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Li M, Zhang L, Guan T, Huang L, Zhu Y, Wen Y, Ma X, Yang X, Wan R, Chen J, Zhang C, Wang F, Tang H, Liu T. Energy stress-activated AMPK phosphorylates Snail1 and suppresses its stability and oncogenic function. Cancer Lett 2024; 595:216987. [PMID: 38815798 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216987] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly lethal malignancy with limited therapy options. Aberrant metabolism, a key hallmark of human cancers, plays a crucial role in tumor progression, therapeutic responses and TNBC-related death. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we delineate a previously unrecognized role of aberrant glucose metabolism in regulating the turnover of Snail1, which is a key transcriptional factor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and critically contributes to the acquisition of stemness, metastasis and chemo-resistance. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), when activated in response to glucose deprivation, directly phosphorylates Snail1 at Ser11. Such a phosphorylation modification of Snail1 facilitates its recruitment of the E3 ligase FBXO11 and promotes its degradation, thereby suppressing stemness, metastasis and increasing cellular sensitivity to chemotherapies in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, histological analyses reveal a negative correlation between p-AMPKα and Snail1 in TNBC specimens. Taken together, our findings establish a novel mechanism and functional significance of AMPK in linking glucose status to Snail1-dependent malignancies and underscore the potential of AMPK agonists as a promising therapeutic strategy in the management of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Litao Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Tangming Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yalei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiuqing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Rui Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Caishi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital, Heyuan, 517000, China.
| | - Tongzheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China/College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China.
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Li F, Wan X, Li Z, Zhou L. High glucose inhibits autophagy and promotes the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7382. [PMID: 38872380 PMCID: PMC11176572 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7382] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, characterized by its complex etiology and slow research progress. Diabetes, as an independent risk factor for CRC, has been widely certified. Consequently, this study centers on elucidating the intricacies of CRC cells initiation and progression within a high-glucose environment. METHODS A battery of assays was employed to assess the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells cultured under varying glucose concentrations. Optimal glucose levels conducive to cells' proliferation and migration were identified. Western blot analyses were conducted to evaluate alterations in apoptosis, autophagy, and EMT-related proteins in CRC cells under high-glucose conditions. The expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-associated proteins was assessed using western blot. The effect of high glucose on xenograft growth was investigated in vivo by MC38 cells, and changes in inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-13, TNF-α, IL-5, and IL-12) were measured via serum ELISA. RESULTS Our experiments demonstrated that elevated glucose concentrations promoted both the proliferation and migration of CRC cells; the most favorable glucose dose is 20 mM. Western blot analyses revealed a decrease in apoptotic proteins, such as Bim, Bax, and caspase-3 with increasing glucose levels. Concurrently, the expression of EMT-related proteins, including N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB1, and MMP9, increased. High-glucose cultured cells exhibited elevated levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins. In the xenograft model, tumor cells stimulated by high glucose exhibited accelerated growth, larger tumor volumes, and heightened KI67 expression of immunohistochemistry. ELISA experiments revealed higher expression of IL-4 and IL-13 and lower expression of TNF-α and IL-5 in the serum of high-glucose-stimulated mice. CONCLUSION The most favorable dose and time for tumor cells proliferation and migration is 20 mM, 48 h. High glucose fosters CRC cell proliferation and migration while suppressing autophagy through the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Pharmacology, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xing Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhigui Li
- Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Wu M, Yuan H, Zou W, Xu S, Liu S, Gao Q, Guo Q, Han Y, An X. Circular RNAs: characteristics, functions, mechanisms, and potential applications in thyroid cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:808-824. [PMID: 37864677 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the most common endocrine malignancies, and its incidence has increased globally. Despite extensive research, the underlying molecular mechanisms of TC remain partially understood, warranting continued exploration of molecular markers for diagnostic and prognostic applications. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently garnered significant attention owing to their distinct roles in cancers. This review article introduced the classification and biological functions of circRNAs and summarized their potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers in TC. Further, the interplay of circRNAs with PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK/ERK, Notch, JAK/STAT, and AMPK pathways is elaborated upon. The article culminates with an examination of circRNA's role in drug resistance of TC and highlights the challenges in circRNA research in TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Wu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibin Yuan
- Department of Health Management, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujian Xu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqun Guo
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Han
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xingguo An
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Rachman A, Fiantoro ZH, Sutandyo N, Priantono D, Romadhon PZ, Jonlean R. Metabolic Profile and Negatively Association Between Insulin Resistance and Metastatic Incidence in Indonesian Primary Invasive Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:3257-3265. [PMID: 37546243 PMCID: PMC10404037 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s421558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metastatic breast cancer was associated with high morbidity and mortality. Insulin resistance was hypothesized to be related to the incidence of advanced breast cancer. Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Triglyceride/Glucose Index (TyG Index) are two metrics used to measure the degree of insulin resistance. This study aims to assess the relationship between the incidence of metastatic breast cancer and insulin resistance as reflected by both metrics. Material and Methods This study is a cross-sectional study involving 150 primary invasive breast cancer patients recruited from two hospitals of different sectors from August 2019 to April 2020. Patients with double cancer and autoimmune disorder were excluded from this study. Data obtained from the patients include age, body mass index (BMI), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) status and treatment, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The electronic medical records (EMR) was consulted to find histopathology examination result, cancer staging, and any missing data. The association between HOMA-IR and TyG with metastatic incidence was analyzed using either the Mann-Whitney test (for non-normally distributed data) or the independent-sample t-test (for normally distributed data). Results The mean of the TyG index is 8.60, and the median of HOMA-IR is 1.22. We found no significant correlation between both variables and the incidence of metastases. Conclusion Insulin resistance was not associated with metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andhika Rachman
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Siloam MRCCC Semanggi Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Zaenal Hakiki Fiantoro
- Departement of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Dimas Priantono
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Pradana Zaky Romadhon
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Li C, He Z, Yao F, Liao S, Sun K, Sun S, Li Z, Wang Z. Role of Escin in breast cancer therapy: potential mechanism for inducing ferroptosis and synergistic antitumor activity with cisplatin. Apoptosis 2023:10.1007/s10495-023-01849-x. [PMID: 37149513 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) has threatened women worldwide for a long time, and novel treatments are needed. Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death that is a potential therapeutic target for BC. In this study, we identified Escin, a traditional Chinese medicine, as a possible supplement for existing chemotherapy strategies. Escin inhibited BC cell growth in vitro and in vivo, and ferroptosis is probable to be the main cause for Escin-induced cell death. Mechanistically, Escin significantly downregulated the protein level of GPX4, while overexpression of GPX4 could reverse the ferroptosis triggered by Escin. Further study revealed that Escin could promote G6PD ubiquitination and degradation, thus inhibiting the expression of GPX4 and contributing to the ferroptosis. Moreover, proteasome inhibitor MG132 or G6PD overexpression could partially reverse Escin-induced ferroptosis, when G6PD knockdown aggravated that. In vivo study also supported that downregulation of G6PD exacerbated tumor growth inhibition by Escin. Finally, our data showed that cell apoptosis was dramatically elevated by Escin combined with cisplatin in BC cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Escin inhibits tumor growth in vivo and in vitro via regulating the ferroptosis mediated by G6PD/GPX4 axis. Our findings provide a promising therapeutic strategy for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyuan Li
- Department of Breast & Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqi He
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Yao
- Department of Breast & Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shichong Liao
- Department of Breast & Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Sun
- Department of Breast & Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengrong Sun
- Department of Breast & Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of Breast & Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Breast & Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Dey S, Murmu N, Mondal T, Saha I, Chatterjee S, Manna R, Haldar S, Dash SK, Sarkar TR, Giri B. Multifaceted entrancing role of glucose and its analogue, 2-deoxy-D-glucose in cancer cell proliferation, inflammation, and virus infection. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113801. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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