1
|
Marafie SK, Al-Mulla F, Abubaker J. mTOR: Its Critical Role in Metabolic Diseases, Cancer, and the Aging Process. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6141. [PMID: 38892329 PMCID: PMC11173325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116141] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a pivotal regulator, integrating diverse environmental signals to control fundamental cellular functions, such as protein synthesis, cell growth, survival, and apoptosis. Embedded in a complex network of signaling pathways, mTOR dysregulation is implicated in the onset and progression of a range of human diseases, including metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as well as various cancers. mTOR also has a notable role in aging. Given its extensive biological impact, mTOR signaling is a prime therapeutic target for addressing these complex conditions. The development of mTOR inhibitors has proven advantageous in numerous research domains. This review delves into the significance of mTOR signaling, highlighting the critical components of this intricate network that contribute to disease. Additionally, it addresses the latest findings on mTOR inhibitors and their clinical implications. The review also emphasizes the importance of developing more effective next-generation mTOR inhibitors with dual functions to efficiently target the mTOR pathways. A comprehensive understanding of mTOR signaling will enable the development of effective therapeutic strategies for managing diseases associated with mTOR dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman K. Marafie
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Translational Research, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman 15462, Kuwait;
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman 15462, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Salminen A. The role of the immunosuppressive PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint pathway in the aging process and age-related diseases. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:733-750. [PMID: 38600305 PMCID: PMC11106179 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02444-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of senescent cells within tissues is a hallmark of the aging process. Senescent cells are also commonly present in many age-related diseases and in the cancer microenvironment. The escape of abnormal cells from immune surveillance indicates that there is some defect in the function of cytotoxic immune cells, e.g., CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Recent studies have revealed that the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein is abundantly increased in senescent cells. An increase in the amount of PD-L1 protein protects senescent cells from clearance by the PD-1 checkpoint receptor in cytotoxic immune cells. In fact, the activation of the PD-1 receptor suppresses the cytotoxic properties of CD8+ T and NK cells, promoting a state of immunosenescence. The inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint pathway acts in cooperation with immunosuppressive cells; for example, activation of PD-1 receptor can enhance the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), and M2 macrophages, whereas the cytokines secreted by immunosuppressive cells stimulate the expression of the immunosuppressive PD-L1 protein. Interestingly, many signaling pathways known to promote cellular senescence and the aging process are crucial stimulators of the expression of PD-L1 protein, e.g., epigenetic regulation, inflammatory mediators, mTOR-related signaling, cGAS-STING pathway, and AhR signaling. It seems that the inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint axis has a crucial role in the accumulation of senescent cells and thus it promotes the aging process in tissues. Thus, the blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint signaling might be a potential anti-aging senolytic therapy. KEY MESSAGES: Senescent cells accumulate within tissues during aging and age-related diseases. Senescent cells are able to escape immune surveillance by cytotoxic immune cells. Expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) markedly increases in senescent cells. Age-related signaling stimulates the expression of PD-L1 protein in senescent cells. Inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint pathway suppresses clearance of senescent cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mo S, Liu T, Zhou H, Huang J, Zhao L, Lu F, Kuang Y. ATP6V1B1 regulates ovarian cancer progression and cisplatin sensitivity through the mTOR/autophagy pathway. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-05025-w. [PMID: 38735913 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05025-w] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Early detection and effective chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, a serious gynecological malignancy, require further progress. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of ATPase H+-Transporting V1 Subunit B1 (ATP6V1B1) in ovarian cancer development and chemoresistance. Our data show that ATP6V1B1 is upregulated in ovarian cancer and correlated with decreased progression-free survival. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that ATP6V1B1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells in vitro, while ATP6V1B1 knockout inhibits tumor growth in vivo. In addition, knocking down ATP6V1B1 increases the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin. Mechanistic studies showed that ATP6V1B1 regulates the activation of the mTOR/autophagy pathway. Overall, our study confirmed the oncogenic role of ATP6V1B1 in ovarian cancer and revealed that ATP6V1B1 promotes ovarian cancer progression via the mTOR/autophagy axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shien Mo
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Gaungxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Tingji Liu
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Haiqin Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Gaungxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Junning Huang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Fangfang Lu
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan Kuang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Gaungxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Young MJ, Wang SA, Chen YC, Liu CY, Hsu KC, Tang SW, Tseng YL, Wang YC, Lin SM, Hung JJ. USP24-i-101 targeting of USP24 activates autophagy to inhibit drug resistance acquired during cancer therapy. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:574-591. [PMID: 38491202 PMCID: PMC11093971 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01277-7] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance in cancer therapy is the major reason for poor prognosis. Addressing this clinically unmet issue is important and urgent. In this study, we found that targeting USP24 by the specific USP24 inhibitors, USP24-i and its analogues, dramatically activated autophagy in the interphase and mitotic periods of lung cancer cells by inhibiting E2F4 and TRAF6, respectively. USP24 functional knockout, USP24C1695A, or targeting USP24 by USP24-i-101 inhibited drug resistance and activated autophagy in gefitinib-induced drug-resistant mice with doxycycline-induced EGFRL858R lung cancer, but this effect was abolished after inhibition of autophagy, indicating that targeting USP24-mediated induction of autophagy is required for inhibition of drug resistance. Genomic instability and PD-L1 levels were increased in drug resistant lung cancer cells and were inhibited by USP24-i-101 treatment or knockdown of USP24. In addition, inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin-A1 significantly abolished the effect of USP24-i-101 on maintaining genomic integrity, decreasing PD-L1 and inhibiting drug resistance acquired in chemotherapy or targeted therapy. In summary, an increase in the expression of USP24 in cancer cells is beneficial for the induction of drug resistance and targeting USP24 by USP24-i-101 optimized from USP24-i inhibits drug resistance acquired during cancer therapy by increasing PD-L1 protein degradation and genomic stability in an autophagy induction-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jer Young
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shao-An Wang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ching Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yu Liu
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Cheng Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Wei Tang
- National Tainan First Senior High School, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Lin Tseng
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Min Lin
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jan-Jong Hung
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guil-Luna S, Sanchez-Montero MT, Rodríguez-Ariza A. S-Nitrosylation at the intersection of metabolism and autophagy: Implications for cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189012. [PMID: 37918453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189012] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic plasticity, which determines tumour growth and metastasis, is now understood to be a flexible and context-specific process in cancer metabolism. One of the major pathways contributing to metabolic adaptations in eucaryotic cells is autophagy, a cellular degradation and recycling process that is activated during periods of starvation or stress to maintain metabolite and biosynthetic intermediate levels. Consequently, there is a close association between the metabolic adaptive capacity of tumour cells and autophagy-related pathways in cancer. Additionally, nitric oxide regulates protein function and signalling through S-nitrosylation, a post-translational modification that can also impact metabolism and autophagy. The primary objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the role of S-nitrosylation at the intersection of metabolism and autophagy in cancer. First, we will outline the involvement of S-nitrosylation in the metabolic adaptations that occur in tumours. Then, we will discuss the multifaceted role of autophagy in cancer, the interplay between metabolism and autophagy during tumour progression, and the contribution of S-nitrosylation to autophagic dysregulation in cancer. Finally, we will present insights into relevant therapeutic aspects and discuss prospects for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Guil-Luna
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Cancer Network Biomedical Research Center (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Comparative Anatomy and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Rodríguez-Ariza
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Cancer Network Biomedical Research Center (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Medical Oncology Department, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
García-Pérez BE, Pérez-Torres C, Baltierra-Uribe SL, Castillo-Cruz J, Castrejón-Jiménez NS. Autophagy as a Target for Non-Immune Intrinsic Functions of Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15016. [PMID: 37834467 PMCID: PMC10573536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915016] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process that is essential to the maintenance of homeostasis through the cellular recycling of damaged organelles or misfolded proteins, which sustains energy balance. Additionally, autophagy plays a dual role in modulating the development and progression of cancer and inducing a survival strategy in tumoral cells. Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) modulates the immune response and is responsible for maintaining self-tolerance. Because tumor cells exploit the PD-L1-PD-1 interaction to subvert the immune response, immunotherapy has been developed based on the use of PD-L1-blocking antibodies. Recent evidence has suggested a bidirectional regulation between autophagy and PD-L1 molecule expression in tumor cells. Moreover, the research into the intrinsic properties of PD-L1 has highlighted new functions that are advantageous to tumor cells. The relationship between autophagy and PD-L1 is complex and still not fully understood; its effects can be context-dependent and might differ between tumoral cells. This review refines our understanding of the non-immune intrinsic functions of PD-L1 and its potential influence on autophagy, how these could allow the survival of tumor cells, and what this means for the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Estela García-Pérez
- Departmento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Christian Pérez-Torres
- Departmento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Shantal Lizbeth Baltierra-Uribe
- Departmento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Juan Castillo-Cruz
- Departmento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
- Departmento de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Nayeli Shantal Castrejón-Jiménez
- Área Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Av. Universidad km. 1. Exhacienda de Aquetzalpa A.P. 32, Tulancingo 43600, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Spangenberg SH, Palermo A, Gazaniga NR, Martínez-Peña F, Guijas C, Chin EN, Rinschen MM, Sander PN, Webb B, Pereira LE, Jia Y, Meitz L, Siuzdak G, Lairson LL. Hydroxyproline metabolism enhances IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression and inhibits autophagic flux. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:1115-1134.e10. [PMID: 37467751 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.06.016] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint protein PD-L1 plays critical roles in both immune system homeostasis and tumor progression. Impaired PD-1/PD-L1 function promotes autoimmunity and PD-L1 expression within tumors promotes immune evasion. If and how changes in metabolism or defined metabolites regulate PD-L1 expression is not fully understood. Here, using a metabolomics activity screening-based approach, we have determined that hydroxyproline (Hyp) significantly and directly enhances adaptive (i.e., IFN-γ-induced) PD-L1 expression in multiple relevant myeloid and cancer cell types. Mechanistic studies reveal that Hyp acts as an inhibitor of autophagic flux, which allows it to regulate this negative feedback mechanism, thereby contributing to its overall effect on PD-L1 expression. Due to its prevalence in fibrotic tumors, these findings suggest that hydroxyproline could contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and that Hyp metabolism could be targeted to pharmacologically control PD-L1 expression for the treatment of cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amelia Palermo
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nathalia R Gazaniga
- Department of Chemistry, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Carlos Guijas
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Emily N Chin
- Department of Chemistry, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Markus M Rinschen
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Philipp N Sander
- Department of Chemistry, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Bill Webb
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Laura E Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ying Jia
- Department of Chemistry, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lance Meitz
- Department of Chemistry, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gary Siuzdak
- Scripps Center for Metabolomics, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Luke L Lairson
- Department of Chemistry, the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu Q, Sharma D. Autophagy and Breast Cancer: Connected in Growth, Progression, and Therapy. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081156. [PMID: 37190065 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081156] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite an increase in the incidence of breast cancer worldwide, overall prognosis has been consistently improving owing to the development of multiple targeted therapies and novel combination regimens including endocrine therapies, aromatase inhibitors, Her2-targeted therapies, and cdk4/6 inhibitors. Immunotherapy is also being actively examined for some breast cancer subtypes. This overall positive outlook is marred by the development of resistance or reduced efficacy of the drug combinations, but the underlying mechanisms are somewhat unclear. It is interesting to note that cancer cells quickly adapt and evade most therapies by activating autophagy, a catabolic process designed to recycle damaged cellular components and provide energy. In this review, we discuss the role of autophagy and autophagy-associated proteins in breast cancer growth, drug sensitivity, tumor dormancy, stemness, and recurrence. We further explore how autophagy intersects and reduces the efficacy of endocrine therapies, targeted therapies, radiotherapy, chemotherapies as well as immunotherapy via modulating various intermediate proteins, miRs, and lncRNAs. Lastly, the potential application of autophagy inhibitors and bioactive molecules to improve the anticancer effects of drugs by circumventing the cytoprotective autophagy is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qitong Wu
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287-0013, USA
| | - Dipali Sharma
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287-0013, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Koustas E, Trifylli EM, Sarantis P, Papadopoulos N, Papanikolopoulos K, Aloizos G, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Garmpi A, Matthaios D, Karamouzis MV. Exploiting Autophagy-Dependent Neoantigen Presentation in Tumor Microenvironment. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:474. [PMID: 36833401 PMCID: PMC9956312 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy constitutes a well-known homeostatic and catabolic process that is responsible for degradation and recycling of cellular components. It is a key regulatory mechanism for several cellular functions, whereas its dysregulation is associated with tumorigenesis, tumor-stroma interactions and resistance to cancer therapy. A growing body of evidence has proven that autophagy affects the tumor microenvironment, while it is also considered a key factor for function of several immune cells, such as APCs, T-cells, and macrophages. Moreover, it is implicated in presentation of neo-antigens of tumor cells in both MHC-I and MHC-II in dendritic cells (DCs) in functional activity of immune cells by creating T-cell memory, as well as in cross-presentation of neo-antigens for MHC-I presentation and the internalization process. Currently, autophagy has a crucial role in immunotherapy. Emergence of cancer immunotherapy has already shown some remarkable results, having changed therapeutic strategy in clinical practice for several cancer types. Despite these promising long-term responses, several patients seem to lack the ability to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, autophagy through neo-antigen presentation is a potential target in order to strengthen or attenuate the effects of immunotherapy against different types of cancer. This review will shed light on the recent advances and future directions of autophagy-dependent neo-antigen presentation and consequently its role in immunotherapy for malignant tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Koustas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Aloizos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Damaskos
- ‘N.S. Christeas’ Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Renal Transplantation Unit, ‘Laiko’ General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, ‘Laiko’ General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michalis V. Karamouzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li Y, Huang X, Tong D, Jiang C, Zhu X, Wei Z, Gong T, Jin C. Relationships among microbiota, gastric cancer, and immunotherapy. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:987763. [PMID: 36171746 PMCID: PMC9511979 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.987763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, conventional neoadjuvant therapy or postoperative adjuvant therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can only bring limited survival benefits to gastric cancer (GC). Median survival after palliative chemotherapy is also low, at about 8–10 months. Immunotargeting is a new option for the treatment of GC, but has not been widely replicated. The highly immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment (TME) discounts the efficacy of immunotherapy for GC. Therefore, new strategies are needed to enhance the immune response of the TME. This paper reviewed the relationship between microorganisms and GC, potential links between microorganisms and immunotherapy and research of microorganisms combined immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Li
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Desheng Tong
- Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Chenyu Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhipeng Wei
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Tingjie Gong
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Chunhui Jin
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
- *Correspondence: Chunhui Jin,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Germline FOXJ2 overexpression causes male infertility via aberrant autophagy activation by LAMP2A upregulation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:665. [PMID: 35908066 PMCID: PMC9338950 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05116-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex biological process that produces haploid spermatozoa and requires precise regulation by many tissue-specific factors. In this study, we explored the role and mechanism of Fork head box J2 (FOXJ2, which is highly expressed in spermatocytes) in the regulation of spermatogenesis using a germline-specific conditional Foxj2 knock-in mouse model (Stra8-Cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mouse). Foxj2 overexpression in mouse testes led to spermatogenesis failure, which started at the initiation of meiosis, and resulted in male infertility. Lysosomes and autophagy-related genes were upregulated in Stra8-cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mouse testes and the number of autolysosomes in the spermatocytes in Stra8-cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mice was increased. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR and Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that Lamp2 (encoding lysosome-associated membrane protein-2) was a target of FOXJ2. Foxj2 overexpression increased the expression levels of Lamp2a and Hsc70 (70-kDa cytoplasmic heat shock protein) in the Stra8-cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mouse testes. Our results suggested that Foxj2 overexpression in the germ cells of mouse testes affects chaperone-mediated autophagy by upregulating LAMP2A, leading to spermatogenesis failure at the initiation of meiosis, thus resulting in male infertility. Our findings provide a new insight into the function of FOXJ2 in spermatogenesis and the significance of autophagy regulation in spermatogenesis.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zaarour RF, Sharda M, Azakir B, Hassan Venkatesh G, Abou Khouzam R, Rifath A, Nizami ZN, Abdullah F, Mohammad F, Karaali H, Nawafleh H, Elsayed Y, Chouaib S. Genomic Analysis of Waterpipe Smoke-Induced Lung Tumor Autophagy and Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126848. [PMID: 35743294 PMCID: PMC9225041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of autophagy in lung cancer cells exposed to waterpipe smoke (WPS) is not known. Because of the important role of autophagy in tumor resistance and progression, we investigated its relationship with WP smoking. We first showed that WPS activated autophagy, as reflected by LC3 processing, in lung cancer cell lines. The autophagy response in smokers with lung adenocarcinoma, as compared to non-smokers with lung adenocarcinoma, was investigated further using the TCGA lung adenocarcinoma bulk RNA-seq dataset with the available patient metadata on smoking status. The results, based on a machine learning classification model using Random Forest, indicate that smokers have an increase in autophagy-activating genes. Comparative analysis of lung adenocarcinoma molecular signatures in affected patients with a long-term active exposure to smoke compared to non-smoker patients indicates a higher tumor mutational burden, a higher CD8+ T-cell level and a lower dysfunction level in smokers. While the expression of the checkpoint genes tested-PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2 and CTLA-4-remains unchanged between smokers and non-smokers, B7-1, B7-2, IDO1 and CD200R1 were found to be higher in non-smokers than smokers. Because multiple factors in the tumor microenvironment dictate the success of immunotherapy, in addition to the expression of immune checkpoint genes, our analysis explains why patients who are smokers with lung adenocarcinoma respond better to immunotherapy, even though there are no relative differences in immune checkpoint genes in the two groups. Therefore, targeting autophagy in lung adenocarcinoma patients, in combination with checkpoint inhibitor-targeted therapies or chemotherapy, should be considered in smoker patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rania Faouzi Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; (R.F.Z.); (G.H.V.); (R.A.K.); (A.R.); (Z.N.N.); (F.A.); (F.M.); (H.N.)
| | - Mohak Sharda
- National Center for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India;
- School of Life Science, The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences & Technology (TDU), Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Bilal Azakir
- Molecular and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11072809, Lebanon; (B.A.); (H.K.)
| | - Goutham Hassan Venkatesh
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; (R.F.Z.); (G.H.V.); (R.A.K.); (A.R.); (Z.N.N.); (F.A.); (F.M.); (H.N.)
| | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; (R.F.Z.); (G.H.V.); (R.A.K.); (A.R.); (Z.N.N.); (F.A.); (F.M.); (H.N.)
| | - Ayesha Rifath
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; (R.F.Z.); (G.H.V.); (R.A.K.); (A.R.); (Z.N.N.); (F.A.); (F.M.); (H.N.)
| | - Zohra Nausheen Nizami
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; (R.F.Z.); (G.H.V.); (R.A.K.); (A.R.); (Z.N.N.); (F.A.); (F.M.); (H.N.)
| | - Fatima Abdullah
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; (R.F.Z.); (G.H.V.); (R.A.K.); (A.R.); (Z.N.N.); (F.A.); (F.M.); (H.N.)
| | - Fatin Mohammad
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; (R.F.Z.); (G.H.V.); (R.A.K.); (A.R.); (Z.N.N.); (F.A.); (F.M.); (H.N.)
| | - Hajar Karaali
- Molecular and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11072809, Lebanon; (B.A.); (H.K.)
| | - Husam Nawafleh
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; (R.F.Z.); (G.H.V.); (R.A.K.); (A.R.); (Z.N.N.); (F.A.); (F.M.); (H.N.)
| | - Yehya Elsayed
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences (BCE), American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; (R.F.Z.); (G.H.V.); (R.A.K.); (A.R.); (Z.N.N.); (F.A.); (F.M.); (H.N.)
- Inserm Umr 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nanoprodrug ratiometrically integrating autophagy inhibitor and genotoxic agent for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
14
|
Sousa D, Pereira SS, Pignatelli D. Modulation of Autophagy in Adrenal Tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:937367. [PMID: 35966083 PMCID: PMC9373848 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.937367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal masses are one of the most common tumors in humans. The majority are benign and non-functioning and therefore do not require immediate treatment. In contrast, the rare adrenal malignant tumors are often highly aggressive and with poor prognosis. Besides usually being detected in advanced stages, often already with metastases, one of the reasons of the unfavorable outcome of the patients with adrenal cancer is the absence of effective treatments. Autophagy is one of the intracellular pathways targeted by several classes of chemotherapeutics. Mitotane, the most commonly used drug for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma, was recently shown to also modulate autophagy. Autophagy is a continuous programmed cellular process which culminates with the degradation of cellular organelles and proteins. However, being a dynamic mechanism, understanding the autophagic flux can be highly complex. The role of autophagy in cancer has been described paradoxically: initially described as a tumor pro-survival mechanism, different studies have been showing that it may result in other outcomes, namely in tumor cell death. In adrenal tumors, this dual role of autophagy has also been addressed in recent years. Studies reported both induction and inhibition of autophagy as a treatment strategy of adrenal malignancies. Importantly, most of these studies were performed using cell lines. Consequently clinical studies are still required. In this review, we describe what is known about the role of autophagy modulation in treatment of adrenal tumors. We will also highlight the aspects that need further evaluation to understand the paradoxical role of autophagy in adrenal tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Sousa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Signaling & Metabolism Group, IPATIMUP- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia S. Pereira
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Duarte Pignatelli, ; Sofia S. Pereira,
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Signaling & Metabolism Group, IPATIMUP- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de S. João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Duarte Pignatelli, ; Sofia S. Pereira,
| |
Collapse
|