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Fontana F, Giannitti G, Marchesi S, Limonta P. The PI3K/Akt Pathway and Glucose Metabolism: A Dangerous Liaison in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:3113-3125. [PMID: 38904014 PMCID: PMC11186371 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.89942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway commonly occurs in cancers and correlates with multiple aspects of malignant progression. In particular, recent evidence suggests that the PI3K/Akt signaling plays a fundamental role in promoting the so-called aerobic glycolysis or Warburg effect, by phosphorylating different nutrient transporters and metabolic enzymes, such as GLUT1, HK2, PFKB3/4 and PKM2, and by regulating various molecular networks and proteins, including mTORC1, GSK3, FOXO transcription factors, MYC and HIF-1α. This leads to a profound reprogramming of cancer metabolism, also impacting on pentose phosphate pathway, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, de novo lipid synthesis and redox homeostasis and thereby allowing the fulfillment of both the catabolic and anabolic demands of tumor cells. The present review discusses the interactions between the PI3K/Akt cascade and its metabolic targets, focusing on their possible therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fontana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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2
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Peña-Flores JA, Enríquez-Espinoza D, Muela-Campos D, Álvarez-Ramírez A, Sáenz A, Barraza-Gómez AA, Bravo K, Estrada-Macías ME, González-Alvarado K. Functional Relevance of the Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNA Regulator of Reprogramming (Linc-ROR) in Cancer Proliferation, Metastasis, and Drug Resistance. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:ncrna9010012. [PMID: 36827545 PMCID: PMC9965135 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is responsible for more than 10 million deaths every year. Metastasis and drug resistance lead to a poor survival rate and are a major therapeutic challenge. Substantial evidence demonstrates that an increasing number of long non-coding RNAs are dysregulated in cancer, including the long intergenic non-coding RNA, regulator of reprogramming (linc-ROR), which mostly exerts its role as an onco-lncRNA acting as a competing endogenous RNA that sequesters micro RNAs. Although the properties of linc-ROR in relation to some cancers have been reviewed in the past, active research appends evidence constantly to a better comprehension of the role of linc-ROR in different stages of cancer. Moreover, the molecular details and some recent papers have been omitted or partially reported, thus the importance of this review aimed to contribute to the up-to-date understanding of linc-ROR and its implication in cancer tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. As the involvement of linc-ROR in cancer is elucidated, an improvement in diagnostic and prognostic tools could promote and advance in targeted and specific therapies in precision oncology.
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3
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Beylerli O, Sufianova G, Shumadalova A, Zhang D, Gareev I. MicroRNAs-mediated regulation of glucose transporter (GLUT) expression in glioblastoma. Noncoding RNA Res 2022; 7:205-211. [PMID: 36157351 PMCID: PMC9467858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Current knowledge about the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumor glucose metabolism is growing, and a number of studies regularly confirm the impact miRNAs can have on glucose metabolism reprogramming in tumors. However, there remains a lack of understanding of the broader perspective on the role of miRNAs in energy reprogramming in glioblastoma. An important role in the metabolism of glucose is played by carrier proteins that ensure its transmembrane movement. Carrier proteins in mammalian cells are glucose transporters (GLUTs). In total, 12 types of GLUTs are distinguished, differing in localization, affinity for glucose and ability to regulate. The fact of increased consumption of glucose in tumors compared to non-proliferating normal tissues is known. Tumor cells need glucose to ensure their survival and growth, so the type of transport proteins like GLUT are critical for them. Previous studies have shown that GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 may play an important role in the development of some types of malignant tumors, including glioblastoma. In addition, there is evidence of how GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 expression is regulated by miRNAs in glioblastoma. Thus, the aim of this study is to highlight the role of specific miRNAs in modulating GLUT levels in order to take into account the use of miRNAs expression modulators as a useful strategy to increase the sensitivity of glioblastoma to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozal Beylerli
- Рeoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation
| | - Galina Sufianova
- Department of Pharmacology, Tyumen State Medical University, 54 Odesskaya Street, 625023, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Alina Shumadalova
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 450008, Russia
| | - Daming Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ilgiz Gareev
- Рeoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation
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4
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Pericytes augment glioblastoma cell resistance to temozolomide through CCL5-CCR5 paracrine signaling. Cell Res 2021; 31:1072-1087. [PMID: 34239070 PMCID: PMC8486800 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-021-00528-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a prevalent and highly lethal form of glioma, with rapid tumor progression and frequent recurrence. Excessive outgrowth of pericytes in GBM governs the ecology of the perivascular niche, but their function in mediating chemoresistance has not been fully explored. Herein, we uncovered that pericytes potentiate DNA damage repair (DDR) in GBM cells residing in the perivascular niche, which induces temozolomide (TMZ) chemoresistance. We found that increased pericyte proportion correlates with accelerated tumor recurrence and worse prognosis. Genetic depletion of pericytes in GBM xenografts enhances TMZ-induced cytotoxicity and prolongs survival of tumor-bearing mice. Mechanistically, C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) secreted by pericytes activates C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) on GBM cells to enable DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs)-mediated DDR upon TMZ treatment. Disrupting CCL5-CCR5 paracrine signaling through the brain-penetrable CCR5 antagonist maraviroc (MVC) potently inhibits pericyte-promoted DDR and effectively improves the chemotherapeutic efficacy of TMZ. GBM patient-derived xenografts with high CCL5 expression benefit from combined treatment with TMZ and MVC. Our study reveals the role of pericytes as an extrinsic stimulator potentiating DDR signaling in GBM cells and suggests that targeting CCL5-CCR5 signaling could be an effective therapeutic strategy to improve chemotherapeutic efficacy against GBM.
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Abstract
Hypoxia is an important feature of the tumor microenvironment, and is closely associated with cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metabolism and the tumor immune response. All these factors can further promote tumor progression, increase tumor aggressiveness, enhance tumor metastatic potential and lead to poor prognosis. In this review, these effects of hypoxia on tumor biology will be discussed, along with their significance for tumor detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (12387Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Clinical Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (12387Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Clinical Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (12387Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Clinical Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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6
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Jia Z, Wang Y, Sun X, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Xu S, Wang Y, Li Y. Effect of lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing on energy metabolism and proliferation in osteosarcoma MG63 cells mediated by hsa-miR-542-3p. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:669. [PMID: 34386091 PMCID: PMC8298990 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells use glucose via glycolysis to maintain tumor cell proliferation. However, the effect of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) on glycolysis in osteosarcoma (OS) cells remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of the lncRNA XLOC_005950/hsa-microRNA (miR)-542-3p/phosphofructokinase, muscle (PFKM) axis in the regulation of glucose metabolism, cell proliferation and apoptosis in the progression of OS. lncRNA XLOC_005950, hsa-miR-542-3p and PFKM expression in OS tissues and cells was detected via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to knockout lncRNA XLOC_005950 expression in MG63 cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, PFKM activity, and glucose and lactic acid content determination were performed to assess the effects of lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout and overexpression of hsa-miR-542-3p on the phenotypes of OS cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the targeting associations between lncRNA XLOC_005950, hsa-miR-542-3p and PFKM. The results demonstrated that lncRNA XLOC_005950 expression was upregulated in OS tissues and cells. Functional experiments indicated that lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout decreased PFKM activity, the intracellular glucose and lactic acid content, and cell proliferation, while increasing apoptosis of OS cells. Furthermore, lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout upregulated hsa-miR-542-3p expression and downregulated PFKM expression. Overexpression of hsa-miR-542-3p suppressed PFKM expression. Furthermore, lncRNA XLOC_005950, as the molecular sponge of miR-542-3p in OS, modulated the downstream target gene, PFKM. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that lncRNA XLOC_005950 knockout may inhibit the progression of OS via hsa-miR-542-3p-mediated regulation of PFKM expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoya Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Xuefeng Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Shuangyan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Yisheng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Yuebai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
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7
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Ramaiah MJ, Kumar KR. mTOR-Rictor-EGFR axis in oncogenesis and diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:4813-4835. [PMID: 34132942 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06462-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the aggressive brain cancers with patients having less survival period upto 12-15 months. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase, belongs to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) pathway and is involved in various cellular processes of cancer cells. Cancer metabolism is regulated by mTOR and its components. mTOR forms two complexes as mTORC1 and mTORC2. Studies have identified the key component of the mTORC2 complex, Rapamycin-insensitive companion of mammalian target of rapamycin (Rictor) plays a prominent role in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation and metabolism. Apart, growth factor receptor signaling such as epidermal growth factor signaling mediated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates cancer-related processes. In EGFR signaling various other signaling cascades such as phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR pathway) and Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK)/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) -dependent signaling cross-talk each other. From various studies about GBM, it is very well established that Rictor and EGFR mediated signaling pathways majorly playing a pivotal role in chemoresistance and tumor aggressiveness. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate the EGFR and Rictor and sensitize the cells towards chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, understanding of microRNA mediated regulation of EGFR and Rictor will help in cancer prevention and management as well as a future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Janaki Ramaiah
- Functional Genomics and Disease Biology Laboratory, School of Chemical and Biotechnology (SCBT), SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613401, Tamil Nadu, India.
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology (SCBT), SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613401, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - K Rohil Kumar
- Functional Genomics and Disease Biology Laboratory, School of Chemical and Biotechnology (SCBT), SASTRA Deemed University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
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Verma H, Cholia RP, Kaur S, Dhiman M, Mantha AK. A short review on cross-link between pyruvate kinase (PKM2) and Glioblastoma Multiforme. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:751-765. [PMID: 33651273 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00690-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pyruvate kinase (PK) catalyzes the last irreversible reaction of glycolysis pathway, generating pyruvate and ATP, from Phosphoenol Pyruvate (PEP) and ADP precursors. In mammals, four different tissue-specific isoforms (M1, M2, L and R) of PK exist, which are translated from two genes (PKL and PKR). PKM2 is the highly expressed isoform of PK in cancers, which regulates the aerobic glycolysis via reprogramming cancer cell's metabolic pathways to provide an anabolic advantage to the tumor cells. In addition to the established role of PKM2 in aerobic glycolysis of multiple cancer types, various recent findings have highlighted the non-metabolic functions of PKM2 in brain tumor development. Nuclear PKM2 acts as a co-activator and directly regulates gene transcription. PKM2 dependent transactivation of various oncogenic genes is instrumental in the progression and aggressiveness of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Also, PKM2 acts as a protein kinase in histone modification which regulates gene expression and tumorigenesis. Ongoing research has explored novel regulatory mechanisms of PKM2 and its association in GBM progression. This review enlists and summarizes the metabolic and non-metabolic roles of PKM2 at the cellular level, and its regulatory function highlights the importance of the nuclear functions of PKM2 in GBM progression, and an emerging role of PKM2 as novel cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkomal Verma
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, Pin Code: 151 401, India
| | - Ravi P Cholia
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, Pin Code: 151 401, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Sharanjot Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anil K Mantha
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, Pin Code: 151 401, India.
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9
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Abstract
Cells metabolize nutrients for biosynthetic and bioenergetic needs to fuel growth and proliferation. The uptake of nutrients from the environment and their intracellular metabolism is a highly controlled process that involves cross talk between growth signaling and metabolic pathways. Despite constant fluctuations in nutrient availability and environmental signals, normal cells restore metabolic homeostasis to maintain cellular functions and prevent disease. A central signaling molecule that integrates growth with metabolism is the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR is a protein kinase that responds to levels of nutrients and growth signals. mTOR forms two protein complexes, mTORC1, which is sensitive to rapamycin, and mTORC2, which is not directly inhibited by this drug. Rapamycin has facilitated the discovery of the various functions of mTORC1 in metabolism. Genetic models that disrupt either mTORC1 or mTORC2 have expanded our knowledge of their cellular, tissue, as well as systemic functions in metabolism. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the regulation and functions of mTORC2, particularly in metabolism, has lagged behind. Since mTOR is an important target for cancer, aging, and other metabolism-related pathologies, understanding the distinct and overlapping regulation and functions of the two mTOR complexes is vital for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the key discoveries and recent findings on the regulation and metabolic functions of the mTOR complexes. We highlight findings from cancer models but also discuss other examples of the mTOR-mediated metabolic reprogramming occurring in stem and immune cells, type 2 diabetes/obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelia Szwed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Eugene Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Estela Jacinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
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10
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Zhao Y, Zhang Q, Liu H, Wang N, Zhang X, Yang S. lncRNA PART1, manipulated by transcriptional factor FOXP2, suppresses proliferation and invasion in ESCC by regulating the miR‑18a‑5p/SOX6 signaling axis. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:1118-1132. [PMID: 33432363 PMCID: PMC7859983 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are associated with tumor invasion, metastasis and the prognosis of patients with a variety of different tumors. However, the roles of lncRNA prostate androgen regulated transcript 1 (PART1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to investigate the levels of PART1, SRY-box transcription factor 6 (SOX6) and miR-18a-5p in ESCC tissues and cells. The functions of PART1 in ESCC were demonstrated using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Matrigel assays. Promoter activity and dual-luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation and western blot analyses were also used to determine the potential mechanisms of PART1 in ESCC cell lines. It was found that PART1 and SOX6 were both downregulated in ESCC tissues and cells, and their low expression levels were associated with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with ESCC. Forkhead box protein P2 (FOXP2) exhibited low expression level in ESCC tissues, and its expression was positively correlated with PART1 expression level in ESCC tissues. FOXP2 was found to bind to the promoter region of PART1 to regulate its expression in ESCC cells. Functionally, PART1 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation and invasion, whereas PART1 downregulation promoted cell proliferation and invasion in the ESCC cell lines. Mechanistically, PART1 functions as a competing endogenous (ce)RNA by sponging miR-18a-5p, resulting in the upregulation of the downstream target gene, SOX6, coupled with the inactivation of the β-catenin/c-myc signaling axis, to suppress ESCC cell proliferation and invasion. In conclusion, data from the present study unveil a potential ceRNA regulatory pathway, in which PART1 affects SOX6 expression level by sponging miR-18a-5p, to ultimately suppress ESCC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Ning Wang
- Henan Academy of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
| | - Shujun Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, P.R. China
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Duggan MR, Weaver M, Khalili K. PAM (PIK3/AKT/mTOR) signaling in glia: potential contributions to brain tumors in aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:1510-1527. [PMID: 33472174 PMCID: PMC7835031 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite a growing proportion of aged individuals at risk for developing cancer in the brain, the prognosis for these conditions remains abnormally poor due to limited knowledge of underlying mechanisms and minimal treatment options. While cancer metabolism in other organs is commonly associated with upregulated glycolysis (i.e. Warburg effect) and hyperactivation of PIK3/AKT/mTOR (PAM) pathways, the unique bioenergetic demands of the central nervous system may interact with these oncogenic processes to promote tumor progression in aging. Specifically, constitutive glycolysis and PIK3/AKT/mTOR signaling in glia may be dysregulated by age-dependent alterations in neurometabolic demands, ultimately contributing to pathological processes otherwise associated with PIK3/AKT/mTOR induction (e.g. cell cycle entry, impaired autophagy, dysregulated inflammation). Although several limitations to this theoretical model exist, the consideration of aberrant PIK3/AKT/mTOR signaling in glia during aging elucidates several therapeutic opportunities for brain tumors, including non-pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Duggan
- Department of Neuroscience Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Michael Weaver
- Department of Neurosurgery Temple University Hospital Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Kamel Khalili
- Department of Neuroscience Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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12
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Li M, Gao F, Zhao Q, Zuo H, Liu W, Li W. Tanshinone IIA inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma via reducing Akt-c-Myc signaling-mediated aerobic glycolysis. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:381. [PMID: 32424132 PMCID: PMC7235009 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2579-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis is one of the hallmarks of human cancer cells. Overexpression of hexokinase 2 (HK2) plays a crucial role in the maintaining of unlimited tumor cell growth. In the present study, we found that the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells exhibited an aerobic glycolysis phenotype. Moreover, HK2 is highly expressed in OSCC patient derived-tissues and cell lines. Depletion of HK2 inhibited OSCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. With a natural product screening, we identified Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) as a potential anti-tumor compound for OSCC through suppressing HK2-mediated glycolysis. Tan IIA decreased glucose consumption, lactate production, and promoted intrinsic apoptosis in OSCC cells. The mechanism study revealed that Tan IIA inhibited the Akt-c-Myc signaling and promoted E3 ligase FBW7-mediated c-Myc ubiquitination and degradation, which eventually reduced HK2 expression at the transcriptional level. In summary, these results indicate that targeting HK2-mediated aerobic glycolysis is a promising anti-tumor strategy for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Changsha Stomatological Hospital, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,School of Stomatology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 410208, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, Central South University, 410000, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Feng Gao
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Department of Ultrasonography, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Changsha Stomatological Hospital, 410004, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,School of Stomatology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 410208, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Huilan Zuo
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Department of Ultrasonography, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China. .,Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.
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13
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Yuan J, Peng G, Xiao G, Yang Z, Huang J, Liu Q, Yang Z, Liu D. Xanthohumol suppresses glioblastoma via modulation of Hexokinase 2 -mediated glycolysis. J Cancer 2020; 11:4047-4058. [PMID: 32368287 PMCID: PMC7196271 DOI: 10.7150/jca.33045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of aerobic glycolysis is a common phenomenon in human cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM). In the present study, we demonstrated that the natural compound xanthohumol has a profound anti-tumor effect on GBM via direct inhibition of glycolysis. Xanthohumol suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation of GBM cells, and significantly impaired glucose metabolism via inhibiting Hexokinase 2 (HK2) expression. We demonstrated that down-regulation of c-Myc was required for xanthohumol-induced decrease of HK2. Xanthohumol destabilization of c-Myc, and promoted FBW7-mediated ubiquitination of c-Myc. Xanthohumol attenuated Akt activity and inhibited the activation of GSK3β, resulted in c-Myc degradation. Overexpression of Myr-Akt1 significantly rescued xanthohumol-mediated c-Myc inhibition and glycolysis suppression. Finally, the xanthohumol-mediated down-regulation of the PI3-K/Akt-GSK3beta-FBW7 signaling axis promoted the destabilization of c-Myc. Finally, the animal results demonstrated that xanthohumol substantially inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, xanthohumol appears to be a promising new anti-tumor agent with the therapeutic potential for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neuro-oncology at Hunan, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Gang Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neuro-oncology at Hunan, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Gelei Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhuanyi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neuro-oncology at Hunan, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zhiquan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Dingyang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neuro-oncology at Hunan, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
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14
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mTOR complex 2 is an integrator of cancer metabolism and epigenetics. Cancer Lett 2020; 478:1-7. [PMID: 32145344 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a central hallmark of cancer and is driven by abnormalites of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. This enables tumor cells to obtain the macromolecular precursors and energy needed for rapid tumor growth. Accelerated metabolism also translates into cancer cell aggression through epigenetic changes. The aberrant signaling cascades activated by oncogenes coordinate metabolic reprogramming with epigenetic shifts and subsequent global transcriptional changes through the dysregulation of rate-limiting metabolic enzymes as well as by facilitating the production of intermediary metabolites. As the landscape of cancer cell metabolism has been elucidated, it is now time for this knowledge to be translated into benefit for patients. Here we review the recently identified central regulatory role for mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), a downstream effector of many cancer-causing mutations, in reprogramming the metabolic and epigenetic landscape. This leads to tumor cell survival and cancer drug resistance.
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15
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Magaway C, Kim E, Jacinto E. Targeting mTOR and Metabolism in Cancer: Lessons and Innovations. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121584. [PMID: 31817676 PMCID: PMC6952948 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells support their growth and proliferation by reprogramming their metabolism in order to gain access to nutrients. Despite the heterogeneity in genetic mutations that lead to tumorigenesis, a common alteration in tumors occurs in pathways that upregulate nutrient acquisition. A central signaling pathway that controls metabolic processes is the mTOR pathway. The elucidation of the regulation and functions of mTOR can be traced to the discovery of the natural compound, rapamycin. Studies using rapamycin have unraveled the role of mTOR in the control of cell growth and metabolism. By sensing the intracellular nutrient status, mTOR orchestrates metabolic reprogramming by controlling nutrient uptake and flux through various metabolic pathways. The central role of mTOR in metabolic rewiring makes it a promising target for cancer therapy. Numerous clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of mTOR inhibition for cancer treatment. Rapamycin analogs have been approved to treat specific types of cancer. Since rapamycin does not fully inhibit mTOR activity, new compounds have been engineered to inhibit the catalytic activity of mTOR to more potently block its functions. Despite highly promising pre-clinical studies, early clinical trial results of these second generation mTOR inhibitors revealed increased toxicity and modest antitumor activity. The plasticity of metabolic processes and seemingly enormous capacity of malignant cells to salvage nutrients through various mechanisms make cancer therapy extremely challenging. Therefore, identifying metabolic vulnerabilities in different types of tumors would present opportunities for rational therapeutic strategies. Understanding how the different sources of nutrients are metabolized not just by the growing tumor but also by other cells from the microenvironment, in particular, immune cells, will also facilitate the design of more sophisticated and effective therapeutic regimen. In this review, we discuss the functions of mTOR in cancer metabolism that have been illuminated from pre-clinical studies. We then review key findings from clinical trials that target mTOR and the lessons we have learned from both pre-clinical and clinical studies that could provide insights on innovative therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy to target mTOR signaling and the metabolic network in cancer.
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