1
|
Sukocheva OA, Neganova ME, Aleksandrova Y, Burcher JT, Chugunova E, Fan R, Tse E, Sethi G, Bishayee A, Liu J. Signaling controversy and future therapeutical perspectives of targeting sphingolipid network in cancer immune editing and resistance to tumor necrosis factor-α immunotherapy. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:251. [PMID: 38698424 PMCID: PMC11064425 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01626-6] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Anticancer immune surveillance and immunotherapies trigger activation of cytotoxic cytokine signaling, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathways. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α may be secreted by stromal cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and by cancer cells, indicating a prominent role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, tumors manage to adapt, escape immune surveillance, and ultimately develop resistance to the cytotoxic effects of TNF-α. The mechanisms by which cancer cells evade host immunity is a central topic of current cancer research. Resistance to TNF-α is mediated by diverse molecular mechanisms, such as mutation or downregulation of TNF/TRAIL receptors, as well as activation of anti-apoptotic enzymes and transcription factors. TNF-α signaling is also mediated by sphingosine kinases (SphK1 and SphK2), which are responsible for synthesis of the growth-stimulating phospholipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Multiple studies have demonstrated the crucial role of S1P and its transmembrane receptors (S1PR) in both the regulation of inflammatory responses and progression of cancer. Considering that the SphK/S1P/S1PR axis mediates cancer resistance, this sphingolipid signaling pathway is of mechanistic significance when considering immunotherapy-resistant malignancies. However, the exact mechanism by which sphingolipids contribute to the evasion of immune surveillance and abrogation of TNF-α-induced apoptosis remains largely unclear. This study reviews mechanisms of TNF-α-resistance in cancer cells, with emphasis on the pro-survival and immunomodulatory effects of sphingolipids. Inhibition of SphK/S1P-linked pro-survival branch may facilitate reactivation of the pro-apoptotic TNF superfamily effects, although the role of SphK/S1P inhibitors in the regulation of the TME and lymphocyte trafficking should be thoroughly assessed in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Margarita E Neganova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Yulia Aleksandrova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Jack T Burcher
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Elena Chugunova
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Edmund Tse
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li RZ, Wang XR, Wang J, Xie C, Wang XX, Pan HD, Meng WY, Liang TL, Li JX, Yan PY, Wu QB, Liu L, Yao XJ, Leung ELH. The key role of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer: New therapeutic targets, diagnostic and prognostic values, and anti-tumor immunotherapy resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:941643. [PMID: 35965565 PMCID: PMC9364366 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.941643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologically active sphingolipids are closely related to the growth, differentiation, aging, and apoptosis of cancer cells. Some sphingolipids, such as ceramides, are favorable metabolites in the sphingolipid metabolic pathway, usually mediating antiproliferative responses, through inhibiting cancer cell growth and migration, as well as inducing autophagy and apoptosis. However, other sphingolipids, such as S1P, play the opposite role, which induces cancer cell transformation, migration and growth and promotes drug resistance. There are also other sphingolipids, as well as enzymes, played potentially critical roles in cancer physiology and therapeutics. This review aimed to explore the important roles of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer. In this article, we summarized the role and value of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer, including the distribution of sphingolipids, the functions, and their relevance to cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We also summarized the known and potential antitumor targets present in sphingolipid metabolism, analyzed the correlation between sphingolipid metabolism and tumor immunity, and summarize the antitumor effects of natural compounds based on sphingolipids. Through the analysis and summary of sphingolipid antitumor therapeutic targets and immune correlation, we aim to provide ideas for the development of new antitumor drugs, exploration of new therapeutic means for tumors, and study of immunotherapy resistance mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Run-Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xuan-Run Wang
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Luzhou People’s Hospital, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Chun Xie
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xing-Xia Wang
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hu-Dan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wei-Yu Meng
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Tu-Liang Liang
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Qi-Biao Wu
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Yao, ; Liang Liu, ; Elaine Lai-Han Leung,
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Yao, ; Liang Liu, ; Elaine Lai-Han Leung,
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- Breast Surgery, Zhuhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Yao, ; Liang Liu, ; Elaine Lai-Han Leung,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Companioni O, Mir C, Garcia-Mayea Y, LLeonart ME. Targeting Sphingolipids for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745092. [PMID: 34737957 PMCID: PMC8560795 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are an extensive class of lipids with different functions in the cell, ranging from proliferation to cell death. Sphingolipids are modified in multiple cancers and are responsible for tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis. Several inhibitors or activators of sphingolipid signaling, such as fenretinide, safingol, ABC294640, ceramide nanoliposomes (CNLs), SKI-II, α-galactosylceramide, fingolimod, and sonepcizumab, have been described. The objective of this review was to analyze the results from preclinical and clinical trials of these drugs for the treatment of cancer. Sphingolipid-targeting drugs have been tested alone or in combination with chemotherapy, exhibiting antitumor activity alone and in synergism with chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. As a consequence of treatments, the most frequent mechanism of cell death is apoptosis, followed by autophagy. Aslthough all these drugs have produced good results in preclinical studies of multiple cancers, the outcomes of clinical trials have not been similar. The most effective drugs are fenretinide and α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). In contrast, minor adverse effects restricted to a few subjects and hepatic toxicity have been observed in clinical trials of ABC294640 and safingol, respectively. In the case of CNLs, SKI-II, fingolimod and sonepcizumab there are some limitations and absence of enough clinical studies to demonstrate a benefit. The effectiveness or lack of a major therapeutic effect of sphingolipid modulation by some drugs as a cancer therapy and other aspects related to their mechanism of action are discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Companioni
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mir
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoelsis Garcia-Mayea
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matilde E LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Network Center in Oncology, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Singh S, Chakrabarti R. Consequences of EMT-Driven Changes in the Immune Microenvironment of Breast Cancer and Therapeutic Response of Cancer Cells. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050642. [PMID: 31075939 PMCID: PMC6572359 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process through which epithelial cells lose their epithelial characteristics and cell–cell contact, thus increasing their invasive potential. In addition to its well-known roles in embryonic development, wound healing, and regeneration, EMT plays an important role in tumor progression and metastatic invasion. In breast cancer, EMT both increases the migratory capacity and invasive potential of tumor cells, and initiates protumorigenic alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In particular, recent evidence has linked increased expression of EMT markers such as TWIST1 and MMPs in breast tumors with increased immune infiltration in the TME. These immune cells then provide cues that promote immune evasion by tumor cells, which is associated with enhanced tumor progression and metastasis. In the current review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the role of EMT in the biology of different subtypes of breast cancer. We will further explore the correlation between genetic switches leading to EMT and EMT-induced alterations within the TME that drive tumor growth and metastasis, as well as their possible effect on therapeutic response in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Snahlata Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Rumela Chakrabarti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ponnapakkam T, Saulsberry T, Hill T, Hill-Odom M, Goyal N, Anbalagan M, Liu J, Foroozesh M. Inhibition of breast tumor growth in mice after treatment with ceramide analog 315. Anticancer Drugs 2018; 29:898-903. [PMID: 30044300 PMCID: PMC6136967 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer and antitumor activities of ceramide analog 315 in nude mice. Nude mice (n=10) were injected bilaterally with 5×10 MDA-MB-231 cells on each side. Tumors were allowed to form for 2 weeks. The mice were then divided into two groups (n=5 in each group). The control group mice were injected with 25 μl of dimethyl sulfoxide and the treatment group mice were injected with 10 mg/kg of analog 315 (in dimethyl sulfoxide, 25 μl volume) every day for a period of 3 weeks. Animal weights and tumors were measured every week for 3 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, control animals had retained excess fluid, and showed larger tumor sizes compared with the treated group (2.95 vs. 1.67 g). A 45% reduction in tumor size and 80% decrease in tumor volume were observed in the treatment group. There was a significant increase in the weights of liver (10%) and spleen (19%) between the control and treated animals. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of MDA-MB-231 tumor sections revealed more acellular necrotic regions in tumors from the treatment groups compared with the ones from the control group. Ki67, a proliferation marker was higher in number in control tumor section (71.8±12.8) compared to the treatment tumor section (37.4±10.4) (P<0.001). Photomicrographs showed metastatic tumor burden in kidney, lungs, and spleen collected from the control group mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumors. Treatment group mice showed normal microscopic tissue architecture. Overall, our study showed tumor growth inhibition and antimetastatic effects for the novel ceramide analog 315.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tarius Hill
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana
| | | | - Navneet Goyal
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana
| | - Murali Anbalagan
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jiawang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sukocheva OA. Expansion of Sphingosine Kinase and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Function in Normal and Cancer Cells: From Membrane Restructuring to Mediation of Estrogen Signaling and Stem Cell Programming. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020420. [PMID: 29385066 PMCID: PMC5855642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids, sphingolipid metabolizing enzymes, and their receptors network are being recognized as part of the signaling mechanisms, which govern breast cancer cell growth, migration, and survival during chemotherapy treatment. Approximately 70% of breast cancers are estrogen receptor (ER) positive and, thus, rely on estrogen signaling. Estrogen activates an intracellular network composed of many cytoplasmic and nuclear mediators. Some estrogen effects can be mediated by sphingolipids. Estrogen activates sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and amplifies the intracellular concentration of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in breast cancer cells during stimulation of proliferation and survival. Specifically, Estrogen activates S1P receptors (S1PR) and induces growth factor receptor transactivation. SphK, S1P, and S1PR expression are causally associated with endocrine resistance and progression to advanced tumor stages in ER-positive breast cancers in vivo. Recently, the network of SphK/S1PR was shown to promote the development of ER-negative cancers and breast cancer stem cells, as well as stimulating angiogenesis. Novel findings confirm and broaden our knowledge about the cross-talk between sphingolipids and estrogen network in normal and malignant cells. Current S1PRs therapeutic inhibition was indicated as a promising chemotherapy approach in non-responsive and advanced malignancies. Considering that sphingolipid signaling has a prominent role in terminally differentiated cells, the impact should be considered when designing specific SphK/S1PR inhibitors. This study analyzes the dynamic of the transformation of sphingolipid axis during a transition from normal to pathological condition on the level of the whole organism. The sphingolipid-based mediation and facilitation of global effects of estrogen were critically accented as a bridging mechanism that should be explored in cancer prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhuang Y, Nguyen HT, Burow ME, Zhuo Y, El-Dahr SS, Yao X, Cao S, Flemington EK, Nephew KP, Fang F, Collins-Burow B, Rhodes LV, Yu Q, Jayawickramarajah J, Shan B. Elevated expression of long intergenic non-coding RNA HOTAIR in a basal-like variant of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2014; 54:1656-67. [PMID: 25328122 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is critical to phenotypic maintenance and transition of human breast cancer cells. HOX antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is a long intergenic non-coding RNA that epigenetically represses gene expression via recruitment of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase. Elevated expression of HOTAIR promotes progression of breast cancer. In the current study we examined the expression and function of HOTAIR in MCF-7-TNR cells, a derivative of the luminal-like breast cancer cell line MCF-7 that acquired resistance to TNF-α-induced cell death. The expression of HOTAIR, markers of the luminal-like and basal-like subtypes, and growth were compared between MCF-7 and MCF-7-TNR cells. These variables were further assessed upon inhibition of HOTAIR, EZH2, p38 MAPK, and SRC kinase in MCF-7-TNR cells. When compared with MCF-7 cells, MCF-7-TNR cells exhibited an increase in the expression of HOTAIR, which correlated with characteristics of a luminal-like to basal-like transition as evidenced by dysregulated gene expression and accelerated growth. MCF-7-TNR cells exhibited reduced suppressive histone H3 lysine27 trimethylation on the HOTAIR promoter. Inhibition of HOTAIR and EZH2 attenuated the luminal-like to basal-like transition in terms of gene expression and growth in MCF-7-TNR cells. Inhibition of p38 and SRC diminished HOTAIR expression and the basal-like phenotype in MCF-7-TNR cells. HOTAIR was robustly expressed in the native basal-like breast cancer cells and inhibition of HOTAIR reduced the basal-like gene expression and growth. Our findings suggest HOTAIR-mediated regulation of gene expression and growth associated with the basal-like phenotype of breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Hong T Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Ying Zhuo
- Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Richland, Washington
| | - Samir S El-Dahr
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Xiao Yao
- Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Richland, Washington
| | - Subing Cao
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Erik K Flemington
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Department of Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana
| | | | - Lyndsay V Rhodes
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Qiang Yu
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Bin Shan
- Washington State University at Spokane, Spokane, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Don AS, Lim XY, Couttas TA. Re-configuration of sphingolipid metabolism by oncogenic transformation. Biomolecules 2014; 4:315-53. [PMID: 24970218 PMCID: PMC4030989 DOI: 10.3390/biom4010315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The sphingolipids are one of the major lipid families in eukaryotes, incorporating a diverse array of structural variants that exert a powerful influence over cell fate and physiology. Increased expression of sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), which catalyses the synthesis of the pro-survival, pro-angiogenic metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), is well established as a hallmark of multiple cancers. Metabolic alterations that reduce levels of the pro-apoptotic lipid ceramide, particularly its glucosylation by glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), have frequently been associated with cancer drug resistance. However, the simple notion that the balance between ceramide and S1P, often referred to as the sphingolipid rheostat, dictates cell survival contrasts with recent studies showing that highly potent and selective SPHK1 inhibitors do not affect cancer cell proliferation or survival, and studies demonstrating higher ceramide levels in some metastatic cancers. Recent reports have implicated other sphingolipid metabolic enzymes such as acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) more strongly in cancer pathogenesis, and highlight lysosomal sphingolipid metabolism as a possible weak point for therapeutic targeting in cancer. This review describes the evidence implicating different sphingolipid metabolic enzymes and their products in cancer pathogenesis, and suggests how newer systems-level approaches may improve our overall understanding of how oncogenic transformation reconfigures sphingolipid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Don
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Xin Y Lim
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Timothy A Couttas
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Truman JP, García-Barros M, Obeid LM, Hannun YA. Evolving concepts in cancer therapy through targeting sphingolipid metabolism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2013; 1841:1174-88. [PMID: 24384461 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Traditional methods of cancer treatment are limited in their efficacy due to both inherent and acquired factors. Many different studies have shown that the generation of ceramide in response to cytotoxic therapy is generally an important step leading to cell death. Cancer cells employ different methods to both limit ceramide generation and to remove ceramide in order to become resistant to treatment. Furthermore, sphingosine kinase activity, which phosphorylates sphingosine the product of ceramide hydrolysis, has been linked to multidrug resistance, and can act as a strong survival factor. This review will examine several of the most frequently used cancer therapies and their effect on both ceramide generation and the mechanisms employed to remove it. The development and use of inhibitors of sphingosine kinase will be focused upon as an example of how targeting sphingolipid metabolism may provide an effective means to improve treatment response rates and reduce associated treatment toxicity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Tools to study lipid functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philip Truman
- Health Science Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, T15, 023, 11794 Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Mónica García-Barros
- Health Science Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, T15, 023, 11794 Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Lina M Obeid
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, NY 11768, USA; Health Science Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, L4, 178, 11794 Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Department of Medicine and the Stony Brook Cancer Center, Health Science Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, L4, 178, 11794 Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Retinal upregulation of inflammatory and proangiogenic markers in a model of neonatal diabetic rats fed on a high-fat-diet. BMC Ophthalmol 2013; 13:14. [PMID: 23587252 PMCID: PMC3679942 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2415-13-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The contemporary peak of diabetes seems to be related to obesity, sedentary lifestyle and diet. Diabetic retinopathy is the most leading cause of blindness in adulthood in industrialized countries. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of a high-fat-diet (HFD) on the retina of diabetic rats. Methods Two groups of Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) two days after birth using 45 and 90 mg/kg, respectively. At 8 weeks the group on lower doses started to be fed on a HFD. Animals were sacrificed at 37 weeks of diabetes. A control group was made up of non-diabetic rats. Retinal flat mounts were examined using the trypsin digestion technique. Pericytes counts were compared between diabetic and control rats. Cross retinal sections were analyzed by histological techniques and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent technique. Primary antibodies against inflammatory and proangiogenic mediators such as RAGE, GFAP, 5-LO, VEGF and TNF-α were used for immunohistochemistry and Western Blot (WB) analyses. Results In the two diabetic groups we observed GFAP-positive cells with a morphology and spatial organization similar to those seen in Müller cells. Both diabetic groups had a significantly lower number of pericytes than non-diabetic animals.Increased retinal immunoreactivity of GFAP, RAGE, TNF-α, VEGF and 5-LO was seen in diabetic animals fed on HFD compared to the other groups of animals. WB analysis revealed a higher expression of 5-LO, VEGF, TNF-α and RAGE in the retina of diabetic rats on HFD than in controls and diabetics fed on a normal diet. The percentage of RAGE-stained ganglion cells and ganglion cells was found to be significantly lower in animals on a HFD than in the other animals. Conclusions Diabetic animals fed on a HFD showed an increased upregulation of inflammatory and proangiogenic markers. This animal model may be useful to study mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
11
|
Antoon JW, Nitzchke AM, Martin EC, Rhodes LV, Nam S, Wadsworth S, Salvo VA, Elliott S, Collins-Burow B, Nephew KP, Burow ME. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase alters microRNA expression and reverses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Int J Oncol 2013; 42:1139-50. [PMID: 23403951 PMCID: PMC3622654 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired chemoresistance and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are hallmarks of cancer progression and of increasing clinical relevance. We investigated the role of miRNA and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in the progression of breast cancer to a drug-resistant and mesenchymal phenotype. We demonstrate that acquired death receptor resistance results in increased hormone-independent tumorigenesis compared to hormone-sensitive parental cells. Utilizing global miRNA gene expression profiling, we identified miRNA alterations associated with the development of death receptor resistance and EMT progression. We further investigated the role of p38 MAPK in this process, showing dose-dependent inactivation of p38 by its inhibitor RWJ67657 and decreased downstream ATF and NF-κB signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 also decreased chemoresistant cancer tumor growth in xenograft animal models. Interestingly, inhibition of p38 partially reversed the EMT changes found in this cell system, as illustrated by decreased gene expression of the EMT markers Twist, Snail, Slug and ZEB and protein and mRNA levels of Twist, a known EMT promoter, concomitant with decreased N-cadherin protein. RWJ67657 treatment also altered the expression of several miRNAs known to promote therapeutic resistance, including miR-200, miR-303, miR-302, miR-199 and miR-328. Taken together, our results demonstrate the roles of multiple microRNAs and p38 signaling in the progression of cancer and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of targeting the p38 MAPK pathway for reversing EMT in an advanced tumor phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James W Antoon
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes are becoming targets for chemotherapeutic development with an increasing interest in the recent years. In this chapter we introduce the sphingolipid family of lipids, and the role of individual species in cell homeostasis. We also discuss their roles in several rare diseases and overall, in cancer transformation. We follow the biosynthesis pathway of the sphingolipid tree, focusing on the enzymes in order to understand how using small molecule inhibitors makes it possible to modulate cancer progression. Finally, we describe the most used and historically significant inhibitors employed in cancer research, their relationships to sphingolipid metabolism, and some promising results found in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Canals
- Department of Medicine, University of Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Yusuf A. Hannun
- Health Science Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, L-4, 178, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Collins-Burow BM, Antoon JW, Frigo DE, Elliott S, Weldon CB, Boue SM, Beckman BS, Curiel TJ, Alam J, McLachlan JA, Burow ME. Antiestrogenic activity of flavonoid phytochemicals mediated via the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase pathway. Cell-type specific regulation of estrogen receptor alpha. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 132:186-93. [PMID: 22634477 PMCID: PMC4083692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Flavonoid phytochemicals act as both agonists and antagonists of the human estrogen receptors (ERs). While a number of these compounds act by directly binding to the ER, certain phytochemicals, such as the flavonoid compounds chalcone and flavone, elicit antagonistic effects on estrogen signaling independent of direct receptor binding. Here we demonstrate both chalcone and flavone function as cell type-specific selective ER modulators. In MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells chalcone and flavone suppress ERα activity through stimulation of the stress-activated members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family: c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1 and JNK2. The use of dominant-negative mutants of JNK1 or JNK2 in stable transfected cells established that the antiestrogenic effects of chalcone and flavone required intact JNK signaling. We further show that constitutive activation of the JNK pathway partially suppresses estrogen (E2)-mediated gene expression in breast, but not endometrial carcinoma cells. Our results demonstrate a role for stress-activated MAPKs in the cell type-specific regulation of ERα function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette M. Collins-Burow
- Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - James W. Antoon
- Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Department of Pharmacology, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Daniel E. Frigo
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Steven Elliott
- Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Christopher B. Weldon
- Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Stephen M. Boue
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA 70179
| | - Barbara S. Beckman
- Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Tyler J. Curiel
- Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - Jawed Alam
- Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, Department of Molecular Genetics, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
| | - John A. McLachlan
- Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Matthew E. Burow
- Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
- To whom correspondence and requests for reprints should be addressed: Matthew E. Burow, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Medical Oncology, 1430 Tulane Ave. SL-78, New Orleans, LA 70112, Phone: 504-988-6688, Fax: 504-988-5483,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Antoon JW, White MD, Driver JL, Burow ME, Beckman BS. Sphingosine kinase isoforms as a therapeutic target in endocrine therapy resistant luminal and basal-A breast cancer. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2012; 237:832-44. [PMID: 22859737 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2012.012028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine kinase signaling has become of increasing interest as a cancer target in recent years. Two sphingosine kinase inhibitors, sphingosine kinase inhibitor (SKI)-II and ABC294640, are promising as potential breast cancer therapies. However, evidence for their therapeutic properties in specific breast cancer subtypes is currently lacking. In this study, we characterize these drugs in luminal, endocrine-resistant (MDA-MB-361) and basal-A, triple-negative (MDA-MB-468) breast cancer cells and compare them with previously published data in other breast cancer cell models. Both SKI-II and ABC294640 demonstrated greater efficacy in basal-A compared with luminal breast cancer. ABC294640, in particular, induced apoptosis and blocked proliferation both in vitro and in vivo in this triple-negative breast cancer system. Furthermore, Sphk expression promotes survival and endocrine therapy resistance in previously sensitive breast cancer cells. Taken together, these results characterize sphingosine kinase inhibitors across breast cancer cell systems and demonstrate their therapeutic potential as anti-cancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James W Antoon
- Tulane Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Antoon JW, Lai R, Struckhoff AP, Nitschke AM, Elliott S, Martin EC, Rhodes LV, Yoon NS, Salvo VA, Shan B, Beckman BS, Nephew KP, Burow ME. Altered death receptor signaling promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and acquired chemoresistance. Sci Rep 2012; 2:539. [PMID: 22844580 PMCID: PMC3406343 DOI: 10.1038/srep00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered death receptor signaling and resistance to subsequent apoptosis is an important clinical resistance mechanism. Here, we investigated the role of death receptor resistance in breast cancer progression. Resistance of the estrogen receptor alpha (ER)-positive, chemosensitive MCF7 breast cancer cell line to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was associated with loss of ER expression and a multi-drug resistant phenotype. Changes in three major pathways were involved in this transition to a multidrug resistance phenotype: ER, Death Receptor and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Resistant cells exhibited altered ER signaling, resulting in decreased ER target gene expression. The death receptor pathway was significantly altered, blocking extrinsic apoptosis and increasing NF-kappaB survival signaling. TNF resistance promoted EMT changes, resulting in a more aggressive phenotype. This first report identifying specific mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to TNF could lead to a better understanding of the progression of breast cancer in response to chemotherapy treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James W Antoon
- Departments of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|