1
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Wang X, Yang C, Huang C, Wang W. Dysfunction of the carnitine cycle in tumor progression. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35961. [PMID: 39211923 PMCID: PMC11357771 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35961] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The carnitine cycle is responsible for the transport of cytoplasmic fatty acids to the mitochondria for subsequent β-oxidation to maintain intracellular energy homeostasis. Recent studies have identified abnormalities in the carnitine cycle in various types of tumors; these abnormalities include the altered expression levels of carnitine cycle-related metabolic enzymes and transport proteins. Dysfunction of the carnitine cycle has been shown to influence tumorigenesis and progression by altering intracellular oxidative and inflammatory status or regulating tumor metabolic flexibility. Many therapeutic strategies targeting the carnitine cycle are actively being explored to modify the dysfunction of the carnitine cycle in patients with malignant tumors; such approaches include carnitine cycle-related enzyme inhibitors and exogenous carnitine supplementation. Therefore, here, we review the studies of carnitine in tumors, aiming to scientifically illustrate the dysfunction of the carnitine cycle in tumor progression and provide new ideas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Chuanxin Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
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2
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Galluccio M, Tripicchio M, Pochini L. The Human OCTN Sub-Family: Gene and Protein Structure, Expression, and Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8743. [PMID: 39201429 PMCID: PMC11354717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168743] [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: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OCTN1 and OCTN2 are membrane transport proteins encoded by the SLC22A4 and SLC22A5 genes, respectively. Even though several transcripts have been predicted by bioinformatics for both genes, only one functional protein isoform has been described for each of them. Both proteins are ubiquitous, and depending on the physiopathological state of the cell, their expression is regulated by well-known transcription factors, although some aspects have been neglected. A plethora of missense variants with uncertain clinical significance are reported both in the dbSNP and the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) databases for both genes. Due to their involvement in human pathologies, such as inflammatory-based diseases (OCTN1/2), systemic primary carnitine deficiency (OCTN2), and drug disposition, it would be interesting to predict the impact of variants on human health from the perspective of precision medicine. Although the lack of a 3D structure for these two transport proteins hampers any speculation on the consequences of the polymorphisms, the already available 3D structures for other members of the SLC22 family may provide powerful tools to perform structure/function studies on WT and mutant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Galluccio
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4c, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
| | - Martina Tripicchio
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4c, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4c, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology (IBIOM), National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
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3
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Miao K, Xia X, Zou Y, Shi B. Small Scale, Big Impact: Nanotechnology-Enhanced Drug Delivery for Brain Diseases. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3777-3799. [PMID: 39038108 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00387] [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] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases, ranging from brain cancers to neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and acute conditions such as strokes, have been heavily burdening healthcare and have a direct impact on patient quality of life. A significant hurdle in developing effective treatments is the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a highly selective barrier that prevents most drugs from reaching the brain. The tight junctions and adherens junctions between the endothelial cells and various receptors expressed on the cells make the BBB form a nonfenestrated and highly selective structure that is crucial for brain homeostasis but complicates drug delivery. Nanotechnology offers a novel pathway to circumvent this barrier, with nanoparticles engineered to ferry drugs across the BBB, protect drugs from degradation, and deliver medications to the designated area. After years of development, nanoparticle optimization, including sizes, shapes, surface modifications, and targeting ligands, can enable nanomaterials tailored to specific brain drug delivery settings. Moreover, smart nano drug delivery systems can respond to endogenous and exogenous stimuli that control subsequent drug release. Here, we address the importance of the BBB in brain disease treatment, summarize different delivery routes for brain drug delivery, discuss the cutting-edge nanotechnology-based strategies for brain drug delivery, and further offer valuable insights into how these innovations in nanoparticle technology could revolutionize the treatment of CNS diseases, presenting a promising avenue for noninvasive, targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiting Miao
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Human Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Xue Xia
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Human Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Yan Zou
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Human Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Human Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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4
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Vujic E, Ferguson SS, Brouwer KLR. Effects of PFAS on human liver transporters: implications for health outcomes. Toxicol Sci 2024; 200:213-227. [PMID: 38724241 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae061] [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: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become internationally recognized over the past three decades as persistent organic pollutants used in the production of various consumer and industrial goods. Research efforts continue to gauge the risk that historically used, and newly produced, PFAS may cause to human health. Numerous studies report toxic effects of PFAS on the human liver as well as increased serum cholesterol levels in adults. A major concern with PFAS, also dubbed "forever chemicals," is that they accumulate in the liver and kidney and persist in serum. The mechanisms responsible for their disposition and excretion in humans are poorly understood. A better understanding of the interaction of PFAS with liver transporters, as it pertains to the disposition of PFAS and other xenobiotics, could provide mechanistic insight into human health effects and guide efforts toward risk assessment of compounds in development. This review summarizes the current state of the literature on the emerging relationships (eg, substrates, inhibitors, modulators of gene expression) between PFAS and specific hepatic transporters. The adaptive and toxicological responses of hepatocytes to PFAS that reveal linkages to pathologies and epidemiological findings are highlighted. The evidence suggests that our understanding of the molecular landscape of PFAS must improve to determine their impact on the expression and function of hepatocyte transporters that play a key role in PFAS or other xenobiotic disposition. From here, we can assess what role these changes may have in documented human health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ena Vujic
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephen S Ferguson
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kim L R Brouwer
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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5
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Pochini L, Galluccio M, Console L, Scalise M, Eberini I, Indiveri C. Inflammation and Organic Cation Transporters Novel (OCTNs). Biomolecules 2024; 14:392. [PMID: 38672410 PMCID: PMC11048549 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040392] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a physiological condition characterized by a complex interplay between different cells handled by metabolites and specific inflammatory-related molecules. In some pathological situations, inflammation persists underlying and worsening the pathological state. Over the years, two membrane transporters namely OCTN1 (SLC22A4) and OCTN2 (SLC22A5) have been shown to play specific roles in inflammation. These transporters form the OCTN subfamily within the larger SLC22 family. The link between these proteins and inflammation has been proposed based on their link to some chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma, Crohn's disease (CD), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Moreover, the two transporters show the ability to mediate the transport of several compounds including carnitine, carnitine derivatives, acetylcholine, ergothioneine, and gut microbiota by-products, which have been specifically associated with inflammation for their anti- or proinflammatory action. Therefore, the absorption and distribution of these molecules rely on the presence of OCTN1 and OCTN2, whose expression is modulated by inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors typically activated by inflammation. In the present review, we wish to provide a state of the art on OCTN1 and OCTN2 transport function and regulation in relationships with inflammation and inflammatory diseases focusing on the metabolic signature collected in different body districts and gene polymorphisms related to inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pochini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.G.); (L.C.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.G.); (L.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Lara Console
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.G.); (L.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.G.); (L.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Ivano Eberini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 6C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (M.G.); (L.C.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
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6
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Giulietti M, Piva F, Cecati M, Maggio S, Guescini M, Saladino T, Scortichini L, Crocetti S, Caramanti M, Battelli N, Romagnoli E. Effects of Eribulin on the RNA Content of Extracellular Vesicles Released by Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:479. [PMID: 38534323 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060479] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small lipid particles secreted by almost all human cells into the extracellular space. They perform the essential function of cell-to-cell communication, and their role in promoting breast cancer progression has been well demonstrated. It is known that EVs released by triple-negative and highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells treated with paclitaxel, a microtubule-targeting agent (MTA), promoted chemoresistance in EV-recipient cells. Here, we studied the RNA content of EVs produced by the same MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells treated with another MTA, eribulin mesylate. In particular, we analyzed the expression of different RNA species, including mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, snoRNAs, piRNAs and tRNA fragments by RNA-seq. Then, we performed differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), functional enrichment analysis, and miRNA-target identification. Our findings demonstrate the possible involvement of EVs from eribulin-treated cells in the spread of chemoresistance, prompting the design of strategies that selectively target tumor EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Giulietti
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Piva
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Monia Cecati
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Serena Maggio
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Guescini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Tiziana Saladino
- Oncology Unit AST3, Macerata Hospital, Via Santa Lucia 2, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Laura Scortichini
- Oncology Unit AST3, Macerata Hospital, Via Santa Lucia 2, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Sonia Crocetti
- Oncology Unit AST3, Macerata Hospital, Via Santa Lucia 2, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Miriam Caramanti
- Oncology Unit AST3, Macerata Hospital, Via Santa Lucia 2, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Nicola Battelli
- Oncology Unit AST3, Macerata Hospital, Via Santa Lucia 2, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Emanuela Romagnoli
- Oncology Unit AST3, Macerata Hospital, Via Santa Lucia 2, 62100 Macerata, Italy
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7
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Huttunen J, Tampio J, Järvinen J, Montaser AB, Markowicz-Piasecka M, Huttunen KM. Amino acid derivative of probenecid potentiates apoptosis-inducing effects of vinblastine by increasing oxidative stress in a cancer cell-specific manner. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 388:110833. [PMID: 38101600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Many chemotherapeutic drugs suffer from multidrug resistance (MDR). Efflux transporters, namely ATP-binding cassettes (ABCs), that pump the drugs out of the cancer cells comprise one major reason behind MDR. Therefore, ABC inhibitors have been under development for ages, but unfortunately, without clinical success. In the present study, an l-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-utilizing derivative of probenecid (PRB) was developed as a cancer cell-targeted efflux inhibitor for P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) and/or several multidrug resistant proteins (MRPs), and its ability to increase vinblastine (VBL) cellular accumulation and apoptosis-inducing effects were explored. The novel amino acid derivative of PRB (2) increased the VBL exposure in triple-negative human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and human glioma cells (U-87MG) by 10-68 -times and 2-5-times, respectively, but not in estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). However, the combination therapy had greater cytotoxic effects in MCF-7 compared to MDA-MB-231 cells due to the increased oxidative stress recorded in MCF-7 cells. The metabolomic study also revealed that compound 2, together with VBL, decreased the transport of those amino acids essential for the biosynthesis of endogenous anti-oxidant glutathione (GSH). Moreover, the metabolic differences between the outcomes of the studied breast cancer cell lines were explained by the distinct expression profiles of solute carriers (SLCs) that can be concomitantly inhibited. Therefore, attacking several SLCs simultaneously to change the nutrient environment of cancer cells can serve as an adjuvant therapy to other chemotherapeutics, offering an alternative to ABC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janne Tampio
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juulia Järvinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ahmed B Montaser
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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8
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Robledo-Cadena DX, Pacheco-Velazquez SC, Vargas-Navarro JL, Padilla-Flores JA, Moreno-Sanchez R, Rodríguez-Enríquez S. Mitochondrial Proteins as Metabolic Biomarkers and Sites for Therapeutic Intervention in Primary and Metastatic Cancers. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1187-1202. [PMID: 39004839 DOI: 10.2174/0113895575254320231030051124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Accelerated aerobic glycolysis is one of the main metabolic alterations in cancer, associated with malignancy and tumor growth. Although glycolysis is one of the most studied properties of tumor cells, recent studies demonstrate that oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) is the main ATP provider for the growth and development of cancer. In this last regard, the levels of mRNA and protein of OxPhos enzymes and transporters (including glutaminolysis, acetate and ketone bodies catabolism, free fatty acid β-oxidation, Krebs Cycle, respiratory chain, phosphorylating system- ATP synthase, ATP/ADP translocator, Pi carrier) are altered in tumors and cancer cells in comparison to healthy tissues and organs, and non-cancer cells. Both energy metabolism pathways are tightly regulated by transcriptional factors, oncogenes, and tumor-suppressor genes, all of which dictate their protein levels depending on the micro-environmental conditions and the type of cancer cell, favoring cancer cell adaptation and growth. In the present review paper, variation in the mRNA and protein levels as well as in the enzyme/ transporter activities of the OxPhos machinery is analyzed. An integral omics approach to mitochondrial energy metabolism pathways may allow for identifying their use as suitable, reliable biomarkers for early detection of cancer development and metastasis, and for envisioned novel, alternative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Xochiquetzal Robledo-Cadena
- Departamento de Bioquímica. Instituto Nacional de Cardiología. Juan Badiano No. 1. Col. Sección XVI. 14080. Ciudad de México, México
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Coyoacán, México City, 04510, México
| | - Silvia Cecilia Pacheco-Velazquez
- Departamento de Bioquímica. Instituto Nacional de Cardiología. Juan Badiano No. 1. Col. Sección XVI. 14080. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jorge Luis Vargas-Navarro
- Laboratorio de Control Metabólico. Carrera de Biología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Los Reyes Ixtacala, Hab Los Reyes Ixtacala Barrio de los Árboles/Barrio de los Héroes, Tlalnepantla, 54090, México
| | - Joaquín Alberto Padilla-Flores
- Laboratorio de Control Metabólico. Carrera de Biología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Los Reyes Ixtacala, Hab Los Reyes Ixtacala Barrio de los Árboles/Barrio de los Héroes, Tlalnepantla, 54090, México
| | - Rafael Moreno-Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Control Metabólico. Carrera de Biología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Los Reyes Ixtacala, Hab Los Reyes Ixtacala Barrio de los Árboles/Barrio de los Héroes, Tlalnepantla, 54090, México
| | - Sara Rodríguez-Enríquez
- Laboratorio de Control Metabólico, Carrera de Medicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Los Reyes Ixtacala, Hab Los Reyes Ixtacala Barrio de los Árboles/Barrio de los Héroes, Tlalnepantla, 54090, México
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9
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Farahzadi R, Hejazi MS, Molavi O, Pishgahzadeh E, Montazersaheb S, Jafari S. Clinical Significance of Carnitine in the Treatment of Cancer: From Traffic to the Regulation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:9328344. [PMID: 37600065 PMCID: PMC10435298 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9328344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a common hallmark of cancer cells. Cancer cells exhibit metabolic flexibility to maintain high proliferation and survival rates. In other words, adaptation of cellular demand is essential for tumorigenesis, since a diverse supply of nutrients is required to accommodate tumor growth and progression. Diversity of carbon substrates fueling cancer cells indicate metabolic heterogeneity, even in tumors sharing the same clinical diagnosis. In addition to the alteration of glucose and amino acid metabolism in cancer cells, there is evidence that cancer cells can alter lipid metabolism. Some tumors rely on fatty acid oxidation (FAO) as the primary energy source; hence, cancer cells overexpress the enzymes involved in FAO. Carnitine is an essential cofactor in the lipid metabolic pathways. It is crucial in facilitating the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for β-oxidation. This role and others played by carnitine, especially its antioxidant function in cellular processes, emphasize the fine regulation of carnitine traffic within tissues and subcellular compartments. The biological activity of carnitine is orchestrated by specific membrane transporters that mediate the transfer of carnitine and its derivatives across the cell membrane. The concerted function of carnitine transporters creates a collaborative network that is relevant to metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. Here, the molecular mechanisms relevant to the role and expression of carnitine transporters are discussed, providing insights into cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Farahzadi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saeid Hejazi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ommoleila Molavi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elahe Pishgahzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Montazersaheb
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sevda Jafari
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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10
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Anagnostakis F, Kokkorakis M, Markouli M, Piperi C. Impact of Solute Carrier Transporters in Glioma Pathology: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119393. [PMID: 37298344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119393] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Solute carriers (SLCs) are essential for brain physiology and homeostasis due to their role in transporting necessary substances across cell membranes. There is an increasing need to further unravel their pathophysiological implications since they have been proposed to play a pivotal role in brain tumor development, progression, and the formation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) through the upregulation and downregulation of various amino acid transporters. Due to their implication in malignancy and tumor progression, SLCs are currently positioned at the center of novel pharmacological targeting strategies and drug development. In this review, we discuss the key structural and functional characteristics of the main SLC family members involved in glioma pathogenesis, along with their potential targeting options to provide new opportunities for CNS drug design and more effective glioma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos Anagnostakis
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michail Kokkorakis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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11
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Bayraktar A, Li X, Kim W, Zhang C, Turkez H, Shoaie S, Mardinoglu A. Drug repositioning targeting glutaminase reveals drug candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients. J Transl Med 2023; 21:332. [PMID: 37210557 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04192-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite numerous clinical trials and decades of endeavour, there is still no effective cure for Alzheimer's disease. Computational drug repositioning approaches may be employed for the development of new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's patients since an extensive amount of omics data has been generated during pre-clinical and clinical studies. However, targeting the most critical pathophysiological mechanisms and determining drugs with proper pharmacodynamics and good efficacy are equally crucial in drug repurposing and often imbalanced in Alzheimer's studies. METHODS Here, we investigated central co-expressed genes upregulated in Alzheimer's disease to determine a proper therapeutic target. We backed our reasoning by checking the target gene's estimated non-essentiality for survival in multiple human tissues. We screened transcriptome profiles of various human cell lines perturbed by drug induction (for 6798 compounds) and gene knockout using data available in the Connectivity Map database. Then, we applied a profile-based drug repositioning approach to discover drugs targeting the target gene based on the correlations between these transcriptome profiles. We evaluated the bioavailability, functional enrichment profiles and drug-protein interactions of these repurposed agents and evidenced their cellular viability and efficacy in glial cell culture by experimental assays and Western blotting. Finally, we evaluated their pharmacokinetics to anticipate to which degree their efficacy can be improved. RESULTS We identified glutaminase as a promising drug target. Glutaminase overexpression may fuel the glutamate excitotoxicity in neurons, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and other neurodegeneration hallmark processes. The computational drug repurposing revealed eight drugs: mitoxantrone, bortezomib, parbendazole, crizotinib, withaferin-a, SA-25547 and two unstudied compounds. We demonstrated that the proposed drugs could effectively suppress glutaminase and reduce glutamate production in the diseased brain through multiple neurodegeneration-associated mechanisms, including cytoskeleton and proteostasis. We also estimated the human blood-brain barrier permeability of parbendazole and SA-25547 using the SwissADME tool. CONCLUSIONS This study method effectively identified an Alzheimer's disease marker and compounds targeting the marker and interconnected biological processes by use of multiple computational approaches. Our results highlight the importance of synaptic glutamate signalling in Alzheimer's disease progression. We suggest repurposable drugs (like parbendazole) with well-evidenced activities that we linked to glutamate synthesis hereby and novel molecules (SA-25547) with estimated mechanisms for the treatment of Alzheimer's patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulahad Bayraktar
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Xiangyu Li
- Bash Biotech Inc, 600 West Broadway, Suite 700, San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, SE-17121, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Woonghee Kim
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, SE-17121, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, SE-17121, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hasan Turkez
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Saeed Shoaie
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Adil Mardinoglu
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, SE-17121, Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Papierniak-Wyglądała A, Lamch W, Jurewicz E, Nałęcz KA. The activity and surface presence of organic cation/carnitine transporter OCTN2 (SLC22A5) in breast cancer cells depends on AKT kinase. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 742:109616. [PMID: 37187422 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109616] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
l-carnitine is indispensable for transfer of fatty acids to mitochondria for the process of β-oxidation, a process, whose significance in cancer has drawn attention in recent years. In humans majority of carnitine is delivered by diet and enters the cell due to activity of solute carriers (SLCs), mainly by ubiquitously expressed organic cation/carnitine transporter (OCTN2/SLC22A5). In control and cancer human breast epithelial cell lines the major fraction of OCTN2 is present as a not matured non-glycosylated form. Studies on overexpressed OCTN2 demonstrated an exclusive interaction with SEC24C, as the cargo-recognizing subunit of coatomer II in transporter exit from endoplasmic reticulum. Co-transfection with SEC24C dominant negative mutant completely abolished presence of the mature form of OCTN2, pointing to a possibility of trafficking regulation. SEC24C was previously shown to be phosphorylated by serine/threonine kinase AKT, known to be activated in cancer. Further studies on breast cell lines showed that inhibition of AKT with MK-2206 in control and cancer lines decreased level of OCTN2 mature form. Proximity ligation assay showed that phosphorylation of OCTN2 on threonine was significantly abolished by AKT inhibition with MK-2206. Carnitine transport was positively correlated with the level of OCTN2 phosphorylated by AKT on threonine moiety. The observed regulation of OCTN2 by AKT places this kinase in the center of metabolic control. This points to both proteins, AKT and OCTN2, as druggable targets, in particular in a combination therapy of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Papierniak-Wyglądała
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Weronika Lamch
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Jurewicz
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna A Nałęcz
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
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13
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Evaluation of the gene encoding carnitine transporter (OCTN2/SLC22A5) expression in human breast cancer and its association with clinicopathological characteristics. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:2061-2066. [PMID: 36539562 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08152-z] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is a major energy-generating process in the mitochondria and supports proliferation, growth, and survival of cancer cells. L-Carnitine is an essential co-factor for carrying long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria. The entry of l-carnitine across cell membrane is regulated by OCTN2 (SLC22A5). Thus, it can plays a significant role in the mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. This study aimed to evaluate the OCTN2 expression and its association with clinicopathological characteristics in breast cancer. METHODS In this work, OCTN2 was examined in 54 pairs of fresh samples of breast cancer (BC) and adjacent noncancerous tissue using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The IHC approach was also used to investigate the expression of additional clinicopathological features. RESULTS The present research findings revealed that the relative expression of OCTN2 in BC tissues was substantially higher than the adjacent normal tissues. This up-regulation was correlated positively with tumor size and Ki-67 and negatively with the progesterone receptor (PR) status, providing evidence of the opposite effects of OCTN2 and PR on tumor development. CONCLUSION The study shows that the OCTN2 expression in BC patients may be used as a prognostic biomarker and a tumor oncogene. As a result, it could be considered a possible therapeutic target. Nevertheless, the significance of the findings needs to be confirmed by further studies.
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14
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Lefèvre CR, Labarthe F, Dufour D, Moreau C, Faoucher M, Rollier P, Arnoux JB, Tardieu M, Damaj L, Bendavid C, Dessein AF, Acquaviva-Bourdain C, Cheillan D. Newborn Screening of Primary Carnitine Deficiency: An Overview of Worldwide Practices and Pitfalls to Define an Algorithm before Expansion of Newborn Screening in France. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:6. [PMID: 36810318 PMCID: PMC9944086 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Carnitine Deficiency (PCD) is a fatty acid oxidation disorder that will be included in the expansion of the French newborn screening (NBS) program at the beginning of 2023. This disease is of high complexity to screen, due to its pathophysiology and wide clinical spectrum. To date, few countries screen newborns for PCD and struggle with high false positive rates. Some have even removed PCD from their screening programs. To understand the risks and pitfalls of implementing PCD to the newborn screening program, we reviewed and analyzed the literature to identify hurdles and benefits from the experiences of countries already screening this inborn error of metabolism. In this study, we therefore, present the main pitfalls encountered and a worldwide overview of current practices in PCD newborn screening. In addition, we address the optimized screening algorithm that has been determined in France for the implementation of this new condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - François Labarthe
- Reference Center of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Clocheville Hospital, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Diane Dufour
- Reference Center of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Clocheville Hospital, 37000 Tours, France
| | | | | | - Paul Rollier
- Rennes University Hospital Center, 35033 Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Arnoux
- Reference Center for Inborn Error of Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, APHP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Marine Tardieu
- Reference Center of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Clocheville Hospital, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Léna Damaj
- Rennes University Hospital Center, 35033 Rennes, France
| | | | - Anne-Frédérique Dessein
- Metabolism and Rare Disease Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Biology and Pathology, Lille University Hospital Center, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Cécile Acquaviva-Bourdain
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Disorders and Neonatal Screening, East Biology and Pathology Department, Groupement Hospitalier Est (GHE), Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France
| | - David Cheillan
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Disorders and Neonatal Screening, East Biology and Pathology Department, Groupement Hospitalier Est (GHE), Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69500 Bron, France
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15
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Aryankalayil MJ, Bylicky MA, Martello S, Chopra S, Sproull M, May JM, Shankardass A, MacMillan L, Vanpouille-Box C, Dalo J, Scott KMK, Norman Coleman C. Microarray analysis identifies coding and non-coding RNA markers of liver injury in whole body irradiated mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:200. [PMID: 36604457 PMCID: PMC9814510 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26784-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation injury from medical, accidental, or intentional sources can induce acute and long-term hepatic dysregulation, fibrosis, and cancer. This long-term hepatic dysregulation decreases quality of life and may lead to death. Our goal in this study is to determine acute changes in biological pathways and discover potential RNA biomarkers predictive of radiation injury. We performed whole transcriptome microarray analysis of mouse liver tissue (C57BL/6 J) 48 h after whole-body irradiation with 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 Gray to identify significant expression changes in mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs, We also validated changes in specific RNAs through qRT-PCR. We used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to identify pathways associated with gene expression changes. We observed significant dysregulation of multiple mRNAs across all doses. In contrast, miRNA dysregulation was observed upwards of 2 Gray. The most significantly upregulated mRNAs function as tumor suppressors: Cdkn1a, Phlda3, and Eda2r. The most significantly downregulated mRNAs were involved in hemoglobin synthesis, inflammation, and mitochondrial function including multiple members of Hbb and Hba. The most significantly upregulated miRNA included: miR-34a-5p, miR-3102-5p, and miR-3960, while miR-342-3p, miR-142a-3p, and miR-223-3p were most significantly downregulated. IPA predicted activation of cell cycle checkpoint control pathways and inhibition of pathways relevant to inflammation and erythropoietin. Clarifying expression of mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA at a short time point (48 h) offers insight into potential biomarkers, including radiation markers shared across organs and animal models. This information, once validated in human models, can aid in development of bio-dosimetry biomarkers, and furthers our understanding of acute pathway dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molykutty J. Aryankalayil
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Michelle A. Bylicky
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Shannon Martello
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Sunita Chopra
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Mary Sproull
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Jared M. May
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Aman Shankardass
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Laurel MacMillan
- grid.420517.50000 0004 0490 0428Gryphon Scientific, Takoma Park, MD 20912 USA
| | - Claire Vanpouille-Box
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Juan Dalo
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Kevin M. K. Scott
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - C. Norman Coleman
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room B3B406, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA ,grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Radiation Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
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16
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L-Carnitine Functionalization to Increase Skeletal Muscle Tropism of PLGA Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010294. [PMID: 36613739 PMCID: PMC9820419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010294] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of rare genetic pathologies, encompassing a variety of clinical phenotypes and mechanisms of disease. Several compounds have been proposed to treat compromised muscles, but it is known that pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics problems could occur. To solve these issues, it has been suggested that nanocarriers could be used to allow controlled and targeted drug release. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prepare actively targeted poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of muscular pathologies. By taking advantage of the high affinity for carnitine of skeletal muscle cells due to the expression of Na+-coupled carnitine transporter (OCTN), NPs have been actively targeted via association to an amphiphilic derivative of L-carnitine. Furthermore, pentamidine, an old drug repurposed for its positive effects on myotonic dystrophy type I, was incorporated into NPs. We obtained monodispersed targeted NPs, with a mean diameter of about 100 nm and a negative zeta potential. To assess the targeting ability of the NPs, cell uptake studies were performed on C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes using confocal and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed an increased uptake of carnitine-functionalized NPs compared to nontargeted carriers in myotubes, which was probably due to the interaction with OCTN receptors occurring in large amounts in these differentiated muscle cells.
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17
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Wang H, Jia H, Gao Y, Zhang H, Fan J, Zhang L, Ren F, Yin Y, Cai Y, Zhu J, Zhu ZJ. Serum metabolic traits reveal therapeutic toxicities and responses of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7802. [PMID: 36528604 PMCID: PMC9759530 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35511-y] [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: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) has become the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Therapeutic efficacy of nCRT is significantly affected by treatment-induced diarrhea and hematologic toxicities. Metabolic alternations in cancer therapy are key determinants to therapeutic toxicities and responses, but exploration in large-scale clinical studies remains limited. Here, we analyze 743 serum samples from 165 LARC patients recruited in a phase III clinical study using untargeted metabolomics and identify responsive metabolic traits over the course of nCRT. Pre-therapeutic serum metabolites successfully predict the chances of diarrhea and hematologic toxicities during nCRT. Particularly, levels of acyl carnitines are linked to sex disparity in nCRT-induced diarrhea. Finally, we show that differences in phenylalanine metabolism and essential amino acid metabolism may underlie distinct therapeutic responses of nCRT. This study illustrates the metabolic dynamics over the course of nCRT and provides potential to guide personalized nCRT treatment using responsive metabolic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmiao Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Huixun Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Department of Biostatistics, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haosong Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jin Fan
- Department of Biostatistics, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lijie Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fandong Ren
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yandong Yin
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuping Cai
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ji Zhu
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310005, China.
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zheng-Jiang Zhu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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18
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Bharthur Sanjay A, Patania A, Yan X, Svaldi D, Duran T, Shah N, Nemes S, Chen E, Apostolova LG. Characterization of gene expression patterns in mild cognitive impairment using a transcriptomics approach and neuroimaging endophenotypes. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:2493-2508. [PMID: 35142026 PMCID: PMC10078657 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12587] [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: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identification of novel therapeutics and risk assessment in early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a crucial aspect of addressing this complex disease. We characterized gene-expression patterns at the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage to identify critical mRNA measures and gene clusters associated with AD pathogenesis. METHODS We used a transcriptomics approach, integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and peripheral blood-based gene expression data using persistent homology (PH) followed by kernel-based clustering. RESULTS We identified three clusters of genes significantly associated with diagnosis of amnestic MCI. The biological processes associated with each cluster were mitochondrial function, NF-kB signaling, and apoptosis. Cluster-level associations with cortical thickness displayed canonical AD-like patterns. Driver genes from clusters were also validated in an external dataset for prediction of amyloidosis and clinical diagnosis. DISCUSSION We found a disease-relevant transcriptomic signature sensitive to prodromal AD and identified a subset of potential therapeutic targets associated with AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Patania
- Indiana University Network Sciences InstituteIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Xiaoran Yan
- Indiana University Network Sciences InstituteIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Diana Svaldi
- Department of NeurologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Tugce Duran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gerontology & Geriatric MedicineWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Niraj Shah
- Department of NeurologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Sara Nemes
- Department of NeurologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Eric Chen
- Department of NeurologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Liana G. Apostolova
- Department of NeurologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
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19
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Crefcoeur LL, Melles MC, Bruning TA, Pereira RR, Langendonk JG. Primary carnitine deficiency is a life-long disease. JIMD Rep 2022; 63:524-528. [PMID: 36341172 PMCID: PMC9626665 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary carnitine deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disease associated with acute hypoketotic hypoglycaemia, cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. Effective treatment with carnitine supplementation is available. An 18 months old boy, who presented with cardiomyopathy was diagnosed with primary carnitine deficiency, and carnitine supplementation resulted in a full recovery. At age 13 years, he discontinued his medication and at 20 years, he discontinued clinical monitoring. Nine years later, age 29, he presented with heart failure and atrial fibrillation and was admitted to an intensive care unit, where he was treated with furosemide, enoximone and intravenous carnitine supplementation, this lead to improved cardiac function within 2 weeks, and with continued oral carnitine supplements, his left ventricular ejection fraction normalised. The last 8 years were uneventful and he continued to attend his regular follow-up visits at a specialised metabolic outpatient clinic. We report recurrent reversible severe heart failure in a patient with primary carnitine deficiency; it was directly related to non-compliance to carnitine supplementation (and monitoring). This case report emphasises first, the importance of continued monitoring of metabolic disease patients, second, the potential reversibility of cardiomyopathy in an adult patient, and third, the potential risks in the period of transition from the paediatric to adult care. This is an age where young adults desire to be healthy and ignore the need for ongoing medical treatment, even as simple as oral suppletion. Before they reach this age, adequate disease insight and self-management of the disease should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loek L. Crefcoeur
- Department of Metabolic DiseasesWilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic DiseasesAmsterdam UMC location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and MetabolismAmsterdamNetherlands
| | | | | | | | - Janneke G. Langendonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic DiseasesErasmus MC, University Medical Centre RotterdamRotterdamNetherlands
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20
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Millet V, Gensollen T, Maltese M, Serrero M, Lesavre N, Bourges C, Pitaval C, Cadra S, Chasson L, Vu Man TP, Masse M, Martinez-Garcia JJ, Tranchida F, Shintu L, Mostert K, Strauss E, Lepage P, Chamaillard M, Broggi A, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Grimaud JC, Naquet P, Galland F. Harnessing the Vnn1 pantetheinase pathway boosts short chain fatty acids production and mucosal protection in colitis. Gut 2022; 72:1115-1128. [PMID: 36175116 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the management of patients with IBD, there is a need to identify prognostic markers and druggable biological pathways to improve mucosal repair and probe the efficacy of tumour necrosis factor alpha biologics. Vnn1 is a pantetheinase that degrades pantetheine to pantothenate (vitamin B5, a precursor of coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis) and cysteamine. Vnn1 is overexpressed by inflamed colonocytes. We investigated its contribution to the tolerance of the intestinal mucosa to colitis-induced injury. DESIGN We performed an RNA sequencing study on colon biopsy samples from patients with IBD stratified according to clinical severity and modalities of treatment. We generated the VIVA mouse transgenic model, which specifically overexpresses Vnn1 on intestinal epithelial cells and explored its susceptibility to colitis. We developed a pharmacological mimicry of Vnn1 overexpression by administration of Vnn1 derivatives. RESULTS VNN1 overexpression on colonocytes correlates with IBD severity. VIVA mice are resistant to experimentally induced colitis. The pantetheinase activity of Vnn1 is cytoprotective in colon: it enhances CoA regeneration and metabolic adaptation of colonocytes; it favours microbiota-dependent production of short chain fatty acids and mostly butyrate, shown to regulate mucosal energetics and to be reduced in patients with IBD. This prohealing phenotype is recapitulated by treating control mice with the substrate (pantethine) or the products of pantetheinase activity prior to induction of colitis. In severe IBD, the protection conferred by the high induction of VNN1 might be compromised because its enzymatic activity may be limited by lack of available substrates. In addition, we identify the elevation of indoxyl sulfate in urine as a biomarker of Vnn1 overexpression, also detected in patients with IBD. CONCLUSION The induction of Vnn1/VNN1 during colitis in mouse and human is a compensatory mechanism to reinforce the mucosal barrier. Therefore, enhancement of vitamin B5-driven metabolism should improve mucosal healing and might increase the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Millet
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Gensollen
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Maltese
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Melanie Serrero
- Gastroenterology, AP-HM Hôpital Nord, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Lesavre
- Centre d'investigation Clinique (CIC), AP-HM Hôpital Nord, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Bourges
- Genetic Mechanisms of Disease Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Christophe Pitaval
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Cadra
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Lionel Chasson
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Thien Phong Vu Man
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Masse
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | | | - Fabrice Tranchida
- ISM2, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centrale Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Laetitia Shintu
- ISM2, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centrale Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Konrad Mostert
- Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Erick Strauss
- Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | | | | | - Achille Broggi
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Gastroenterology, Inserm NGERE U1256, University Hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Charles Grimaud
- Gastroenterology, AP-HM Hôpital Nord, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Naquet
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
| | - Franck Galland
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille, France
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Mitusova K, Peltek OO, Karpov TE, Muslimov AR, Zyuzin MV, Timin AS. Overcoming the blood–brain barrier for the therapy of malignant brain tumor: current status and prospects of drug delivery approaches. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:412. [PMID: 36109754 PMCID: PMC9479308 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01610-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides the broad development of nanotechnological approaches for cancer diagnosis and therapy, currently, there is no significant progress in the treatment of different types of brain tumors. Therapeutic molecules crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and reaching an appropriate targeting ability remain the key challenges. Many invasive and non-invasive methods, and various types of nanocarriers and their hybrids have been widely explored for brain tumor treatment. However, unfortunately, no crucial clinical translations were observed to date. In particular, chemotherapy and surgery remain the main methods for the therapy of brain tumors. Exploring the mechanisms of the BBB penetration in detail and investigating advanced drug delivery platforms are the key factors that could bring us closer to understanding the development of effective therapy against brain tumors. In this review, we discuss the most relevant aspects of the BBB penetration mechanisms, observing both invasive and non-invasive methods of drug delivery. We also review the recent progress in the development of functional drug delivery platforms, from viruses to cell-based vehicles, for brain tumor therapy. The destructive potential of chemotherapeutic drugs delivered to the brain tumor is also considered. This review then summarizes the existing challenges and future prospects in the use of drug delivery platforms for the treatment of brain tumors.
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22
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Bae JE, Kim JB, Jo DS, Park NY, Kim YH, Lee HJ, Kim SH, Kim SH, Son M, Kim P, Ryu HY, Lee WH, Ryoo ZY, Lee HS, Jung YK, Cho DH. Carnitine Protects against MPP+-Induced Neurotoxicity and Inflammation by Promoting Primary Ciliogenesis in SH-SY5Y Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172722. [PMID: 36078130 PMCID: PMC9454591 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia help to maintain cellular homeostasis by sensing conditions in the extracellular environment, including growth factors, nutrients, and hormones that are involved in various signaling pathways. Recently, we have shown that enhanced primary ciliogenesis in dopamine neurons promotes neuronal survival in a Parkinson’s disease model. Moreover, we performed fecal metabolite screening in order to identify several candidates for improving primary ciliogenesis, including L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. However, the role of carnitine in primary ciliogenesis has remained unclear. In addition, the relationship between primary cilia and neurodegenerative diseases has remained unclear. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of carnitine on primary ciliogenesis in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)-treated cells. We found that both L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine promoted primary ciliogenesis in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, the enhancement of ciliogenesis by carnitine suppressed MPP+-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species overproduction and mitochondrial fragmentation in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, carnitine inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that enhanced ciliogenesis regulates MPP+-induced neurotoxicity and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Bae
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Joon Bum Kim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Doo Sin Jo
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Na Yeon Park
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Yong Hwan Kim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Ha Jung Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Seong Hyun Kim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - So Hyun Kim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Mikyung Son
- ORGASIS Corp. 260, Changyong-daero, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16229, Korea
| | - Pansoo Kim
- Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business and Science Accelerator, Suwon 16229, Korea
| | - Hong-Yeoul Ryu
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Won Ha Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Zae Young Ryoo
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Hyun-Shik Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Yong-Keun Jung
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyung Cho
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- ORGASIS Corp. 260, Changyong-daero, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16229, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-950-5382
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23
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D'Onofrio N, Martino E, Balestrieri A, Mele L, Cautela D, Castaldo D, Balestrieri ML. Diet-derived ergothioneine induces necroptosis in colorectal cancer cells by activating the SIRT3/MLKL pathway. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:1313-1329. [PMID: 35122251 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Ergothioneine (Egt) is a dietary amino acid which acts as an antioxidant to protect against aging-related diseases. We investigated the anticancer properties of Egt in colorectal cancer cells (CRC). Egt treatment exerted cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, induced reactive oxygen species accumulation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulation of the histone deacetylase SIRT3. Immunoblotting analysis indicated that the cell death occurred via necroptosis through activation of the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway. An immunoprecipitation assay unveiled that the interaction between the terminal effector in necroptotic signaling MLKL and SIRT3 increased during the Egt treatment. SIRT3 gene silencing blocked the upregulation of MLKL and abolished the ability of Egt to induce necroptosis. The SIRT3-MLKL interaction may mediate the necroptotic effects of Egt in CRC, suggesting the potential of this dietary amino-thione in the prevention of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia D'Onofrio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Martino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Balestrieri
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Luigi Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Cautela
- Stazione Sperimentale per le Industrie delle Essenze e dei Derivati dagli Agrumi (SSEA) - Azienda Speciale CCIAA di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Domenico Castaldo
- Stazione Sperimentale per le Industrie delle Essenze e dei Derivati dagli Agrumi (SSEA) - Azienda Speciale CCIAA di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy.,Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico (MiSE), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Balestrieri
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
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24
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Rossmeislová L, Gojda J, Smolková K. Pancreatic cancer: branched-chain amino acids as putative key metabolic regulators? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:1115-1139. [PMID: 34962613 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10016-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids utilized in anabolic and catabolic metabolism. While extensively studied in obesity and diabetes, recent evidence suggests an important role for BCAA metabolism in cancer. Elevated plasma levels of BCAA are associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer, namely pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a tumor with one of the highest 1-year mortality rates. The dreadful prognosis for PDAC patients could be attributable also to the early and frequent development of cancer cachexia, a fatal host metabolic reprogramming leading to muscle and adipose wasting. We propose that BCAA dysmetabolism is a unifying component of several pathological conditions, i.e., obesity, insulin resistance, and PDAC. These conditions are mutually dependent since PDAC ranks among cancers tightly associated with obesity and insulin resistance. It is also well-established that PDAC itself can trigger insulin resistance and new-onset diabetes. However, the exact link between BCAA metabolism, development of PDAC, and tissue wasting is still unclear. Although tissue-specific intracellular and systemic metabolism of BCAA is being intensively studied, unresolved questions related to PDAC and cancer cachexia remain, namely, whether elevated circulating BCAA contribute to PDAC etiology, what is the biological background of BCAA elevation, and what is the role of adipose tissue relative to BCAA metabolism during cancer cachexia. To cover those issues, we provide our view on BCAA metabolism at the intracellular, tissue, and whole-body level, with special emphasis on different metabolic links to BCAA intermediates and the role of insulin in substrate handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Rossmeislová
- Department of Pathophysiology, Center for Research On Nutrition, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Franco-Czech Laboratory for Clinical Research On Obesity, Third Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Gojda
- Franco-Czech Laboratory for Clinical Research On Obesity, Third Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Královské Vinohrady University Hospital and Third Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katarína Smolková
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Physiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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25
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Tonazzi A, Giangregorio N, Console L, Palmieri F, Indiveri C. The Mitochondrial Carnitine Acyl-carnitine Carrier (SLC25A20): Molecular Mechanisms of Transport, Role in Redox Sensing and Interaction with Drugs. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040521. [PMID: 33807231 PMCID: PMC8066319 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The SLC25A20 transporter, also known as carnitine acyl-carnitine carrier (CAC), catalyzes the transport of short, medium and long carbon chain acyl-carnitines across the mitochondrial inner membrane in exchange for carnitine. The 30-year story of the protein responsible for this function started with its purification from rat liver mitochondria. Even though its 3D structure is not yet available, CAC is one of the most deeply characterized transport proteins of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Other than functional, kinetic and mechanistic data, post-translational modifications regulating the transport activity of CAC have been revealed. CAC interactions with drugs or xenobiotics relevant to human health and toxicology and the response of the carrier function to dietary compounds have been discovered. Exploiting combined approaches of site-directed mutagenesis with chemical targeting and bioinformatics, a large set of data on structure/function relationships have been obtained, giving novel information on the molecular mechanism of the transport catalyzed by this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Tonazzi
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Nicola Giangregorio
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Lara Console
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
| | - Ferdinando Palmieri
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.T.); (N.G.)
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (C.I.); Tel.: +39-080-544-3323 (F.P.); Tel.: +39-0984-492939 (C.I.)
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.T.); (N.G.)
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (C.I.); Tel.: +39-080-544-3323 (F.P.); Tel.: +39-0984-492939 (C.I.)
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26
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Potential Role of L-Carnitine in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10061202. [PMID: 33805796 PMCID: PMC8000371 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
L-carnitine plays an important role in the functioning of the central nervous system, and especially in the mitochondrial metabolism of fatty acids. Altered carnitine metabolism, abnormal fatty acid metabolism in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been documented. ASD is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that is usually diagnosed in early childhood. Patients with ASD require careful classification as this heterogeneous clinical category may include patients with an intellectual disability or high functioning, epilepsy, language impairments, or associated Mendelian genetic conditions. L-carnitine participates in the long-chain oxidation of fatty acids in the brain, stimulates acetylcholine synthesis (donor of the acyl groups), stimulates expression of growth-associated protein-43, prevents cell apoptosis and neuron damage and stimulates neurotransmission. Determination of L-carnitine in serum/plasma and analysis of acylcarnitines in a dried blood spot may be useful in ASD diagnosis and treatment. Changes in the acylcarnitine profiles may indicate potential mitochondrial dysfunctions and abnormal fatty acid metabolism in ASD children. L-carnitine deficiency or deregulation of L-carnitine metabolism in ASD is accompanied by disturbances of other metabolic pathways, e.g., Krebs cycle, the activity of respiratory chain complexes, indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction. Supplementation of L-carnitine may be beneficial to alleviate behavioral and cognitive symptoms in ASD patients.
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27
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L-Carnitine in Drosophila: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121310. [PMID: 33371457 PMCID: PMC7767417 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that plays a key role in the metabolism of fatty acids, including the shuttling of long-chain fatty acyl CoA to fuel mitochondrial β-oxidation. In addition, L-carnitine reduces oxidative damage and plays an essential role in the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis. L-carnitine also plays an essential role in the control of cerebral functions, and the aberrant regulation of genes involved in carnitine biosynthesis and mitochondrial carnitine transport in Drosophila models has been linked to neurodegeneration. Drosophila models of neurodegenerative diseases provide a powerful platform to both unravel the molecular pathways that contribute to neurodegeneration and identify potential therapeutic targets. Drosophila can biosynthesize L-carnitine, and its carnitine transport system is similar to the human transport system; moreover, evidence from a defective Drosophila mutant for one of the carnitine shuttle genes supports the hypothesis of the occurrence of β-oxidation in glial cells. Hence, Drosophila models could advance the understanding of the links between L-carnitine and the development of neurodegenerative disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge on L-carnitine in Drosophila and discusses the role of the L-carnitine pathway in fly models of neurodegeneration.
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28
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Corson TW. Cancer Research in the "Chemical Biology" Section of the Journal Molecules. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25225275. [PMID: 33198208 PMCID: PMC7697467 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Corson
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Pharmacology and Toxicology, and the Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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29
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Nałęcz KA. Amino Acid Transporter SLC6A14 (ATB 0,+) - A Target in Combined Anti-cancer Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:594464. [PMID: 33195271 PMCID: PMC7609839 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.594464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are characterized by quick growth and proliferation, demanding constant supply of various nutrients. Several plasma membrane transporters delivering such compounds are upregulated in cancer. Solute carrier family 6 member 14 (SLC6A14), known as amino acid transporter B0,+ (ATB0,+) transports all amino acids with exception of the acidic ones: aspartate and glutamate. Its malfunctioning is correlated with several pathological states and it is upregulated in solid tumors. The high expression of SLC6A14 is prognostic and unfavorable in pancreatic cancer, while in breast cancer it is expressed in estrogen receptor positive cells. As many plasma membrane transporters it resides in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane after translation before further trafficking through Golgi to the cell surface. Transporter exit from ER is strictly controlled. The proper folding of SLC6A14 was shown to be controlled from the cytoplasmic side by heat shock proteins, further exit from ER and formation of coatomer II (COPII) coated vesicles depends on specific interaction with COPII cargo-recognizing subunit SEC24C, phosphorylated by kinase AKT. Inhibition of heat shock proteins, known to be upregulated in cancer, directs SLC6A14 to degradation. Targeting proteins regulating SLC6A14 trafficking is proposed as an additional pharmacological treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna A Nałęcz
- Laboratory of Transport Through Biomembranes, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
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30
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Console L, Scalise M, Mazza T, Pochini L, Galluccio M, Giangregorio N, Tonazzi A, Indiveri C. Carnitine Traffic in Cells. Link With Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:583850. [PMID: 33072764 PMCID: PMC7530336 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.583850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic flexibility is a peculiar hallmark of cancer cells. A growing number of observations reveal that tumors can utilize a wide range of substrates to sustain cell survival and proliferation. The diversity of carbon sources is indicative of metabolic heterogeneity not only across different types of cancer but also within those sharing a common origin. Apart from the well-assessed alteration in glucose and amino acid metabolisms, there are pieces of evidence that cancer cells display alterations of lipid metabolism as well; indeed, some tumors use fatty acid oxidation (FAO) as the main source of energy and express high levels of FAO enzymes. In this metabolic pathway, the cofactor carnitine is crucial since it serves as a “shuttle-molecule” to allow fatty acid acyl moieties entering the mitochondrial matrix where these molecules are oxidized via the β-oxidation pathway. This role, together with others played by carnitine in cell metabolism, underlies the fine regulation of carnitine traffic among different tissues and, within a cell, among different subcellular compartments. Specific membrane transporters mediate carnitine and carnitine derivatives flux across the cell membranes. Among the SLCs, the plasma membrane transporters OCTN2 (Organic cation transport novel 2 or SLC22A5), CT2 (Carnitine transporter 2 or SLC22A16), MCT9 (Monocarboxylate transporter 9 or SLC16A9) and ATB0, + [Sodium- and chloride-dependent neutral and basic amino acid transporter B(0+) or SLC6A14] together with the mitochondrial membrane transporter CAC (Mitochondrial carnitine/acylcarnitine carrier or SLC25A20) are the most acknowledged to mediate the flux of carnitine. The concerted action of these proteins creates a carnitine network that becomes relevant in the context of cancer metabolic rewiring. Therefore, molecular mechanisms underlying modulation of function and expression of carnitine transporters are dealt with furnishing some perspective for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Console
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Tiziano Mazza
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Nicola Giangregorio
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria Tonazzi
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Bari, Italy
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31
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D’Onofrio N, Mele L, Martino E, Salzano A, Restucci B, Cautela D, Tatullo M, Balestrieri ML, Campanile G. Synergistic Effect of Dietary Betaines on SIRT1-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cal 27. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092468. [PMID: 32878301 PMCID: PMC7563158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Betaines are important human nutrients widely distributed in plants, animals, and dietary sources. δ-valerobetaine (δVB) is a naturally occurring betaine with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible synergism between δVB and the structurally related γ-butyrobetaine (γBB) by testing the in vitro anticancer activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Combined δVB and γBB caused a marked inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in Cal 27 cells. The increased reactive oxygen species accumulation influenced the nuclear expression of SIRT1. Gene silencing with small interfering RNA confirmed the role of SIRT1 in the apoptotic cell death. Synergism of δVB and γBB is useful for novel strategies to optimize their content in meat, milk and dairy products to sustain human health and wellbeing. Abstract Betaines are food components widely distributed in plants, animals, microorganisms, and dietary sources. Among betaines, δ-valerobetaine (N,N,N-trimethyl-5-aminovaleric acid, δVB) shares a metabolic pathway common to γ-butyrobetaine (γBB). The biological properties of δVB are particularly attractive, as it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Here, we investigated the possible synergism between δVB and the structurally related γBB, to date unexplored, by testing the in vitro anticancer activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, FaDu, UM-SCC-17A and Cal 27. Among cell lines tested, results indicated that betaines showed the highest effect in reducing Cal 27 cell proliferation up to 72 h (p < 0.01). This effect was enhanced when betaines were administered in combination (δVB plus γBB) (p < 0.001). Inhibition of cell growth by δVB plus γBB involved reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, upregulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and apoptosis (p < 0.001). SIRT1 gene silencing by small interfering RNA decreased the apoptotic effect of δVB plus γBB by modulating downstream procaspase-3 and cyclin B1 (p < 0.05). These findings might have important implications for novel prevention strategies for tongue squamous cell carcinoma by targeting SIRT1 with naturally occurring betaines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia D’Onofrio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (N.D.); (E.M.)
| | - Luigi Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Elisa Martino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (N.D.); (E.M.)
| | - Angela Salzano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.S.); (B.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Brunella Restucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.S.); (B.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Domenico Cautela
- Experimental Station for the Industry of the Essential Oils and Citrus Products (SSEA), Special Agency of the Chamber of Commerce in Reggio Calabria, Via G. Tommasini 2, 89125 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Marco Tatullo
- Marrelli Health—Tecnologica Research Institute, Biomedical Section, Via E. Fermi, 88900 Crotone, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Balestrieri
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (N.D.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-566-5865; Fax: +39-081-566-5863
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.S.); (B.R.); (G.C.)
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Uptake Transporters of the SLC21, SLC22A, and SLC15A Families in Anticancer Therapy-Modulators of Cellular Entry or Pharmacokinetics? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082263. [PMID: 32806706 PMCID: PMC7464370 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082263] [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: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Solute carrier transporters comprise a large family of uptake transporters involved in the transmembrane transport of a wide array of endogenous substrates such as hormones, nutrients, and metabolites as well as of clinically important drugs. Several cancer therapeutics, ranging from chemotherapeutics such as topoisomerase inhibitors, DNA-intercalating drugs, and microtubule binders to targeted therapeutics such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors are substrates of solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Given that SLC transporters are expressed both in organs pivotal to drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination and in tumors, these transporters constitute determinants of cellular drug accumulation influencing intracellular drug concentration required for efficacy of the cancer treatment in tumor cells. In this review, we explore the current understanding of members of three SLC families, namely SLC21 (organic anion transporting polypeptides, OATPs), SLC22A (organic cation transporters, OCTs; organic cation/carnitine transporters, OCTNs; and organic anion transporters OATs), and SLC15A (peptide transporters, PEPTs) in the etiology of cancer, in transport of chemotherapeutic drugs, and their influence on efficacy or toxicity of pharmacotherapy. We further explore the idea to exploit the function of SLC transporters to enhance cancer cell accumulation of chemotherapeutics, which would be expected to reduce toxic side effects in healthy tissue and to improve efficacy.
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