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Cyriac R, Lee K. Glutaminase inhibition as potential cancer therapeutics: current status and future applications. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2290911. [PMID: 38078371 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2290911] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in normal metabolic processes are defining features of cancer. Glutamine, an abundant amino acid in the human blood, plays a critical role in regulating several biosynthetic and bioenergetic pathways that support tumour growth. Glutaminolysis is a metabolic pathway that converts glutamine into various metabolites involved in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and generates antioxidants that are vital for tumour cell survival. As glutaminase catalyses the initial step of this metabolic pathway, it is of great significance in cancer metabolism and tumour progression. Inhibition of glutaminase and targeting of glutaminolysis have emerged as promising strategies for cancer therapy. This review explores the role of glutaminases in cancer metabolism and discusses various glutaminase inhibitors developed as potential therapies for tumour regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajath Cyriac
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology, Korea National University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kwangho Lee
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology, Korea National University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
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2
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Yang Y, Xiao D, Liang J, Duan Y. Research progress on the expression and prognostic value of copper death related genes in liver cancer. Panminerva Med 2024; 66:326-328. [PMID: 38264872 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.23.05012-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Yang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Di Xiao
- Department of Encephalopathy, Minxian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dingxi, China
| | - Jianqing Liang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongqiang Duan
- Ningxia Medical University, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yinchuan, China -
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3
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Wang Z, Liu M, Yang Q. Glutamine and leukemia research: progress and clinical prospects. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:391. [PMID: 39215845 PMCID: PMC11365919 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01245-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is an abnormal proliferation of white blood cells that occurs in bone marrow and expands through the blood. It arises from dysregulated differentiation, uncontrolled growth, and inhibition of apoptosis. Glutamine (GLN) is a "conditionally essential" amino acid that promotes growth and proliferation of leukemic cells. Recently, details about the role of GLN and its metabolism in the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid, chronic lymphocytic, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia have emerged. The uptake of GLN by leukemia cells and the dynamic changes of glutamine-related indexes in leukemia patients may be able to assist in determining whether the condition of leukemia is in a state of progression, remission or relapse. Utilizing the possible differences in GLN metabolism in different subtypes of leukemia may help to differentiate between different subtypes of leukemia, thus providing a basis for accurate diagnosis. Targeting GLN metabolism in leukemia requires simultaneous blockade of multiple metabolic pathways without interfering with the normal cellular and immune functions of the body to achieve effective leukemia therapy. The present review summarizes recent advances, possible applications, and clinical perspectives of GLN metabolism in leukemia. In particular, it focuses on the prospects of GLN metabolism in the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. The review provides new directions and hints at potential roles for future clinical treatments and studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexin Wang
- Mianyang Central Hospital, Fucheng District, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Miao Liu
- Mianyang Central Hospital, Fucheng District, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Mianyang Central Hospital, Fucheng District, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, China
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4
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Grobben Y. Targeting amino acid-metabolizing enzymes for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1440269. [PMID: 39211039 PMCID: PMC11359565 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1440269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the immune system's role in the detection and eradication of abnormal cells, cancer cells often evade elimination by exploitation of various immune escape mechanisms. Among these mechanisms is the ability of cancer cells to upregulate amino acid-metabolizing enzymes, or to induce these enzymes in tumor-infiltrating immunosuppressive cells. Amino acids are fundamental cellular nutrients required for a variety of physiological processes, and their inadequacy can severely impact immune cell function. Amino acid-derived metabolites can additionally dampen the anti-tumor immune response by means of their immunosuppressive activities, whilst some can also promote tumor growth directly. Based on their evident role in tumor immune escape, the amino acid-metabolizing enzymes glutaminase 1 (GLS1), arginase 1 (ARG1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and interleukin 4 induced 1 (IL4I1) each serve as a promising target for immunotherapeutic intervention. This review summarizes and discusses the involvement of these enzymes in cancer, their effect on the anti-tumor immune response and the recent progress made in the preclinical and clinical evaluation of inhibitors targeting these enzymes.
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Zhang J, Chen M, Yang Y, Liu Z, Guo W, Xiang P, Zeng Z, Wang D, Xiong W. Amino acid metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment and its implication for cancer therapy. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38946173 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31349] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Amino acids are essential building blocks for proteins, crucial energy sources for cell survival, and key signaling molecules supporting the resistant growth of tumor cells. In tumor cells, amino acid metabolic reprogramming is characterized by the enhanced uptake of amino acids as well as their aberrant synthesis, breakdown, and transport, leading to immune evasion and malignant progression of tumor cells. This article reviews the altered amino acid metabolism in tumor cells and its impact on tumor microenvironment, and also provides an overview of the current clinical applications of amino acid metabolism. Innovative drugs targeting amino acid metabolism hold great promise for precision and personalized cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingjian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wanni Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pingjuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
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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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7
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Wang Y, Mang X, Guo X, Pu J. Distinct cuproptosis patterns in hepatocellular carcinoma patients correlate with unique immune microenvironment characteristics and cell-cell communication, contributing to varied overall survival outcomes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379690. [PMID: 38868777 PMCID: PMC11168106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a prevalent cancer, is linked to cuproptosis in tumor progression. However, cuproptosis's impact on HCC prognosis and its role in the tumor microenvironment remain unclear. We aimed to explore the correlation between cellular cuproptosis and the immune microenvironment in HCC, providing potential immunotherapeutic insights. Methods Examining cuproptosis-related genes and the immune microenvironment through consensus clustering and WGCNA. Risk models were constructed using LASSO Cox analysis and validated in an independent cohort. Gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were utilized. We scored cuproptosis expression and explored immunoinfiltration and cell-cell communication. Differential signals in T_memory cells were compared across different cuproptosis levels. Results Cuproptosis genes associated with fibroblast recruitment (GLS) and macrophage infiltration (FDX1). Liver cancer patients categorized into two subtypes based on cuproptosis gene expression. High expression of DLAT, GLS, and CDKN2A linked to immunosuppression (TGF-β), while high FDX1, MTF1, LIAS, and LIPT1 expression enhanced communication with non-immune cells. Developed reliable prognostic signature score and nomogram using cuproptosis-related genes. Single-cell analysis revealed differences in T_memory and TAM infiltration based on cuproptosis scores, with SPP1 and MIF as dominant signaling molecules. Finally, the results of in vitro experiments showed that when DLAT or CDKN2A was knocked down, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were significantly decreased. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that cuproptosis affects the immune microenvironment and cell-cell communication. Identified 9 genetic markers predicting survival outcomes and immunotherapy responses. Evaluating cuproptosis signaling can optimize immunotherapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Wang
- Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, and School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Junfeng Pu
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Feng S, Aplin C, Nguyen TTT, Milano SK, Cerione RA. Filament formation drives catalysis by glutaminase enzymes important in cancer progression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1971. [PMID: 38438397 PMCID: PMC10912226 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The glutaminase enzymes GAC and GLS2 catalyze the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate, satisfying the 'glutamine addiction' of cancer cells. They are the targets of anti-cancer drugs; however, their mechanisms of activation and catalytic activity have been unclear. Here we demonstrate that the ability of GAC and GLS2 to form filaments is directly coupled to their catalytic activity and present their cryo-EM structures which provide a view of the conformational states essential for catalysis. Filament formation guides an 'activation loop' to assume a specific conformation that works together with a 'lid' to close over the active site and position glutamine for nucleophilic attack by an essential serine. Our findings highlight how ankyrin repeats on GLS2 regulate enzymatic activity, while allosteric activators stabilize, and clinically relevant inhibitors block, filament formation that enables glutaminases to catalyze glutaminolysis and support cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Feng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Cody Aplin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Thuy-Tien T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Shawn K Milano
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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Wang J, Luo LZ, Liang DM, Guo C, Huang ZH, Sun GY, Wen J. Progress in the research of cuproptosis and possible targets for cancer therapy. World J Clin Oncol 2023; 14:324-334. [PMID: 37771632 PMCID: PMC10523190 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v14.i9.324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing novel cancer therapies that exploit programmed cell death pathways holds promise for advancing cancer treatment. According to a recently published study in Science, copper death (cuproptosis) occurs when intracellular copper is overloaded, triggering aggregation of lipidated mitochondrial proteins and Fe-S cluster proteins. This intriguing phenomenon is triggered by the instability of copper ions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind cuproptosis and its associated genes, as identified by Tsvetkov, including ferredoxin 1, lipoic acid synthase, lipoyltransferase 1, dihydrolipid amide dehydrogenase, dihydrolipoamide transacetylase, pyruvate dehydrogenase α1, pyruvate dehydrogenase β, metallothionein, glutaminase, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, may open new avenues for cancer therapy. Here, we provide a new understanding of the role of copper death and related genes in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Wang
- Children Medical Center, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lan-Zhu Luo
- Children Medical Center, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dao-Miao Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Huang
- Children Medical Center, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guo-Ying Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jie Wen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
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Li X, Liu Y, Liu J, Qiang W, Ma J, Xie J, Chen P, Wang Y, Hou P, Ji M. STAG2 inactivation reprograms glutamine metabolism of BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:454. [PMID: 37479689 PMCID: PMC10361981 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05981-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
STAG2, an important subunit in cohesion complex, is involved in the segregation of chromosomes during the late mitosis and the formation of sister chromatids. Mutational inactivation of STAG2 is a major cause of the resistance of BRAF-mutant melanomas to BRAF/MEK inhibitors. In the present study, we found that STAG2 was frequently down-regulated in thyroid cancers compared with control subjects. By a series of in vitro and in vivo studies, we demonstrated that STAG2 knockdown virtually had no effect on malignant phenotypes of BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cells such as cell proliferation, colony formation and tumorigenic ability in nude mice compared with the control. In addition, unlike melanoma, STAG2 knockdown also did not affect the sensitivity of these cells to MEK inhibitor. However, we surprisingly found that STAG2-knockdown cells exhibited more sensitive to glutamine deprivation or glutaminase inhibitor BPTES compared with control cells. Mechanistically, knocking down STAG2 in BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cells decreases the protein stability of c-Myc via the ERK/AKT/GSK3β feedback pathway, thereby impairing glutamine metabolism of thyroid cancer cells by down-regulating its downstream targets such as SCL1A5, GLS and GLS2. Our data, taken together, demonstrate that STAG2 inactivation reprograms glutamine metabolism of BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cells, thereby improving their cellular response to glutaminase inhibitor. This study will provide a potential therapeutic strategy for BRAF-mutant thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Li
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Wei Qiang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Jingjing Ma
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Jingyi Xie
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Pu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Yubo Wang
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Peng Hou
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China.
| | - Meiju Ji
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China.
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Chen L, Zhang W, Chen D, Yang Q, Sun S, Dai Z, Li Z, Liang X, Chen C, Jiao Y, Zhi L, Zhao L, Zhang J, Liu X, Zhao J, Li M, Wang Y, Qi Y. RBM4 dictates ESCC cell fate switch from cellular senescence to glutamine-addiction survival through inhibiting LKB1-AMPK-axis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:159. [PMID: 37080995 PMCID: PMC10119322 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01367-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence provides a protective barrier against tumorigenesis in precancerous or normal tissues upon distinct stressors. However, the detailed mechanisms by which tumor cells evade premature senescence to malignant progression remain largely elusive. Here we reported that RBM4 adversely impacted cellular senescence to favor glutamine-dependent survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells by dictating the activity of LKB1, a critical governor of cancer metabolism. The level of RBM4 was specifically elevated in ESCC compared to normal tissues, and RBM4 overexpression promoted the malignant phenotype. RBM4 contributed to overcome H-RAS- or doxorubicin-induced senescence, while its depletion caused P27-dependent senescence and proliferation arrest by activating LKB1-AMPK-mTOR cascade. Mechanistically, RBM4 competitively bound LKB1 to disrupt the LKB1/STRAD/MO25 heterotrimeric complex, subsequently recruiting the E3 ligase TRIM26 to LKB1, promoting LKB1 ubiquitination and degradation in nucleus. Therefore, such molecular process leads to bypassing senescence and sustaining cell proliferation through the activation of glutamine metabolism. Clinically, the ESCC patients with high RBM4 and low LKB1 have significantly worse overall survival than those with low RBM4 and high LKB1. The RBM4 high/LKB1 low expression confers increased sensitivity of ESCC cells to glutaminase inhibitor CB-839, providing a novel insight into mechanisms underlying the glutamine-dependency to improve the efficacy of glutamine inhibitors in ESCC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Quan Yang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Siwen Sun
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zhenwei Dai
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zhengzheng Li
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Xuemei Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Chaoqun Chen
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yuexia Jiao
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lili Zhi
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lianmei Zhao
- Research Center, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Jinrui Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Jinyao Zhao
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Yangfan Qi
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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12
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Li D, Qu G, Ling S, Sun Y, Cui Y, Yang Y, Cao X. A cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature to predict prognosis and immune microenvironment of colon adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6284. [PMID: 37072493 PMCID: PMC10113217 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33557-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a novel cell death modality but its regulatory role in the colon cancer remains obscure. This study is committed to establishing a cuproptosis-related lncRNA (CRL) signature to forecast the prognosis for colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) samples were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. LASSO-COX analysis was performed to construct a prognostic signature consisting of five CRLs (AC015712.2, ZEB1-AS1, SNHG26, AP001619.1, and ZKSCAN2-DT). We found the patients with high-risk scores suffered from poor prognosis in training cohort (p < 0.001) and validation cohort (p = 0.004). Nomogram was created based on the 5-CRL signature. Calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated the nomogram performed well in 1‑, 3‑, and 5‑year overall survival (OS). Subsequently, we observed increased infiltration of multiple immune cells and upregulated expression of immune checkpoints and RNA methylation modification genes in high-risk patients. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed two tumor-related pathways, including MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways. Finally, we found AKT inhibitors, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), camptothecin, and thapsigargin had more sensitivity to antitumor therapy in high-risk patients. Collectively, this CRL signature is promising for the prognostic prediction and precise therapy of COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongming Li
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Guangzhen Qu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shen Ling
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yuanlin Sun
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yingnan Cui
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yingchi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xueyuan Cao
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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13
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Jin J, Byun JK, Choi YK, Park KG. Targeting glutamine metabolism as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:706-715. [PMID: 37009798 PMCID: PMC10167356 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00971-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferating cancer cells rely largely on glutamine for survival and proliferation. Glutamine serves as a carbon source for the synthesis of lipids and metabolites via the TCA cycle, as well as a source of nitrogen for amino acid and nucleotide synthesis. To date, many studies have explored the role of glutamine metabolism in cancer, thereby providing a scientific rationale for targeting glutamine metabolism for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the mechanism(s) involved at each step of glutamine metabolism, from glutamine transporters to redox homeostasis, and highlight areas that can be exploited for clinical cancer treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms underlying cancer cell resistance to agents that target glutamine metabolism, as well as strategies for overcoming these mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the effects of glutamine blockade on the tumor microenvironment and explore strategies to maximize the utility of glutamine blockers as a cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghwa Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, South Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Byun
- BK21 FOUR Community-based Intelligent Novel Drug Discovery Education Unit, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Korea
| | - Yeon-Kyung Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, 41404, Korea.
| | - Keun-Gyu Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, South Korea.
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14
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Nguyen TTT, Katt WP, Cerione RA. Alone and together: current approaches to targeting glutaminase enzymes as part of anti-cancer therapies. FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2023; 4:FDD79. [PMID: 37009252 PMCID: PMC10051075 DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2022-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a major hallmark of malignant transformation in cancer, and part of the so-called Warburg effect, in which the upregulation of glutamine catabolism plays a major role. The glutaminase enzymes convert glutamine to glutamate, which initiates this pathway. Inhibition of different forms of glutaminase (KGA, GAC, or LGA) demonstrated potential as an emerging anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. The regulation of these enzymes, and the molecular basis for their inhibition, have been the focus of much recent research. This review will explore the recent progress in understanding the molecular basis for activation and inhibition of different forms of glutaminase, as well as the recent focus on combination therapies of glutaminase inhibitors with other anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Tien T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - William P Katt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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15
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The ferroptosis signature predicts the prognosis and immune microenvironment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1861. [PMID: 36732567 PMCID: PMC9895067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a cancer with a high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. Growing studies suggest that ferroptosis take part in the development of tumours. At the same time, the connection between ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and the prognosis of NPC remains unclear. In this study, we explored the dysregulated FRGs between normal control and tumour samples of NPC. Firstly, 14 of 36 differentially expressed FRGs were identified in NPC tissues compared to normal tissues, among which ABCC1, GLS2, CS and HMGCR were associated with poor prognosis for patients. The four ferroptosis genes were used for consensus cluster analysis and two risk-related FRGs (ABCC1 and GLS2) were used in a risk model. The ROC curve revealed the good predictive performance of this risk signature. Multivariate analysis revealed that risk score and intratumoral TILs were independent risk factors linked to prognosis. Additionally, our results suggested that the risk signature was attached to the immune microenvironment. Moreover, the NPC patients with high risk were sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs including axitinib, docetaxel, embelin, epothilone.B, parthenolide, thapsigargin, tipifarnib, vinorelbine. Finally, the expression of ABCC1 and GLS2 was validated in NPC tissues using immunohistochemistry. Together, these results revealed ferroptosis may be a potential biomarker in NPC and representing a promising future direction in prognosis and therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NPC.
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16
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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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17
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HPV16 E6 and E7 Oncoproteins Stimulate the Glutamine Pathway Maintaining Cell Proliferation in a SNAT1-Dependent Fashion. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020324. [PMID: 36851539 PMCID: PMC9964736 DOI: 10.3390/v15020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer establishment, where the viral oncogenes E6 and E7 promote a cancerous phenotype. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer involves alterations in glutamine metabolism, also named glutaminolysis, to provide energy for supporting cancer processes including migration, proliferation, and production of reactive oxygen species, among others. The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins on the regulation of glutaminolysis and its contribution to cell proliferation. We found that the E6 and E7 oncoproteins exacerbate cell proliferation in a glutamine-dependent manner. Both oncoproteins increased the levels of transporter SNAT1, as well as GLS2 and GS enzymes; E6 also increased LAT1 transporter protein levels, while E7 increased ASCT2 and xCT. Some of these alterations are also regulated at a transcriptional level. Consistently, the amount of SNAT1 protein decreased in Ca Ski cells when E6 and E7 expression was knocked down. In addition, we demonstrated that cell proliferation was partially dependent on SNAT1 in the presence of glutamine. Interestingly, SNAT1 expression was higher in cervical cancer compared with normal cervical cells. The high expression of SNAT1 was associated with poor overall survival of cervical cancer patients. Our results indicate that HPV oncoproteins exacerbate glutaminolysis supporting the malignant phenotype.
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18
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Zhou Z, Zhou Y, Liu D, Yang Q, Tang M, Liu W. Prognostic and immune correlation evaluation of a novel cuproptosis-related genes signature in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1074123. [PMID: 36588699 PMCID: PMC9795230 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1074123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the world's malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality. Cuproptosis is a novel form of cell death. However, the prognostic evaluation and immune relevance of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in HCC are largely unknown. In our study, we constructed a prognostic model of CRGs in HCC and performed immune infiltration, functional analysis, immune checkpoint and drug sensitivity analysis. Systematically elaborated the prognostic and immune correlation of CRGs in HCC. The results showed that 15 CRGs were up-regulated or down-regulated in HCC, and the mutation frequency of CRGs reached 10.33% in HCC, with CDKN2A having the highest mutation frequency. These 19 CRGs were mainly involved in the mitochondrion, immune response and metabolic pathways. Five selected genes (CDKN2A, DLAT, DLST, GLS, PDHA1) were involved in constructing a prognostic CRGs model that enables the overall survival in HCC patients to be predicted with moderate to high accuracy. Prognostic CRGs, especially CDKN2A, the independent factor of HCC prognosis, may be closely associated with immune-cell infiltration, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability(MSI), and immune checkpoints. CD274, CTLA4, LAG3, PDCD1, PDCD1LG2 and SIGLEC15 may be identified as potential therapeutic targets and CD274 correlated highly with prognostic genes. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical were performed to validate the mRNA and protein expression levels of CDKN2A in adjacent normal tissues and HCC tissues, and the results were consistent with gene difference analysis. In conclusion, CRGs, especially CDKN2A, may serve as potential prognostic predictors in HCC patients and provide novel insights into cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yusong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongbo Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qingping Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Mengjie Tang
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Wei Liu,
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19
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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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20
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Ragni M, Fornelli C, Nisoli E, Penna F. Amino Acids in Cancer and Cachexia: An Integrated View. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5691. [PMID: 36428783 PMCID: PMC9688864 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid tumor growth requires elevated biosynthetic activity, supported by metabolic rewiring occurring both intrinsically in cancer cells and extrinsically in the cancer host. The Warburg effect is one such example, burning glucose to produce a continuous flux of biomass substrates in cancer cells at the cost of energy wasting metabolic cycles in the host to maintain stable glycemia. Amino acid (AA) metabolism is profoundly altered in cancer cells, which use AAs for energy production and for supporting cell proliferation. The peculiarities in cancer AA metabolism allow the identification of specific vulnerabilities as targets of anti-cancer treatments. In the current review, specific approaches targeting AAs in terms of either deprivation or supplementation are discussed. Although based on opposed strategies, both show, in vitro and in vivo, positive effects. Any AA-targeted intervention will inevitably impact the cancer host, who frequently already has cachexia. Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome, also due to malnutrition, that compromises the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs and eventually causes the patient's death. AA deprivation may exacerbate malnutrition and cachexia, while AA supplementation may improve the nutritional status, counteract cachexia, and predispose the patient to a more effective anti-cancer treatment. Here is provided an attempt to describe the AA-based therapeutic approaches that integrate currently distant points of view on cancer-centered and host-centered research, providing a glimpse of several potential investigations that approach cachexia as a unique cancer disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Ragni
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Fornelli
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Enzo Nisoli
- Center for Study and Research on Obesity, Department of Biomedical Technology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Penna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy
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21
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Liu Y, Liu Y, Ye S, Feng H, Ma L. Development and validation of cuproptosis-related gene signature in the prognostic prediction of liver cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:985484. [PMID: 36033443 PMCID: PMC9413147 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.985484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a generic term referring to several cancer types arising from the liver. Every year, liver cancer causes lots of deaths and other burdens to the people all over the world. Though the techniques in the diagnosis and therapy of liver cancer have undergone significant advances, the current status of treating liver cancer is not satisfactory enough. The improvement of techniques for the prognosis of liver cancer patients will be a great supplement for the treatment of liver cancer. Cuproptosis is a newly identified regulatory cell death type, which may have a close connection to liver cancer pathology. Here, we developed a prognostic model for liver cancer based on the cuproptosis-related mRNAs and lncRNAs. This model can not only effectively predict the potential survival of liver cancer patients, but also be applied to evaluate the infiltration of immune cell, tumor mutation burden, and sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs in liver cancer. In addition, this model has been successfully validated in lots of liver cancer patients’ data. In summary, we wish this model can become a helpful tool for clinical use in the therapy of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqing Liu
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yang Liu
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shujun Ye
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huijin Feng
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lianjun Ma
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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22
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Chen Y. Identification and Validation of Cuproptosis-Related Prognostic Signature and Associated Regulatory Axis in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:912037. [PMID: 35937995 PMCID: PMC9353190 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.912037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is a common gynecological malignancy globally with high recurrence and mortality rates. Cuproptosis is a new type of programmed cell death involved in tumor cell proliferation and growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis.Methods: The difference in cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) between UCEC tissues and normal tissues deposited in The Cancer Genome Atlas database was calculated using the “limma” R package. LASSO Cox regression analysis was conducted to construct a prognostic cuproptosis–related signature. Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to compare the survival of UCEC patients. A ceRNA network was constructed to identify the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory axis. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to verify CRG expression in UCEC.Results: The expression of FDX1, LIAS, DLAT, and CDKN2A were upregulated, whereas the expression of LIPT1, DLD, PDHB, MTF1, and GLS were downregulated in UCEC versus normal tissues. The genetic mutation landscape of CRGs in UCEC was also summarized. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses revealed that these CRGs were enriched in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. LASSO Cox regression analysis was performed and identified a cuproptosis-related prognostic signature including these three prognostic biomarkers (CDKN2A, GLS, and LIPT1). UCEC patients with high risk scores had a poor prognosis with an area under the curve of 0.782 and 0.764 on 3- and 5-year receiver operating characteristic curves. Further analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between CDKN2A and pTNM stage, tumor grade, immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, tumor mutational burden (TMB) score, and microsatellite instable (MSI) score. The data validation of qRT-PCR further demonstrated the upregulation of CDKN2A and the downregulation of LIPT1 and GLS in UCEC versus normal tissues. The ceRNA network also identified lncRNA XIST/miR-125a-5p/CDKN2A regulatory axis for UCEC.Conclusion: The current study identified a cuproptosis-related prognostic signature including these three prognostic biomarkers (CDKN2A, GLS, and LIPT1) for UCEC. The ceRNA network also identified that lncRNA XIST/miR-125a-5p/CDKN2A regulatory axis may be involved in the progression of UCEC. Further in vivo and in vitro studies should be conducted to verify these results.
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23
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Sainero-Alcolado L, Liaño-Pons J, Ruiz-Pérez MV, Arsenian-Henriksson M. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism for precision medicine in cancer. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:1304-1317. [PMID: 35831624 PMCID: PMC9287557 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01022-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During decades, the research field of cancer metabolism was based on the Warburg effect, described almost one century ago. Lately, the key role of mitochondria in cancer development has been demonstrated. Many mitochondrial pathways including oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid, glutamine, and one carbon metabolism are altered in tumors, due to mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, as well as in metabolic enzymes. This results in metabolic reprogramming that sustains rapid cell proliferation and can lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species used by cancer cells to maintain pro-tumorigenic signaling pathways while avoiding cellular death. The knowledge acquired on the importance of mitochondrial cancer metabolism is now being translated into clinical practice. Detailed genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analysis of tumors are necessary to develop more precise treatments. The successful use of drugs targeting metabolic mitochondrial enzymes has highlighted the potential for their use in precision medicine and many therapeutic candidates are in clinical trials. However, development of efficient personalized drugs has proved challenging and the combination with other strategies such as chemocytotoxic drugs, immunotherapy, and ketogenic or calorie restriction diets is likely necessary to boost their potential. In this review, we summarize the main mitochondrial features, metabolic pathways, and their alterations in different cancer types. We also present an overview of current inhibitors, highlight enzymes that are attractive targets, and discuss challenges with translation of these approaches into clinical practice. The role of mitochondria in cancer is indisputable and presents several attractive targets for both tailored and personalized cancer therapy. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Sainero-Alcolado
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum B7, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Judit Liaño-Pons
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum B7, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - María Victoria Ruiz-Pérez
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum B7, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Arsenian-Henriksson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum B7, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Seo H, Kramer AC, McLendon BA, Cain JW, Burghardt RC, Wu G, Bazer FW, Johnson GA. Elongating porcine conceptuses can utilize Glutaminolysis as an Anaplerotic pathway to maintain the TCA cycle. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:823-833. [PMID: 35552608 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During the peri-implantation period of pregnancy, the trophectoderm of pig conceptuses utilize glucose via multiple biosynthetic pathways to support elongation and implantation, resulting in limited availability of pyruvate for metabolism via the TCA cycle. Therefore, we hypothesized that porcine trophectoderm cells replenish TCA cycle intermediates via a process known as anaplerosis, and that trophectoderm cells convert glutamine to α-ketoglutarate, a TCA cycle intermediate, through glutaminolysis. Results demonstrate: 1) that expression of glutaminase (GLS) increases in trophectoderm and glutamine synthetase (GLUL) increases in extra-embryonic endoderm of conceptuses, suggesting that extra-embryonic endoderm synthesizes glutamine, and trophectoderm converts glutamine into glutamate; and 2) that expression of glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1) decreases and expression of aminotransferases including PSAT1 increase in trophectoderm, suggesting that glutaminolysis occurs in the trophectoderm through the GLS-aminotransferase pathway during the peri-implantation period. We then incubated porcine conceptuses with 13C-glutamine in the presence or absence of glucose in the culture media, and then monitored the movement of glutamine-derived carbons through metabolic intermediates within glutaminolysis and the TCA cycle. The accumulation of 13C-labeled carbons significantly increased in glutamate, α-ketoglutarate, succinate, malate, citrate, and aspartate in the absence of glucose in the media. Collectively, our results indicate that during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy, the proliferating and migrating trophectoderm cells of elongating porcine conceptuses utilize glutamine via glutaminolysis as an alternate carbon source to maintain TCA cycle flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heewon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Avery C Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Bryan A McLendon
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Joe W Cain
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Greg A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
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Nava GM, Madrigal Perez LA. Metabolic profile of the Warburg effect as a tool for molecular prognosis and diagnosis of cancer. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:439-447. [PMID: 35395916 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2065196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adaptations of eukaryotic cells to environmental changes are important for their survival. However, under some circumstances, microenvironmental changes promote that eukaryotic cells utilize a metabolic signature resembling a unicellular organism named the Warburg effect. Most cancer cells share the Warburg effect displaying lactic fermentation and high glucose uptake. The Warburg effect also induces a metabolic rewiring stimulating glutamine consumption and lipid synthesis, also considered cancer hallmarks. Amino acid metabolism alteration due to the Warburg effect increases plasma levels of proline and branched-chain amino acids in several cancer types. Proline and lipids are probably used as electron transfer molecules in carcinogenic cells. In addition, branched-chain amino acids fuel the Krebs cycle, protein synthesis, and signaling in cancer cells. AREAS COVERED This review covers how metabolomics studies describe changes in some metabolites and proteins associated with the Warburg effect and related metabolic pathways. EXPERT OPINION In this review, we analyze the metabolic signature of the Warburg effect and related phenotypes and propose some Warburg effect-related metabolites and proteins (lactate, glucose uptake, glucose transporters, glutamine, branched-chain amino acids, proline, and some lipogenic enzymes) as promising cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo M Nava
- Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro, 76010, México
| | - Luis Alberto Madrigal Perez
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/ Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Ciudad Hidalgo, Av. Ing. Carlos Rojas Gutiérrez #2120, Ciudad Hidalgo, Michoacán, 61100, México
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de Geus V, Ewing-Graham PC, de Koning W, de Koning MNC, van den Bosch TPP, Nigg AL, van Eijck CHJ, Jozwiak M, van Beekhuizen HJ, Mustafa DAM. Identifying Molecular Changes in Early Cervical Cancer Samples of Patients That Developed Metastasis. Front Oncol 2022; 11:715077. [PMID: 35087740 PMCID: PMC8787153 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.715077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. Patients diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer have a good prognosis, however, 10-20% suffer from local or distant recurrent disease after primary treatment. Treatment options for recurrent cervical cancer are limited. Therefore, it is crucial to identify factors that can predict patients with an increased risk of recurrence to optimize treatment to prevent the recurrence of cervical cancer. We aimed to identify biomarkers in early-stage primary cervical cancer which recurred after surgery. Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded surgical specimens of 34 patients with early-stage cervical cancer (FIGO 2009 stage 1B1) and 7 healthy controls were analyzed. Targeted gene expression profiling using the PanCancer IO 360 panel of NanoString Technology was performed. The findings were confirmed by performing immunohistochemistry stainings. Various genes, namely GLS, CD36, WNT5a, HRAS, DDB2, PIK3R2, and CDH2 were found to be differentially highly expressed in primary cervical cancer samples of patients who developed distant recurrence. In addition, The relative infiltration score of CD8+ T cells, CD80+CD86+ macrophages, CD163+MRC1+ macrophages, and FOXP3+IL2RA+ regulatory T cells were significantly higher in this group of samples. In contrast, no significant differences in gene expression and relative immune infiltration were found in samples of patients who developed local recurrence. The infiltration of CD8 and FOXP3 cells were validated by immunohistochemistry using all samples included in the study. We identified molecular alterations in primary cervical cancer samples from patients who developed recurrent disease. These findings can be utilized towards developing a molecular signature for the early detection of patients with a high risk to develop metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera de Geus
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Tumor Immuno-Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Willem de Koning
- Department of Pathology, Tumor Immuno-Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Clinical Bioinformatics Unit, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maurits N C de Koning
- Department of Research & Development Services, Delft Diagnostic Laboratory (DDL) Diagnostic Laboratory, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | | | - Alex L Nigg
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Casper H J van Eijck
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marta Jozwiak
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Dana A M Mustafa
- Department of Pathology, Tumor Immuno-Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Troisi J, Tafuro M, Lombardi M, Scala G, Richards SM, Symes SJK, Ascierto PA, Delrio P, Tatangelo F, Buonerba C, Pierri B, Cerino P. A Metabolomics-Based Screening Proposal for Colorectal Cancer. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020110. [PMID: 35208185 PMCID: PMC8878838 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a high incidence disease, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Early diagnosis remains challenging because fecal occult blood screening tests have performed sub-optimally, especially due to hemorrhoidal, inflammatory, and vascular diseases, while colonoscopy is invasive and requires a medical setting to be performed. The objective of the present study was to determine if serum metabolomic profiles could be used to develop a novel screening approach for colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the study evaluated the metabolic alterations associated with the disease. Untargeted serum metabolomic profiles were collected from 100 CRC subjects, 50 healthy controls, and 50 individuals with benign colorectal disease. Different machine learning models, as well as an ensemble model based on a voting scheme, were built to discern CRC patients from CTRLs. The ensemble model correctly classified all CRC and CTRL subjects (accuracy = 100%) using a random subset of the cohort as a test set. Relevant metabolites were examined in a metabolite-set enrichment analysis, revealing differences in patients and controls primarily associated with cell glucose metabolism. These results support a potential use of the metabolomic signature as a non-invasive screening tool for CRC. Moreover, metabolic pathway analysis can provide valuable information to enhance understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cancer. Further studies with larger cohorts, including blind trials, could potentially validate the reported results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Troisi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
- Theoreo srl, Via degli Ulivi 3, 84090 Montecorvino Pugliano, Italy; (M.L.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: or (J.T.); (B.P.)
| | - Maria Tafuro
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.T.); (C.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Martina Lombardi
- Theoreo srl, Via degli Ulivi 3, 84090 Montecorvino Pugliano, Italy; (M.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Giovanni Scala
- Theoreo srl, Via degli Ulivi 3, 84090 Montecorvino Pugliano, Italy; (M.L.); (G.S.)
- Hosmotic srl, Via R. Bosco 178, 80069 Vico Equense, Italy
| | - Sean M. Richards
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, 960 East Third Street, Suite 100, 902 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA; (S.M.R.); (S.J.K.S.)
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
| | - Steven J. K. Symes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, 960 East Third Street, Suite 100, 902 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA; (S.M.R.); (S.J.K.S.)
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
| | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Pascale IRCCS, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (P.A.A.); (P.D.); (F.T.)
| | - Paolo Delrio
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Pascale IRCCS, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (P.A.A.); (P.D.); (F.T.)
| | - Fabiana Tatangelo
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Pascale IRCCS, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (P.A.A.); (P.D.); (F.T.)
| | - Carlo Buonerba
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.T.); (C.B.); (P.C.)
| | - Biancamaria Pierri
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.T.); (C.B.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence: or (J.T.); (B.P.)
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l’Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy; (M.T.); (C.B.); (P.C.)
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Salah RA, Nasr MA, El-Derby AM, Abd Elkodous M, Mohamed RH, El-Ekiaby N, Osama A, Elshenawy SE, Hamad MHM, Magdeldin S, Gabr MM, Abdelaziz AI, El-Badri NS. Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line-microenvironment induced cancer-associated phenotype, genotype and functionality in mesenchymal stem cells. Life Sci 2022; 288:120168. [PMID: 34826437 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120168] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown promise in liver cancer treatment. However, when MSCs are recruited to hepatic site of injury, they acquire cancerous promoting phenotype. AIMS To assess the influence of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment on human adipose MSCs (hA-MSCs) and predict hA-MSCs intracellular miRNAs role. MATERIALS AND METHODS After indirect co-culturing with Huh-7 cells, hA-MSCs were characterized via cell cycle profile, proliferation and migration potentials by MTT and scratch assays respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of deregulated proteins and miRNA targets was also analyzed. KEY FINDINGS Co-cultured hA-MSCs could acquire a cancer-associated phenotype as shown by upregulation of CAF, cancer markers, and downregulation of differentiation markers. Migration of these cancer-associated cells was increased concomitantly with upregulation of adhesion molecules, but not epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers. Co-cultured cells showed increased proliferation confirmed by downregulation in cell percentage in G0/G1, G2/M and upregulation in S phases of cell cycle. Upregulation of miR-17-5p and 615-5p in co-cultured hA-MSCs was also observed. Functional enrichment analysis of dysregulated proteins in co-cultured hA-MSCs, including our selected miRNAs targets, showed their involvement in development of cancer-associated characteristics. SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests an interaction between tumor cells and surrounding stromal components to generate cancer associated phenotype of some CAF-like characteristics, known to favor cancer progression. This sheds the light on the use of hA-MSCs in HCC therapy. hA-MSCs modulation may be partially achieved via dysregulation of intracellular miR17-5P and 615-5p expression, suggesting an important role for miRNAs in HCC pathogenesis, and as a possible therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ayman Salah
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Nasr
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Azza M El-Derby
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - M Abd Elkodous
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Rania Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nada El-Ekiaby
- School of Medicine NewGiza University (NGU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya Osama
- Proteomics and metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children Cancer Hospital Egypt, 57357 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shimaa E Elshenawy
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | | | - Sameh Magdeldin
- Proteomics and metabolomics Research Program, Basic Research Department, Children Cancer Hospital Egypt, 57357 Cairo, Egypt; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Gabr
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Nagwa S El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt.
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Gouda G, Gupta MK, Donde R, Behera L, Vadde R. Metabolic pathway-based target therapy to hepatocellular carcinoma: a computational approach. THERANOSTICS AND PRECISION MEDICINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA, VOLUME 2 2022:83-103. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98807-0.00003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
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Basheer HA, Elsalem L, Salem A, Tailor A, Hunter K, Afarinkia K. The Expression of Glutaminases and their Association with Clinicopathological Parameters in the Head and Neck Cancers. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 22:169-179. [PMID: 34951574 DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666211224111425] [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: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increased glutamine metabolism is a characteristic feature of cancer cells. The interconversion between glutamine and glutamate is catalyzed by two glutaminase isoforms, GLS1 and GLS2, which appear to have different roles in different types of cancer. We investigated for the first time the protein expression of GLS1 and GLS2, and their correlation with advanced clinicopathological parameters in head and neck cancers. METHOD Consecutive slides from a tissue microarray comprised of 80 samples ranging from normal to metastatic, were stained immunohistochemically for GLS1, GLS2, HIF-1α or CD147. Following analysis by two expert pathologists we carried out statistical analysis of the scores. RESULTS GLS1 and GLS2 are upregulated at protein level in head and neck tumours compared to normal tissues and this increased expression correlated positively (GLS1) and negatively (GLS2) with tumor grade, indicating a shift of expression between GLS enzyme isoforms based on tumor differentiation. Increased expression of GLS1 was associated with high CD147 expression; and elevated GLS2 expression was associated with both high CD147 and high HIF-1α expressions. The correlation of the GLS1 and GLS2 with HIF-1α or CD147 was strongly associated with more advanced clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSION The increased expression of GLS1 and GLS2 may be explored as a new treatment for head and neck cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneen A Basheer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, PO Box 132222, Zarqa 13132, Jordan
| | - Lina Elsalem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Anwar Salem
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom. 4School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Artysha Tailor
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Hunter
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Kamyar Afarinkia
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
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Gonçalves AC, Richiardone E, Jorge J, Polónia B, Xavier CPR, Salaroglio IC, Riganti C, Vasconcelos MH, Corbet C, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB. Impact of cancer metabolism on therapy resistance - Clinical implications. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 59:100797. [PMID: 34955385 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite an increasing arsenal of anticancer therapies, many patients continue to have poor outcomes due to the therapeutic failures and tumor relapses. Indeed, the clinical efficacy of anticancer therapies is markedly limited by intrinsic and/or acquired resistance mechanisms that can occur in any tumor type and with any treatment. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to implement fundamental changes in the tumor treatment paradigm by the development of new experimental strategies that can help to predict the occurrence of clinical drug resistance and to identify alternative therapeutic options. Apart from mutation-driven resistance mechanisms, tumor microenvironment (TME) conditions generate an intratumoral phenotypic heterogeneity that supports disease progression and dismal outcomes. Tumor cell metabolism is a prototypical example of dynamic, heterogeneous, and adaptive phenotypic trait, resulting from the combination of intrinsic [(epi)genetic changes, tissue of origin and differentiation dependency] and extrinsic (oxygen and nutrient availability, metabolic interactions within the TME) factors, enabling cancer cells to survive, metastasize and develop resistance to anticancer therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding metabolism-based mechanisms conferring adaptive resistance to chemo-, radio-and immunotherapies as well as targeted therapies. Furthermore, we report the role of TME-mediated intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity in therapy resistance and how adaptations in amino acid, glucose, and lipid metabolism support the growth of therapy-resistant cancers and/or cellular subpopulations. We also report the intricate interplay between tumor signaling and metabolic pathways in cancer cells and discuss how manipulating key metabolic enzymes and/or providing dietary changes may help to eradicate relapse-sustaining cancer cells. Finally, in the current era of personalized medicine, we describe the strategies that may be applied to implement metabolic profiling for tumor imaging, biomarker identification, selection of tailored treatments and monitoring therapy response during the clinical management of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elena Richiardone
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Belgium
| | - Joana Jorge
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Polónia
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Torino, Italy
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Belgium.
| | - Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), FMUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Hematology Service, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal.
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Blockade of glutamine-dependent cell survival augments antitumor efficacy of CPI-613 in head and neck cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:393. [PMID: 34906193 PMCID: PMC8670127 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in metabolism are one of the emerging hallmarks of cancer cells and targeting dysregulated cancer metabolism provides a new approach to developing more selective therapeutics. However, insufficient blockade critical metabolic dependencies of cancer allows the development of metabolic bypasses, thus limiting therapeutic benefits. METHODS A series of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and animal models were used to determine the efficacy of CPI-613 and CB-839 when given alone or in combination. Glutaminase 1 (GLS1) depletion was achieved by lentiviral shRNAs. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined in HNSCC cells cultured in 2D culture dish and SeedEZ™ 3D scaffold. Molecular alterations were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Metabolic changes were assessed by glucose uptake, lactate production, glutathione levels, and oxygen consumption rate. RESULTS We show here that HNSCC cells display strong addiction to glutamine. CPI-613, a novel lipoate analog, redirects cellular activity towards tumor-promoting glutaminolysis, leading to low anticancer efficacy in HNSCC cells. Mechanistically, CPI-613 inhibits the tricarboxylic acid cycle by blocking the enzyme activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, which upregulates GLS1 and eventually promotes the compensatory role of glutaminolysis in cancer cell survival. Most importantly, the addition of a GLS1 inhibitor CB-839 to CPI-613 treatment abrogates the metabolic dependency of HNSCC cells on glutamine, achieving a synergistic anticancer effect in glutamine-addicted HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS These findings uncover the critical role of GLS1-mediated glutaminolysis in CPI-613 treatment and suggest that the CB-839 and CPI-613 combination may potentiate synergistic anticancer activity for HNSCC therapeutic gain.
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Chen J, Huang J, Huang Q, Li J, Chen E, Xu W. RASA4 inhibits the HIFα signaling pathway to suppress proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Bioengineered 2021; 12:10723-10733. [PMID: 34752201 PMCID: PMC8809920 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2002499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS p21 protein activator 4 (RASA4) has been recognized as a Ca2+-promoted Ras–MAPK pathway suppressor that inhibits tumor growth. However, the role of RASA4 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) remains unclear. The mRNA levels of RASA4 were analyzed using the GEO and GEPIA databases. Kaplan–Meier analysis and ROC analyses were conducted to determine the prognostic and diagnostic values for patients from the TCGA-CSCE cohort. The CCK8 and colony assays were performed to assess the impact of RASA4 ectopic expression and gene inactivation on tumor cell proliferation. In vivo experiments were performed. Luciferase reporter assays and LW6 (a HIFα inhibitor) were employed to verify the regulatory relationship between RASA4 and the HIFa signaling pathway. The GEPIA and GEO database analysis demonstrated poorly expressed RASA4 in the CESC tissues relative to that in the noncancerous tissues. Based on the TCGA database, poorly expressed RASA4 signified high prognostic and diagnostic values. Ectopically expressed RASA4 weakened the proliferative potential of HeLa cells, whereas RASA4 genetic inactivation produced the opposite impact in the HeLa and C-33A cells. The promoting effect of RASA4 deficiency on tumourigenesis was also recorded in vivo. Subsequently, RASA4 negatively regulated the HIFα-driven luciferase activities and weakened the expression of survivin. Meanwhile, LW6 treatment abrogated the increased proliferation of HeLa cells, as well as the increased expression of survivin by RASA4 depletion. Our findings indicated that RASA4 can inhibit the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by inactivating the HIFα signaling pathway, suggesting novel prospects for targeted therapy against CESC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning City, China
| | - Jinbing Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning City, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning City, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning City, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Cenxi City, Cenxi city, China
| | - Erling Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning City, China
| | - Wensheng Xu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning City, China
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Saha SK, Islam SMR, Saha T, Nishat A, Biswas PK, Gil M, Nkenyereye L, El-Sappagh S, Islam MS, Cho SG. Prognostic role of EGR1 in breast cancer: a systematic review. BMB Rep 2021. [PMID: 34488929 PMCID: PMC8560464 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2021.54.10.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
EGR1 (early growth response 1) is dysregulated in many cancers and exhibits both tumor suppressor and promoter activities, making it an appealing target for cancer therapy. Here, we used a systematic multiomics analysis to review the expression of EGR1 and its role in regulating clinical outcomes in breast cancer (BC). EGR1 expression, its promoter methylation, and protein expression pattern were assessed using various publicly available tools. COSMIC-based somatic mutations and cBioPortal-based copy number alterations were analyzed, and the prognostic roles of EGR1 in BC were determined using Prognoscan and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. We also used bc-GenEx-Miner to investigate the EGR1 co-expression profile. EGR1 was more often downregulated in BC tissues than in normal breast tissue, and its knockdown was positively correlated with poor survival. Low EGR1 expression levels were also associated with increased risk of ER+, PR+, and HER2-BCs. High positive correlations were observed among EGR1, DUSP1, FOS, FOSB, CYR61, and JUN mRNA expression in BC tissue. This systematic review suggested that EGR1 expression may serve as a prognostic marker for BC patients and that clinicopathological parameters influence its prognostic utility. In addition to EGR1, DUSP1, FOS, FOSB, CYR61, and JUN can jointly be considered prognostic indicators for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subbroto Kumar Saha
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - S. M. Riazul Islam
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea
| | - Tripti Saha
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Afsana Nishat
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Polash Kumar Biswas
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Minchan Gil
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Lewis Nkenyereye
- Department of Computer and Information Security, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea
| | - Shaker El-Sappagh
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Intelixentes (CiTIUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Md. Saiful Islam
- School of Information and Communication Technology, Griffith University, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
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Prognostic value of glutaminase 1 in breast cancer depends on H3K27me3 expression and menopausal status. Virchows Arch 2021; 480:259-267. [PMID: 34562173 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03210-6] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminase 1 (GLS) is a therapeutic target for breast cancer; although GLS inhibitors have been developed, only a few subjects responded well to the therapy. Considering that the expression of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and menopausal status was closely linked to GLS, we examined the effects of H3K27me3 and menopausal status on GLS to breast cancer prognosis. Data for 962 women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer were analyzed. H3K27me3 and GLS expression in tumors were evaluated with tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival and progression-free survival were estimated using Cox regression models. Statistical interaction was assessed on multiplicative scale. There was a beneficial prognostic effect of GLS expression on overall survival for those with low H3K27me3 level (HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.20-1.28) but an adverse prognostic effect for those with high H3K27me3 level (HR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.29-11.78) among premenopausal women, and the statistical interaction was significant (Pinteraction = 0.003). Similar pattern was further observed for progression-free survival (HR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.95 for low H3K27me3 level, HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.74-2.48 for high H3K27me3 level, Pinteraction = 0.024). The statistical interaction did not occur among postmenopausal women. Our study showed that the prognostic effects of GLS on breast cancer correlated to the expression level of H3K27me3 and menopausal status, which would help optimize the medication strategies of GLS inhibitors.
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Li X, Zhu H, Sun W, Yang X, Nie Q, Fang X. Role of glutamine and its metabolite ammonia in crosstalk of cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:479. [PMID: 34503536 PMCID: PMC8427881 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant cells in the tumor microenvironment, play an indispensable role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and metabolism. The limitations of traditional treatments can be partly attributed to the lack of understanding of the role of the tumor stroma. For this reason, CAF targeting is gradually gaining attention, and many studies are trying to overcome the limitations of tumor treatment with CAF as a breakthrough. Glutamine (GLN) has been called a “nitrogen reservoir” for cancer cells because of its role in supporting anabolic processes such as fuel proliferation and nucleotide synthesis, but ammonia is a byproduct of the metabolism of GLN and other nitrogenous compounds. Moreover, in some studies, GLN has been reported as a fundamental nitrogen source that can support tumor biomass. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on the role of GLN and ammonia in the crosstalk between CAFs and cancer cells as well as the potential therapeutic implications of nitrogen metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongming Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixuan Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingru Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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Li JY, Li CJ, Lin LT, Tsui KH. Multi-Omics Analysis Identifying Key Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer. Cancer Control 2021; 27:1073274820976671. [PMID: 33297760 PMCID: PMC8480361 DOI: 10.1177/1073274820976671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. Here, we aimed to study the expression and function of the CREB1 gene in ovarian cancer via the bioinformatic analyses of multiple databases. Previously, the prognosis of ovarian cancer was based on single-factor or single-gene studies. In this study, different bioinformatics tools (such as TCGA, GEPIA, UALCAN, MEXPRESS, and Metascape) have been used to assess the expression and prognostic value of the CREB1 gene. We used the Reactome and cBioPortal databases to identify and analyze CREB1 mutations, copy number changes, expression changes, and protein-protein interactions. By analyzing data on the CREB1 differential expression in ovarian cancer tissues and normal tissues from 12 studies collected from the "Human Protein Atlas" database, we found a significantly higher expression of CREB1 in normal ovarian tissues. Using this database, we collected information on the expression of 25 different CREB-related proteins, including TP53, AKT1, and AKT3. The enrichment of these factors depended on tumor metabolism, invasion, proliferation, and survival. Individualized tumors based on gene therapy related to prognosis have become a new possibility. In summary, we established a new type of prognostic gene profile for ovarian cancer using the tools of bioinformatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yueh Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung.,Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung.,Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung
| | - Li-Te Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung.,Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung.,Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei.,Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung County
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Ma C, Li F, Luo H. Prognostic and immune implications of a novel ferroptosis-related ten-gene signature in lung adenocarcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1058. [PMID: 34422970 PMCID: PMC8339871 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-7936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Lung cancer has been the focus of attention for many researchers in recent years due to its leading contribution to cancer-related death worldwide, with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) being the most common histological type. Ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, can be induced by sorafenib. Emerging evidence shows that triggering ferroptosis has potential as a cancer therapy. This work aimed to build a ferroptosis-related gene signature for predicting the outcome of LUAD. Methods The TCGA-LUAD dataset was set as the training cohort, and the GSE72094 and GSE68465 datasets were set as the validation cohorts. Sixty-two ferroptosis-related genes were retrieved from the literature. A univariate Cox regression model was constructed for the training cohort to preliminarily screen for potential prognostic ferroptosis-related genes. A gene signature was generated from a LASSO Cox regression model and assessed with the training and validation cohorts through Kaplan-Meier, Cox, and ROC analyses. In addition, the correlation between the risk score and autophagy-related genes was determined by the Pearson test. Finally, GSEA and immune infiltrating analyses were performed to better study the functional annotation of the signature and the role of each kind of immune cell. Results A ten-gene signature was constructed from the training cohort and validated in three cohorts by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses, revealing its independent prognostic value in LUAD. Moreover, a ROC analysis conducted with all cohort data confirmed the predictive ability of the ten-gene signature for LUAD prognosis. A total of 62.85% (308/490) of autophagy-related genes were found to be significantly correlated with risk scores. GSEA detailed the exact pathways related to the gene signature, and immune-infiltrating analyses identified crucial roles for resting mast cells and resting dendritic cells in the prognosis of LUAD. Conclusions We identified a novel ferroptosis-related ten-gene signature (PHKG2, PGD, PEBP1, NCOA4, GLS2, CISD1, ATP5G3, ALOX15, ALOX12B, and ACSL3) that can accurately predict LUAD prognosis and is closely linked to resting mast cells and resting dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Feng Li
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Surgery, Competence Center of Thoracic Surgery, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Huan Luo
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Masisi BK, El Ansari R, Alfarsi L, Craze ML, Jewa N, Oldfield A, Cheung H, Toss M, Rakha EA, Green AR. The Biological and Clinical Significance of Glutaminase in Luminal Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13163963. [PMID: 34439127 PMCID: PMC8391318 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Certain nutrients are needed by cancers to grow. Some breast cancers need the nutrient glutamine to grow and without it they don’t grow as quickly. In this study, we wanted to know the role of an enzyme, glutaminase, which is a substance produced by the body that breaks down glutamine so it can be used by cancers to grow. This enzyme occurs as two different types but we don’t know what their roles are in breast cancer. We therefore looked at the two types of enzyme in over 7000 breast cancers. We found that patients with high amounts of enzyme in early forms of breast cancer died earlier. Therefore, this enzyme has an important role in breast cancer and could be used to identify cancers which will get worse. We also think that using a drug to stop this enzyme will stop cancers growing. More studies are needed to confirm this. Abstract The glutamine metabolism has a key role in the regulation of uncontrolled tumour growth. This study aimed to evaluate the expression and prognostic significance of glutaminase in luminal breast cancer (BC). The glutaminase isoforms (GLS/GLS2) were assessed at genomic/transcriptomic levels, using METABRIC (n = 1398) and GeneMiner datasets (n = 4712), and protein using immunohistochemistry in well-characterised cohorts of Oestrogen receptor-positive/HER2-negative BC patients: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; n = 206) and invasive breast cancer (IBC; n = 717). Glutaminase expression was associated with clinicopathological features, patient outcome and glutamine-metabolism-related genes. In DCIS, GLS alone and GLS+/GLS2- expression were risk factors for shorter local recurrence-free interval (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and remained prognostic factors independent of tumour size, grade and comedo necrosis (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.003, respectively). In IBC, GLS gene copy number gain with high mRNA expression was associated with poor patient outcome (p = 0.011), whereas high GLS2 protein was predictive of a longer disease-free survival (p = 0.006). Glutaminase plays a role in the biological function of luminal BC, particularly GLS in the early non-invasive stage, which could be used as a potential biomarker to predict disease progression and a target for inhibition. Further validation is required to confirm these observations, and functional assessments are needed to explore their specific roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendah K. Masisi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Rokaya El Ansari
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Lutfi Alfarsi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Madeleine L. Craze
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Natasha Jewa
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Andrew Oldfield
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Hayley Cheung
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Michael Toss
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Emad A. Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Andrew R. Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (B.K.M.); (R.E.A.); (L.A.); (M.L.C.); (N.J.); (A.O.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (E.A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-1158231407
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Anzai T, Saijou S, Ohnuki Y, Kurosawa H, Yasunaga M, Matsumura Y. TMEM180 contributes to SW480 human colorectal cancer cell proliferation through intra-cellular metabolic pathways. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101186. [PMID: 34332338 PMCID: PMC8335657 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
TMEM180, a novel colon cancer-specific protein with a 12-transmembrane topology, is upregulated at low oxygen. Previously, we established a humanized monoclonal antibody against TMEM180 aimed at clinical trials. Prior to such trials, it is necessary to clarify the function of TMEM180 in cancer. To compare SW480 human colon cancer cells and their TMEM180-knockdown derivatives, we analyzed proliferation and oxygen consumption, and also performed phosphorylation proteomics, metabolomics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The preliminary results revealed that TMEM180 appeared to promote the growth of colon cancer but had almost no effect on oxygen consumption or expression of phosphorylated proteins. By contrast, glycolysis differed dramatically between SW480 and TMEM180-knockdown cells. The NGS analysis revealed that TMEM180 promotes enzyme expression in nitric oxide (NO) synthesis system, suggesting that it promotes glucose and glutamine metabolism, thereby contributing to cancer growth. Overall, the results of this study warrant further basic studies of TMEM180 molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Anzai
- Division of Developmental Therapeutics, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
| | - Shinji Saijou
- Division of Developmental Therapeutics, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan; Research division, RIN Institute Inc, 2-5-10, Shintomi, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0041, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Ohnuki
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, 4-4-37, Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kurosawa
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, 4-4-37, Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yasunaga
- Division of Developmental Therapeutics, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Matsumura
- Division of Developmental Therapeutics, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan; Research division, RIN Institute Inc, 2-5-10, Shintomi, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0041, Japan; Department of Immune Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
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Hu XM, Li ZX, Lin RH, Shan JQ, Yu QW, Wang RX, Liao LS, Yan WT, Wang Z, Shang L, Huang Y, Zhang Q, Xiong K. Guidelines for Regulated Cell Death Assays: A Systematic Summary, A Categorical Comparison, A Prospective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:634690. [PMID: 33748119 PMCID: PMC7970050 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.634690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, the field of regulated cell death continues to expand and novel mechanisms that orchestrate multiple regulated cell death pathways are being unveiled. Meanwhile, researchers are focused on targeting these regulated pathways which are closely associated with various diseases for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. However, the complexity of the mechanisms and the difficulties of distinguishing among various regulated types of cell death make it harder to carry out the work and delay its progression. Here, we provide a systematic guideline for the fundamental detection and distinction of the major regulated cell death pathways following morphological, biochemical, and functional perspectives. Moreover, a comprehensive evaluation of different assay methods is critically reviewed, helping researchers to make a reliable selection from among the cell death assays. Also, we highlight the recent events that have demonstrated some novel regulated cell death processes, including newly reported biomarkers (e.g., non-coding RNA, exosomes, and proteins) and detection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Min Hu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rui-Han Lin
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia-Qi Shan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing-Wei Yu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rui-Xuan Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lv-Shuang Liao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei-Tao Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lei Shang
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanxia Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
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Wang Z, Liu F, Fan N, Zhou C, Li D, Macvicar T, Dong Q, Bruns CJ, Zhao Y. Targeting Glutaminolysis: New Perspectives to Understand Cancer Development and Novel Strategies for Potential Target Therapies. Front Oncol 2020; 10:589508. [PMID: 33194749 PMCID: PMC7649373 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.589508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism rewiring is an important hallmark of cancers. Being one of the most abundant free amino acids in the human blood, glutamine supports bioenergetics and biosynthesis, tumor growth, and the production of antioxidants through glutaminolysis in cancers. In glutamine dependent cancer cells, more than half of the tricarboxylic/critic acid (TCA) metabolites are derived from glutamine. Glutaminolysis controls the process of converting glutamine into TCA cycle metabolites through the regulation of multiple enzymes, among which the glutaminase shows the importance as the very first step in this process. Targeting glutaminolysis via glutaminase inhibition emerges as a promising strategy to disrupt cancer metabolism and tumor progression. Here, we review the regulation of glutaminase and the role of glutaminase in cancer metabolism and metastasis. Furthermore, we highlight the glutaminase inhibitor based metabolic therapy strategy and their potential applications in clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhefang Wang
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fanyu Liu
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ningbo Fan
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Chenghui Zhou
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Macvicar
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Qiongzhu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Farhadi P, Yarani R, Dokaneheifard S, Mansouri K. The emerging role of targeting cancer metabolism for cancer therapy. Tumour Biol 2020; 42:1010428320965284. [PMID: 33028168 DOI: 10.1177/1010428320965284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose, as the main consuming nutrient of the body, faces different destinies in cancer cells. Glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and pentose phosphate pathways produce different glucose-derived metabolites and thus affect cells' bioenergetics differently. Tumor cells' dependency to aerobic glycolysis and other cancer-specific metabolism changes are known as the cancer hallmarks, distinct cancer cells from normal cells. Therefore, these tumor-specific characteristics receive the limelight as targets for cancer therapy. Glutamine, serine, and fatty acid oxidation together with 5-lipoxygenase are main pathways that have attracted lots of attention for cancer therapy. In this review, we not only discuss different tumor metabolism aspects but also discuss the metabolism roles in the promotion of cancer cells at different stages and their difference with normal cells. Besides, we dissect the inhibitors potential in blocking the main metabolic pathways to introduce the effective and non-effective inhibitors in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Farhadi
- Medical Biology Research Center, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Reza Yarani
- Translational Type 1 Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Sadat Dokaneheifard
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research Center, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Take Advantage of Glutamine Anaplerosis, the Kernel of the Metabolic Rewiring in Malignant Gliomas. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101370. [PMID: 32993063 PMCID: PMC7599606 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in the metabolism of proliferating cells including neoplastic cells. In the central nervous system (CNS), glutamine metabolism is particularly relevant, because the glutamine-glutamate cycle is a way of controlling the production of glutamate-derived neurotransmitters by tightly regulating the bioavailability of the amino acids in a neuron-astrocyte metabolic symbiosis-dependent manner. Glutamine-related metabolic adjustments have been reported in several CNS malignancies including malignant gliomas that are considered ‘glutamine addicted’. In these tumors, glutamine becomes an essential amino acid preferentially used in energy and biomass production including glutathione (GSH) generation, which is crucial in oxidative stress control. Therefore, in this review, we will highlight the metabolic remodeling that gliomas undergo, focusing on glutamine metabolism. We will address some therapeutic regimens including novel research attempts to target glutamine metabolism and a brief update of diagnosis strategies that take advantage of this altered profile. A better understanding of malignant glioma cell metabolism will help in the identification of new molecular targets and the design of new therapies.
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Metabolic Signaling Cascades Prompted by Glutaminolysis in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092624. [PMID: 32937954 PMCID: PMC7565600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Within the last few years, accumulating evidences suggest the involvement of altered metabolisms in human diseases including cancer. Metabolism is defined as the sum of biochemical processes in living organisms that produce and consume energy. Tumor growth requires restructuring of cellular metabolism to meet the increasing demand for building blocks to support the ever-increasing cancer cell numbers. The principle of perturbed metabolism in tumors is known for 50–60 years, it regains greater appreciation within the last few years with the realization that there is interdependency between metabolism and all aspects of cellular function including regulation and control of cell growth. Tumor cells do not need stimulation signals from the surrounding environment to promote cell proliferation; in some cases, the tumor cells can generate their own growth signals. In order to support the continuous tumor cell growth even under stressful conditions, a change in metabolism is necessary to fulfill the continuous demand for energy and building blocks. A better understanding of the relationship between tumor environment and altered cell metabolisms will provide valuable insights to design innovative approaches to limit the supply of energy and macromolecules for the treatment of cancer including melanoma. Abstract Aberrant glutamatergic signaling has been implicated in altered metabolic activity and the demand to synthesize biomass in several types of cancer including melanoma. In the last decade, there has been a significant contribution to our understanding of metabolic pathways. An increasing number of studies are now emphasizing the importance of glutamate functioning as a signaling molecule and a building block for cancer progression. To that end, our group has previously illustrated the role of glutamatergic signaling mediated by metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (GRM1) in neoplastic transformation of melanocytes in vitro and spontaneous development of metastatic melanoma in vivo. Glutamate, the natural ligand of GRM1, is one of the most abundant amino acids in humans and the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Elevated levels of glutaminolytic mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates, especially glutamate, have been reported in numerous cancer cells. Herein, we highlight and critically review metabolic bottlenecks that are prevalent during tumor evolution along with therapeutic implications of limiting glutamate bioavailability in tumors.
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Vadlakonda L, Indracanti M, Kalangi SK, Gayatri BM, Naidu NG, Reddy ABM. The Role of Pi, Glutamine and the Essential Amino Acids in Modulating the Metabolism in Diabetes and Cancer. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2020; 19:1731-1775. [PMID: 33520860 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-020-00566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Re-examine the current metabolic models. Methods Review of literature and gene networks. Results Insulin activates Pi uptake, glutamine metabolism to stabilise lipid membranes. Tissue turnover maintains the metabolic health. Current model of intermediary metabolism (IM) suggests glucose is the source of energy, and anaplerotic entry of fatty acids and amino acids into mitochondria increases the oxidative capacity of the TCA cycle to produce the energy (ATP). The reduced cofactors, NADH and FADH2, have different roles in regulating the oxidation of nutrients, membrane potentials and biosynthesis. Trans-hydrogenation of NADH to NADPH activates the biosynthesis. FADH2 sustains the membrane potential during the cell transformations. Glycolytic enzymes assume the non-canonical moonlighting functions, enter the nucleus to remodel the genetic programmes to affect the tissue turnover for efficient use of nutrients. Glycosylation of the CD98 (4F2HC) stabilises the nutrient transporters and regulates the entry of cysteine, glutamine and BCAA into the cells. A reciprocal relationship between the leucine and glutamine entry into cells regulates the cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis and homeostasis in cells. Insulin promotes the Pi transport from the blood to tissues, activates the mitochondrial respiratory activity, and glutamine metabolism, which activates the synthesis of cholesterol and the de novo fatty acids for reorganising and stabilising the lipid membranes for nutrient transport and signal transduction in response to fluctuations in the microenvironmental cues. Fatty acids provide the lipid metabolites, activate the second messengers and protein kinases. Insulin resistance suppresses the lipid raft formation and the mitotic slippage activates the fibrosis and slow death pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meera Indracanti
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Suresh K Kalangi
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity University Haryana, Amity Education Valley Pachgaon, Manesar, Gurugram, HR 122413 India
| | - B Meher Gayatri
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046 India
| | - Navya G Naidu
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046 India
| | - Aramati B M Reddy
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046 India
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Matés JM, Campos-Sandoval JA, de Los Santos-Jiménez J, Márquez J. Glutaminases regulate glutathione and oxidative stress in cancer. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2603-2623. [PMID: 32681190 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapies against cancer have improved both survival and quality of life of patients. However, metabolic rewiring evokes cellular mechanisms that reduce therapeutic mightiness. Resistant cells generate more glutathione, elicit nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, and overexpress many anti-oxidative genes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxin reductase, providing stronger antioxidant capacity to survive in a more oxidative environment due to the sharp rise in oxidative metabolism and reactive oxygen species generation. These changes dramatically alter tumour microenvironment and cellular metabolism itself. A rational design of therapeutic combination strategies is needed to flatten cellular homeostasis and accomplish a drop in cancer development. Context-dependent glutaminase isoenzymes show oncogenic and tumour suppressor properties, being mainly associated to MYC and p53, respectively. Glutaminases catalyze glutaminolysis in mitochondria, regulating oxidative phosphorylation, redox status and cell metabolism for tumour growth. In addition, the substrate and product of glutaminase reaction, glutamine and glutamate, respectively, can work as signalling molecules moderating redox and bioenergetic pathways in cancer. Novel synergistic approaches combining glutaminase inhibition and redox-dependent modulation are described in this review. Pharmacological or genetic glutaminase regulation along with oxidative chemotherapy can help to improve the design of combination strategies that escalate the rate of therapeutic success in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
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Narvaez CJ, Grebenc D, Balinth S, Welsh JE. Vitamin D regulation of HAS2, hyaluronan synthesis and metabolism in triple negative breast cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 201:105688. [PMID: 32360595 PMCID: PMC8432753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its ligand 1,25(OH)2D3 (1,25D) exert anti-tumor effects, but considerable heterogeneity has been reported in different model systems. In general, cell lines derived from aggressive tumor subtypes such as Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) express low levels of VDR and are less sensitive to 1,25D than those derived from more differentiated tumor types. We have previously reported that 1,25D inhibits hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2) expression and hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis in murine TNBC cells. Here we confirmed the inhibitory effect of 1,25D on HA synthesis in human Hs578T cells representative of the mesenchymal/stem-like (MSL) subtype of TNBC. Because HA synthesis requires the production of hexoses for incorporation into HA, we predicted that the high HA production characteristic of Hs578T cells would require sustained metabolic changes through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP). We thus examined metabolic gene expression in Hs578T cell variants sorted for High (HAHigh) and Low (HALow) HA production, and the ability of 1,25D to reverse these adaptive changes. HAHigh populations exhibited elevated HA production, smaller size, increased proliferation and higher motility than HALow populations. Despite their more aggressive phenotype, HAHigh populations retained expression of VDR protein at levels comparable to that of parental Hs578T cells and HALow subclones. Treatment with 1,25D decreased production of HA in both HAHigh and HALow populations. We also found that multiple metabolic enzymes were aberrantly expressed in HAHigh cells, especially those involved in glutamine and glucose metabolism. Notably, Glutaminase (GLS), a known oncogene for breast cancer, was strongly upregulated in HAHigh vs. HALow cells and its expression was significantly reduced by 1,25D (100 nM, 24 h). Consistent with this finding, Seahorse extracellular flux analysis indicated that respiration in HAHigh cells was significantly more dependent on exogenous glutamine than HALow cells, however, acute 1,25D exposure did not alter metabolic flux. In contrast to GLS, the glutamate transporter SLC1A7 was significantly reduced in HAHigh cells compared to HALow cells and its expression was enhanced by 1,25D. These findings support the concept that 1,25D can reverse the metabolic gene expression changes associated with HA production in cancer cells with aggressive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Narvaez
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States.
| | - D Grebenc
- Department of Biochemistry, Queens University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - S Balinth
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - J E Welsh
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
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Metabolic Reprogramming in Metastatic Melanoma with Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapies: Integrative Metabolomic and Proteomic Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051323. [PMID: 32455924 PMCID: PMC7280989 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051323] [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: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatments of metastatic melanoma underwent an impressive development over the past few years, with the emergence of small molecule inhibitors targeting mutated proteins, such as BRAF, NRAS, or cKIT. However, since a significant proportion of patients acquire resistance to these therapies, new strategies are currently being considered to overcome this issue. For this purpose, melanoma cell lines with mutant BRAF, NRAS, or cKIT and with acquired resistances to BRAF, MEK, or cKIT inhibitors, respectively, were investigated using both 1H-NMR-based metabonomic and protein microarrays. The 1H-NMR profiles highlighted a similar go and return pattern in the metabolism of the BRAF, NRAS, and cKIT mutated cell lines. Indeed, melanoma cells exposed to mutation-specific inhibitors underwent metabolic disruptions following acute exposure but partially recovered their basal metabolism in long-term exposure, most likely acquiring resistance skills. The protein microarrays inquired about the potential cellular mechanisms used by the resistant cells to escape drug treatment, by showing decreased levels of proteins linked to the drug efficacy, especially in the downstream part of the MAPK signaling pathway. Integrating metabonomic and proteomic findings revealed some metabolic pathways (i.e., glutaminolysis, choline metabolism, glutathione production, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation) and key proteins (i.e., EPHA2, DUSP4, and HIF-1A) as potential targets to discard drug resistance.
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Non-Coding RNAs as Key Regulators of Glutaminolysis in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082872. [PMID: 32326003 PMCID: PMC7216265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit exacerbated metabolic activity to maintain their accelerated proliferation and microenvironmental adaptation in order to survive under nutrient-deficient conditions. Tumors display an increase in glycolysis, glutaminolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis, which provide their energy source. Glutamine is critical for fundamental cellular processes, where intermediate metabolites produced through glutaminolysis are necessary for the maintenance of mitochondrial metabolism. These include antioxidants to remove reactive oxygen species, and the generation of the nonessential amino acids, purines, pyrimidines and fatty acids required for cellular replication and the activation of cell signaling. Some cancer cells are highly dependent on glutamine consumption since its catabolism provides an anaplerotic pathway to feed the Krebs cycle. Intermediate members of the glutaminolysis pathway have been found to be deregulated in several types of cancers and have been proposed as therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers. This review summarizes the main players in the glutaminolysis pathway, how they have been found to be deregulated in cancer and their implications for cancer maintenance. Furthermore, non-coding RNAs are now recognized as new participants in the regulation of glutaminolysis; therefore, their involvement in glutamine metabolism in cancer is discussed in detail.
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