains
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Manu Kalyani
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marie Louise Aoun
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mridul Sharma
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Leslie Gunther-Cummins
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Frank P Macaluso
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer T Aguilan
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mathieu Bourdenx
- UK Dementia Research Institute, London, UK
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Rajat Singh
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Liver Basic Research Center at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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14
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Park JS, Perl A. Endosome Traffic Modulates Pro-Inflammatory Signal Transduction in CD4 + T Cells-Implications for the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10749. [PMID: 37445926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310749] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocytic recycling regulates the cell surface receptor composition of the plasma membrane. The surface expression levels of the T cell receptor (TCR), in concert with signal transducing co-receptors, regulate T cell responses, such as proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine production. Altered TCR expression contributes to pro-inflammatory skewing, which is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), defined by a reduced function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the expansion of CD4+ helper T (Th) cells. The ensuing secretion of inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, IL-21, and IL-23, trigger autoantibody production and tissue infiltration by cells of the adaptive and innate immune system that induce organ damage. Endocytic recycling influences immunological synapse formation by CD4+ T lymphocytes, signal transduction from crosslinked surface receptors through recruitment of adaptor molecules, intracellular traffic of organelles, and the generation of metabolites to support growth, cytokine production, and epigenetic control of DNA replication and gene expression in the cell nucleus. This review will delineate checkpoints of endosome traffic that can be targeted for therapeutic interventions in autoimmune and other disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy S Park
- Department of Medicine, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Andras Perl
- Department of Medicine, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Norton College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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15
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Chen G, Zhang K, Liang Z, Zhang S, Dai Y, Cong Y, Qiao G. Integrated transcriptome analysis identifies APPL1/RPS6KB2/GALK1 as immune-related metastasis factors in breast cancer. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230732. [PMID: 37273920 PMCID: PMC10238809 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0732] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic immune-related factors in breast cancer (BC) metastasis. The gene expression chip GSE159956 was downloaded from the gene expression omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected using GEO2R online tools based on lymph node and metastasis status. The intersected survival-associated DEGs were screened from the Kaplan-Meier curve. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) annotation analyses were performed to determine the survival-associated DEGs. Immune-related prognostic factors were screened based on immune infiltration. The screened prognostic factors were verified by the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). As a result, twenty-eight upregulated and three downregulated genes were generated by the survival analysis. The enriched GO and KEGG pathways were mostly correlated with "regulation of cellular amino acid metabolic process," "proteasome complex," "endopeptidase activity," and "proteasome." Six of 19 (17 upregulated and 2 downregulated) immune-related prognostic factors were verified by the TCGA database. Four immune-related factors were obtained after ssGSEA, and three significant immune-related factors were selected after univariate and multivariate analyses. Based on the risk score receiver operating characteristic, the three immune-related prognosis factors could be potential biomarkers of BC metastasis. In conclusion, APPL1, RPS6KB2, and GALK1 may play a pivotal role as potential biomarkers for prediction of BC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Liang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Yuanping Dai
- Department of Medical Genetics, Liuzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liuzhou545001, P.R. China
| | - Yizi Cong
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yudong Road, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Guangdong Qiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yudong Road, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
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16
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Khalil MI, Ismail HM, Panasyuk G, Bdzhola A, Filonenko V, Gout I, Pardo OE. Asymmetric Dimethylation of Ribosomal S6 Kinase 2 Regulates Its Cellular Localisation and Pro-Survival Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108806. [PMID: 37240151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal S6 kinases (S6Ks) are critical regulators of cell growth, homeostasis, and survival, with dysregulation of these kinases found to be associated with various malignancies. While S6K1 has been extensively studied, S6K2 has been neglected despite its clear involvement in cancer progression. Protein arginine methylation is a widespread post-translational modification regulating many biological processes in mammalian cells. Here, we report that p54-S6K2 is asymmetrically dimethylated at Arg-475 and Arg-477, two residues conserved amongst mammalian S6K2s and several AT-hook-containing proteins. We demonstrate that this methylation event results from the association of S6K2 with the methyltransferases PRMT1, PRMT3, and PRMT6 in vitro and in vivo and leads to nuclear the localisation of S6K2 that is essential to the pro-survival effects of this kinase to starvation-induced cell death. Taken together, our findings highlight a novel post-translational modification regulating the function of p54-S6K2 that may be particularly relevant to cancer progression where general Arg-methylation is often elevated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud I Khalil
- Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21568, Egypt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon
| | - Heba M Ismail
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI), University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ganna Panasyuk
- Institut Necker-Enfants Malades (INEM), 75015 Paris, France
- INSERM U1151/CNRS UMR 8253, Université de Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Anna Bdzhola
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Valeriy Filonenko
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ivan Gout
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Olivier E Pardo
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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17
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Zhu QY, He ZM, Cao WM, Li B. The role of TSC2 in breast cancer: a literature review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1188371. [PMID: 37251941 PMCID: PMC10213421 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1188371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
TSC2 is a tumor suppressor gene as well as a disease-causing gene for autosomal dominant disorder tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Research has found that some tumor tissues have lower TSC2 expression levels than normal tissues. Furthermore, low expression of TSC2 is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. TSC2 acts as a convergence point of a complex network of signaling pathways and receives signals from the PI3K, AMPK, MAPK, and WNT pathways. It also regulates cellular metabolism and autophagy through inhibition of a mechanistic target of rapamycin complex, which are processes relevant to the progression, treatment, and prognosis of breast cancer. In-depth study of TSC2 functions provides significant guidance for clinical applications in breast cancer, including improving the treatment efficacy, overcoming drug resistance, and predicting prognosis. In this review, protein structure and biological functions of TSC2 were described and recent advances in TSC2 research in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer were summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Yan Zhu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhe-Min He
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Ming Cao
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Geriatric, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Zhang J, Li W, Wang W, Chen Q, Xu Z, Deng M, Zhou L, He G. Dual roles of FAK in tumor angiogenesis: A review focused on pericyte FAK. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 947:175694. [PMID: 36967077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), also known as protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2), is a ubiquitously expressed non-receptor tyrosine kinase, that plays a pivotal role in integrin-mediated signal transduction. Endothelial FAK is upregulated in many types of cancer and promotes tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, recent studies have shown that pericyte FAK has the opposite effect. This review article dissects the mechanisms, by which endothelial cells (ECs) and pericyte FAK regulate angiogenesis, with an emphasis on the Gas6/Axl pathway. In particular, this article discusses the role of pericyte FAK loss on angiogenesis during tumorigenesis and metastasis. In addition, the existing challenges and future application of drug-based anti-FAK targeted therapies will be discussed to provide a theoretical basis for further development and use of FAK inhibitors.
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19
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Nguyen TU, Hector H, Pederson EN, Lin J, Ouyang Z, Wendel HG, Singh K. Rapamycin-Induced Feedback Activation of eIF4E-EIF4A Dependent mRNA Translation in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1444. [PMID: 36900235 PMCID: PMC10001351 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051444] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer cells adapt molecular mechanisms to activate the protein synthesis to support tumor growth. This study reports the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin's specific and genome-wide effect on mRNA translation. Using ribosome footprinting in pancreatic cancer cells that lack the expression of 4EBP1, we establish the effect of mTOR-S6-dependent mRNAs translation. Rapamycin inhibits the translation of a subset of mRNAs including p70-S6K and proteins involved in the cell cycle and cancer cell growth. In addition, we identify translation programs that are activated following mTOR inhibition. Interestingly, rapamycin treatment results in the translational activation of kinases that are involved in mTOR signaling such as p90-RSK1. We further show that phospho-AKT1 and phospho-eIF4E are upregulated following mTOR inhibition suggesting a feedback activation of translation by rapamycin. Next, targeting eIF4E and eIF4A-dependent translation by using specific eIF4A inhibitors in combination with rapamycin shows significant growth inhibition in pancreatic cancer cells. In short, we establish the specific effect of mTOR-S6 on translation in cells lacking 4EBP1 and show that mTOR inhibition leads to feedback activation of translation via AKT-RSK1-eIF4E signals. Therefore, targeting translation downstream of mTOR presents a more efficient therapeutic strategy in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang Uyen Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Harrison Hector
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Eric Nels Pederson
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jianan Lin
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Zhengqing Ouyang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Hans-Guido Wendel
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kamini Singh
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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20
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Kinnel B, Singh SK, Oprea-Ilies G, Singh R. Targeted Therapy and Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1320. [PMID: 36831661 PMCID: PMC9954028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been a large hurdle in reducing BC death rates. The drug resistance mechanisms include increased drug efflux, enhanced DNA repair, senescence escape, epigenetic alterations, tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment (TME), and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which make it challenging to overcome. This review aims to explain the mechanisms of resistance in BC further, identify viable drug targets, and elucidate how those targets relate to the progression of BC and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Kinnel
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Gabriela Oprea-Ilies
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Rajesh Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
- Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
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21
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Chen H, Zhu T, Huang X, Xu W, Di Z, Ma Y, Xue M, Bi S, Shen Y, Yu Y, Shen Y, Feng L. Xanthatin suppresses proliferation and tumorigenicity of glioma cells through autophagy inhibition via activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2023; 11:e01041. [PMID: 36572650 PMCID: PMC9792428 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid proliferation and diffuse migration are the main obstacles to successful glioma treatment. Xanthatin, a sesquiterpene lactone purified from Xanthium strumarium L., possesses a significant antitumor role in several malignant tumors. In this study, we report that xanthatin suppressed glioma cells proliferation and induced apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and was accompanied by autophagy inhibition displaying a significantly reduced LC3 punctate fluorescence and LC3II/I ratio, decreased level of Beclin 1, while increased accumulation of p62. Notably, treating glioma cells with xanthatin resulted in obvious activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, as indicated by increased mTOR and Akt phosphorylation, decreased ULK1 phosphorylation, which is important in modulating autophagy. Furthermore, xanthatin-mediated pro-apoptosis in glioma cells was significantly reversed by autophagy inducers (rapamycin or Torin1), or PI3K-mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235. Taken together, these findings indicate that anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effects of xanthatin in glioma are most likely by inhibiting autophagy via activation of PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy against glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqing Chen
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Tong Zhu
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Wenshuang Xu
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Zemin Di
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Yuyang Ma
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Min Xue
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Sixing Bi
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Yujun Shen
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Yongqiang Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Yuxian Shen
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
| | - Lijie Feng
- School of Basic Medical SciencesAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
- Institute of BiopharmaceuticalsAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiChina
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22
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Scalia P, Williams SJ, Fujita-Yamaguchi Y, Giordano A. Cell cycle control by the insulin-like growth factor signal: at the crossroad between cell growth and mitotic regulation. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1-37. [PMID: 36005738 PMCID: PMC9769454 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2108117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In proliferating cells and tissues a number of checkpoints (G1/S and G2/M) preceding cell division (M-phase) require the signal provided by growth factors present in serum. IGFs (I and II) have been demonstrated to constitute key intrinsic components of the peptidic active fraction of mammalian serum. In vivo genetic ablation studies have shown that the cellular signal triggered by the IGFs through their cellular receptors represents a non-replaceable requirement for cell growth and cell cycle progression. Retroactive and current evaluation of published literature sheds light on the intracellular circuitry activated by these factors providing us with a better picture of the pleiotropic mechanistic actions by which IGFs regulate both cell size and mitogenesis under developmental growth as well as in malignant proliferation. The present work aims to summarize the cumulative knowledge learned from the IGF ligands/receptors and their intracellular signaling transducers towards control of cell size and cell-cycle with particular focus to their actionable circuits in human cancer. Furthermore, we bring novel perspectives on key functional discriminants of the IGF growth-mitogenic pathway allowing re-evaluation on some of its signal components based upon established evidences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Scalia
- ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Research Network, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Caltanissetta, Italy,CST, Biology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United states,CONTACT Pierluigi Scalia ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Research Network, Philadelphia, PA9102, USA
| | - Stephen J Williams
- ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Research Network, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Caltanissetta, Italy,CST, Biology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United states
| | - Yoko Fujita-Yamaguchi
- Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Research Network, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Caltanissetta, Italy,School of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Italy
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23
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Pirzada RH, Ahmad B, Qayyum N, Choi S. Modeling structure-activity relationships with machine learning to identify GSK3-targeted small molecules as potential COVID-19 therapeutics. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1084327. [PMID: 36950681 PMCID: PMC10025526 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1084327] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses induce severe upper respiratory tract infections, which can spread to the lungs. The nucleocapsid protein (N protein) plays an important role in genome replication, transcription, and virion assembly in SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, and in other coronaviruses. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) activation phosphorylates the viral N protein. To combat COVID-19 and future coronavirus outbreaks, interference with the dependence of N protein on GSK3 may be a viable strategy. Toward this end, this study aimed to construct robust machine learning models to identify GSK3 inhibitors from Food and Drug Administration-approved and investigational drug libraries using the quantitative structure-activity relationship approach. A non-redundant dataset consisting of 495 and 3070 compounds for GSK3α and GSK3β, respectively, was acquired from the ChEMBL database. Twelve sets of molecular descriptors were used to define these inhibitors, and machine learning algorithms were selected using the LazyPredict package. Histogram-based gradient boosting and light gradient boosting machine algorithms were used to develop predictive models that were evaluated based on the root mean square error and R-squared value. Finally, the top two drugs (selinexor and ruboxistaurin) were selected for molecular dynamics simulation based on the highest predicted activity (negative log of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration, pIC50 value) to further investigate the structural stability of the protein-ligand complexes. This artificial intelligence-based virtual high-throughput screening approach is an effective strategy for accelerating drug discovery and finding novel pharmacological targets while reducing the cost and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameez Hassan Pirzada
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University Campus Plaza, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bilal Ahmad
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Naila Qayyum
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University Campus Plaza, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Sangdun Choi,
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24
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Zhao X, Wang S, Wang S, Xie J, Cui D. mTOR signaling: A pivotal player in Treg cell dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Immunol 2022; 245:109153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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25
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Shiau JP, Chuang YT, Tang JY, Yang KH, Chang FR, Hou MF, Yen CY, Chang HW. The Impact of Oxidative Stress and AKT Pathway on Cancer Cell Functions and Its Application to Natural Products. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1845. [PMID: 36139919 PMCID: PMC9495789 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and AKT serine-threonine kinase (AKT) are responsible for regulating several cell functions of cancer cells. Several natural products modulate both oxidative stress and AKT for anticancer effects. However, the impact of natural product-modulating oxidative stress and AKT on cell functions lacks systemic understanding. Notably, the contribution of regulating cell functions by AKT downstream effectors is not yet well integrated. This review explores the role of oxidative stress and AKT pathway (AKT/AKT effectors) on ten cell functions, including apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial morphogenesis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, DNA damage response, senescence, migration, and cell-cycle progression. The impact of oxidative stress and AKT are connected to these cell functions through cell function mediators. Moreover, the AKT effectors related to cell functions are integrated. Based on this rationale, natural products with the modulating abilities for oxidative stress and AKT pathway exhibit the potential to regulate these cell functions, but some were rarely reported, particularly for AKT effectors. This review sheds light on understanding the roles of oxidative stress and AKT pathway in regulating cell functions, providing future directions for natural products in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ping Shiau
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan or
| | - Ya-Ting Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Yang Tang
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaoshiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Han Yang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Rong Chang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan or
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Yen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Wei Chang
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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26
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Canagliflozin interrupts mTOR-mediated inflammatory signaling and attenuates DMBA-induced mammary cell carcinoma in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113675. [PMID: 36115110 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer prevalence has been globally increasing, therefore, introducing novel interventions in cancer treatment is of a significant importance. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-cancer effect of Canagliflozin (CNG) in an experimental model of DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma in female rats. METHODS 18 female rats were divided into three experimental groups: Normal control, DMBA control, DMBA+ CNG treated group. DMBA (7.5 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously in the mammary cells twice weekly for 4 weeks and CNG (10 mg/kg) was orally administered daily for an additional 3 weeks while DMBA control rats only received the vehicle for 3 weeks. Tumors' weight and volume were measured, BRCA-1 and TAC were quantified in serum samples, mTOR, caspase-1, NFκB, IL-1β, NLRP3, GSDMD and MDA were quantified in tumors' homogenates. RESULTS CNG treatment increased the BRCA-1 expression, suppressed mTOR inflammatory pathway, attenuated tumor inflammatory mediators; NLRP3, GSDMD, NFκB, IL-1β, suppressed the oxidative stress and inhibited tumor expression of the proliferation biomarker; Ki67. CONCLUSION CNG modulated mTOR-mediated signaling pathway and attenuated pyroptotic, inflammatory pathways, suppressed oxidative stress and eventually inhibited DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma proliferation.
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27
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Hong PP, Li C, Niu GJ, Zhao XF, Wang JX. White spot syndrome virus directly activates mTORC1 signaling to facilitate its replication via polymeric immunoglobulin receptor-mediated infection in shrimp. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010808. [PMID: 36067252 PMCID: PMC9481175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway has antiviral functions or is beneficial for viral replication, however, the detail mechanisms by which mTORC1 enhances viral infection remain unclear. Here, we found that proliferation of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was decreased after knockdown of mTor (mechanistic target of rapamycin) or injection inhibitor of mTORC1, rapamycin, in Marsupenaeus japonicus, which suggests that mTORC1 is utilized by WSSV for its replication in shrimp. Mechanistically, WSSV infects shrimp by binding to its receptor, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), and induces the interaction of its intracellular domain with Calmodulin. Calmodulin then promotes the activation of protein kinase B (AKT) by interaction with the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of AKT. Activated AKT phosphorylates mTOR and results in the activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway to promote its downstream effectors, ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6Ks), for viral protein translation. Moreover, mTORC1 also phosphorylates eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1), which will result in the separation of 4EBP1 from eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) for the translation of viral proteins in shrimp. Our data revealed a novel pathway for WSSV proliferation in shrimp and indicated that mTORC1 may represent a potential clinical target for WSSV control in shrimp aquaculture. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the causative pathogen of white spot disease (WSD) and represents the most destructive viral disease of shrimp. The virus has evolved various strategies to escape from host defenses or exploit host biological pathways for its reproduction. Studies on viral immune-escape mechanisms can provide new strategies for disease prevention and control in shrimp aquaculture. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a central role in the regulation of cell growth and metabolism, which nucleates two distinct protein complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) with diverse functions at different levels of the signaling pathway. mTORC1 is reported to be exploited by viruses in their reproduction. However, the detail mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we identified a new mechanism of mTOR being hijacked by WSSV in shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus). WSSV infects shrimp by its receptor, pIgR and induces the interaction of the intracellular domain of pIgR with Calmodulin. Calmodulin subsequently promotes the activation of AKT by interaction with the pleckstrin homology domain of the kinase. Activated AKT phosphorylates mTOR and results in the activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway to promote its downstream effectors, S6Ks, for viral protein synthesis. Moreover, mTORC1 also phosphorylates 4EBP1, which results in the separation of 4EBP1 from eIF4E for the translation of viral proteins in shrimp. Our study reveals a novel strategy for WSSV proliferation in shrimp and indicates that the components of mTORC1 may represent potential clinical targets for WSSV control in shrimp aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan-Pan Hong
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Cang Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guo-Juan Niu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Fan Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jin-Xing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- * E-mail:
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28
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Beyond controlling cell size: functional analyses of S6K in tumorigenesis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:646. [PMID: 35879299 PMCID: PMC9314331 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05081-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
As a substrate and major effector of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), the biological functions of ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) have been canonically assigned for cell size control by facilitating mRNA transcription, splicing, and protein synthesis. However, accumulating evidence implies that diverse stimuli and upstream regulators modulate S6K kinase activity, leading to the activation of a plethora of downstream substrates for distinct pathobiological functions. Beyond controlling cell size, S6K simultaneously plays crucial roles in directing cell apoptosis, metabolism, and feedback regulation of its upstream signals. Thus, we comprehensively summarize the emerging upstream regulators, downstream substrates, mouse models, clinical relevance, and candidate inhibitors for S6K and shed light on S6K as a potential therapeutic target for cancers.
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29
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Meng X, Wang L, He M, Yang Z, Jiao Y, Hu Y, Wang K. Cysteine conjugate beta-lyase 2 (CCBL2) expression as a prognostic marker of survival in breast cancer patients. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269998. [PMID: 35771747 PMCID: PMC9246202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Cysteine conjugate beta-lyase 2 (CCBL2), also known as kynurenine aminotransferase 3 (KAT3) or glutamine transaminase L (GTL), plays an essential role in transamination and cytochrome P450. Its correlation with some other cancers has been explored, but breast cancer (BC) not yet. Methods The mRNA and protein expression of CCBL2 in BC cell lines and patient samples were detected by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). BC patients’ clinical information and RNA-Seq expression were acquired via The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Patients were categorized into high/low CCBL2 expression groups based on the optimal cutoff value (8.973) determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We investigated CCBL2 and clinicopathological characteristics’ relationship using Chi-square tests, estimated diagnostic capacity using ROC curves and drew survival curves using Kaplan–Meier estimate. We compared survival differences using Cox regression and externally validated using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We evaluated enriched signaling pathways using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), explored CCBL2 and relevant genes’ relationship using tumor immunoassay resource (TIMER) databases and used the human protein atlas (HPA) for pan-cancer analysis and IHC. Results CCBL2 was overexpressed in normal human cell lines and tissues. CCBL2 expression was lower in BC tissues (n = 1104) than in normal tissues (n = 114), validated by GEO database. Several clinicopathologic features were related to CCBL2, especially estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and clinical stages. The low expression group exhibited poor survival. CCBL2’s area under curve (AUC) analysis showed finite diagnostic capacity. Multivariate cox-regression analysis indicated CCBL2 independently predicted BC survival. GSEA showed enriched pathways: early estrogen response, MYC and so on. CCBL2 positively correlated with estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors. CCBL2 was downregulated in most cancers and was associated with their survival, including renal and ovarian cancers. Conclusions Low CCBL2 expression is a promising poor BC survival independent prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Meng
- Department of Breast Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Miao He
- Department of Anesthesia, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhaoying Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Jiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yubo Hu
- Department of Anesthesia, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- * E-mail: (YH); (KW)
| | - Keren Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- * E-mail: (YH); (KW)
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30
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Cocco S, Leone A, Roca MS, Lombardi R, Piezzo M, Caputo R, Ciardiello C, Costantini S, Bruzzese F, Sisalli MJ, Budillon A, De Laurentiis M. Inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine prevents resistance to PI3K/AKT inhibitors and potentiates their antitumor effect in combination with paclitaxel in triple negative breast cancer models. J Transl Med 2022; 20:290. [PMID: 35761360 PMCID: PMC9235112 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03462-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease characterized by high risk of relapse and development of resistance to different chemotherapy agents. Several targeted therapies have been investigated in TNBC with modest results in clinical trials. Among these, PI3K/AKT inhibitors have been evaluated in addition to standard therapies, yielding conflicting results and making attempts on elucidating inherent mechanisms of resistance of great interest. Increasing evidences suggest that PI3K/AKT inhibitors can induce autophagy in different cancers. Autophagy represents a supposed mechanism of drug-resistance in aggressive tumors, like TNBC. We, therefore, investigated if two PI3K/AKT inhibitors, ipatasertib and taselisib, could induce autophagy in breast cancer models, and whether chloroquine (CQ), a well known autophagy inhibitor, could potentiate ipatasertib and taselisib anti-cancer effect in combination with conventional chemotherapy. Methods The induction of autophagy after ipatasertib and taselisib treatment was evaluated in MDAMB231, MDAM468, MCF7, SKBR3 and MDAB361 breast cancer cell lines by assaying LC3-I conversion to LC3-II through immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Other autophagy-markers as p62/SQSTM1 and ATG5 were evaluated by immunoblotting. Synergistic antiproliferative effect of double and triple combinations of ipatasertib/taselisib plus CQ and/or paclitaxel were evaluated by SRB assay and clonogenic assay. Anti-apoptotic effect of double combination of ipatasertib/taselisib plus CQ was evaluated by increased cleaved-PARP by immunoblot and by Annexin V- flow cytometric analysis. In vivo experiments were performed on xenograft model of MDAMB231 in NOD/SCID mice. Results Our results suggested that ipatasertib and taselisib induce increased autophagy signaling in different breast cancer models. This effect was particularly evident in PI3K/AKT resistant TNBC cells, where the inhibition of autophagy by CQ potentiates the therapeutic effect of PI3K/AKT inhibitors in vitro and in vivo TNBC models, synergizing with taxane-based chemotherapy. Conclusion These data suggest that inhibition of authophagy with CQ could overcome mechanism of drug resistance to PI3K/AKT inhibitors plus paclitaxel in TNBC making the evaluation of such combinations in clinical trials warranted. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03462-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Cocco
- Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Leone
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Laboratories of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Serena Roca
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Laboratories of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Lombardi
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Laboratories of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Piezzo
- Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Caputo
- Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciardiello
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Laboratories of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Susan Costantini
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Laboratories of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Bruzzese
- Animal Facility, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria José Sisalli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Laboratories of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Michelino De Laurentiis
- Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Division of Breast Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
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Yang M, Lu Y, Piao W, Jin H. The Translational Regulation in mTOR Pathway. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060802. [PMID: 35740927 PMCID: PMC9221026 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a master role in cell proliferation and growth in response to insulin, amino acids, energy levels, and oxygen. mTOR can coordinate upstream signals with downstream effectors, including transcriptional and translational apparatuses to regulate fundamental cellular processes such as energy utilization, protein synthesis, autophagy, cell growth, and proliferation. Of the above, protein synthesis is highly energy-consuming; thus, mRNA translation is under the tight and immediate control of mTOR signaling. The translational regulation driven by mTOR signaling mainly relies on eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding protein (4E-BP), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), and its downstream players, which are significant in rapid cellular response to environmental change. mTOR signaling not only controls the general mRNA translation, but preferential mRNA translation as well. This means that mTOR signaling shows the stronger selectivity to particular target mRNAs. Some evidence has supported the contribution of 4E-BP and La-related proteins 1 (LARP1) to such translational regulation. In this review, we summarize the mTOR pathway and mainly focus on mTOR-mediated mRNA translational regulation. We introduce the major components of mTOR signaling and their functions in translational control in a general or particular manner, and describe how the specificity of regulation is coordinated. Furthermore, we summarize recent research progress and propose additional ideas for reference. Because the mTOR pathway is on the center of cell growth and metabolism, comprehensively understanding this pathway will contribute to the therapy of related diseases, including cancers, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hua Jin
- Correspondence: (W.P.); (H.J.)
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Oleksak P, Nepovimova E, Chrienova Z, Musilek K, Patocka J, Kuca K. Contemporary mTOR inhibitor scaffolds to diseases breakdown: A patent review (2015–2021). Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Fasano C, Lepore Signorile M, De Marco K, Forte G, Sanese P, Grossi V, Simone C. Identifying novel SMYD3 interactors on the trail of cancer hallmarks. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1860-1875. [PMID: 35495117 PMCID: PMC9039736 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SMYD3 overexpression in several human cancers highlights its crucial role in carcinogenesis. Nonetheless, SMYD3 specific activity in cancer development and progression is currently under debate. Taking advantage of a library of rare tripeptides, which we first tested for their in vitro binding affinity to SMYD3 and then used as in silico probes, we recently identified BRCA2, ATM, and CHK2 as direct SMYD3 interactors. To gain insight into novel SMYD3 cancer-related roles, here we performed a comprehensive in silico analysis to cluster all potential SMYD3-interacting proteins identified by screening the human proteome for the previously tested tripeptides, based on their involvement in cancer hallmarks. Remarkably, we identified mTOR, BLM, MET, AMPK, and p130 as new SMYD3 interactors implicated in cancer processes. Further studies are needed to characterize the functional mechanisms underlying these interactions. Still, these findings could be useful to devise novel therapeutic strategies based on the combined inhibition of SMYD3 and its newly identified molecular partners. Of note, our in silico methodology may be useful to search for unidentified interactors of other proteins of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candida Fasano
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS ‘S. de Bellis’ Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
- Corresponding authors at: Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS ‘S. de Bellis’ Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy (C.Fasano, C. Simone).
| | - Martina Lepore Signorile
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS ‘S. de Bellis’ Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Katia De Marco
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS ‘S. de Bellis’ Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Giovanna Forte
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS ‘S. de Bellis’ Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Paola Sanese
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS ‘S. de Bellis’ Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Valentina Grossi
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS ‘S. de Bellis’ Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
| | - Cristiano Simone
- Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS ‘S. de Bellis’ Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Corresponding authors at: Medical Genetics, National Institute for Gastroenterology, IRCCS ‘S. de Bellis’ Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy (C.Fasano, C. Simone).
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Sun R, Yu L, Xu K, Pu Y, Huang J, Liu M, Zhang J, Yin L, Pu Y. Evi1 involved in benzene-induced haematotoxicity via modulation of PI3K/mTOR pathway and negative regulation Serpinb2. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 354:109836. [PMID: 35092719 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Benzene is a widely used chemical and an environmental pollutant. Exposure to benzene can cause blood diseases, but the mechanisms underlying benzene haematotoxicity have not been fully clarified. Ecotropic virus integration site-1 (Evi1), a transcription factor, plays important roles in normal haematopoiesis and haematological diseases. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of Evi1 in benzene-induced haematotoxicity. We found that benzene exposure significantly increased Evi1 level in white blood cells (WBCs) in occupational benzene workers as well as mouse bone marrow cells. Further in vitro results demonstrated that compared with control cells exposed to same 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ, an important active metabolite of benzene) concentration, Evi1 downregulation significantly reduced cell proliferation, and disrupted cell viability, apoptosis, erythroid and megakaryotic cell differentiation and cell cycle. Additionally, down-regulation of Evi1 suppressed phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR signalling pathway and elevated its target gene Serpinb2 following 1,4-BQ exposure. Moreover, the PI3K activator could partially relieve the inhibitory effect of down-regulation of Evi1 on cell proliferation and increase cell arrest in in G2/M phase. What's more, downregulation of Serpinb2 could partially alleviate proliferation inhibition and reverse cell cycle changes in G0/G1 phase and S phase induced by Evi1 inhibition. In conclusion, our data revealed that Evi1 downregulation aggravated the inhibition of cell proliferation and arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase when exposed to 1,4-BQ, potentially by inactivating the PI3K/mTOR pathway and upregulating downstream target gene Serpinb2. Our study provides novel insights on mechanism by which Evi1 participates in benzene-induced haematotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Linling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunqiu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Manman Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Pan HY, Valapala M. Regulation of Autophagy by the Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3) Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1709. [PMID: 35163631 PMCID: PMC8836041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a vital cellular mechanism that benefits cellular maintenance and survival during cell stress. It can eliminate damaged or long-lived organelles and improperly folded proteins to maintain cellular homeostasis, development, and differentiation. Impaired autophagy is associated with several diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several signaling pathways are associated with the regulation of the autophagy pathway. The glycogen synthase kinase-3 signaling pathway was reported to regulate the autophagy pathway. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms by which the GSK-3 signaling pathway regulates autophagy. Autophagy and lysosomal function are regulated by transcription factor EB (TFEB). GSK-3 was shown to be involved in the regulation of TFEB nuclear expression in an mTORC1-dependent manner. In addition to mTORC1, GSK-3β also regulates TFEB via the protein kinase C (PKC) and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A-3 (eIF4A3) signaling pathways. In addition to TFEB, we will also discuss the mechanisms by which the GSK-3 signaling pathway regulates autophagy by modulating other signaling molecules and autophagy inducers including, mTORC1, AKT and ULK1. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of the GSK-3 signaling pathway in the regulation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mallika Valapala
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
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36
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Chen X, Lin Y, Jin X, Zhang W, Guo W, Chen L, Chen M, Li Y, Fu F, Wang C. Integrative proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling of invasive micropapillary breast carcinoma. J Proteomics 2022; 257:104511. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Oskouie AA, Ahmadi MS, Taherkhani A. Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers in Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Developing Non-Invasive Diagnostic Models Through Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. Microrna 2022; 11:73-87. [PMID: 35068400 DOI: 10.2174/2211536611666220124115445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most frequent subtype of thyroid carcinoma, mainly detected in patients with benign thyroid nodules (BTN). Due to the invasiveness of accurate diagnostic tests, there is a need to discover applicable biomarkers for PTC. So, in this study, we aimed to identify the genes associated with prognosis in PTC. Besides, we performed a machine learning tool to develop a non-invasive diagnostic approach for PTC. METHODS For the study purposes, the miRNA dataset GSE130512 was downloaded from the GEO database and then analyzed to identify the common differentially expressed miRNAs in patients with non-metastatic PTC (nm-PTC)/metastatic PTC (m-PTC) compared with BTNs. The SVM was also applied to differentiate patients with PTC from those patients with BTN using the common DEMs. A protein-protein interaction network was also constructed based on the targets of the common DEMs. Next, functional analysis was performed, the hub genes were determined, and survival analysis was then executed. RESULTS A total of three common miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed among patients with nm-PTC/m-PTC compared with BTNs. In addition, it was established that the autophagosome maturation, ciliary basal body-plasma membrane docking, antigen processing as ubiquitination & proteasome degradation, and class I MHC mediated antigen processing & presentation are associated with the pathogenesis of PTC. Furthermore, it was illustrated that RPS6KB1, CCNT1, SP1, and CHD4 might serve as new potential biomarkers for PTC prognosis. CONCLUSION RPS6KB1, CCNT1, SP1, and CHD4 may be considered new potential biomarkers used for prognostic aims in PTC. However, performing validation tests is inevitable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Arefi Oskouie
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saeed Ahmadi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amir Taherkhani
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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38
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Dent P. Cell Signaling and Translational Developmental Therapeutics. COMPREHENSIVE PHARMACOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC7538147 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820472-6.00002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The relationships between drug pharmacodynamics and subsequent changes in cellular signaling processes are complex. Many in vitro cell signaling studies often use drug concentrations above physiologically safe drug levels achievable in a patient's plasma. Drug companies develop agents to inhibit or modify the activities of specific target enzymes, often without a full consideration that their compounds have additional unknown targets. These two negative sequelae, when published together, become impediments against successful developmental therapeutics and translation because this data distorts our understanding of signaling mechanisms and reduces the probability of successfully translating drug-based concepts from the bench to the bedside. This article will discuss cellular signaling in isolation and as it relates to extant single and combined therapeutic drug interventions. This will lead to a hypothetical series standardized sequential approaches describing a rigorous concept to drug development and clinical translation.
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Mesa-Infante V, Afonso-Oramas D, Salas-Hernández J, Rodríguez-Núñez J, Barroso-Chinea P. Long-term exposure to GDNF induces dephosphorylation of Ret, AKT, and ERK1/2, and is ineffective at protecting midbrain dopaminergic neurons in cellular models of Parkinson's disease. Mol Cell Neurosci 2021; 118:103684. [PMID: 34826608 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2021.103684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes differentiation, proliferation, and survival in different cell types, including dopaminergic neurons. Thus, GDNF has been proposed as a promising neuroprotective therapy in Parkinson's disease. Although findings from cellular and animal models of Parkinson's disease were encouraging, results emerging from clinical trials were not as good as expected, probably due to the inappropriate administration protocols. Despite the growing information on GDNF action mechanisms, many aspects of its pharmacological effects are still unclear and data from different studies are still contradictory. Considering that GDNF action mechanisms are mediated by its receptor tyrosine kinase Ret, which activates PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, we aimed to investigate Ret activation and its effect over both signaling pathways in midbrain cell cultures treated with GDNF at different doses (0.3, 1, and 10 ng/ml) and times (15 min, 24 h, 24 h (7 days), and 7 continuous days). The results showed that short-term or acute (15 min, 24 h, and 24 h (7 days)) GDNF treatment in rat midbrain neurons increases Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and the phosphorylation levels of Ret (Tyr 1062), AKT (Ser 473), ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204), S6 (Ser 235/236), and GSK3-β (Ser 9). However, the phosphorylation level of these kinases, TH expression, and dopamine uptake, decreased below basal levels after long-term or prolonged treatment with 1 and 10 ng/ml GDNF (7 continuous days). Our data suggest that long-term GDNF treatment inactivates the receptor by an unknown mechanism, affecting its neuroprotective capacity against degeneration caused by 6-OHDA or rotenone, while short-term exposure to GDNF promoted dopaminergic cell survival. These findings highlight the need to find new and more effective long-acting therapeutic approaches for disorders in which GDNF plays a beneficial role, including Parkinson's disease. In this regard, it is necessary to propose new GDNF treatment guidelines to regulate and control its long-term expression levels and optimize the clinical use of this trophic factor in patients with Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Mesa-Infante
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - D Afonso-Oramas
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - J Salas-Hernández
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - J Rodríguez-Núñez
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - P Barroso-Chinea
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
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Gerstenecker S, Haarer L, Schröder M, Kudolo M, Schwalm MP, Wydra V, Serafim RAM, Chaikuad A, Knapp S, Laufer S, Gehringer M. Discovery of a Potent and Highly Isoform-Selective Inhibitor of the Neglected Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinase Beta 2 (S6K2). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205133. [PMID: 34680283 PMCID: PMC8534050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The two human p70 ribosomal S6 kinases, S6K1 and S6K2, have been associated with a variety of cellular processes and human pathologies, especially cancer. Thus far, only S6K1 was thoroughly studied and selectively addressed by small molecule inhibitors. Despite growing evidence suggesting S6K2 as a promising anticancer target, this isoform has been severely neglected, which can partly be attributed to the lack of isoform-selective inhibitors to study its function. By exploiting a cysteine residue exclusive to S6K2, we were able to generate the first known isoform-selective S6K2 inhibitor. Besides its excellent selectivity against S6K1 and other human kinases, the compound showed weak intrinsic reactivity and promising in vitro metabolic stability. Our proof-of-concept study provides a basis for the development of high quality S6K2 chemical probes to validate this kinase as a target for therapeutic interventions. Abstract The ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta 2 (S6K2) is thought to play an important role in malignant cell proliferation, but is understudied compared to its closely related homolog S6 kinase beta 1 (S6K1). To better understand the biological function of S6K2, chemical probes are needed, but the high similarity between S6K2 and S6K1 makes it challenging to selectively address S6K2 with small molecules. We were able to design the first potent and highly isoform-specific S6K2 inhibitor from a known S6K1-selective inhibitor, which was merged with a covalent inhibitor engaging a cysteine located in the hinge region in the fibroblast growth factor receptor kinase (FGFR) 4 via a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction. The title compound shows a high selectivity over kinases with an equivalently positioned cysteine, as well as in a larger kinase panel. A good stability towards glutathione and Nα-acetyl lysine indicates a non-promiscuous reactivity pattern. Thus, the title compound represents an important step towards a high-quality chemical probe to study S6K2-specific signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Gerstenecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.G.); (L.H.); (M.K.); (V.W.); (R.A.M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Lisa Haarer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.G.); (L.H.); (M.K.); (V.W.); (R.A.M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Martin Schröder
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (M.S.); (M.P.S.); (A.C.); (S.K.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mark Kudolo
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.G.); (L.H.); (M.K.); (V.W.); (R.A.M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Martin P. Schwalm
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (M.S.); (M.P.S.); (A.C.); (S.K.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Valentin Wydra
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.G.); (L.H.); (M.K.); (V.W.); (R.A.M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Ricardo A. M. Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.G.); (L.H.); (M.K.); (V.W.); (R.A.M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (M.S.); (M.P.S.); (A.C.); (S.K.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (M.S.); (M.P.S.); (A.C.); (S.K.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Translational Cancer Network (DKTK) Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.G.); (L.H.); (M.K.); (V.W.); (R.A.M.S.); (S.L.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) ‘Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.G.); (L.H.); (M.K.); (V.W.); (R.A.M.S.); (S.L.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) ‘Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7071-29-74582
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Molecular Human Targets of Bioactive Alkaloid-Type Compounds from Tabernaemontana cymose Jacq. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123765. [PMID: 34205626 PMCID: PMC8234993 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkaloids are a group of secondary metabolites that have been widely studied for the discovery of new drugs due to their properties on the central nervous system and their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. Molecular docking was performed for 10 indole alkaloids identified in the ethanol extract of Tabernaemontana cymosa Jacq. with 951 human targets involved in different diseases. The results were analyzed through the KEGG and STRING databases, finding the most relevant physiological associations for alkaloids. The molecule 5-oxocoronaridine proved to be the most active molecule against human proteins (binding energy affinity average = −9.2 kcal/mol) and the analysis of the interactions between the affected proteins pointed to the PI3K/ Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as the main target. The above indicates that indole alkaloids from T. cymosa constitute a promising source for the search and development of new treatments against different types of cancer.
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CSNK2B contributes to colorectal cancer cell proliferation by activating the mTOR signaling. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:383-392. [PMID: 33928514 PMCID: PMC8222461 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00619-1] [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: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of Casein kinase 2 beta (CSNK2B) in human malignancies has drawn increasing attention in recent years. However, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to explore the expression and biological functions of CSNK2B in CRC. Public gene expression microarray data from online database and immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated that CSNK2B was highly expressed in CRC tissues than in normal tissues. In vitro and in vivo cellular functional experiments showed that increased CSNK2B expression promoted CRC cell viability and tumorigenesis of CRC. Further western blots and rescue experiments confirmed that CSNK2B promoted CRC cell proliferation mainly by activating the mTOR signaling pathway. These findings identified CSNK2B as a novel oncogene contributing to the development of CRC.
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Li S, Wang P, Yang W, Zhao C, Zhang L, Zhang J, Qin Y, Xu H, Huang L. Characterization of the Components and Pharmacological Effects of Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng and Garden Ginseng Based on the Integrative Pharmacology Strategy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:659954. [PMID: 33981239 PMCID: PMC8108004 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.659954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Panax ginseng C. A. Mey (PGCAM) is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Araliaceae family, mainly including Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng (MCG) and Garden Ginseng (GG) on the market. We aimed to establish a rapid, accurate and effective method to distinguish 15-year-old MCG and GG using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS), and also explored the pharmacological mechanisms of the main components using the Integrative Pharmacology-based Network Computational Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP V2.0; http://www.tcmip.cn/). Altogether, 23 potential quality markers were characterized to distinguish 15-year-old MCG and GG, including ginsenosides Ra2, Rg1, and Ra1, and malonyl-ginsenoside Ra3, etc. The contents of 19 constituents (mainly protopanaxadiol-type) were higher in MCG compared with that in GG, and four constituents (mainly carbohydrate compounds) were higher in GG. The 105 putative targets corresponding to 23 potential quality markers were mainly involved in 30 pathways, which could be divided into 10 models, such as immune regulation, systems (metabolic, nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive), blood-pressure regulation, as well as antitumor, antiaging, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the potential quality markers of MCG and GG could inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer by regulating the mRNA expression of PSA, S6K, MDM2, and P53 genes by acting on AR, MTOR, PI3K and other targets. The Integrative Pharmacology Strategy may provide an efficient way to identify chemical constituents and explore the pharmacological actions of TCM formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Li
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Wenzhi Yang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunhui Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Luoqi Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingbo Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yuewen Qin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Haiyu Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Luqi Huang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wright SCE, Vasilevski N, Serra V, Rodon J, Eichhorn PJA. Mechanisms of Resistance to PI3K Inhibitors in Cancer: Adaptive Responses, Drug Tolerance and Cellular Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071538. [PMID: 33810522 PMCID: PMC8037590 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway plays a central role in the regulation of several signalling cascades which regulate biological processes such as cellular growth, survival, proliferation, motility and angiogenesis. The hyperactivation of this pathway is linked to tumour progression and is one of the most common events in human cancers. Additionally, aberrant activation of the PI3K pathway has been demonstrated to limit the effectiveness of a number of anti-tumour agents paving the way for the development and implementation of PI3K inhibitors in the clinic. However, the overall effectiveness of these compounds has been greatly limited by inadequate target engagement due to reactivation of the pathway by compensatory mechanisms. Herein, we review the common adaptive responses that lead to reactivation of the PI3K pathway, therapy resistance and potential strategies to overcome these mechanisms of resistance. Furthermore, we highlight the potential role in changes in cellular plasticity and PI3K inhibitor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Christine Elisabeth Wright
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
- Correspondence: (S.C.E.W.); (N.V.)
| | - Natali Vasilevski
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
- Correspondence: (S.C.E.W.); (N.V.)
| | - Violeta Serra
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Jordi Rodon
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Department, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Pieter Johan Adam Eichhorn
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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Regulation of Autophagy by Protein Kinase C-ε in Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124247. [PMID: 32549199 PMCID: PMC7352677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C-ε (PKCε), an anti-apoptotic protein, plays critical roles in breast cancer development and progression. Although autophagy is an important survival mechanism, it is not known if PKCε regulates autophagy in breast cancer cells. We have shown that silencing of PKCε by siRNA inhibited basal and starvation-induced autophagy in T47D breast cancer cells as determined by the decrease in LC3-II, increase in p62, and decrease in autophagy puncta both in the presence and absence of bafilomycin A1. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) associates with Raptor or Rictor to form complex-1 (mTORC1) or complex-2 (mTORC2), respectively. Knockdown of PKCε attenuated an increase in autophagy caused by the depletion of Raptor and Rictor. Overexpression of PKCε in MCF-7 cells caused activation of mTORC1 and an increase in LC3-I, LC3-II, and p62. The mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin abolished the increase in LC3-I and p62. Knockdown of mTOR and Rictor or starvation enhanced autophagy in PKCε overexpressing cells. While overexpression of PKCε in MCF-7 cells inhibited apoptosis, it induced autophagy in response to tumor necrosis factor-α. However, inhibition of autophagy by Atg5 knockdown restored apoptosis in PKCε-overexpressing cells. Thus, PKCε promotes breast cancer cell survival not only by inhibiting apoptosis but also by inducing autophagy.
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