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Li Q, Xu L, Lin Y, Yuan M, Jiao X, Ren Q, Li D, Wang G. Serum Metabolites as Diagnostic Biomarkers in Patients with Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01536-5. [PMID: 38649667 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01536-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis diagnosis is usually delayed. The gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis is laparoscopy, which is invasive and accompanied by several risks. Currently, there are no effective non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing endometriosis. Here, we investigated whether metabolites whose levels are altered in patients with endometriosis hold potential as diagnostic biomarkers for the disease. This case-control study involved 32 patients with endometriosis and 29 patients with other benign gynecological disease. The diagnosis of all patients was confirmed through postoperative histopathological examination, and the patients were divided into two groups: an endometriosis group (EM) and a control group. Fasting blood was collected and used for non-targeted metabolomic-based detection. The data were processed through principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, and significance analysis of microarrays. A univariate receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the metabolites. The metabolite profiles of patients with endometriosis were markedly different compared with those of the controls. In addition, several metabolic pathways, including biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, arginine biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism, were altered. Ornithine and medorinone showed better potential as biomarkers for endometriosis diagnosis than CA125. We analyzed the altered metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosis and found ornithine and medorinone as potential non-invasive biomarkers for endometriosis diagnosis, whereas the combined ornithine-medorinone diagnosis is more valuable. These findings may help advance research on non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis. Further research with an improved study design and a larger cohort should be performed to confirm the diagnostic potential and clinical application of these biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuju Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, No.324, Jingwuweiqi Road, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250117
| | - Le Xu
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
| | - Ying Lin
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
| | - Ming Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, No.324, Jingwuweiqi Road, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250117
| | - Xue Jiao
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
| | - Qianhui Ren
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021
| | - Dong Li
- Cryomedicine Laboratory, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250012
| | - Guoyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, No.324, Jingwuweiqi Road, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China.
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250021.
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China, 250117.
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Colloca A, Donisi I, Anastasio C, Balestrieri ML, D’Onofrio N. Metabolic Alteration Bridging the Prediabetic State and Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:663. [PMID: 38667278 PMCID: PMC11049175 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080663] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Prediabetes and colorectal cancer (CRC) represent compelling health burdens responsible for high mortality and morbidity rates, sharing several modifiable risk factors. It has been hypothesized that metabolic abnormalities linking prediabetes and CRC are hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and adipokines imbalance. The chronic stimulation related to these metabolic signatures can favor CRC onset and development, as well as negatively influence CRC prognosis. To date, the growing burden of prediabetes and CRC has generated a global interest in defining their epidemiological and molecular relationships. Therefore, a deeper knowledge of the metabolic impairment determinants is compelling to identify the pathological mechanisms promoting the onset of prediabetes and CRC. In this scenario, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the metabolic alterations of prediabetes and CRC as well as an overview of recent preventive and therapeutic approaches for both diseases, focusing on the role of the metabolic state as a pivotal contributor to consider for the development of future preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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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; (A.C.); (I.D.); (C.A.); (M.L.B.)
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Islam SR, Manna SK. Identification of glucose-independent and reversible metabolic pathways associated with anti-proliferative effect of metformin in liver cancer cells. Metabolomics 2024; 20:29. [PMID: 38413541 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-024-02096-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the ability of cancer cells to survive glucose deprivation, most studies on anti-cancer effect of metformin explored its impact on glucose metabolism. No study ever examined whether its anti-cancer effect is reversible. Existing evidences warrant understanding of glucose-independent non-cytotoxic anti-proliferative effect of metformin to rationalize its role in liver cancer. OBJECTIVES Characterization of glucose-independent anti-proliferative metabolic effects of metformin as well as analysis of their reversibility in liver cancer cells. METHODOLOGY The dose-dependent effects of metformin on HepG2 cells were examined in presence and absence of glucose. The longitudinal evolution of metabolome was analyzed along with gene and protein expression as well as their correlations with and reversibility of cellular phenotype and metabolic signatures. RESULTS Metformin concentrations up to 2.5 mM were found to be anti-proliferative irrespective of presence of glucose without significant increase in cytotoxicity. Apart from mitochondrial impairment, derangement of fatty acid desaturation, one-carbon, glutathione, and polyamine metabolism were associated with metformin treatment irrespective of glucose supplementation. Depletion of pantothenic acid, downregulation of essential amino acid uptake and metabolism alongside purine salvage were identified as novel glucose-independent effects of metformin. These were significantly correlated with cMyc expression and reduction in proliferation. Rescue experiments established reversibility upon metformin withdrawal and tight association between proliferation, metabotype, and cMyc expression. CONCLUSIONS The derangement of multiple glucose-independent metabolic pathways, which are often upregulated in therapy-resistant cancer, and concomitant cMyc downregulation coordinately contribute to the anti-proliferative effect of metformin in liver cancer cells. These are reversible and may influence its therapeutic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Ramiz Islam
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700 064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400 094, India
| | - Soumen Kanti Manna
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700 064, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400 094, India.
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Ramzy A, Soliman AH, Hassanein SI, Sebak AA. Multitarget, multiagent PLGA nanoparticles for simultaneous tumor eradication and TME remodeling in a melanoma mouse model. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:491-509. [PMID: 37612575 PMCID: PMC10761550 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01413-9] [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] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that chemoimmunotherapy has emerged as a key component in the era of cancer immunotherapy, it is challenged by the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that is jam-packed with cellular and non-cellular immunosuppressive components. The aim of this study was to design a nanoparticulate system capable of sufficiently accumulating in the tumor and spleen to mediate local and systemic immune responses, respectively. The study also aimed to remodel the immunosuppressive TME. For such reasons, multi-functional polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were engineered to simultaneously eradicate the cancer cells, silence the tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs), and re-educate the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) using doxorubicin, losartan, and metformin, respectively. These agents were also selected for their ability to tip the balance of the splenic immune cells towards immunostimulatory phenotypes. To establish TAM and TAF cultures, normal macrophages and fibroblasts were incubated with B16F10 melanoma cell (Mel)-derived secretome. Drug-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared, characterized, and tested in the target cell types. Organ distribution of fluorescein-loaded PLGA NPs was evaluated in a mouse model of melanoma. Finally, the local and systemic effects of different combination therapy programs were portrayed. The in vitro studies showed that the drug-loaded PLGA NPs could significantly ablate the immunosuppressive nature of Mel and skew TAMs and TAFs towards more favorable phenotypes. While in vivo, PLGA NPs were proven to exhibit long blood circulation time and to localize preferentially in the tumor and the spleen. The combination of either metformin or losartan with doxorubicin was superior to the monotherapy, both locally and systemically. However, the three-agent combo produced detrimental effects in the form of compromised well-being, immune depletion, and metastasis. These findings indicate the potential of TME remodeling as means to prime the tumors for successful chemoimmunotherapy. In addition, they shed light on the importance of the careful use of combination therapies and the necessity of employing dose-reduction strategies. D-NPs doxorubicin-loaded NPs, M-NPs metformin-loaded NPs, L-NPs losartan-loaded NPs, TAMs tumor-associated macrophages, TAFs tumor-associated fibroblasts, PD-L1 programmed death ligand 1, TNF-α tumor necrosis factor alpha, TGF-β transforming growth factor beta, CD206/40/86 cluster of differentiation 206/40/86, α-SMA alpha-smooth muscle actin, MMPs matrix metalloproteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Ramzy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, the German University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11511, Egypt
| | - Aya H Soliman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, the German University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11511, Egypt
| | - Sally I Hassanein
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, the German University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11511, Egypt
| | - Aya A Sebak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, the German University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11511, Egypt.
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Zuo C, Xu YS, He PF, Zhang WJ. ATP ion channel P2X7 receptor as a regulatory molecule in the progression of colorectal cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115877. [PMID: 37857146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Large amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a natural P2X7 receptor activator, are released during colorectal carcinogenesis. P2X7 receptor activation regulates the activity of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells by mediating intracellular signal transduction. Importantly, the opening and activation of membrane pores of P2X7 receptor are different, which can play a dual role in promoting or inhibiting the progression of CRC. These can also depend on P2X7 receptor to regulate the activities of immune cells in the microenvironment, play the functions of immune regulation, immune escape and immune monitoring. While the use of P2X7 receptor antagonists (such as BBG, A438079 and A740003) can play a certain inhibitory pharmacological role on the activity of CRC. Therefore, in this paper, the mechanism and immunomodulatory function of P2X7 receptor involved in the progression of CRC were discussed. Moreover, we discussed the effect of antagonizing the activity of P2X7 receptor on the progression of CRC. So P2X7 receptor may be a new pharmacological molecular target for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zuo
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Xu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China
| | - Peng-Fei He
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China.
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Weston WC, Hales KH, Hales DB. Flaxseed Reduces Cancer Risk by Altering Bioenergetic Pathways in Liver: Connecting SAM Biosynthesis to Cellular Energy. Metabolites 2023; 13:945. [PMID: 37623888 PMCID: PMC10456508 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13080945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This article illustrates how dietary flaxseed can be used to reduce cancer risk, specifically by attenuating obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We utilize a targeted metabolomics dataset in combination with a reanalysis of past work to investigate the "metabo-bioenergetic" adaptations that occur in White Leghorn laying hens while consuming dietary flaxseed. Recently, we revealed how the anti-vitamin B6 effects of flaxseed augment one-carbon metabolism in a manner that accelerates S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) biosynthesis. Researchers recently showed that accelerated SAM biosynthesis activates the cell's master energy sensor, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Our paper provides evidence that flaxseed upregulates mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis in liver, concomitant with the attenuation of lipogenesis and polyamine biosynthesis. Defatted flaxseed likely functions as a metformin homologue by upregulating hepatic glucose uptake and pyruvate flux through the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) in laying hens. In contrast, whole flaxseed appears to attenuate liver steatosis and body mass by modifying mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and lipogenesis. Several acylcarnitine moieties indicate Randle cycle adaptations that protect mitochondria from metabolic overload when hens consume flaxseed. We also discuss a paradoxical finding whereby flaxseed induces the highest glycated hemoglobin percentage (HbA1c%) ever recorded in birds, and we suspect that hyperglycemia is not the cause. In conclusion, flaxseed modifies bioenergetic pathways to attenuate the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD, possibly downstream of SAM biosynthesis. These findings, if reproducible in humans, can be used to lower cancer risk within the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C. Weston
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Systemic Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;
| | - Karen H. Hales
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;
| | - Dale B. Hales
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Systemic Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;
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Espinosa-Rodriguez BA, Treviño-Almaguer D, Carranza-Rosales P, Ramirez-Cabrera MA, Ramirez-Estrada K, Arredondo-Espinoza EU, Mendez-Lopez LF, Balderas-Renteria I. Metformin May Alter the Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer Cells by Disrupting the L-Arginine Metabolism: A Preliminary Computational Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065316. [PMID: 36982390 PMCID: PMC10049129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming in cancer is considered to be one of the most important hallmarks to drive proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion. AMP-activated protein kinase activation is one of the established mechanisms for metformin’s anti-cancer actions. However, it has been suggested that metformin may exert antitumoral effects by the modulation of other master regulators of cellular energy. Here, based on structural and physicochemical criteria, we tested the hypothesis that metformin may act as an antagonist of L-arginine metabolism and other related metabolic pathways. First, we created a database containing different L-arginine-related metabolites and biguanides. After that, comparisons of structural and physicochemical properties were performed employing different cheminformatic tools. Finally, we performed molecular docking simulations using AutoDock 4.2 to compare the affinities and binding modes of biguanides and L-arginine-related metabolites against their corresponding targets. Our results showed that biguanides, especially metformin and buformin, exhibited a moderate-to-high similarity to the metabolites belonging to the urea cycle, polyamine metabolism, and creatine biosynthesis. The predicted affinities and binding modes for biguanides displayed good concordance with those obtained for some L-arginine-related metabolites, including L-arginine and creatine. In conclusion, metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells by metformin and biguanides may be also driven by metabolic disruption of L-arginine and structurally related compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Alejandro Espinosa-Rodriguez
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, School of Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, San Nicolas de los Garza 64570, Mexico; (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (M.A.R.-C.); (K.R.-E.); (E.U.A.-E.)
| | - Daniela Treviño-Almaguer
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, School of Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, San Nicolas de los Garza 64570, Mexico; (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (M.A.R.-C.); (K.R.-E.); (E.U.A.-E.)
| | - Pilar Carranza-Rosales
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica del Noreste, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 66720, Mexico;
| | - Monica Azucena Ramirez-Cabrera
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, School of Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, San Nicolas de los Garza 64570, Mexico; (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (M.A.R.-C.); (K.R.-E.); (E.U.A.-E.)
| | - Karla Ramirez-Estrada
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, School of Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, San Nicolas de los Garza 64570, Mexico; (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (M.A.R.-C.); (K.R.-E.); (E.U.A.-E.)
| | - Eder Ubaldo Arredondo-Espinoza
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, School of Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, San Nicolas de los Garza 64570, Mexico; (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (M.A.R.-C.); (K.R.-E.); (E.U.A.-E.)
| | - Luis Fernando Mendez-Lopez
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Center for Research on Nutrition and Public Health, Monterrey 66460, Mexico
- Correspondence: (L.F.M.-L.); (I.B.-R.);Tel.: +52-81-1042-2622 (L.F.M.-L.); +52-81-8329-4000 (I.B.-R.)
| | - Isaias Balderas-Renteria
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, School of Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, San Nicolas de los Garza 64570, Mexico; (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (M.A.R.-C.); (K.R.-E.); (E.U.A.-E.)
- Correspondence: (L.F.M.-L.); (I.B.-R.);Tel.: +52-81-1042-2622 (L.F.M.-L.); +52-81-8329-4000 (I.B.-R.)
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8
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Wang H, Guo M, Wei H, Chen Y. Targeting p53 pathways: mechanisms, structures, and advances in therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:92. [PMID: 36859359 PMCID: PMC9977964 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The TP53 tumor suppressor is the most frequently altered gene in human cancers, and has been a major focus of oncology research. The p53 protein is a transcription factor that can activate the expression of multiple target genes and plays critical roles in regulating cell cycle, apoptosis, and genomic stability, and is widely regarded as the "guardian of the genome". Accumulating evidence has shown that p53 also regulates cell metabolism, ferroptosis, tumor microenvironment, autophagy and so on, all of which contribute to tumor suppression. Mutations in TP53 not only impair its tumor suppressor function, but also confer oncogenic properties to p53 mutants. Since p53 is mutated and inactivated in most malignant tumors, it has been a very attractive target for developing new anti-cancer drugs. However, until recently, p53 was considered an "undruggable" target and little progress has been made with p53-targeted therapies. Here, we provide a systematic review of the diverse molecular mechanisms of the p53 signaling pathway and how TP53 mutations impact tumor progression. We also discuss key structural features of the p53 protein and its inactivation by oncogenic mutations. In addition, we review the efforts that have been made in p53-targeted therapies, and discuss the challenges that have been encountered in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolan Wang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Hudie Wei
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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9
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Silva JD, Marques J, Santos IP, Batista de Carvalho ALM, Martins CB, Laginha RC, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Marques MPM. A Non-Conventional Platinum Drug against a Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Line. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041698. [PMID: 36838683 PMCID: PMC9964417 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A dinuclear Pt(II) complex with putrescine as bridging polyamine ligand ([Pt2Put2(NH3)4]Cl4) was synthesized and assessed as to its potential anticancer activity against a human non-small cell lung cancer line (A549), as well as towards non-cancer cells (BEAS-2B). This effect was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTT and SRB) coupled to microFTIR and microRaman spectroscopies, the former delivering information on growth-inhibiting and cytotoxic abilities while the latter provided very specific information on the metabolic impact of the metal agent (at the sub-cellular level). Regarding cancer cells, a major impact of [Pt2Put2(NH3)4]Cl4 was evidenced on cellular proteins and lipids, as compared to DNA, particularly via the Amide I and Amide II signals. The effect of the chelate on non-malignant cells was lower than on malignant ones, evidencing a promising low toxicity towards healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica D. Silva
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Marques
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês P. Santos
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Clara B. Martins
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel C. Laginha
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís A. E. Batista de Carvalho
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239-854-462
| | - Maria Paula M. Marques
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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10
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Zhao Y, Chen Y, Wei L, Ran J, Wang K, Zhu S, Liu Q. p53 inhibits the Urea cycle and represses polyamine biosynthesis in glioma cell lines. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1143-1153. [PMID: 36745250 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system. The urea cycle (UC) is an essential pathway to convert excess nitrogen and ammonia into the less toxic urea in humans. However, less is known about the functional significance of the urea cycle in glioma. p53 functions as a tumor suppressor and modulates several cellular functions and disease processes. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether p53 influences glioma progression by regulating the urea cycle. Here, we demonstrated the inhibitory impact of p53 on the expression of urea cycle enzymes and urea genesis in glioma cells. The level of polyamine, a urea cycle metabolite, was also regulated by p53 in glioma cells. Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase-1 (CPS1) is the first key enzyme involved in the urea cycle. Functionally, we demonstrated that CPS1 knockdown suppressed glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), which determines the generation of polyamine, was regulated by CPS1. In addition, the impacts of p53 knockdown on ODC expression, glioma cell growth and aggressive phenotypes were significantly reversed by CPS1 inhibition. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that p53 inhibits polyamine metabolism by suppressing the urea cycle, which inhibits glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Zhao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yingxi Chen
- Department of basic Medicine, Chongqing College of traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760, PR China
| | - Ling Wei
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jianhua Ran
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kejian Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shujuan Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University Basic Medical College, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Department of basic Medicine, Chongqing College of traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760, PR China.
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11
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Ji X, Jiang P, Li Y, Yan W, Yue H. New insights into the effect of bisphenol AF exposure on maternal mammary glands at various stages of gestation in mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:157793. [PMID: 35934037 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is the most estrogenic compound among BPA analogs. Mammary glands (MDs) are special organs that undergo repeated cycles of structural development, metabolism, and functional differentiation. Gestation is a sensitive window for MDs. In the present study, plug-positive CD-1 mice were exposed to vehicle (Veh) or 300 μg/kg BPAF through oral gavage every second day during gestation, and maternal MDs were collected from different developmental windows at 9.5, 13.5, and 18.5 d of gestation (gestation day [GD]9.5, GD13.5 and GD18.5). The results showed that gestational BPAF exposure induced a significantly elevated MD density at GD18.5. Non-target metabolomics analysis was used to screen for tyrosine, valine, ornithine, proline, threonine, phenylalanine and asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) amino acids, which changed significantly at all time points. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of genes related to these amino acids also changed significantly. Additionally, amino acid levels in BPAF-treated MGs at GD18.5 were related to the serum ammonia concentration of the corresponding offspring. These results provide a comprehensive view of the adverse effects of BPAF exposure during gestation on the maternal MG structure and function, which may affect milk components during lactation. Moreover, higher amino acids content may lead to amino acid imbalance or hyperammonemia in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Ji
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Peiyun Jiang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Yating Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Wei Yan
- Xuzhou Engineering Research Center of Medical Genetics and Transformation, Key Laboratory of Genetic Foundation and Clinical Application, Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China..
| | - Huifeng Yue
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, PR China
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12
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Chen M, Nie Z, Huang D, Gao Y, Cao H, Zheng L, Zhang S. Development of a polyamine gene expression score for predicting prognosis and treatment response in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1048204. [PMID: 36505496 PMCID: PMC9732944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1048204] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Polyamine metabolism (PM) is closely related to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and is involved in antitumor immunity. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) not only has high immunogenicity but also has significant metabolic changes. However, the role of PM in the immune microenvironment of ccRCC remains unclear. This study aimed to reveal the prognostic value of PM-related genes (PMRGs) expression in ccRCC and their correlation with the TME. Methods The expression levels PMRGs in different cells were characterized with single-cell sequencing analysis. The PMRG expression pattern of 777 ccRCC patients was evaluated based on PMRGs. Unsupervised clustering analysis was used in identifying PMRG expression subtypes, and Lasso regression analysis was used in developing polyamine gene expression score (PGES), which was validated in external and internal data sets. The predictive value of PGES for immunotherapy was validated in the IMvigor210 cohort. Multiple algorithms were used in analyzing the correlation between PGES and immune cells. The sensitivity of PGES to chemotherapeutic drugs was analyzed with the "pRRophetic" package. We validated the genes that develop PGES in tissue samples. Finally, weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used in identifying the key PMRGs closely related to ccRCC, and cell function experiments were carried out. Results PMRGs were abundantly expressed on tumor cells, and PMRG expression was active in CD8+ T cells and fibroblasts. We identified three PMRG expression subtypes. Cancer and immune related pathways were active in PMRG expression cluster A, which had better prognosis. PGES exhibited excellent predictive value. The high-PGES group was characterized by high immune cell infiltration, high expression of T cell depletion markers, high tumor mutation burden and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion, was insensitive to immunotherapy but sensitive to sunitinib, temsirolimus, and rapamycin, and had poor prognosis. Spermidine synthetase (SRM) has been identified as a key gene and is highly expressed in ccRCC at RNA and protein levels. SRM knockdown can inhibit ccRCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusions We revealed the biological characteristics of PMRG expression subtypes and developed PGES to accurately predict the prognosis of patients and response to immunotherapy.
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Melatonin Regulates the Daily Levels of Plasma Amino Acids, Acylcarnitines, Biogenic Amines, Sphingomyelins, and Hexoses in a Xenograft Model of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169105. [PMID: 36012374 PMCID: PMC9408859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169105] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysregulation as a reflection of specific metabolite production and its utilization is a common feature of many human neoplasms. Melatonin, an indoleamine that is highly available during darkness, has a variety of metabolic functions in solid tumors. Because plasma metabolites undergo circadian changes, we investigated the role of melatonin on the profile of amino acids (AAs), biogenic amines, carnitines, sphingolipids, and hexoses present in the plasma of mice bearing xenograft triple negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 cells) over 24 h. Plasma concentrations of nine AAs were reduced by melatonin, especially during the light phase, with a profile closer to that of non-breast cancer (BC) animals. With respect to acylcarnitine levels, melatonin reduced 12 out of 24 molecules in BC-bearing animals compared to their controls, especially at 06:00 h and 15:00 h. Importantly, melatonin reduced the concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine, carnosine, histamine, kynurenine, methionine sulfoxide, putrescine, spermidine, spermine, and symmetric dimethylarginine, which are associated with the BC metabolite sets. Melatonin also led to reduced levels of sphingomyelins and hexoses, which showed distinct daily variations over 24 h. These results highlight the role of melatonin in controlling the levels of plasma metabolites in human BC xenografts, which may impact cancer bioenergetics, in addition to emphasizing the need for a more accurate examination of its metabolomic changes at different time points.
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Martinelli S, Amore F, Mello T, Mannelli M, Maggi M, Rapizzi E. Metformin Treatment Induces Different Response in Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Tumour Cells and in Primary Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143471. [PMID: 35884532 PMCID: PMC9320533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143471] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas (PPGLs) are neuroendocrine tumours and are often non-metastatic. However, no effective treatment is available for their metastatic form. Recent studies have shown that metformin exhibits antiproliferative activity in many human cancers, including PPGLs. Nevertheless, no data are available concerning whether metformin is also able to inhibit PPGL metastatic spread. A tumour is a very complex system, comprising not only cancer cells, but also other cells that all together form the so-called tumour microenvironment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are residential or recruited fibroblasts, transformed by cancer cells, to promote tumour growth and spread. Therefore, the interplay between tumour cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts has become an interesting target for cancer therapy. Here, we demonstrate that metformin has different effects on cancer cells and fibroblasts, providing evidence that metformin may hold promise for altering tumour microenvironment homeostasis. Improving our knowledge on malignant tumour microenvironment properties could lead to develop complementary strategies to target tumour spread and progression. Abstract Pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas (PPGLs) are neuroendocrine tumours, often non-metastatic, but without available effective treatment for their metastatic form. Recent studies have shown that metformin exhibits antiproliferative activity in many human cancers, including PPGLs. Nevertheless, no data are available on the role of metformin on PPGL cells (two-dimension, 2D) and spheroids (three-dimension, 3D) migration/invasion. In this study, we observed that metformin exerts an antiproliferative effect on 2D and 3D cultures of pheochromocytoma mouse tumour tissue (MTT), either silenced or not for the SDHB subunit. However, metformin did not affect MTT migration. On the other hand, metformin did not have a short-term effect on the proliferation of mouse primary fibroblasts, but significantly decreased their ability to migrate. Although the metabolic changes induced by metformin were similar between MTT and fibroblasts (i.e., an overall decrease of ATP production and an increase in intracellular lactate concentration) the activated signalling pathways were different. Indeed, after metformin administration, MTT showed a reduced phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2, while fibroblasts exhibited a downregulation of N-Cadherin and an upregulation of E-Cadherin. Herein, we demonstrated that metformin has different effects on cell growth and spread depending on the cell type nature, underlining the importance of the tumour microenvironment in dictating the drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Martinelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione Sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- ENS@T Center of Excellence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Amore
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Tommaso Mello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Massimo Mannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione Sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- ENS@T Center of Excellence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.M.); (F.A.); (T.M.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione Sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- ENS@T Center of Excellence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Centro di Ricerca e Innovazione Sulle Patologie Surrenaliche, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
- ENS@T Center of Excellence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-2758245
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