1
|
Duan X, Zhang T, Feng L, de Silva N, Greenspun B, Wang X, Moyer J, Martin ML, Chandwani R, Elemento O, Leach SD, Evans T, Chen S, Pan FC. A pancreatic cancer organoid platform identifies an inhibitor specific to mutant KRAS. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:71-88.e8. [PMID: 38151022 PMCID: PMC11022279 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations, mainly G12D and G12V, are found in more than 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases. The success of drugs targeting KRASG12C suggests the potential for drugs specifically targeting these alternative PDAC-associated KRAS mutations. Here, we report a high-throughput drug-screening platform using a series of isogenic murine pancreatic organoids that are wild type (WT) or contain common PDAC driver mutations, representing both classical and basal PDAC phenotypes. We screened over 6,000 compounds and identified perhexiline maleate, which can inhibit the growth and induce cell death of pancreatic organoids carrying the KrasG12D mutation both in vitro and in vivo and primary human PDAC organoids. scRNA-seq analysis suggests that the cholesterol synthesis pathway is upregulated specifically in the KRAS mutant organoids, including the key cholesterol synthesis regulator SREBP2. Perhexiline maleate decreases SREBP2 expression levels and reverses the KRAS mutant-induced upregulation of the cholesterol synthesis pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Duan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lingling Feng
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Neranjan de Silva
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Benjamin Greenspun
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xing Wang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jenna Moyer
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Laura Martin
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rohit Chandwani
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven D Leach
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Fong Cheng Pan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fu X, Wang Z. DHCR24 in Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment: A Comprehensive Review. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241259780. [PMID: 38847653 PMCID: PMC11162140 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241259780] [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] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
As an important nutrient in the human body, cholesterol can not only provide structural components for the body's cells, but also can be transformed into a variety of active substances to regulate cell signaling pathways. As an important cholesterol synthase, DHCR24 participates in important regulatory processes in the body. The application of DHCR24 in tumor clinical diagnosis and treatment also attracts much attention. This article reviews the structure and regulatory characteristics of DHCR24, and the research of DHCR24 on tumor progression. We summarize the possible mechanisms of DHCR24 promoting tumor progression through reactive oxygen species (ROS), p53, Ras and PI3K-AKT pathways. Through our review, we hope to provide more research ideas and reference value for the application of DHCR24 in tumor prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaosong Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Y, Amrutkar M, Finstadsveen AV, Dalen KT, Verbeke CS, Gladhaug IP. Fatty acids abrogate the growth-suppressive effects induced by inhibition of cholesterol flux in pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:276. [PMID: 37978383 PMCID: PMC10657020 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite therapeutic advances, the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains extremely poor. Metabolic reprogramming is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to tumor progression and therapy resistance in PDAC. One of the main metabolic changes essential for tumor growth is altered cholesterol flux. Targeting cholesterol flux appears an attractive therapeutic approach, however, the complex regulation of cholesterol balance in PDAC cells remains poorly understood. METHODS The lipid content in human pancreatic duct epithelial (HPDE) cells and human PDAC cell lines (BxPC-3, MIA PaCa-2, and PANC-1) was determined. Cells exposed to eight different inhibitors targeting different regulators of lipid flux, in the presence or absence of oleic acid (OA) stimulation were assessed for changes in viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Intracellular content and distribution of cholesterol was assessed. Lastly, proteome profiling of PANC-1 exposed to the sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1) inhibitor avasimibe, in presence or absence of OA, was performed. RESULTS PDAC cells contain more free cholesterol but less cholesteryl esters and lipid droplets than HPDE cells. Exposure to different lipid flux inhibitors increased cell death and suppressed proliferation, with different efficiency in the tested PDAC cell lines. Avasimibe had the strongest ability to suppress proliferation across the three PDAC cell lines. All inhibitors showing cell suppressive effect disturbed intracellular cholesterol flux and increased cholesterol aggregation. OA improved overall cholesterol balance, reduced free cholesterol aggregation, and reversed cell death induced by the inhibitors. Treatment with avasimibe changed the cellular proteome substantially, mainly for proteins related to biosynthesis and metabolism of lipids and fatty acids, apoptosis, and cell adhesion. Most of these changes were restored by OA. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals that disturbing the cholesterol flux by inhibiting the actions of its key regulators can yield growth suppressive effects on PDAC cells. The presence of fatty acids restores intracellular cholesterol balance and abrogates the alternations induced by cholesterol flux inhibitors. Taken together, targeting cholesterol flux might be an attractive strategy to develop new therapeutics against PDAC. However, the impact of fatty acids in the tumor microenvironment must be taken into consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchuan Li
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Manoj Amrutkar
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Knut Tomas Dalen
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, The Norwegian Transgenic Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Caroline S Verbeke
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ivar P Gladhaug
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khalifa A, Guijarro A, Ravera S, Bertola N, Adorni MP, Papotti B, Raffaghello L, Benelli R, Becherini P, Namatalla A, Verzola D, Reverberi D, Monacelli F, Cea M, Pisciotta L, Bernini F, Caffa I, Nencioni A. Cyclic fasting bolsters cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors' anticancer activity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6951. [PMID: 37907500 PMCID: PMC10618279 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42652-1] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying oncological applications for drugs that are already approved for other medical indications is considered a possible solution for the increasing costs of cancer treatment. Under the hypothesis that nutritional stress through fasting might enhance the antitumour properties of at least some non-oncological agents, by screening drug libraries, we find that cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors (CBIs), including simvastatin, have increased activity against cancers of different histology under fasting conditions. We show fasting's ability to increase CBIs' antitumour effects to depend on the reduction in circulating insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin, which blunts the expression of enzymes from the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and enhances cholesterol efflux from cancer cells. Ultimately, low cholesterol levels through combined fasting and CBIs reduce AKT and STAT3 activity, oxidative phosphorylation and energy stores in the tumour. Our results support further studies of CBIs in combination with fasting-based dietary regimens in cancer treatment and highlight the value of fasting for drug repurposing in oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amr Khalifa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ana Guijarro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nadia Bertola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Adorni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - Bianca Papotti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Lizzia Raffaghello
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Benelli
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pamela Becherini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Asmaa Namatalla
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Verzola
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Reverberi
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Monacelli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Cea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Livia Pisciotta
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Bernini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Irene Caffa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rebelo A, Kleeff J, Sunami Y. Cholesterol Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5177. [PMID: 37958351 PMCID: PMC10650553 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215177] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer's substantial impact on cancer-related mortality, responsible for 8% of cancer deaths and ranking fourth in the US, persists despite advancements, with a five-year relative survival rate of only 11%. Forecasts predict a 70% surge in new cases and a 72% increase in global pancreatic cancer-related deaths by 2040. This review explores the intrinsic metabolic reprogramming of pancreatic cancer, focusing on the mevalonate pathway, including cholesterol biosynthesis, transportation, targeting strategies, and clinical studies. The mevalonate pathway, central to cellular metabolism, significantly shapes pancreatic cancer progression. Acetyl coenzyme A (Acetyl-CoA) serves a dual role in fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis, fueling acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) development. Enzymes, including acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase, 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) synthase, and HMG-CoA reductase, are key enzymes in pancreatic cancer. Inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, e.g., by using statins, shows promise in delaying PanIN progression and impeding pancreatic cancer. Dysregulation of cholesterol modification, uptake, and transport significantly impacts tumor progression, with Sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1) driving cholesterol ester (CE) accumulation and disrupted low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression contributing to cancer recurrence. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) expression in tumor stroma influences immune suppression. Clinical trials targeting cholesterol metabolism, including statins and SOAT1 inhibitors, exhibit potential anti-tumor effects, and combination therapies enhance efficacy. This review provides insights into cholesterol metabolism's convergence with pancreatic cancer, shedding light on therapeutic avenues and ongoing clinical investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yoshiaki Sunami
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, University Medical Center Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle, Germany; (A.R.); (J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Korade Z, Anderson A, Balog M, Tallman KA, Porter NA, Mirnics K. Chronic Aripiprazole and Trazodone Polypharmacy Effects on Systemic and Brain Cholesterol Biosynthesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1321. [PMID: 37759721 PMCID: PMC10526910 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091321] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The concurrent use of several medications is a common practice in the treatment of complex psychiatric conditions. One such commonly used combination is aripiprazole (ARI), an antipsychotic, and trazodone (TRZ), an antidepressant. In addition to their effects on dopamine and serotonin systems, both of these compounds are inhibitors of the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) enzyme. To evaluate the systemic and nervous system distribution of ARI and TRZ and their effects on cholesterol biosynthesis, adult mice were treated with both ARI and TRZ for 21 days. The parent drugs, their metabolites, and sterols were analyzed in the brain and various organs of mice using LC-MS/MS. The analyses revealed that ARI, TRZ, and their metabolites were readily detectable in the brain and organs, leading to changes in the sterol profile. The levels of medications, their metabolites, and sterols differed across tissues with notable sex differences. Female mice showed higher turnover of ARI and more cholesterol clearance in the brain, with several post-lanosterol intermediates significantly altered. In addition to interfering with sterol biosynthesis, ARI and TRZ exposure led to decreased ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) and increased DHCR7 protein expression in the cortex. Changes in sterol profile have been also identified in the spleen, liver, and serum, underscoring the systemic effect of ARI and TRZ on sterol biosynthesis. Long-term use of concurrent ARI and TRZ warrants further studies to fully evaluate the lasting consequences of altered sterol biosynthesis on the whole body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeljka Korade
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Allison Anderson
- Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA;
| | - Marta Balog
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Keri A. Tallman
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; (K.A.T.); (N.A.P.)
| | - Ned A. Porter
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; (K.A.T.); (N.A.P.)
| | - Karoly Mirnics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Reiss AB, De Leon J. Special Issue on "Advances in Cholesterol and Lipid Metabolism". Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12080765. [PMID: 36005636 PMCID: PMC9413280 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12080765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol and lipid metabolism is a broad topic that encompasses multiple aspects of cellular function in every organ [...].
Collapse
|