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Kim BG, Lee SH, Jang Y, Kang S, Kang CM, Cho NH. Differentially expressed genes associated with high metabolic tumor volume served as diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:453. [PMID: 38741142 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of distinct biomarkers for pancreatic cancer is a major cause of early-stage detection difficulty. The pancreatic cancer patient group with high metabolic tumor volume (MTV), one of the values measured from positron emission tomography-a confirmatory method and standard care for pancreatic cancer, showed a poorer prognosis than those with low MTV. Therefore, MTV-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) may be candidates for distinctive markers for pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of MTV-related DEGs as markers or therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer. METHODS Tumor tissues and their normal counterparts were obtained from patients undergoing preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT. The tissues were classified into MTV-low and MTV-high groups (7 for each) based on the MTV2.5 value of 4.5 (MTV-low: MTV2.5 < 4.5, MTV-high: MTV2.5 ≥ 4.5). Gene expression fold change was first calculated in cancer tissue compared to its normal counter and then compared between low and high MTV groups to obtain significant DEGs. To assess the suitability of the DEGs for clinical application, the correlation of the DEGs with tumor grades and clinical outcomes was analyzed in TCGA-PAAD, a large dataset without MTV information. RESULTS Total RNA-sequencing (MTV RNA-Seq) revealed that 44 genes were upregulated and 56 were downregulated in the high MTV group. We selected the 29 genes matching MTV RNA-seq patterns in the TCGA-PAAD dataset, a large clinical dataset without MTV information, as MTV-associated genes (MAGs). In the analysis with the TCGA dataset, MAGs were significantly associated with patient survival, treatment outcomes, TCGA-PAAD-suggested markers, and CEACAM family proteins. Some MAGs showed an inverse correlation with miRNAs and were confirmed to be differentially expressed between normal and cancerous pancreatic tissues. Overexpression of KIF11 and RCC1 and underexpression of ADCY1 and SDK1 were detected in ~ 60% of grade 2 pancreatic cancer patients and associated with ~ 60% mortality in stages I and II. CONCLUSIONS MAGs may serve as diagnostic markers and miRNA therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer. Among the MAGs, KIF11, RCC1, ADCY, and SDK1 may be early diagnostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baek Gil Kim
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Lee
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas, Department of Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Pocheon, South Korea
| | - Yeonsue Jang
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suki Kang
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang Moo Kang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Nam Hoon Cho
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Pedotti S, Ferreri L, Migliore R, Leotta CG, Pitari GM, D'Antona N, Petralia S, Aleo D, Sgarlata C, Consoli GML. A novel cationic β-cyclodextrin decorated with a choline-like pendant exhibits Iodophor, Mucoadhesive and bactericidal properties. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 328:121698. [PMID: 38220321 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121698] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Iodine is a vital microelement and a powerful antiseptic with a rapid and broad spectrum of action. The development of iodophor compounds to improve the solubility and stability of iodine is still challenging. Here, we report the synthesis of a novel cationic β-cyclodextrin bearing a choline-like pendant (β-CD-Chol) designed to complex and deliver iodine to bacterial cells. The characterization of β-CD-Chol and the investigation of the inclusion complex with iodine were performed by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, UV-vis spectrophotometry, isothermal titration calorimetry, and dynamic light scattering. The functionalization with the positively charged unit conferred improved water-solubility, mucoadhesivity, and iodine complexation efficiency to the β-CD scaffold. The water-soluble β-CD-Chol/iodine complex efficiently formed both in solution and by solid-vapor reaction. The solid complex exhibited a significant stability for months. Iodine release from the inclusion complex was satisfactory and the bactericidal activity was proved against a Staphylococcus epidermidis strain. The absence of cytotoxicity tested on human keratinocytes and the improved mucoadhesivity make β-CD-Chol a promising drug delivery system and an appealing iodophor candidate for iodine-based antisepsis including mucosa disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Pedotti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy.
| | - Loredana Ferreri
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Migliore
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola D'Antona
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petralia
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Danilo Aleo
- MEDIVIS S.r.l., Via Carnazza 34C, Tremestieri Etneo, 95030 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelo Sgarlata
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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de la Monte SM, Tong M, Delikkaya B. Differential Early Mechanistic Frontal Lobe Responses to Choline Chloride and Soy Isoflavones in an Experimental Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7595. [PMID: 37108779 PMCID: PMC10145811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087595] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the most common preventable cause of neurodevelopmental defects, and white matter is a major target of ethanol neurotoxicity. Therapeutic interventions with choline or dietary soy could potentially supplement public health preventive measures. However, since soy contains abundant choline, it would be important to know if its benefits are mediated by choline or isoflavones. We compared early mechanistic responses to choline and the Daidzein+Genistein (D+G) soy isoflavones in an FASD model using frontal lobe tissue to assess oligodendrocyte function and Akt-mTOR signaling. Long Evans rat pups were binge administered 2 g/Kg of ethanol or saline (control) on postnatal days P3 and P5. P7 frontal lobe slice cultures were treated with vehicle (Veh), Choline chloride (Chol; 75 µM), or D+G (1 µM each) for 72 h without further ethanol exposures. The expression levels of myelin oligodendrocyte proteins and stress-related molecules were measured by duplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and mTOR signaling proteins and phosphoproteins were assessed using 11-plex magnetic bead-based ELISAs. Ethanol's main short-term effects in Veh-treated cultures were to increase GFAP and relative PTEN phosphorylation and reduce Akt phosphorylation. Chol and D+G significantly modulated the expression of oligodendrocyte myelin proteins and mediators of insulin/IGF-1-Akt-mTOR signaling in both control and ethanol-exposed cultures. In general, the responses were more robust with D+G; the main exception was that RPS6 phosphorylation was significantly increased by Chol and not D+G. The findings suggest that dietary soy, with the benefits of providing complete nutrition together with Choline, could be used to help optimize neurodevelopment in humans at risk for FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M. de la Monte
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medicine, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Lifespan Academic Institutions, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Engelhart K, Pfitzner I, Obeid R. An exploratory study on the effect of choline and folate deficiency on levels of vascularization proteins and transcription factors in first trimester trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:1114-1120. [PMID: 36642422 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We studied the effect of choline and folate deficiencies on levels of predetermined placental proteins during early development. METHODS We incubated HTR-8/SVneo cells under choline and folate deficiency conditions and measured levels of some placental proteins using ELISA methods. RESULTS Concentrations of LRP2 protein in cell lysates were higher in cells incubated in choline and folate deficient media compared to the control media (mean [SD] = 2.95 [1.30] vs. 1.65 [0.27] ng/mg protein, p = 0.004). The levels of LRP2 protein in lysates of cells incubated in choline and folate deficient media were significantly higher than the concentrations in lysates of cells incubated in choline deficient but folate sufficient media (1.96 [0.28] ng/mg protein) or those incubated in choline sufficient but folate deficient media (1.77 [0.24] ng/mg protein) (p < 0.05 for both). The cellular levels of CDX2 protein were significantly higher in cells incubated in choline and folate deficient media compared to the control media (1.78 [0.60] vs. 0.99 [0.42] pg/mg protein, p = 0.002); and compared to CDX2 levels in cells incubated in choline deficient but folate sufficient media (0.87 [0.13] pg/mg protein, p < 0.001) or in choline sufficient but folate deficient media (0.96 [0.16] pg/mg protein, p < 0.001). The levels of sFLT-1 and IGF1 in culture media and that of EOMES in HTR-8/SVneo cell lysates remained unchanged under all deficiency conditions. DISCUSSION LRP2 and CDX2 are likely to be molecular targets for early choline and folate deficiencies in human trophoblast cells. The results should be confirmed in animal models and in other models of placental cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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Thiruchenthooran V, Sánchez-López E, Gliszczyńska A. Perspectives of the Application of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Cancer Therapy: Attempts to Overcome Their Unfavorable Side Effects. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020475. [PMID: 36672424 PMCID: PMC9856583 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) express anti-tumoral activity mainly by blocking cyclooxygenase-2 involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Therefore, in the last few decades, many have attempted to explore the possibilities of applying this group of drugs as effective agents for the inhibition of neoplastic processes. This review summarizes the evidence presented in the literature regarding the anti-tumoral actions of NSAIDs used as monotherapies as well as in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics and natural products. In several clinical trials, it was proven that combinations of NSAIDs and chemotherapeutic drugs (CTDs) were able to obtain suitable results. The combination with phospholipids may resolve the adverse effects of NSAIDs and deliver derivatives with increased antitumor activity, whereas hybrids with terpenoids exhibit superior activity against their parent drugs or physical mixtures. Therefore, the application of NSAIDs in cancer therapy seems to be still an open chapter and requires deep and careful evaluation. The literature's data indicate the possibilities of re-purposing anti-inflammatory drugs currently approved for cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaikunthavasan Thiruchenthooran
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elena Sánchez-López
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Peptides, IQAC-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.S.-L.); or (A.G.)
| | - Anna Gliszczyńska
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
- Correspondence: (E.S.-L.); or (A.G.)
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Shibata K, Nishijima N, Hirai K, Watanabe S, Yamanaka T, Chikazu D, Inazu M. A Novel Plant-Derived Choline Transporter-like Protein 1 Inhibitor, Amb544925, Induces Apoptotic Cell Death via the Ceramide/Survivin Pathway in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:329. [PMID: 35053491 PMCID: PMC8773621 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent advances in the early detection and treatment of TSCC patients, recurrence rates and survival rates have not improved. The high frequency of lymph node metastasis is one of the causes, and the drug development of new therapeutic mechanisms such as metastasis control is desired. Choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) has attracted attention as a target molecule in cancer therapy. In this study, we examined the antitumor effects of Amb544925, a plant-derived CTL1 inhibitor. METHODS The TSCC cell line HSC-3 was used to measure [3H]choline uptake, cell survival, caspase activity, and cell migration. Xenograft model mice were prepared to verify the antitumor effect of Amb544925. RESULTS Amb544925 inhibited cell viability and increased caspase-3/7 activity at concentrations that inhibited choline uptake. Amb544925 and ceramide increased SMPD4 expression and suppressed surivivin expression. Furthermore, Amb544925 and ceramide inhibited the migration of HSC-3 cells. In the xenograft model mice, Amb544925 suppressed tumor growth and CTL1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS The plant-derived CTL1 inhibitor Amb544925 is a lead compound of a new anticancer agent exhibiting antitumor effects and inhibition of cell migration through the ceramide/survivin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Shibata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Nozomi Nishijima
- Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| | - Kaho Hirai
- Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| | - Saiichiro Watanabe
- Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamanaka
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| | - Daichi Chikazu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Masato Inazu
- Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
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Taylor A, Grapentine S, Ichhpuniani J, Bakovic M. Choline transporter-like proteins 1 and 2 are newly identified plasma membrane and mitochondrial ethanolamine transporters. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100604. [PMID: 33789160 PMCID: PMC8081925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane phospholipids phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are synthesized de novo by the CDP-choline and CDP-ethanolamine (Kennedy) pathway, in which the extracellular substrates choline and ethanolamine are transported into the cell, phosphorylated, and coupled with diacylglycerol to form the final phospholipid product. Although multiple transport systems have been established for choline, ethanolamine transport is poorly characterized and there is no single protein assigned a transport function for ethanolamine. The solute carriers 44A (SLC44A) known as choline transporter-like proteins-1 and -2 (CTL1 and CTL2) are choline transporter at the plasma membrane and mitochondria. We report a novel function of CTL1 and CTL2 in ethanolamine transport. Using the lack or the gain of gene function in combination with specific antibodies and transport inhibitors we established two distinct ethanolamine transport systems of a high affinity, mediated by CTL1, and of a low affinity, mediated by CTL2. Both transporters are Na+-independent ethanolamine/H+ antiporters. Primary human fibroblasts with separate frameshift mutations in the CTL1 gene (M1= SLC44A1ΔAsp517 and M2= SLC44A1ΔSer126) are devoid of CTL1 ethanolamine transport but maintain unaffected CTL2 transport. The lack of CTL1 in M2 cells reduced the ethanolamine transport, the flux through the CDP-ethanolamine Kennedy pathway, and PE synthesis. In contrast, overexpression of CTL1 in M2 cells improved ethanolamine transport and PE synthesis. These data firmly establish that CTL1 and CTL2 are the first identified ethanolamine transporters in whole cells and mitochondria, with intrinsic roles in de novo PE synthesis by the Kennedy pathway and intracellular redistribution of ethanolamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Taylor
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Sophie Grapentine
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Jasmine Ichhpuniani
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Marica Bakovic
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
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Functional Expression of Choline Transporters in Human Neural Stem Cells and Its Link to Cell Proliferation, Cell Viability, and Neurite Outgrowth. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020453. [PMID: 33672580 PMCID: PMC7924032 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Choline and choline metabolites are essential for all cellular functions. They have also been reported to be crucial for neural development. In this work, we studied the functional characteristics of the choline uptake system in human neural stem cells (hNSCs). Additionally, we investigated the effect of extracellular choline uptake inhibition on the cellular activities in hNSCs. We found that the mRNAs and proteins of choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) and CTL2 were expressed at high levels. Immunostaining showed that CTL1 and CTL2 were localized in the cell membrane and partly in the mitochondria, respectively. The uptake of extracellular choline was saturable and performed by a single uptake mechanism, which was Na+-independent and pH-dependent. We conclude that CTL1 is responsible for extracellular choline uptake, and CTL2 may uptake choline in the mitochondria and be involved in DNA methylation via choline oxidation. Extracellular choline uptake inhibition caused intracellular choline deficiency in hNSCs, which suppressed cell proliferation, cell viability, and neurite outgrowth. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the role of choline in neural development as well as the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases caused by choline deficiency or choline uptake impairment.
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Mo XB, Zhang H, Wang AL, Xu T, Zhang YH. Integrative analysis identifies the association between CASZ1 methylation and ischemic stroke. Neurol Genet 2020; 6:e509. [PMID: 33134510 PMCID: PMC7577558 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective To highlight potential epigenetic risk factors for blood pressure (BP) and ischemic stroke (IS) in loci identified by genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Methods We detected DNA methylation for BP (317,756 individuals from UK Biobank) and IS (521,612 individuals from MEGASTROKE) in Europeans by using the summary data–based mendelian randomization (SMR) method. We selected the most relevant gene to validate the association in 1,207 patients with hypertensive IS and 1,269 controls from the Chinese populations. Results We first identified 173 CpG sites in 90 genes, 337 CpG sites in 142 genes, and 9 CpG sites in 7 genes that were significantly associated with systolic, diastolic BP, and IS, respectively. The methylation level of cg12760995 in CASZ1 was associated with systolic (PSMR = 1.74 × 10−12), diastolic BP (PSMR = 2.48 × 10−10), and IS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.92 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–0.94]; PSMR = 2.28 × 10−8) in Europeans. The methylation levels of 17 sites in the promoter of CASZ1 were measured in the Chinese individuals, and 10 of them were significantly associated with IS. The higher methylation level of CASZ1 was associated with a lower risk of IS (adjusted OR = 0.97 [95% CI: 0.96–0.99]). CASZ1 seemed to be hypomethylated in hypertensive cases, and the level was negatively correlated with BP. Systolic and diastolic BP mediated approximately 61.2% (p = 3.49 × 10−6) and 45.0% (p = 0.0029) of the association between CASZ1 methylation and IS, respectively. Conclusions This study identified DNA methylations that were associated with BP and IS. CASZ1 was hypomethylated in Chinese patients with hypertensive IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Bo Mo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y-.H.Z.); Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics (X.-B.M.); and Department of Epidemiology (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y.-H.Z.), School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y-.H.Z.); Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics (X.-B.M.); and Department of Epidemiology (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y.-H.Z.), School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Ai-Li Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y-.H.Z.); Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics (X.-B.M.); and Department of Epidemiology (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y.-H.Z.), School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Tan Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y-.H.Z.); Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics (X.-B.M.); and Department of Epidemiology (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y.-H.Z.), School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Hong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y-.H.Z.); Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics (X.-B.M.); and Department of Epidemiology (X.-B.M., H.Z., A.-L.W., T.X., Y.-H.Z.), School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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Molecular and Functional Analysis of Choline Transporters and Antitumor Effects of Choline Transporter-Like Protein 1 Inhibitors in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155190. [PMID: 32707889 PMCID: PMC7432747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Choline, an organic cation, is one of the biofactors that play an important role in the structure and the function of biological membranes, and it is essential for the synthesis of phospholipids. Choline positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) provides useful information for the imaging diagnosis of cancers, and increased choline accumulation has been identified in a variety of tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms of choline uptake and choline transporters in pancreatic cancer have not been elucidated. Here, we examined molecular and functional analyses of choline transporters in human pancreatic-cancer cell line MIA PaCa-2 and the elucidation of the action mechanism behind the antitumor effect of novel choline-transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) inhibitors, Amb4269951 and its derivative Amb4269675. CTL1 and CTL2 mRNAs were highly expressed in MIA PaCa-2 cells, and CTL1 and CTL2 proteins were localized in the plasma membrane and the intracellular compartments, respectively. Choline uptake was characterized by Na+-independence, a single-uptake mechanism, and inhibition by choline-uptake inhibitor HC-3, similar to the function of CTL1. These results suggest that the uptake of extracellular choline in MIA PaCa-2 cells is mediated by CTL1. Choline deficiency and HC-3 treatment inhibited cell viability and increased caspase 3/7 activity, suggesting that the inhibition of CTL1 function, which is responsible for choline transport, leads to apoptosis-induced cell death. Both Amb4269951 and Amb4269675 inhibited choline uptake and cell viability and increased caspase-3/7 activity. Ceramide, which is increased by inhibiting choline uptake, also inhibited cell survival and increased caspase-3/7 activity. Lastly, both Amb4269951 and Amb4269675 significantly inhibited tumor growth in a mouse-xenograft model without any adverse effects such as weight loss. CTL1 is a target molecule for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and its inhibitors Amb4269951 and Amb4269675 are novel lead compounds.
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Anticancer Activity of Amb4269951, a Choline Transporter-Like Protein 1 Inhibitor, in Human Glioma Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13050104. [PMID: 32466342 PMCID: PMC7281368 DOI: 10.3390/ph13050104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) is highly expressed in glioma cells, and inhibition of CTL1 function induces apoptotic cell death. Therefore, CTL1 is a potential target molecule for glioma therapy. Here, we investigated the therapeutic mechanism underlying the antitumor effects of Amb4269951, a recently discovered novel CTL1 inhibitor, in the human glioma cell line U251MG, and evaluated its in vivo effects in a mouse xenograft model. Amb4269951 inhibited choline uptake and cell viability and increased caspase-3/7 activity. CTL1-mediated choline uptake is associated with cell viability, and the functional inhibition of CTL1 by Amb4269951 may promote apoptotic cell death via ceramide-induced suppression of the expression of survivin, an apoptotic inhibitory factor. Finally, Amb4269951 demonstrated an antitumor effect in a mice xenograft model by significantly inhibiting tumor growth without any weight loss. Amb4269951 is the lead compound in the treatment of glioma and exhibits a novel therapeutic mechanism. These results may lead to the development of novel anticancer drugs targeting the choline transporter CTL1, which has a different mechanism of action than conventional anticancer drugs against gliomas.
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Saiki I, Yara M, Yamanaka T, Uchino H, Inazu M. Functional Expression of Choline Transporter-Like Protein 1 in LNCaP Prostate Cancer Cells: A Novel Molecular Target. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2020; 28:195-201. [PMID: 31693854 PMCID: PMC7059810 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2019.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Choline PET or PET/CT has been used to visualize prostate cancer, and high levels of choline accumulation have been observed in tumors. However, the uptake system for choline and the functional expression of choline transporters in prostate cancer are not completely understood. In this study, the molecular and functional aspects of choline uptake were investigated in the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line along with the correlations between choline uptake and cell viability in drug-treated cells. Choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) and CTL2 mRNA were highly expressed in LNCaP cells. CTL1 and CTL2 were located in the plasma membrane and mitochondria, respectively. [3H]Choline uptake was mediated by a single Na+-independent, intermediate-affinity transport system in the LNCaP cells. The anticancer drugs, flutamide and bicalutamide, inhibited cell viability and [3H]choline uptake in a concentration-dependent manner. The correlations between the effects of these drugs on cell viability and [3H]choline uptake were significant. Caspase-3/7 activity was significantly increased by both flutamide and bicalutamide. Furthermore, these drugs decreased CTL1 expression in the prostate cancer cell line. These results suggest that CTL1 is functionally expressed in prostate cancer cells and are also involved in abnormal proliferation. Identification of this CTL1-mediated choline transport system in prostate cancer cells provides a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwao Saiki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Miki Yara
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamanaka
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Uchino
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Masato Inazu
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan.,Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
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Ishikawa T, Suwanai H, Shikuma J, Suzuki R, Yamanaka T, Odawara M, Inazu M. Protein kinase C promotes choline transporter‑like protein 1 function via improved cell surface expression in immortalized human hepatic cells. Mol Med Rep 2019; 21:777-785. [PMID: 31974614 PMCID: PMC6947888 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Choline is used to synthesize phospholipids and a lack of choline induces a number of liver-related diseases, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The current study characterized the choline uptake system, at molecular and functional levels, in the immortalized human hepatic cell line, Fa2N-4, to identify the specific choline transporter involved in choline uptake. The present study also assesed whether choline deficiency or the inhibited choline uptake affected cell viability and apoptosis. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) and CTL2 mRNA and protein expression in Fa2N-4 cells. [Methyl-3H]choline studies revealed choline uptake was saturable and mediated by a single transport system that functioned in a Na+-independent but pH-dependent manner, which was similar to CTL1. Hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), which is a choline uptake inhibitor, and choline deficiency inhibited cell viability, increased caspase-3 and −7 activities, and increased fluorescein isothiocyanate-Annexin V immunofluorescent staining indicated apoptosis. Immunofluorescent staining also revealed CTL1 and CTL2 localized in plasma and mitochondrial membranes, respectively. [Methyl-3H]choline uptake was enhanced by a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis demonstrated increased CTL1 expression on the cell membrane following PMA treatment. The results of current study indicated that extracellular choline is primarily transported via CTL1, relying on a direct H+ gradient that functions as a driving force in Fa2N-4 cells. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that CTL1 and the choline uptake system are strongly associated with cell survival, and that the choline uptake system is modulated by PKC signaling via increased CTL1 expression on the cell surface. These findings provide further insights into the pathogenesis of liver disease involving choline metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Ishikawa
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑0023, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Suwanai
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑0023, Japan
| | - Junpei Shikuma
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑0023, Japan
| | - Ryo Suzuki
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑0023, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamanaka
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
| | - Masato Odawara
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑0023, Japan
| | - Masato Inazu
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160‑8402, Japan
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Inazu M. Functional Expression of Choline Transporters in the Blood-Brain Barrier. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102265. [PMID: 31547050 PMCID: PMC6835570 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic neurons in the central nervous system play a vital role in higher brain functions, such as learning and memory. Choline is essential for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by cholinergic neurons. The synthesis and metabolism of acetylcholine are important mechanisms for regulating neuronal activity. Choline is a positively charged quaternary ammonium compound that requires transporters to pass through the plasma membrane. Currently, there are three groups of choline transporters with different characteristics, such as affinity for choline, tissue distribution, and sodium dependence. They include (I) polyspecific organic cation transporters (OCT1-3: SLC22A1-3) with a low affinity for choline, (II) high-affinity choline transporter 1 (CHT1: SLC5A7), and (III) choline transporter-like proteins (CTL1-5: SLC44A1-5). Brain microvascular endothelial cells, which comprise part of the blood-brain barrier, take up extracellular choline via intermediate-affinity choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) and low-affinity CTL2 transporters. CTL2 is responsible for excreting a high concentration of choline taken up by the brain microvascular endothelial cells on the brain side of the blood-brain barrier. CTL2 is also highly expressed in mitochondria and may be involved in the oxidative pathway of choline metabolism. Therefore, CTL1- and CTL2-mediated choline transport to the brain through the blood-brain barrier plays an essential role in various functions of the central nervous system by acting as the rate-limiting step of cholinergic neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Inazu
- Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan.
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Hedtke V, Bakovic M. Choline transport for phospholipid synthesis: An emerging role of choline transporter-like protein 1. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:655-662. [PMID: 30776907 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219830997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT This review will provide a summary of recent advances in choline transport research and highlight important novel areas of focus in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Hedtke
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Marica Bakovic
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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18F-FDG and 11C-choline uptake in proliferating tumor cells is dependent on the cell cycle in vitro. Ann Nucl Med 2018; 33:237-243. [PMID: 30588580 PMCID: PMC6450840 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-018-01325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Among different PET tracers, 18F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) and 11C-choline are known to have a high tumor uptake correlated with a high mitotic index of tumor cells. Thus, the uptake of 18F-FDG and 11C-choline may be dependent on the cell cycle. In the present study, we examined the uptake of 18F-FDG and 11C-choline in cancer cell lines by cell cycle synchronization to clarify the biological properties of cancer cells with respect to each tracer. METHODS HeLa S3 Cells were synchronized by the double thymidine (TdR) block methods. 18F-FDG and 11C-choline were administered to synchronized cells, and the radioactivity per cell was measured to compare the cellular uptake of the tracers during S, G2/M, and G1 phases. Flow cytometry (FCM) was performed to measure the proportion of cells in G1, S, and G2/M phases. Furthermore, the levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and choline transporter-like protein 1 (CTL1) in the cell were evaluated by FCM. RESULTS The uptake of 18F-FDG was the highest in S to G2/M phases, and markedly decreased in G1 phase. The uptake of 11C-choline reached its peak in G2/M, and decreased in G1 phase. The level of GLUT1 expression was similar to that of 18F-FDG uptake during the cell cycle, and the level of CTL1 expression was similar to that of 11C-choline uptake throughout the cell cycle. CONCLUSIONS In this in vitro study, we demonstrated that 18F-FDG and 11C-choline had the highest uptake in S to G2/M phases and in G2/M phase, respectively, with a rapid decrease in G1 phase. These findings suggest that 18F-FDG and 11C-choline have a high accumulation in tumor cells with a high mitotic index. Furthermore, our study suggests that the expression of GLUT1 and CTL1 has cell cycle dependence, and the changes of 18F-FDG and 11C-choline accumulation seem to be caused by the above properties of these transporters.
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