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Deng H, Xie K, Hu L, Liu X, Li Q, Xie D, Xiang F, Liu W, Zheng W, Xiao S, Zheng J, Tan X. Polyamine Derived Photosensitizer: A Novel Approach for Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer. Molecules 2024; 29:4277. [PMID: 39275124 PMCID: PMC11397399 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29174277] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyamines play a pivotal role in cancer cell proliferation. The excessive polyamine requirement of these malignancies is satisfied through heightened biosynthesis and augmented extracellular uptake via the polyamine transport system (PTS) present on the cell membrane. Meanwhile, photodynamic therapy (PDT) emerges as an effective anti-cancer treatment devoid of drug resistance. Recognizing these intricacies, our study devised a novel polyamine-derived photosensitizer (PS) for targeted photodynamic treatment, focusing predominantly on pancreatic cancer cells. We synthesized and evaluated novel spermine-derived fluorescent probes (N2) and PS (N3), exhibiting selectivity towards pancreatic cancer cells via PTS. N3 showed minimal dark toxicity but significant phototoxicity upon irradiation, effectively causing cell death in vitro. A significant reduction in tumor volume was observed post-treatment with no pronounced dark toxicity using the pancreatic cancer CDX mouse model, affirming the therapeutic potential of N3. Overall, our findings introduce a promising new strategy for cancer treatment, highlighting the potential of polyamine-derived PSs in PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443003, China
| | - Ke Xie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443003, China
| | - Liling Hu
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443003, China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Qingyun Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Donghui Xie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Fengyi Xiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443003, China
| | - Weihong Zheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Shuzhang Xiao
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Jun Zheng
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443003, China
| | - Xiao Tan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443003, China
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2
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Malhotra P, Palanisamy R, Caparros-Martin JA, Falasca M. Bile Acids and Microbiota Interplay in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3573. [PMID: 37509236 PMCID: PMC10377396 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests the involvement of the microbiota, including oral, intra-tumoral and gut, in pancreatic cancer progression and response to therapy. The gut microbiota modulates the bile acid pool and is associated with maintaining host physiology. Studies have shown that the bile acid/gut microbiota axis is dysregulated in pancreatic cancer. Bile acid receptor expression and bile acid levels are dysregulated in pancreatic cancer as well. Studies have also shown that bile acids can cause pancreatic cell injury and facilitate cancer cell proliferation. The microbiota and its metabolites, including bile acids, are also altered in other conditions considered risk factors for pancreatic cancer development and can alter responses to chemotherapeutic treatments, thus affecting patient outcomes. Altogether, these findings suggest that the gut microbial and/or bile acid profiles could also serve as biomarkers for pancreatic cancer detection. This review will discuss the current knowledge on the interaction between gut microbiota interaction and bile acid metabolism in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Malhotra
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Ranjith Palanisamy
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | | | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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3
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Quantitative Metabolomics to Explore the Role of Plasma Polyamines in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010101. [PMID: 36613539 PMCID: PMC9820724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major public health and socio-economic problems, which management demands the development of non-invasive screening tests. Assessment of circulating polyamines could be a valuable tool, although analytical problems still preclude its clinical practice. We exploited ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, as a highly sensitive and innovative method, to profile eleven polyamines, including spermine and spermidine with their acetylated forms. These data together with an evaluation of the inflammatory indexes might represent suitable biomarkers for the identification of CRC patients. The statistical models revealed good discrimination in distinguishing CRC patients from healthy subjects. The plasma assessment of ornithine and acetylspermine, as well as lymphocyte/platelet ratio, revealed helpful information on the progression of CRC. The combined profiles of circulating polyamines and inflammatory indexes, together with the application of an innovative technology, could represent a valuable tool for discriminating patients from different clinical groups.
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Islam A, Shaukat Z, Hussain R, Gregory SL. One-Carbon and Polyamine Metabolism as Cancer Therapy Targets. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121902. [PMID: 36551330 PMCID: PMC9775183 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metabolic reprogramming is essential for maintaining cancer cell survival and rapid replication. A common target of this metabolic reprogramming is one-carbon metabolism which is notable for its function in DNA synthesis, protein and DNA methylation, and antioxidant production. Polyamines are a key output of one-carbon metabolism with widespread effects on gene expression and signaling. As a result of these functions, one-carbon and polyamine metabolism have recently drawn a lot of interest for their part in cancer malignancy. Therapeutic inhibitors that target one-carbon and polyamine metabolism have thus been trialed as anticancer medications. The significance and future possibilities of one-carbon and polyamine metabolism as a target in cancer therapy are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anowarul Islam
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | - Zeeshan Shaukat
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | - Rashid Hussain
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | - Stephen L. Gregory
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-0466987583
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Dobrovolskaite A, Moots H, Tantak MP, Shah K, Thomas J, Dinara S, Massaro C, Hershberger PM, Maloney PR, Peddibhotla S, Sugarman E, Litherland S, Arnoletti JP, Jha RK, Levens D, Phanstiel O. Discovery of Anthranilic Acid Derivatives as Difluoromethylornithine Adjunct Agents That Inhibit Far Upstream Element Binding Protein 1 (FUBP1) Function. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15391-15415. [PMID: 36382923 PMCID: PMC10512781 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Polyamine biosynthesis is regulated by ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), which is transcriptionally activated by c-Myc. A large library was screened to find molecules that potentiate the ODC inhibitor, difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). Anthranilic acid derivatives were identified as DFMO adjunct agents. Further studies identified the far upstream binding protein 1 (FUBP1) as the target of lead compound 9. FUBP1 is a single-stranded DNA/RNA binding protein and a master controller of specific genes including c-Myc and p21. We showed that 9 does not inhibit 3H-spermidine uptake yet works synergistically with DFMO to limit cell growth in the presence of exogenous spermidine. Compound 9 was also shown to inhibit the KH4 FUBP1-FUSE interaction in a gel shift assay, bind to FUBP1 in a ChIP assay, reduce both c-Myc mRNA and protein expression, increase p21 mRNA and protein expression, and deplete intracellular polyamines. This promising hit opens the door to new FUBP1 inhibitors with increased potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiste Dobrovolskaite
- University of Central Florida, Biomolecular Research Annex, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Holly Moots
- University of Central Florida, Biomolecular Research Annex, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Mukund P Tantak
- University of Central Florida, Biomolecular Research Annex, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Kunal Shah
- University of Central Florida, Biomolecular Research Annex, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Jenna Thomas
- University of Central Florida, Biomolecular Research Annex, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Sharifa Dinara
- University of Central Florida, Biomolecular Research Annex, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Chelsea Massaro
- University of Central Florida, Biomolecular Research Annex, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Paul M Hershberger
- Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, 6400 Sanger Road, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Patrick R Maloney
- Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, 6400 Sanger Road, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | | | - Eliot Sugarman
- Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, 6400 Sanger Road, Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Sally Litherland
- Advent Health Cancer Institute, 2520 North Orange Ave, Suite 104, Orlando, Florida 32804, United States
| | - Juan Pablo Arnoletti
- Advent Health Cancer Institute, 2520 North Orange Ave, Suite 104, Orlando, Florida 32804, United States
| | - Rajiv Kumar Jha
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 2N106, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1500, United States
| | - David Levens
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 2N106, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1500, United States
| | - Otto Phanstiel
- University of Central Florida, Biomolecular Research Annex, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
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Guo Z, Zhang X, Lin C, Huang Y, Zhong Y, Guo H, Zheng Z, Weng S. METTL3-IGF2BP3-axis mediates the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer by regulating spermine synthase m6A modification. Front Oncol 2022; 12:962204. [PMID: 36276112 PMCID: PMC9582246 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.962204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermine synthase (SMS) is an enzyme participating in polyamine synthesis; however, its function and role in pancreatic cancer remains elusive. Here we report that SMS is upregulated in pancreatic cancer and predicts a worse overall survival and significantly promotes the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells. Excessive SMS reduces the accumulation of spermidine by converting spermidine into spermine, which activates the phosphorylation of serine/threonine kinase (AKT) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, SMS was identified as the direct target of both methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) and insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), which directly bind to the m6A modification sites of SMS and inhibit mRNA degradation. Knockdown of METTL3 or IGF2BP3 significantly reduced the SMS protein expression and inhibited the migration of pancreatic cancer. We propose a novel regulatory mechanism in which the METTL3-IGF2BP3 axis mediates the mRNA degradation of SMS in an m6A-dependent manner to regulate spermine/spermidine conversion, which regulates AKT phosphorylation and EMT activation, thereby inducing tumor progression and migration in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyun Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chengjie Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yun Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hailing Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhou Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shangeng Weng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shangeng Weng,
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7
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Szlasa W, Zendran I, Zalesińska A, Tarek M, Kulbacka J. Lipid composition of the cancer cell membrane. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:321-342. [PMID: 32715369 PMCID: PMC7520422 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09846-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cell possesses numerous adaptations to resist the immune system response and chemotherapy. One of the most significant properties of the neoplastic cells is the altered lipid metabolism, and consequently, the abnormal cell membrane composition. Like in the case of phosphatidylcholine, these changes result in the modulation of certain enzymes and accumulation of energetic material, which could be used for a higher proliferation rate. The changes are so prominent, that some lipids, such as phosphatidylserines, could even be considered as the cancer biomarkers. Additionally, some changes of biophysical properties of cell membranes lead to the higher resistance to chemotherapy, and finally to the disturbances in signalling pathways. Namely, the increased levels of certain lipids, like for instance phosphatidylserine, lead to the attenuation of the immune system response. Also, changes in lipid saturation prevent the cells from demanding conditions of the microenvironment. Particularly interesting is the significance of cell membrane cholesterol content in the modulation of metastasis. This review paper discusses the roles of each lipid type in cancer physiology. The review combined theoretical data with clinical studies to show novel therapeutic options concerning the modulation of cell membranes in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Iga Zendran
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Mounir Tarek
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LPCT, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
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Oncobiosis and Microbial Metabolite Signaling in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051068. [PMID: 32344895 PMCID: PMC7281526 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers in both men and women, with a median five-year survival of around 5%. Therefore, pancreatic adenocarcinoma represents an unmet medical need. Neoplastic diseases, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, often are associated with microbiome dysbiosis, termed oncobiosis. In pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the oral, duodenal, ductal, and fecal microbiome become dysbiotic. Furthermore, the pancreas frequently becomes colonized (by Helicobacter pylori and Malassezia, among others). The oncobiomes from long- and short-term survivors of pancreatic adenocarcinoma are different and transplantation of the microbiome from long-term survivors into animal models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma prolongs survival. The oncobiome in pancreatic adenocarcinoma modulates the inflammatory processes that drive carcinogenesis. In this review, we point out that bacterial metabolites (short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, polyamines, indole-derivatives, etc.) also have a role in the microbiome-driven pathogenesis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Finally, we show that bacterial metabolism and the bacterial metabolome is largely dysregulated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The pathogenic role of additional metabolites and metabolic pathways will be identified in the near future, widening the scope of this therapeutically and diagnostically exploitable pathogenic pathway in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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Massaro C, Thomas J, Ikhlef H, Dinara S, Cronk S, Moots H, Phanstiel O. Serendipitous Discovery of Leucine and Methionine Depletion Agents during the Search for Polyamine Transport Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:2814-2832. [PMID: 32069402 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Targeting polyamine metabolism is a proven anticancer strategy. Cancers often escape the polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors by increased polyamine import. Therefore, there is much interest in identifying polyamine transport inhibitors (PTIs) to be used in combination therapies. In a search for new PTIs, we serendipitously discovered a LAT-1 efflux agonist, which induces intracellular depletion of methionine, leucine, spermidine, and spermine, but not putrescine. Because S-adenosylmethioninamine is made from methionine, a loss of intracellular methionine leads to an inability to biosynthesize spermidine, and spermine. Importantly, we found that this methionine-depletion approach to polyamine depletion could not be rescued by exogenous polyamines, thereby obviating the need for a PTI. Using 3H-leucine (the gold standard for LAT-1 transport studies) and JPH-203 (a specific LAT-1 inhibitor), we showed that the efflux agonist did not inhibit the uptake of extracellular leucine but instead facilitated the efflux of intracellular leucine pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Massaro
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida 12722 Research Parkway Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Jenna Thomas
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida 12722 Research Parkway Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Houssine Ikhlef
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida 12722 Research Parkway Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Sharifa Dinara
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida 12722 Research Parkway Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Sara Cronk
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida 12722 Research Parkway Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Holly Moots
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida 12722 Research Parkway Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
| | - Otto Phanstiel
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida 12722 Research Parkway Orlando, Florida 32827, United States
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Alpha-Difluoromethylornithine, an Irreversible Inhibitor of Polyamine Biosynthesis, as a Therapeutic Strategy against Hyperproliferative and Infectious Diseases. Med Sci (Basel) 2018; 6:medsci6010012. [PMID: 29419804 PMCID: PMC5872169 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The fluorinated ornithine analog α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, eflornithine, ornidyl) is an irreversible suicide inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the first and rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis. The ubiquitous and essential polyamines have many functions, but are primarily important for rapidly proliferating cells. Thus, ODC is potentially a drug target for any disease state where rapid growth is a key process leading to pathology. The compound was originally discovered as an anticancer drug, but its effectiveness was disappointing. However, DFMO was successfully developed to treat African sleeping sickness and is currently one of few clinically used drugs to combat this neglected tropical disease. The other Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved application for DFMO is as an active ingredient in the hair removal cream Vaniqa. In recent years, renewed interest in DFMO for hyperproliferative diseases has led to increased research and promising preclinical and clinical trials. This review explores the use of DFMO for the treatment of African sleeping sickness and hirsutism, as well as its potential as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent against colorectal cancer and neuroblastoma.
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