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Niu Q, Ye S, Zhao L, Qian Y, Liu F. The role of liver cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2321768. [PMID: 38393655 PMCID: PMC10896152 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2321768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of cancer deaths; however, this complex process has yet to be fully explained. To form metastases, cancer cells must undergo a series of steps, known as the "Metastatic cascade", each of which requires a specific functional transformation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in tumor metastasis, but their dynamic behavior and regulatory mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Based on the "Metastatic cascade" theory, this review summarizes the effect of liver CSCs on the metastatic biological programs that underlie the dissemination and metastatic growth of cancer cells. Liver CSCs have the capacity to initiate distant organ metastasis via EMT, and the microenvironment transformation that supports the ability of these cells to disseminate, evade immune surveillance, dormancy, and regenerate metastasis. Understanding the heterogeneity and traits of liver CSCs in these processes is critical for developing strategies to prevent and treat metastasis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Niu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Susu Ye
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liu Zhao
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanzhi Qian
- School Hospital, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengchao Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Guo Y, Ashrafizadeh M, Tambuwala MM, Ren J, Orive G, Yu G. P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-driven cancer drug resistance: biological profile, non-coding RNAs, drugs and nanomodulators. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104161. [PMID: 39245345 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance has compromised the efficacy of chemotherapy. The dysregulation of drug transporters including P-glycoprotein (P-gp) can mediate drug resistance through drug efflux. In this review, we highlight the role of P-gp in cancer drug resistance and the related molecular pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), along with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Extracellular vesicles secreted by the cells can transport ncRNAs and other proteins to change P-gp activity in cancer drug resistance. P-gp requires ATP to function, and the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction or inhibition of glutamine metabolism can impair P-gp function, thus increasing chemosensitivity. Phytochemicals, small molecules and nanoparticles have been introduced as P-gp inhibitors to increase drug sensitivity in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shenyang Tenth People's Hospital (Shenyang Chest Hospital), No. 11 Beihai Street, Dadong District, Shenyang 110044, Liaoning, China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gorka Orive
- NanoBioCel Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; University Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Oral Implantology-UIRMI (UPV/EHU-Fundación Eduardo Anitua), 01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore.
| | - Guiping Yu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, No. 163 Shoushan Road, Jiangyin, China.
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Erb HHH, Polishchuk N, Stasyk O, Kahya U, Weigel MM, Dubrovska A. Glutamine Metabolism and Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2871. [PMID: 39199642 PMCID: PMC11352381 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162871] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine (Gln) is a non-essential amino acid that is involved in the development and progression of several malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). While Gln is non-essential for non-malignant prostate epithelial cells, PCa cells become highly dependent on an exogenous source of Gln. The Gln metabolism in PCa is tightly controlled by well-described oncogenes such as MYC, AR, and mTOR. These oncogenes contribute to therapy resistance and progression to the aggressive castration-resistant PCa. Inhibition of Gln catabolism impedes PCa growth, survival, and tumor-initiating potential while sensitizing the cells to radiotherapy. Therefore, given its significant role in tumor growth, targeting Gln metabolism is a promising approach for developing new therapeutic strategies. Ongoing clinical trials evaluate the safety and efficacy of Gln catabolism inhibitors in combination with conventional and targeted therapies in patients with various solid tumors, including PCa. Further understanding of how PCa cells metabolically interact with their microenvironment will facilitate the clinical translation of Gln inhibitors and help improve therapeutic outcomes. This review focuses on the role of Gln in PCa progression and therapy resistance and provides insights into current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger H. H. Erb
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Nikita Polishchuk
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine; (N.P.); (O.S.)
| | - Oleh Stasyk
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine; (N.P.); (O.S.)
| | - Uğur Kahya
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias M. Weigel
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Xiang Y, Wu J, Qin H. Advances in hepatocellular carcinoma drug resistance models. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1437226. [PMID: 39144662 PMCID: PMC11322137 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1437226] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Surgery has been the major treatment method for HCC owing to HCC's poor sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, its effectiveness is limited by postoperative tumour recurrence and metastasis. Systemic therapy is applied to eliminate postoperative residual tumour cells and improve the survival of patients with advanced HCC. Recently, the emergence of various novel targeted and immunotherapeutic drugs has significantly improved the prognosis of advanced HCC. However, targeted and immunological therapies may not always produce complete and long-lasting anti-tumour responses because of tumour heterogeneity and drug resistance. Traditional and patient-derived cell lines or animal models are used to investigate the drug resistance mechanisms of HCC and identify drugs that could reverse the resistance. This study comprehensively reviewed the established methods and applications of in-vivo and in-vitro HCC drug resistance models to further understand the resistance mechanisms in HCC treatment and provide a model basis for possible individualised therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yien Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hanjiao Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Jalali F, Fakhari F, Sepehr A, Zafari J, Sarajar BO, Sarihi P, Jafarzadeh E. Synergistic anticancer effects of doxorubicin and metformin combination therapy: A systematic review. Transl Oncol 2024; 45:101946. [PMID: 38636389 PMCID: PMC11040171 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Doxorubicin (DOX) a chemotherapy drug often leads to the development of resistance, in cancer cells after prolonged treatment. Recent studies have suggested that using metformin plus doxorubicin could result in synergic effects. This study focuses on exploring the co-treat treatment of doxorubicin and metformin for various cancers. METHOD Following the PRISMA guidelines we conducted a literature search using different databases such as Embase, Scopus, Web of Sciences, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar until July 2023. We selected search terms based on the objectives of this study. After screening a total of 30 articles were included. RESULTS The combination of doxorubicin and metformin demonstrated robust anticancer effects, surpassing the outcomes of monotherapy drug treatment. In vitro experiments consistently demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell growth and increased rates of cell death. Animal studies confirmed substantial reductions in tumor growth and improved survival rates, emphasizing the synergistic impact of the combined therapy. The research' discoveries collectively emphasize the capability of the co-treat doxorubicin-metformin as a compelling approach in cancer treatment, highlighting its potential to address medicate resistance and upgrade generally helpful results. CONCLUSION The findings of this study show that the combined treatment regimen including doxorubicin and metformin has significant promise in fighting cancer. The observed synergistic effects suggest that this combination therapy could be valuable, in a setting. This study highlights the need for clinical research to validate and enhance the application of the doxorubicin metformin regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshtehsadat Jalali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fakhari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afrah Sepehr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaber Zafari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnam Omidi Sarajar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Sarihi
- Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Emad Jafarzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Beier AMK, Ebersbach C, Siciliano T, Scholze J, Hofmann J, Hönscheid P, Baretton GB, Woods K, Guezguez B, Dubrovska A, Markowitsch SD, Thomas C, Puhr M, Erb HHH. Targeting the glutamine metabolism to suppress cell proliferation in mesenchymal docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer. Oncogene 2024; 43:2038-2050. [PMID: 38750263 PMCID: PMC11196217 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Docetaxel (DX) serves as a palliative treatment option for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Despite initial remission, acquired DX resistance is inevitable. The mechanisms behind DX resistance have not yet been deciphered, but a mesenchymal phenotype is associated with DX resistance. Mesenchymal phenotypes have been linked to metabolic rewiring, obtaining most ATP production by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) powered substantially by glutamine (Gln). Likewise, Gln is known to play an essential role in modulating bioenergetic, redox homeostasis and autophagy. Herein, investigations of Gln deprivation on DX-sensitive and -resistant (DR) PCa cells revealed that the DR cell sub-lines were susceptible to Gln deprivation. Mechanistically, Gln deprivation reduced OXPHOS and ATP levels, causing a disturbance in cell cycle progression. Genetic and chemical inhibition of the Gln-metabolism key protein GLS1 could validate the Gln deprivation results, thereby representing a valid therapeutic target. Moreover, immunohistological investigation of GLS1 revealed a high-expressing GLS1 subgroup post-docetaxel failure, exhibiting low overall survival. This subgroup presents an intriguing opportunity for targeted therapy focusing on glutamine metabolism. Thus, these findings highlight a possible clinical rationale for the chemical inhibition of GLS1 as a therapeutic strategy to target mesenchymal DR PCa cells, thereby delaying accelerated tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celina Ebersbach
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tiziana Siciliano
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jana Scholze
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pia Hönscheid
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gustavo B Baretton
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kevin Woods
- IIIrd Department of Medicine - Hematology & Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Borhane Guezguez
- IIIrd Department of Medicine - Hematology & Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Dresden, Germany
| | - Sascha D Markowitsch
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Thomas
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Puhr
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Holger H H Erb
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Zeng Z, Fu M, Hu Y, Wei Y, Wei X, Luo M. Regulation and signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: implications for targeted therapy for cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:172. [PMID: 37853437 PMCID: PMC10583419 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01877-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), initially identified in leukemia in 1994, constitute a distinct subset of tumor cells characterized by surface markers such as CD133, CD44, and ALDH. Their behavior is regulated through a complex interplay of networks, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, epigenetic, tumor microenvironment (TME), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors. Numerous signaling pathways were found to be involved in the regulatory network of CSCs. The maintenance of CSC characteristics plays a pivotal role in driving CSC-associated tumor metastasis and conferring resistance to therapy. Consequently, CSCs have emerged as promising targets in cancer treatment. To date, researchers have developed several anticancer agents tailored to specifically target CSCs, with some of these treatment strategies currently undergoing preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we outline the origin and biological characteristics of CSCs, explore the regulatory networks governing CSCs, discuss the signaling pathways implicated in these networks, and investigate the influential factors contributing to therapy resistance in CSCs. Finally, we offer insights into preclinical and clinical agents designed to eliminate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zeng
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Minyang Fu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology Nursing, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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Pendleton KE, Wang K, Echeverria GV. Rewiring of mitochondrial metabolism in therapy-resistant cancers: permanent and plastic adaptations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1254313. [PMID: 37779896 PMCID: PMC10534013 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1254313] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of tumor cell metabolism is widely recognized as a "hallmark of cancer." Many of the selective pressures encountered by tumor cells, such as exposure to anticancer therapies, navigation of the metastatic cascade, and communication with the tumor microenvironment, can elicit further rewiring of tumor cell metabolism. Furthermore, phenotypic plasticity has been recently appreciated as an emerging "hallmark of cancer." Mitochondria are dynamic organelles and central hubs of metabolism whose roles in cancers have been a major focus of numerous studies. Importantly, therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondria are being developed. Interestingly, both plastic (i.e., reversible) and permanent (i.e., stable) metabolic adaptations have been observed following exposure to anticancer therapeutics. Understanding the plastic or permanent nature of these mechanisms is of crucial importance for devising the initiation, duration, and sequential nature of metabolism-targeting therapies. In this review, we compare permanent and plastic mitochondrial mechanisms driving therapy resistance. We also discuss experimental models of therapy-induced metabolic adaptation, therapeutic implications for targeting permanent and plastic metabolic states, and clinical implications of metabolic adaptations. While the plasticity of metabolic adaptations can make effective therapeutic treatment challenging, understanding the mechanisms behind these plastic phenotypes may lead to promising clinical interventions that will ultimately lead to better overall care for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Pendleton
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Karen Wang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gloria V. Echeverria
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Tan DX, Huang G, de Almeida Chuffa LG, Anderson G. Melatonin modulates tumor metabolism and mitigates metastasis. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:321-336. [PMID: 37466337 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2237103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melatonin, originally isolated from the mammalian pineal gland, was subsequently identified in many animal cell types and in plants. While melatonin was discovered to inhibit cancer more than 5 decades ago, its anti-cancer potential has not been fully exploited despite its lack of serious toxicity over a very wide dose range, high safety margin, and its efficacy. AREAS COVERED This review elucidates the potential mechanisms by which melatonin interferes with tumor growth and metastasis, including its ability to alter tumor cell metabolism, inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reverse cancer chemoresistance, function synergistically with conventional cancer-inhibiting drugs while limiting many of their side effects. In contrast to its function as a potent antioxidant in normal cells, it may induce oxidative stress in cancer cells, contributing to its oncostatic actions. EXPERT OPINION Considering the large amount of experimental data supporting melatonin's multiple and varied inhibitory effects on numerous cancer types, coupled with the virtual lack of toxicity of this molecule, it has not been thoroughly tested as an anti-cancer agent in clinical trials. There seems to be significant resistance to such investigations, possibly because melatonin is inexpensive and non-patentable, and as a result there would be limited financial gain for its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ramaswamy Sharma
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Ye Y, Yu B, Wang H, Yi F. Glutamine metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1242059. [PMID: 37635935 PMCID: PMC10452011 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1242059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease with limited management strategies and poor prognosis. Metabolism alternations have been frequently unveiled in HCC, including glutamine metabolic reprogramming. The components of glutamine metabolism, such as glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase, glutaminase, metabolites, and metabolite transporters, are validated to be potential biomarkers of HCC. Increased glutamine consumption is confirmed in HCC, which fuels proliferation by elevated glutamate dehydrogenase or upstream signals. Glutamine metabolism also serves as a nitrogen source for amino acid or nucleotide anabolism. In addition, more glutamine converts to glutathione as an antioxidant in HCC to protect HCC cells from oxidative stress. Moreover, glutamine metabolic reprogramming activates the mTORC signaling pathway to support tumor cell proliferation. Glutamine metabolism targeting therapy includes glutamine deprivation, related enzyme inhibitors, and transporters inhibitors. Together, glutamine metabolic reprogramming plays a pivotal role in HCC identification, proliferation, and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bodong Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, China
| | - Fengming Yi
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, China
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11
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Rainho MDA, Siqueira PB, de Amorim ÍSS, Mencalha AL, Thole AA. Mitochondria in colorectal cancer stem cells - a target in drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:273-283. [PMID: 37457136 PMCID: PMC10344721 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second most deadly type of cancer worldwide. In late diagnosis, CRC can resist therapy regimens in which cancer stem cells (CSCs) are intimately related. CSCs are a subpopulation of tumor cells responsible for tumor initiation and maintenance, metastasis, and resistance to conventional treatments. In this scenario, colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) are considered an important key for therapeutic failure and resistance. In its turn, mitochondria is an organelle involved in many mechanisms in cancer, including chemoresistance of cytotoxic drugs due to alterations in mitochondrial metabolism, apoptosis, dynamics, and mitophagy. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the mitochondrial role in CCSCs regarding CRC drug resistance. It has been shown that enhanced anti-apoptotic protein expression, mitophagy rate, and addiction to oxidative phosphorylation are the major strategies developed by CCSCs to avoid drug insults. Thus, new mitochondria-targeted drug approaches must be explored to mitigate CRC chemoresistance via the ablation of CCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus de Almeida Rainho
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research, Histology and Embryology Department, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Priscyanne Barreto Siqueira
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biometry and Biophysics Department, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Ísis Salviano Soares de Amorim
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biometry and Biophysics Department, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Andre Luiz Mencalha
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biometry and Biophysics Department, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Alves Thole
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research, Histology and Embryology Department, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, Brazil
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12
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Unraveling the Peculiar Features of Mitochondrial Metabolism and Dynamics in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041192. [PMID: 36831534 PMCID: PMC9953833 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Western countries. Mitochondria, the "powerhouse" of cells, undergo distinctive metabolic and structural dynamics in different types of cancer. PCa cells experience peculiar metabolic changes during their progression from normal epithelial cells to early-stage and, progressively, to late-stage cancer cells. Specifically, healthy cells display a truncated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and inefficient oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) due to the high accumulation of zinc that impairs the activity of m-aconitase, the enzyme of the TCA cycle responsible for the oxidation of citrate. During the early phase of cancer development, intracellular zinc levels decrease leading to the reactivation of m-aconitase, TCA cycle and OXPHOS. PCa cells change their metabolic features again when progressing to the late stage of cancer. In particular, the Warburg effect was consistently shown to be the main metabolic feature of late-stage PCa cells. However, accumulating evidence sustains that both the TCA cycle and the OXPHOS pathway are still present and active in these cells. The androgen receptor axis as well as mutations in mitochondrial genes involved in metabolic rewiring were shown to play a key role in PCa cell metabolic reprogramming. Mitochondrial structural dynamics, such as biogenesis, fusion/fission and mitophagy, were also observed in PCa cells. In this review, we focus on the mitochondrial metabolic and structural dynamics occurring in PCa during tumor development and progression; their role as effective molecular targets for novel therapeutic strategies in PCa patients is also discussed.
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13
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Glutamine Metabolism in Cancer Stem Cells: A Complex Liaison in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032337. [PMID: 36768660 PMCID: PMC9916789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review we focus on the role of glutamine in control of cancer stem cell (CSC) fate. We first provide an overview of glutamine metabolism, and then summarize relevant studies investigating how glutamine metabolism modulates the CSC compartment, concentrating on solid tumors. We schematically describe how glutamine in CSC contributes to several metabolic pathways, such as redox metabolic pathways, ATP production, non-essential aminoacids and nucleotides biosynthesis, and ammonia production. Furthermore, we show that glutamine metabolism is a key regulator of epigenetic modifications in CSC. Finally, we briefly discuss how cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocytes, and senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment may indirectly influence CSC fate by modulating glutamine availability. We aim to highlight the complexity of glutamine's role in CSC, which supports our knowledge about metabolic heterogeneity within the CSC population.
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14
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Kao TW, Chuang YC, Lee HL, Kuo CC, Shen YA. Therapeutic Targeting of Glutaminolysis as a Novel Strategy to Combat Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315296. [PMID: 36499623 PMCID: PMC9737183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the ability to self-renew and are the primary driving force behind cancer metastatic dissemination and the preeminent hurdle to cancer treatment. As opposed to differentiated, non-malignant tumor offspring, CSCs have sophisticated metabolic patterns that, depending on the kind of cancer, rely mostly on the oxidation of major fuel substrates such as glucose, glutamine, and fatty acids for survival. Glutaminolysis is a series of metabolic reactions that convert glutamine to glutamate and, eventually, α-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle that provides biosynthetic building blocks. These building blocks are mostly utilized in the synthesis of macromolecules and antioxidants for redox homeostasis. A recent study revealed the cellular and molecular interconnections between glutamine and cancer stemness in the cell. Researchers have increasingly focused on glutamine catabolism in their attempt to discover an effective therapy for cancer stem cells. Targeting catalytic enzymes in glutaminolysis, such as glutaminase (GLS), is achievable with small molecule inhibitors, some of which are in early-phase clinical trials and have promising safety profiles. This review summarizes the current findings in glutaminolysis of CSCs and focuses on novel cancer therapies that target glutaminolysis in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Wan Kao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chen Chuang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Lun Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Kuo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- School of Health Care Administration, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yao-An Shen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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15
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Papadaki S, Magklara A. Regulation of Metabolic Plasticity in Cancer Stem Cells and Implications in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5912. [PMID: 36497394 PMCID: PMC9741285 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal capacity, have been associated with tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. While the bulk of tumor cells mainly use glycolysis for energy production, CSCs have gained attention for their ability to switch between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, depending on their energy needs and stimuli from their microenvironment. This metabolic plasticity is mediated by signaling pathways that are also implicated in the regulation of CSC properties, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Hippo networks. Two other stemness-associated processes, autophagy and hypoxia, seem to play a role in the metabolic switching of CSCs as well. Importantly, accumulating evidence has linked the metabolic plasticity of CSCs to their increased resistance to treatment. In this review, we summarize the metabolic signatures of CSCs and the pathways that regulate them; we especially highlight research data that demonstrate the metabolic adaptability of these cells and their role in stemness and therapy resistance. As the development of drug resistance is a major challenge for successful cancer treatment, the potential of specific elimination of CSCs through targeting their metabolism is of great interest and it is particularly examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Papadaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki Magklara
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute–Foundation for Research and Technology, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Institute of Biosciences, University Research Center of Ioannina (URCI), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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16
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Fedotcheva T, Shimanovsky N, Fedotcheva N. Involvement of Multidrug Resistance Modulators in the Regulation of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12090890. [PMID: 36135908 PMCID: PMC9502193 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12090890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The permeability transition pore in mitochondria (MPTP) and the ATP-binding cassette transporters (АВС transporters) in cell membranes provide the efflux of low-molecular compounds across mitochondrial and cell membranes, respectively. The inhibition of ABC transporters, especially of those related to multi drug resistance (MDR) proteins, is an actively explored approach to enhance intracellular drug accumulation and increase thereby the efficiency of anticancer therapy. Although there is evidence showing the simultaneous effect of some inhibitors on both MDR-related proteins and mitochondrial functions, their influence on MPTP has not been previously studied. We examined the participation of verapamil and quinidine, classified now as the first generation of MDR modulators, and avermectin, which has recently been actively studied as an MDR inhibitor, in the regulation of the MPTP opening. In experiments on rat liver mitochondria, we found that quinidine lowered and verapamil increased the threshold concentrations of calcium ions required for MPTP opening, and that they both decreased the rate of calcium-induced swelling of mitochondria. These effects may be associated with the positive charge of the drugs and their aliphatic properties. Avermectin not only decreased the threshold concentration of calcium ions, but also by itself induced the opening of MPTP and the mitochondrial swelling inhibited by ADP and activated by carboxyatractyloside, the substrate and inhibitor of adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), which suggests the involvement of ANT in the process. Thus, these data indicate an additional opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of MDR modulators in the context of their influence on the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Fedotcheva
- Science Research Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ostrovityanova St. 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolai Shimanovsky
- Science Research Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ostrovityanova St. 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Fedotcheva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya St. 3, Pushchino 142290, Russia
- Correspondence:
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17
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Liang XL, Ji MM, Liao ZG, Zhao GW, Tang XL, Dong W. Chemosensitizing effect and mechanism of imperatorin on the anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin in tumor cells and transplantation tumor model. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 26:145-155. [PMID: 35477542 PMCID: PMC9046893 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2022.26.3.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance of tumors has been a severe obstacle to the success of cancer chemotherapy. The study wants to investigate the reversal effects of imperatorin (IMP) on doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in K562/DOX leukemia cells, A2780/Taxol cells and in NOD/SCID mice, to explore the possible molecular mechanisms. K562/DOX and A2780/Taxol cells were treated with various concentrations of DOX and Taol with or without different concentrations of IMP, respectively. K562/DOX xenograft model was used to assess anti-tumor effect of IMP combined with DOX. MTT assay, Rhodamine 123 efflux assay, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis were determined in vivo and in vitro. Results showed that IMP significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of DOX and Taxol toward corresponding resistance cells. In vivo results illustrated both the tumor volume and tumor weight were significantly decreased after 2-week treatment with IMP combined with DOX compared to the DOX alone group. Western blotting and RT-PCR analyses indicated that IMP downregulated the expression of P-gp in K562/DOX xenograft tumors in NOD/SCID mice. We also evaluated glycolysis and glutamine metabolism in K562/DOX cells by measuring glucose consumption and lactate production. The results revealed that IMP could significantly reduce the glucose consumption and lactate production of K562/DOX cells. Furthermore, IMP could also remarkably repress the glutamine consumption, α-KG and ATP production of K562/DOX cells. Thus, IMP may sensitize K562/DOX cells to DOX and enhance the anti-tumor effect of DOX in K562/DOX xenograft tumors in NOD/SCID mice. IMP may be an adjuvant therapy to mitigate the multidrug resistance in leukemia chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-li Liang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Miao-miao Ji
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Zheng-gen Liao
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Guo-wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Xi-lan Tang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Nanchang 330013, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
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18
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Lazic A, Balint V, Stanisavljevic Ninkovic D, Peric M, Stevanovic M. Reactive and Senescent Astroglial Phenotypes as Hallmarks of Brain Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094995. [PMID: 35563385 PMCID: PMC9100382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, as the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, are tightly integrated into neural networks and participate in numerous aspects of brain physiology and pathology. They are the main homeostatic cells in the central nervous system, and the loss of astrocyte physiological functions and/or gain of pro-inflammatory functions, due to their reactivation or cellular senescence, can have profound impacts on the surrounding microenvironment with pathological outcomes. Although the importance of astrocytes is generally recognized, and both senescence and reactive astrogliosis have been extensively reviewed independently, there are only a few comparative overviews of these complex processes. In this review, we summarize the latest data regarding astrocyte reactivation and senescence, and outline similarities and differences between these phenotypes from morphological, functional, and molecular points of view. A special focus has been given to neurodegenerative diseases, where these phenotypic alternations of astrocytes are significantly implicated. We also summarize current perspectives regarding new advances in model systems based on astrocytes as well as data pointing to these glial cells as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrijana Lazic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vanda Balint
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Danijela Stanisavljevic Ninkovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Mina Peric
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Milena Stevanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.B.); (D.S.N.); (M.P.); (M.S.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Kneza Mihaila 35, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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19
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Fontana F, Limonta P. The multifaceted roles of mitochondria at the crossroads of cell life and death in cancer. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 176:203-221. [PMID: 34597798 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the cytoplasmic organelles mostly known as the "electric engine" of the cells; however, they also play pivotal roles in different biological processes, such as cell growth/apoptosis, Ca2+ and redox homeostasis, and cell stemness. In cancer cells, mitochondria undergo peculiar functional and structural dynamics involved in the survival/death fate of the cell. Cancer cells use glycolysis to support macromolecular biosynthesis and energy production ("Warburg effect"); however, mitochondrial OXPHOS has been shown to be still active during carcinogenesis and even exacerbated in drug-resistant and stem cancer cells. This metabolic rewiring is associated with mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial metabolic enzymes ("oncometabolites"), alterations of ROS production and redox biology, and a fine-tuned balance between anti-/proapoptotic proteins. In cancer cells, mitochondria also experience dynamic alterations from the structural point of view undergoing coordinated cycles of biogenesis, fusion/fission and mitophagy, and physically communicating with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), through the Ca2+ flux, at the MAM (mitochondria-associated membranes) levels. This review addresses the peculiar mitochondrial metabolic and structural dynamics occurring in cancer cells and their role in coordinating the balance between cell survival and death. The role of mitochondrial dynamics as effective biomarkers of tumor progression and promising targets for anticancer strategies is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fontana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Limonta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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20
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Zhou QM, Lu YF, Zhou JP, Yang XY, Wang XJ, Yu JN, Du YZ, Yu RS. Self-amplification of oxidative stress with tumour microenvironment-activatable iron-doped nanoplatform for targeting hepatocellular carcinoma synergistic cascade therapy and diagnosis. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:361. [PMID: 34749740 PMCID: PMC8576982 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01102-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is insensitive to many chemotherapeutic agents. Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death with a Fenton reaction mechanism. It converts endogenous hydrogen peroxide into highly toxic hydroxyl radicals, which inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma progression. METHODS The morphology, elemental composition, and tumour microenvironment responses of various organic/inorganic nanoplatforms were characterised by different analytical methods. Their in vivo and in vitro tumour-targeting efficacy and imaging capability were analysed by magnetic resonance imaging. Confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blotting were used to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of complementary ferroptosis/apoptosis mediated by the nanoplatforms. RESULTS The nanoplatform consisted of a silica shell doped with iron and disulphide bonds and an etched core loaded with doxorubicin that generates hydrogen peroxide in situ and enhances ferroptosis. It relied upon transferrin for targeted drug delivery and could be activated by the tumour microenvironment. Glutathione-responsive biodegradability could operate synergistically with the therapeutic interaction between doxorubicin and iron and induce tumour cell death through complementary ferroptosis and apoptosis. The nanoplatform also has a superparamagnetic framework that could serve to guide and monitor treatment under T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSION This rationally designed nanoplatform is expected to integrate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring and provide a novel clinical antitumour therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Mei Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Fei Lu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Ping Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jie Wang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Ni Yu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Zhong Du
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ri-Sheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Yao F, Xiang X, Zhou C, Huang Q, Huang X, Xie Z, Wang Q, Wu Q. Identification of Circular RNAs Associated With Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer. Front Genet 2021; 12:696948. [PMID: 34603369 PMCID: PMC8484910 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.696948] [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: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a major clinical obstacle for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new type of non-coding RNA that participated in the development of chemoresistance. However, the profiles and effects of circRNAs in 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) and cisplatin resistance of CRC are still unclear and need to be elucidated. In the present study, the profiles of circRNAs in CRC chemoresistant (HCT8/5-Fu and HCT8/DDP) and chemosensitive (HCT8) cell lines were identified via RNA-sequencing. In total, 48 and 90 differentially expressed (DE)-circRNAs were detected in HCT8/5-Fu and HCT8/DDP cell lines, respectively. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis were conducted on the host genes of DE-circRNAs; the results showed that the most significant enrichment pathways in HCT8/5-Fu and HCT8/DDP cell lines were base excision repair and Hippo signaling pathway, respectively. In addition, 11 common DE-circRNAs in the two drug-resistant cell lines (two are upregulated and nine are downregulated) were screened and verified by quantitative real-time PCR; hsacirc_023607 and hsacirc_007420 were found to be the circRNAs with the highest upregulation and downregulation fold changes. However, functional studies showed hsacirc_023607 has no effect on CRC chemoresistance. Therefore, the regulatory networks of targeted miRNAs related to 5-Fu or cisplatin resistance were predicted and constructed, in which hsacirc_002482 was identified as a hub gene, and its overexpression could suppress HCT8/5-Fu and HCT8/DDP cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis, and enhance cell chemosensitivity. Taken together, these results of the study suggested that hsacirc_002482 may play important roles in chemoresistance of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yao
- Institute of Infection, Immunology and Tumor Microenvironment, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaochen Xiang
- Institute of Infection, Immunology and Tumor Microenvironment, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuanren Zhou
- Institute of Infection, Immunology and Tumor Microenvironment, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiyou Huang
- Institute of Infection, Immunology and Tumor Microenvironment, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Institute of Infection, Immunology and Tumor Microenvironment, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhufu Xie
- Institute of Infection, Immunology and Tumor Microenvironment, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Institute of Infection, Immunology and Tumor Microenvironment, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingming Wu
- Institute of Infection, Immunology and Tumor Microenvironment, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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22
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McCann C, Kerr EM. Metabolic Reprogramming: A Friend or Foe to Cancer Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3351. [PMID: 34283054 PMCID: PMC8267696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major cause of cancer treatment failure, effectively driven by processes that promote escape from therapy-induced cell death. The mechanisms driving evasion of apoptosis have been widely studied across multiple cancer types, and have facilitated new and exciting therapeutic discoveries with the potential to improve cancer patient care. However, an increasing understanding of the crosstalk between cancer hallmarks has highlighted the complexity of the mechanisms of drug resistance, co-opting pathways outside of the canonical "cell death" machinery to facilitate cell survival in the face of cytotoxic stress. Rewiring of cellular metabolism is vital to drive and support increased proliferative demands in cancer cells, and recent discoveries in the field of cancer metabolism have uncovered a novel role for these programs in facilitating drug resistance. As a key organelle in both metabolic and apoptotic homeostasis, the mitochondria are at the forefront of these mechanisms of resistance, coordinating crosstalk in the event of cellular stress, and promoting cellular survival. Importantly, the appreciation of this role metabolism plays in the cytotoxic response to therapy, and the ability to profile metabolic adaptions in response to treatment, has encouraged new avenues of investigation into the potential of exploiting metabolic addictions to improve therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance in cancer. Here, we review the role cancer metabolism can play in mediating drug resistance, and the exciting opportunities presented by imposed metabolic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma M. Kerr
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Rd, BT9 7AE Belfast, Ireland;
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