1
|
Sudhadevi T, Ackerman SJ, Jafri A, Basa P, Ha AW, Natarajan V, Harijith A. Sphingosine kinase 1-specific inhibitor PF543 reduces goblet cell metaplasia of bronchial epithelium in an acute asthma model. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 326:L377-L392. [PMID: 38290992 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00269.2023] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) has been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma where SPHK1-generated sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is known to mediate innate and adaptive immunity while promoting mast cell degranulation. Goblet cell metaplasia (GCM) contributes to airway obstruction in asthma and has been demonstrated in animal models. We investigated the role of PF543, a SPHK1-specific inhibitor, in preventing the pathogenesis of GCM using a murine (C57BL/6) model of allergen-induced acute asthma. Treatment with PF543 before triple allergen exposure (DRA: House dust mite, Ragweed pollen, and Aspergillus) reduced inflammation, eosinophilic response, and GCM followed by reduced airway hyperreactivity to intravenous methacholine. Furthermore, DRA exposure was associated with increased expression of SPHK1 in the airway epithelium which was reduced by PF543. DRA-induced reduction of acetylated α-tubulin in airway epithelium was associated with an increased expression of NOTCH2 and SPDEF which was prevented by PF543. In vitro studies using human primary airway epithelial cells showed that inhibition of SPHK1 using PF543 prevented an allergen-induced increase of both NOTCH2 and SPDEF. siRNA silencing of SPHK1 prevented the allergen-induced increase of both NOTCH2 and SPDEF. NOTCH2 silencing was associated with a reduction of SPDEF but not that of SPHK1 upon allergen exposure. Our studies demonstrate that inhibition of SPHK1 protected allergen-challenged airways by preventing GCM and airway hyperreactivity, associated with downregulation of the NOTCH2-SPDEF signaling pathway. This suggests a potential novel link between SPHK1, GCM, and airway remodeling in asthma.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The role of SPHK1-specific inhibitor, PF543, in preventing goblet cell metaplasia (GCM) and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) is established in an allergen-induced mouse model. This protection was associated with the downregulation of NOTCH2-SPDEF signaling pathway, suggesting a novel link between SPHK1, GCM, and AHR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara Sudhadevi
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Steven J Ackerman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Anjum Jafri
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Prathima Basa
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Alison W Ha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Viswanathan Natarajan
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Anantha Harijith
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alkafaas SS, Elsalahaty MI, Ismail DF, Radwan MA, Elkafas SS, Loutfy SA, Elshazli RM, Baazaoui N, Ahmed AE, Hafez W, Diab M, Sakran M, El-Saadony MT, El-Tarabily KA, Kamal HK, Hessien M. The emerging roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate and SphK1 in cancer resistance: a promising therapeutic target. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:89. [PMID: 38419070 PMCID: PMC10903003 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03221-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer chemoresistance is a problematic dilemma that significantly restrains numerous cancer management protocols. It can promote cancer recurrence, spreading of cancer, and finally, mortality. Accordingly, enhancing the responsiveness of cancer cells towards chemotherapies could be a vital approach to overcoming cancer chemoresistance. Tumour cells express a high level of sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1), which acts as a protooncogenic factor and is responsible for the synthesis of sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P). S1P is released through a Human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter to interact with other phosphosphingolipids components in the interstitial fluid in the tumor microenvironment (TME), provoking communication, progression, invasion, and tumor metastasis. Also, S1P is associated with several impacts, including anti-apoptotic behavior, metastasis, mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and chemotherapy resistance. Recent reports addressed high levels of S1P in several carcinomas, including ovarian, prostate, colorectal, breast, and HCC. Therefore, targeting the S1P/SphK signaling pathway is an emerging therapeutic approach to efficiently attenuate chemoresistance. In this review, we comprehensively discussed S1P functions, metabolism, transport, and signaling. Also, through a bioinformatic framework, we pointed out the alterations of SphK1 gene expression within different cancers with their impact on patient survival, and we demonstrated the protein-protein network of SphK1, elaborating its sparse roles. Furthermore, we made emphasis on different machineries of cancer resistance and the tight link with S1P. We evaluated all publicly available SphK1 inhibitors and their inhibition activity using molecular docking and how SphK1 inhibitors reduce the production of S1P and might reduce chemoresistance, an approach that might be vital in the course of cancer treatment and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samar Sami Alkafaas
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed I Elsalahaty
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Doha F Ismail
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Mustafa Ali Radwan
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Sara Samy Elkafas
- Production Engineering and Mechanical Design Department, Faculty of Engineering, Menofia University, Menofia, Egypt
- Faculty of Control System and Robotics, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, 197101, Russia
| | - Samah A Loutfy
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Nanotechnology Research Center, British University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rami M Elshazli
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt
| | - Narjes Baazaoui
- Biology Department, College of Sciences and Arts Muhayil Assir, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Ezzat Ahmed
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael Hafez
- NMC Royal Hospital, 16th Street, 35233, Khalifa, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Medical Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, The National Research Centre, Cairo 11511, Egypt
| | - Mohanad Diab
- Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Sakran
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed T El-Saadony
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Khaled A El-Tarabily
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hani K Kamal
- Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Hessien
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu XT, Huang Y, Liu D, Jiang YC, Zhao M, Chung LH, Han XD, Zhao Y, Chen J, Coleman P, Ting KK, Tran C, Su Y, Dennis CV, Bhatnagar A, Liu K, Don AS, Vadas MA, Gorrell MD, Zhang S, Murray M, Kavurma MM, McCaughan GW, Gamble JR, Qi Y. Targeting the SphK1/S1P/PFKFB3 axis suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by disrupting glycolytic energy supply that drives tumor angiogenesis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:43. [PMID: 38200582 PMCID: PMC10782643 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04830-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading life-threatening health challenge worldwide, with pressing needs for novel therapeutic strategies. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), a well-established pro-cancer enzyme, is aberrantly overexpressed in a multitude of malignancies, including HCC. Our previous research has shown that genetic ablation of Sphk1 mitigates HCC progression in mice. Therefore, the development of PF-543, a highly selective SphK1 inhibitor, opens a new avenue for HCC treatment. However, the anti-cancer efficacy of PF-543 has not yet been investigated in primary cancer models in vivo, thereby limiting its further translation. METHODS Building upon the identification of the active form of SphK1 as a viable therapeutic target in human HCC specimens, we assessed the capacity of PF-543 in suppressing tumor progression using a diethylnitrosamine-induced mouse model of primary HCC. We further delineated its underlying mechanisms in both HCC and endothelial cells. Key findings were validated in Sphk1 knockout mice and lentiviral-mediated SphK1 knockdown cells. RESULTS SphK1 activity was found to be elevated in human HCC tissues. Administration of PF-543 effectively abrogated hepatic SphK1 activity and significantly suppressed HCC progression in diethylnitrosamine-treated mice. The primary mechanism of action was through the inhibition of tumor neovascularization, as PF-543 disrupted endothelial cell angiogenesis even in a pro-angiogenic milieu. Mechanistically, PF-543 induced proteasomal degradation of the critical glycolytic enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3, thus restricting the energy supply essential for tumor angiogenesis. These effects of PF-543 could be reversed upon S1P supplementation in an S1P receptor-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first in vivo evidence supporting the potential of PF-543 as an effective anti-HCC agent. It also uncovers previously undescribed links between the pro-cancer, pro-angiogenic and pro-glycolytic roles of the SphK1/S1P/S1P receptor axis. Importantly, unlike conventional anti-HCC drugs that target individual pro-angiogenic drivers, PF-543 impairs the PFKFB3-dictated glycolytic energy engine that fuels tumor angiogenesis, representing a novel and potentially safer therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tracy Liu
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Yu Huang
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Da Liu
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Yingxin Celia Jiang
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Min Zhao
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Long Hoa Chung
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Xingxing Daisy Han
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Yinan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian, 116600, Liaoning, China
| | - Jinbiao Chen
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Paul Coleman
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Ka Ka Ting
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Collin Tran
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Yingying Su
- Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Claude Vincent Dennis
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Atul Bhatnagar
- Sydney Mass Spectrometry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Ken Liu
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Anthony Simon Don
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mathew Alexander Vadas
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Mark Douglas Gorrell
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Shubiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian, 116600, Liaoning, China
| | - Michael Murray
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey William McCaughan
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Jennifer Ruth Gamble
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Yanfei Qi
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yi X, Tang X, Li T, Chen L, He H, Wu X, Xiang C, Cao M, Wang Z, Wang Y, Wang Y, Huang X. Therapeutic potential of the sphingosine kinase 1 inhibitor, PF-543. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114401. [PMID: 37167721 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PF-543 is a sphingosine kinase 1(SPHK1)inhibitor developed by Pfizer and is currently considered the most potent selective SPHK1 inhibitor. SPHK1 catalyses the production of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) from sphingosine. It is the rate-limiting enzyme of S1P production, and there is substantial evidence to support a very important role for sphingosine kinase in health and disease. This review is the first to summarize the role and mechanisms of PF-543 as an SPHK1 inhibitor in anticancer, antifibrotic, and anti-inflammatory processes, providing new therapeutic leads and ideas for future research and clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueliang Yi
- Department of ICU, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Xuemei Tang
- Department of ICU, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianlong Li
- Department of ICU, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Chen
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Hongli He
- Department of ICU, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wu
- Department of ICU, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunlin Xiang
- Department of ICU, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Cao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zixiang Wang
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of ICU, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China.
| | - Yiping Wang
- Department of ICU, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China.
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Department of ICU, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China.
| |
Collapse
|