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Ghanem MS, Caffa I, Monacelli F, Nencioni A. Inhibitors of NAD + Production in Cancer Treatment: State of the Art and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2092. [PMID: 38396769 PMCID: PMC10889166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042092] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The addiction of tumors to elevated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels is a hallmark of cancer metabolism. Obstructing NAD+ biosynthesis in tumors is a new and promising antineoplastic strategy. Inhibitors developed against nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the main enzyme in NAD+ production from nicotinamide, elicited robust anticancer activity in preclinical models but not in patients, implying that other NAD+-biosynthetic pathways are also active in tumors and provide sufficient NAD+ amounts despite NAMPT obstruction. Recent studies show that NAD+ biosynthesis through the so-called "Preiss-Handler (PH) pathway", which utilizes nicotinate as a precursor, actively operates in many tumors and accounts for tumor resistance to NAMPT inhibitors. The PH pathway consists of three sequential enzymatic steps that are catalyzed by nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRT), nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferases (NMNATs), and NAD+ synthetase (NADSYN1). Here, we focus on these enzymes as emerging targets in cancer drug discovery, summarizing their reported inhibitors and describing their current or potential exploitation as anticancer agents. Finally, we also focus on additional NAD+-producing enzymes acting in alternative NAD+-producing routes that could also be relevant in tumors and thus become viable targets for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa S. Ghanem
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Irene Caffa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.C.); (F.M.)
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Monacelli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.C.); (F.M.)
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.C.); (F.M.)
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
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SUN XIANGDONG, WEN HUIJUAN, LI FAZHAN, BUKHARI IHTISHAM, REN FEIFEI, XUE XIA, ZHENG PENGYUAN, MI YANG. NAD+ associated genes as potential biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer. Oncol Res 2023; 32:283-296. [PMID: 38186577 PMCID: PMC10765132 DOI: 10.32604/or.2023.044618] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays an essential role in cellular metabolism, mitochondrial homeostasis, inflammation, and senescence. However, the role of NAD+-regulated genes, including coding and long non-coding genes in cancer development is poorly understood. We constructed a prediction model based on the expression level of NAD+ metabolism-related genes (NMRGs). Furthermore, we validated the expression of NMRGs in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and cell lines; additionally, β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor of NAD+, was used to treat the GC cell lines to analyze its effects on the expression level of NMRGs lncRNAs and cellular proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). A total of 13 NMRGs-related lncRNAs were selected to construct prognostic risk signatures, and patients with high-risk scores had a poor prognosis. Some immune checkpoint genes were upregulated in the high-risk group. In addition, cell cycle, epigenetics, and senescence were significantly downregulated in the high-risk group. Notably, we found that the levels of immune cell infiltration, including CD8 T cells, CD4 naïve T cells, CD4 memory-activated T cells, B memory cells, and naïve B cells, were significantly associated with risk scores. Furthermore, the treatment of NMN showed increased proliferation of AGS and MKN45 cells. In addition, the expression of SASP factors (IL6, IL8, IL10, TGF-β, and TNF-α) was significantly decreased after NMN treatment. We conclude that the lncRNAs associated with NAD+ metabolism can potentially be used as biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes of GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- XIANGDONG SUN
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and GI Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - HUIJUAN WEN
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and GI Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - FAZHAN LI
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and GI Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - IHTISHAM BUKHARI
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and GI Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - FEIFEI REN
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and GI Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - XIA XUE
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and GI Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - PENGYUAN ZHENG
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and GI Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - YANG MI
- Henan Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and GI Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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3
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Yong J, Cai S, Zeng Z. Targeting NAD + metabolism: dual roles in cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269896. [PMID: 38116009 PMCID: PMC10728650 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269896] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is indispensable for various oxidation-reduction reactions in mammalian cells, particularly during energy production. Malignant cells increase the expression levels of NAD+ biosynthesis enzymes for rapid proliferation and biomass production. Furthermore, mounting proof has indicated that NAD-degrading enzymes (NADases) play a role in creating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Interestingly, both inhibiting NAD+ synthesis and targeting NADase have positive implications for cancer treatment. Here we summarize the detrimental outcomes of increased NAD+ production, the functions of NAD+ metabolic enzymes in creating an immunosuppressive TME, and discuss the progress and clinical translational potential of inhibitors for NAD+ synthesis and therapies targeting NADase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Yong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songqing Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaolei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Liu W, Chu Z, Yang C, Yang T, Yang Y, Wu H, Sun J. Discovery of potent STAT3 inhibitors using structure-based virtual screening, molecular dynamic simulation, and biological evaluation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1287797. [PMID: 38023173 PMCID: PMC10652556 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1287797] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is ubiquitously hyper-activated in numerous cancers, rendering it an appealing target for therapeutic intervention. Methods and results In this study, using structure-based virtual screening complemented by molecular dynamics simulations, we identified ten potential STAT3 inhibitors. The simulations pinpointed compounds 8, 9, and 10 as forming distinct hydrogen bonds with the SH2 domain of STAT3. In vitro cytotoxicity assays highlighted compound 4 as a potent inhibitor of gastric cancer cell proliferation across MGC803, KATO III, and NCI-N87 cell lines. Further cellular assays substantiated the ability of compound 4 to attenuate IL-6-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr475. Additionally, oxygen consumption rate assays corroborated compound 4's deleterious effects on mitochondrial function. Discussion Collectively, our findings position compound 4 as a promising lead candidate warranting further exploration in the development of anti-gastric cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Zhijie Chu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Tianbao Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- Department of Emergency Trauma Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Haigang Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Junjun Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
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Shah M, Anwar A, Qasim A, Jaan S, Sarfraz A, Ullah R, Ali EA, Nishan U, Shehroz M, Zaman A, Ojha SC. Proteome level analysis of drug-resistant Prevotella melaninogenica for the identification of novel therapeutic candidates. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1271798. [PMID: 37808310 PMCID: PMC10556700 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1271798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of infectious diseases has become more critical due to the development of novel pathogenic strains with enhanced resistance. Prevotella melaninogenica, a gram-negative bacterium, was found to be involved in various infections of the respiratory tract, aerodigestive tract, and gastrointestinal tract. The need to explore novel drug and vaccine targets against this pathogen was triggered by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance against reported antibiotics to combat P. melaninogenica infections. The study involves core genes acquired from 14 complete P. melaninogenica strain genome sequences, where promiscuous drug and vaccine candidates were explored by state-of-the-art subtractive proteomics and reverse vaccinology approaches. A stringent bioinformatics analysis enlisted 18 targets as novel, essential, and non-homologous to humans and having druggability potential. Moreover, the extracellular and outer membrane proteins were subjected to antigenicity, allergenicity, and physicochemical analysis for the identification of the candidate proteins to design multi-epitope vaccines. Two candidate proteins (ADK95685.1 and ADK97014.1) were selected as the best target for the designing of a vaccine construct. Lead B- and T-cell overlapped epitopes were joined to generate potential chimeric vaccine constructs in combination with adjuvants and linkers. Finally, a prioritized vaccine construct was found to have stable interactions with the human immune cell receptors as confirmed by molecular docking and MD simulation studies. The vaccine construct was found to have cloning and expression ability in the bacterial cloning system. Immune simulation ensured the elicitation of significant immune responses against the designed vaccine. In conclusion, our study reported novel drug and vaccine targets and designed a multi-epitope vaccine against the P. melaninogenica infection. Further experimental validation will help open new avenues in the treatment of this multi-drug-resistant pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohibullah Shah
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Amna Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Aqsa Qasim
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Samavia Jaan
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Asifa Sarfraz
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Medicinal Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research Center, College of Pharmacy King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam A. Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Umar Nishan
- Department of Chemistry, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shehroz
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kohsar University Murree, Murree, Pakistan
| | - Aqal Zaman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Suvash Chandra Ojha
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Colombo G, Caviglia GP, Ravera A, Tribocco E, Frara S, Rosso C, Travelli C, Genazzani AA, Ribaldone DG. NAMPT and NAPRT serum levels predict response to anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1116862. [PMID: 36817780 PMCID: PMC9928959 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1116862] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and nicotinic acid phosphoribosyl transferase (NAPRT) are key intracellular enzymes that participate in the biosynthesis on NAD but have also been shown to be released as proinflammatory cytokines. A number of reports have shown that circulating NAMPT is increased in serum of patients with inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), while nothing is known regarding circulating NAPRT and the presence of both cytokines in IBD patient stools. In the present study, we evaluated eNAMPT and eNAPRT levels in a large cohort of IBD patients not on biological therapy and in a subset that then was prescribed biologics. Methods We conducted a retro-perspective study on 180 patients, of which 111 underwent subsequent biological treatment (adalimumab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab). We analyzed eNAMPT and eNAPRT concentrations in serum and faces of IBD patients, correlating them with response to biologics. Results We now report that eNAMPT and eNAPRT are significantly increased in both serum and stools of IBD patients. NAMPT and NAPRT levels correlate with disease severity, with C reactive protein and with serum IL-6 levels. Importantly, levels of NAMPT in patients starting treatment with adalimumab correlate with response failure at three months: patients with levels above 4 ng/ml were significantly less likely to obtain benefit. Serum NAMPT as a biomarker of response yields a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusion The present work strongly suggests that a prospective trial evaluating eNAMPT and eNAPRT levels in relation to response to biologicals in IBD should be initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Colombo
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Caviglia
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Ravera
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Tribocco
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Frara
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Rosso
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Travelli
- 3Department of Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Armando A. Genazzani
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy,*Correspondence: Armando A. Genazzani,
| | - Davide Giuseppe Ribaldone
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy,Davide Giuseppe Ribaldone,
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Matsumoto S, Biniecka P, Bellotti A, Duchosal MA, Nahimana A. Nicotinaldehyde, a Novel Precursor of NAD Biosynthesis, Abrogates the Anti-Cancer Activity of an NAD-Lowering Agent in Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030787. [PMID: 36765744 PMCID: PMC9913462 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030787] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting NAD depletion in cancer cells has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, based on the higher reliance of malignant vs. healthy cells on NAD to sustain their aberrant proliferation and altered metabolism. NAD depletion is exquisitely observed when NAMPT, a key enzyme for the biosynthesis of NAD, is inhibited. Growing evidence suggests that alternative NAD sources present in a tumor environment can bypass NAMPT and render its inhibition ineffective. Here, we report the identification of nicotinaldehyde as a novel precursor that can be used for NAD biosynthesis by human leukemia cells. Nicotinaldehyde supplementation replenishes the intracellular NAD level in leukemia cells treated with NAMPT inhibitor APO866 and prevents APO866-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP depletion. We show here that NAD biosynthesis from nicotinaldehyde depends on NAPRT and occurs via the Preiss-Handler pathway. The availability of nicotinaldehyde in a tumor environment fully blunts the antitumor activity of APO866 in vitro and in vivo. This is the first study to report the role of nicotinaldehyde in the NAD-targeted anti-cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of the tumor metabolic environment in modulating the efficacy of NAD-lowering cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Matsumoto
- Central Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Medical Laboratory and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 27, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Biniecka
- Central Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Medical Laboratory and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 27, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Axel Bellotti
- Central Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Medical Laboratory and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 27, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel A Duchosal
- Central Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Medical Laboratory and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 27, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Service of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aimable Nahimana
- Central Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Medical Laboratory and Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 27, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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A Versatile Continuous Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for Targeting Nicotinate Phosphoribosyltransferase. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28030961. [PMID: 36770640 PMCID: PMC9919730 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28030961] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of a proper NAD+ pool is essential for cell survival, and tumor cells are particularly sensitive to changes in coenzyme levels. In this view, the inhibition of NAD+ biosynthesis is considered a promising therapeutic approach. Current research is mostly focused on targeting the enzymes nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRT), which regulate NAD+ biosynthesis from nicotinamide and nicotinic acid, respectively. In several types of cancer cells, both enzymes are relevant for NAD+ biosynthesis, with NAPRT being responsible for cell resistance to NAMPT inhibition. While potent NAMPT inhibitors have been developed, only a few weak NAPRT inhibitors have been identified so far, essentially due to the lack of an easy and fast screening assay. Here we present a continuous coupled fluorometric assay whereby the product of the NAPRT-catalyzed reaction is enzymatically converted to NADH, and NADH formation is measured fluorometrically. The assay can be adapted to screen compounds that interfere with NADH excitation and emission wavelengths by coupling NADH formation to the cycling reduction of resazurin to resorufin, which is monitored at longer wavelengths. The assay system was validated by confirming the inhibitory effect of some NA-related compounds on purified human recombinant NAPRT. In particular, 2-hydroxynicotinic acid, 2-amminonicotinic acid, 2-fluoronicotinic acid, pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid, and salicylic acid were confirmed as NAPRT inhibitors, with Ki ranging from 149 to 348 µM. Both 2-hydroxynicotinic acid and pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid were found to sensitize OVCAR-5 cells to the NAMPT inhibitor FK866 by decreasing viability and intracellular NAD+ levels.
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The Predictive Role of Extracellular NAPRT for the Detection of Advanced Fibrosis in Biopsy-Proven Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021172. [PMID: 36674688 PMCID: PMC9861383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021172] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic oxidative stress is a key driver of inflammation and fibrogenesis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the role of extracellular Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (eNAMPT) and extracellular nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (eNAPRT) for the detection of advanced fibrosis. eNAMPT and eNAPRT were tested in 180 consecutive biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and compared with liver stiffness (LS) and the FIB-4 score. eNAMPT was similarly distributed across fibrosis stages, whereas eNAPRT was increased in patients with advanced fibrosis (p = 0.036) and was associated with advanced fibrosis (OR 1.08, p = 0.016). A multiple stepwise logistic regression model containing significant variables for advanced fibrosis (eNAPRT, type 2 diabetes, age, male sex, ALT) had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 (Se 89.6%, Sp 67.3%, PPV 46.7%, NPV 93.8%) when compared to that of LS (0.79; Se 63.5%, Sp 86.2%, PPV 66.0%, NPV 84.8%) and to that of the FIB-4 score (0.73; Se 80.0%, Sp 56.8%, PPV 44.9%, NPV 86.6%). The use of eNAPRT in clinical practice might allow for the better characterization of NAFLD patients at higher risk of disease progression.
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NAPRT, but Not NAMPT, Provides Additional Support for NAD Synthesis in Esophageal Precancerous Lesions. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224916. [PMID: 36432602 PMCID: PMC9695206 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224916] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is hypothesized that esophageal precancerous lesions (EPLs) have a surge requirement for coenzyme I (NAD). The purpose of this study is to clarify the key control points of NAD synthesis in developing EPL by detecting related markers and the gene polymorphism of NAD synthesis and metabolism. This case-control study was conducted in Huai'an, China. In total, 100 healthy controls and 100 EPL cases matched by villages, gender, and age (±2 years) were included. The levels of plasma niacin and nicotinamide, and the protein concentration of NAMPT, NAPRT, and PARP-1 were quantitatively analyzed. PARP-1 gene polymorphism was detected to determine if the cases differed genetically in NAD synthesis. The levels of plasma niacin and nicotinamide and the concentrations of NAMPT were not related to the risk of EPL, but the over-expressions of NAPRT (p = 0.014, 0.001, and 0.016, respectively) and PARP-1 (p for trend = 0.021) were associated with the increased EPL risk. The frequency distribution of APRP-1 genotypes was found to not differ between the two groups, while the EPL group showed an increased frequency of the variant C allele. NAPRT, but not NAMPT, was found to be responsible for the stress of excess NAD synthesis in EPL. Focusing on the development of NAPRT inhibitors may be beneficial to prevent and control ESCC.
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