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He Y, Yu Q, Ma X, Lv D, Wang H, Qiu W, Chen XF, Jiao Y, Liu Y. A metabolomics approach reveals metabolic disturbance of human cholangiocarcinoma cells after parthenolide treatment. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118075. [PMID: 38513779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip, commonly known as feverfew, has been traditionally used to treat fever, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Parthenolide (PTL), the main bioactive ingredient isolated from the shoots of feverfew, is a sesquiterpene lactone with anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. Previous studies showed that PTL exerts anticancer activity in various cancers, including hepatoma, cholangiocarcinoma, acute myeloid leukemia, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. However, the metabolic mechanism underlying the anticancer effect of PTL remains poorly understood. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the anticancer activity and underlying mechanism of PTL in human cholangiocarcinoma cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this investigation, the effects and mechanisms of PTL on human cholangiocarcinoma cells were investigated via a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based metabolomics approach. First, cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry analysis, and western blotting. Then, LC/MS-based metabolic profiling along with orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) has been constructed to distinguish the metabolic changes between the negative control group and the PTL-treated group in TFK1 cells. Next, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to investigate the changes of metabolic enzymes associated with significantly alerted metabolites. Finally, the metabolic network related to key metabolic enzymes, metabolites, and metabolic pathways was established using MetaboAnalyst 5.0 and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathway Database. RESULTS PTL treatment could induce the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of TFK1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Forty-three potential biomarkers associated with the antitumor effect of PTL were identified, which primarily related to glutamine and glutamate metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, glutathione metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, phospholipid catabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. Pathway analysis of upstream and downstream metabolites, we found three key metabolic enzymes, including glutaminase (GLS), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), which mainly involved in glutamine and glutamate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. The changes of metabolic enzymes associated with significantly alerted metabolites were consistent with the levels of metabolites, and the metabolic network related to key metabolic enzymes, metabolites, and metabolic pathways was established. PTL may exert its antitumor effect against cholangiocarcinoma by disturbing metabolic pathways. Furthermore, we selected two positive control agents that are considered as first-line chemotherapy standards in cholangiocarcinoma therapy to verify the reliability and accuracy of our metabolomic study on PTL. CONCLUSION This research enhanced our comprehension of the metabolic profiling and mechanism of PTL treatment on cholangiocarcinoma cells, which provided some references for further research into the anti-cancer mechanisms of other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping He
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530021, China; School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China; Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Chongzuo, Guangxi, Chongzuo, 532200, China
| | - Qianxue Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Diya Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Weian Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiao Fei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolite Research, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolite Research, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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2
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Dong N, Qi W, Wu L, Li J, Zhang X, Wu H, Zhang W, Jiang J, Zhang S, Fu W, Liu Q, Qi G, Wang L, Lu Y, Luo J, Kong Y, Liu Y, Zhao RC, Wang J. LINC00606 promotes glioblastoma progression through sponge miR-486-3p and interaction with ATP11B. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:139. [PMID: 38725030 PMCID: PMC11080186 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND LncRNAs regulate tumorigenesis and development in a variety of cancers. We substantiate for the first time that LINC00606 is considerably expressed in glioblastoma (GBM) patient specimens and is linked with adverse prognosis. This suggests that LINC00606 may have the potential to regulate glioma genesis and progression, and that the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of LINC00606 in GBM remain largely unknown. METHODS The expression of LINC00606 and ATP11B in glioma and normal brain tissues was evaluated by qPCR, and the biological functions of the LINC00606/miR-486-3p/TCF12/ATP11B axis in GBM were verified through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The molecular mechanism of LINC00606 was elucidated by immunoblotting, FISH, RNA pulldown, CHIP-qPCR, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS We demonstrated that LINC00606 promotes glioma cell proliferation, clonal expansion and migration, while reducing apoptosis levels. Mechanistically, on the one hand, LINC00606 can sponge miR-486-3p; the target gene TCF12 of miR-486-3p affects the transcriptional initiation of LINC00606, PTEN and KLLN. On the other hand, it can also regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to mediate glioma cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis by binding to ATP11B protein. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the LINC00606/miR-486-3p/TCF12/ATP11B axis is involved in the regulation of GBM progression and plays a role in tumor regulation at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels primarily through LINC00606 sponging miR-486-3p and targeted binding to ATP11B. Therefore, our research on the regulatory network LINC00606 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naijun Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxin Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Li
- Shanghai Institute of Phage, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueqi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wen Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Jiawen Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Shibo Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wenjun Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Guandong Qi
- Residential College, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lukai Wang
- Residential College, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyuan Lu
- Residential College, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Luo
- Residential College, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Kong
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Centre of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Clinical Trial of Stem Cell Therapy (BZ0381), Beijing, China.
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China.
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Trejo-Solís C, Castillo-Rodríguez RA, Serrano-García N, Silva-Adaya D, Vargas-Cruz S, Chávez-Cortéz EG, Gallardo-Pérez JC, Zavala-Vega S, Cruz-Salgado A, Magaña-Maldonado R. Metabolic Roles of HIF1, c-Myc, and p53 in Glioma Cells. Metabolites 2024; 14:249. [PMID: 38786726 PMCID: PMC11122955 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14050249] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The metabolic reprogramming that promotes tumorigenesis in glioblastoma is induced by dynamic alterations in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, as well as in transcriptional and signaling networks, which result in changes in global genetic expression. The signaling pathways PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK stimulate cell metabolism, either directly or indirectly, by modulating the transcriptional factors p53, HIF1, and c-Myc. The overexpression of HIF1 and c-Myc, master regulators of cellular metabolism, is a key contributor to the synthesis of bioenergetic molecules that mediate glioma cell transformation, proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion by modifying the transcription levels of key gene groups involved in metabolism. Meanwhile, the tumor-suppressing protein p53, which negatively regulates HIF1 and c-Myc, is often lost in glioblastoma. Alterations in this triad of transcriptional factors induce a metabolic shift in glioma cells that allows them to adapt and survive changes such as mutations, hypoxia, acidosis, the presence of reactive oxygen species, and nutrient deprivation, by modulating the activity and expression of signaling molecules, enzymes, metabolites, transporters, and regulators involved in glycolysis and glutamine metabolism, the pentose phosphate cycle, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as the synthesis and degradation of fatty acids and nucleic acids. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the role of HIF1, c-Myc, and p53 in the genic regulatory network for metabolism in glioma cells, as well as potential therapeutic inhibitors of these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Trejo-Solís
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Departamento de Neurofisiología, Laboratorio Clínico y Banco de Sangre y Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (N.S.-G.); (D.S.-A.); (S.Z.-V.)
| | | | - Norma Serrano-García
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Departamento de Neurofisiología, Laboratorio Clínico y Banco de Sangre y Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (N.S.-G.); (D.S.-A.); (S.Z.-V.)
| | - Daniela Silva-Adaya
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Departamento de Neurofisiología, Laboratorio Clínico y Banco de Sangre y Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (N.S.-G.); (D.S.-A.); (S.Z.-V.)
- Centro de Investigación Sobre el Envejecimiento, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CIE-CINVESTAV), Ciudad de Mexico 14330, Mexico
| | - Salvador Vargas-Cruz
- Departamento de Cirugía, Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal, Camino a Sta. Teresa, Ciudad de Mexico 10700, Mexico;
| | | | - Juan Carlos Gallardo-Pérez
- Departamento de Fisiopatología Cardio-Renal, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Zavala-Vega
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Departamento de Neurofisiología, Laboratorio Clínico y Banco de Sangre y Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (N.S.-G.); (D.S.-A.); (S.Z.-V.)
| | - Arturo Cruz-Salgado
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico;
| | - Roxana Magaña-Maldonado
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Departamento de Neurofisiología, Laboratorio Clínico y Banco de Sangre y Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (N.S.-G.); (D.S.-A.); (S.Z.-V.)
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GAO XIAOFENG, GE JUANJUAN, GAO XUZHENG, MEI NA, SU YANTING, SHAN SHIGANG, QIAN WENBIN, GUAN JIANGHENG, ZHANG ZHENWANG, WANG LONG. IQGAP3 promotes the progression of glioma as an immune and prognostic marker. Oncol Res 2024; 32:659-678. [PMID: 38560572 PMCID: PMC10972721 DOI: 10.32604/or.2023.046712] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: IQGAP3 plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, division, and cytoskeletal organization. Abnormal expression of IQGAP3 has been linked to various tumors, but its function in glioma is not well understood. Methods: Various methods, including genetic differential analysis, single-cell analysis, ROC curve analysis, Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and enrichment analysis, were employed to analyze the expression patterns, diagnostic potential, prognostic implications, and biological processes involving IQGAP3 in normal and tumor tissues. The impact of IQGAP3 on immune infiltration and the immune microenvironment in gliomas was evaluated using immunofluorescence. Additionally, the cBioPortal database was used to analyze copy number variations and mutation sites of IQGAP3. Experimental validation was also performed to assess the effects of IQGAP3 on glioma cells and explore underlying mechanisms. Results: High IQGAP3 expression in gliomas is associated with an unfavorable prognosis, particularly in wild-type IDH and 1p/19q non-codeleted gliomas. Enrichment analysis revealed that IQGAP3 is involved in regulating the cell cycle, PI3K/AKT signaling, p53 signaling, and PLK1-related pathways. Furthermore, IQGAP3 expression may be closely related to the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioblastoma. BRD-K88742110 and LY-303511 are potential drugs for targeting IQGAP3 in anti-glioma therapy. In vitro experiments showed that downregulation of IQGAP3 inhibits the proliferation and migration of glioma cells, with the PLK1/PI3K/AKT pathway potentially playing a crucial role in IQGAP3-mediated glioma progression. Conclusion: IQGAP3 shows promise as a valuable biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and immunotherapeutic strategies in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- XIAOFENG GAO
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cardiovascular Diseases, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - JUANJUAN GE
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - XUZHENG GAO
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cardiovascular Diseases, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - NA MEI
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cardiovascular Diseases, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - YANTING SU
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - SHIGANG SHAN
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - WENBIN QIAN
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - JIANGHENG GUAN
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Chinese PLA Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - ZHENWANG ZHANG
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetic Cardiovascular Diseases, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - LONG WANG
- School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
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Ghanem MS, Caffa I, Monacelli F, Nencioni A. Inhibitors of NAD + Production in Cancer Treatment: State of the Art and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2092. [PMID: 38396769 PMCID: PMC10889166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042092] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The addiction of tumors to elevated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels is a hallmark of cancer metabolism. Obstructing NAD+ biosynthesis in tumors is a new and promising antineoplastic strategy. Inhibitors developed against nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the main enzyme in NAD+ production from nicotinamide, elicited robust anticancer activity in preclinical models but not in patients, implying that other NAD+-biosynthetic pathways are also active in tumors and provide sufficient NAD+ amounts despite NAMPT obstruction. Recent studies show that NAD+ biosynthesis through the so-called "Preiss-Handler (PH) pathway", which utilizes nicotinate as a precursor, actively operates in many tumors and accounts for tumor resistance to NAMPT inhibitors. The PH pathway consists of three sequential enzymatic steps that are catalyzed by nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRT), nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferases (NMNATs), and NAD+ synthetase (NADSYN1). Here, we focus on these enzymes as emerging targets in cancer drug discovery, summarizing their reported inhibitors and describing their current or potential exploitation as anticancer agents. Finally, we also focus on additional NAD+-producing enzymes acting in alternative NAD+-producing routes that could also be relevant in tumors and thus become viable targets for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa S. Ghanem
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Irene Caffa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.C.); (F.M.)
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Monacelli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.C.); (F.M.)
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.C.); (F.M.)
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
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Yang S, Park JH, Lu HC. Axonal energy metabolism, and the effects in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:49. [PMID: 37475056 PMCID: PMC10357692 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00634-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human studies consistently identify bioenergetic maladaptations in brains upon aging and neurodegenerative disorders of aging (NDAs), such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Glucose is the major brain fuel and glucose hypometabolism has been observed in brain regions vulnerable to aging and NDAs. Many neurodegenerative susceptible regions are in the topological central hub of the brain connectome, linked by densely interconnected long-range axons. Axons, key components of the connectome, have high metabolic needs to support neurotransmission and other essential activities. Long-range axons are particularly vulnerable to injury, neurotoxin exposure, protein stress, lysosomal dysfunction, etc. Axonopathy is often an early sign of neurodegeneration. Recent studies ascribe axonal maintenance failures to local bioenergetic dysregulation. With this review, we aim to stimulate research in exploring metabolically oriented neuroprotection strategies to enhance or normalize bioenergetics in NDA models. Here we start by summarizing evidence from human patients and animal models to reveal the correlation between glucose hypometabolism and connectomic disintegration upon aging/NDAs. To encourage mechanistic investigations on how axonal bioenergetic dysregulation occurs during aging/NDAs, we first review the current literature on axonal bioenergetics in distinct axonal subdomains: axon initial segments, myelinated axonal segments, and axonal arbors harboring pre-synaptic boutons. In each subdomain, we focus on the organization, activity-dependent regulation of the bioenergetic system, and external glial support. Second, we review the mechanisms regulating axonal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) homeostasis, an essential molecule for energy metabolism processes, including NAD+ biosynthetic, recycling, and consuming pathways. Third, we highlight the innate metabolic vulnerability of the brain connectome and discuss its perturbation during aging and NDAs. As axonal bioenergetic deficits are developing into NDAs, especially in asymptomatic phase, they are likely exaggerated further by impaired NAD+ homeostasis, the high energetic cost of neural network hyperactivity, and glial pathology. Future research in interrogating the causal relationship between metabolic vulnerability, axonopathy, amyloid/tau pathology, and cognitive decline will provide fundamental knowledge for developing therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Yang
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Jung Hyun Park
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Hui-Chen Lu
- The Linda and Jack Gill Center for Biomolecular Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
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7
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Martell E, Kuzmychova H, Kaul E, Senthil H, Chowdhury SR, Morrison LC, Fresnoza A, Zagozewski J, Venugopal C, Anderson CM, Singh SK, Banerji V, Werbowetski-Ogilvie TE, Sharif T. Metabolism-based targeting of MYC via MPC-SOD2 axis-mediated oxidation promotes cellular differentiation in group 3 medulloblastoma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2502. [PMID: 37130865 PMCID: PMC10154337 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38049-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Group 3 medulloblastoma (G3 MB) carries the worst prognosis of all MB subgroups. MYC oncoprotein is elevated in G3 MB tumors; however, the mechanisms that support MYC abundance remain unclear. Using metabolic and mechanistic profiling, we pinpoint a role for mitochondrial metabolism in regulating MYC. Complex-I inhibition decreases MYC abundance in G3 MB, attenuates the expression of MYC-downstream targets, induces differentiation, and prolongs male animal survival. Mechanistically, complex-I inhibition increases inactivating acetylation of antioxidant enzyme SOD2 at K68 and K122, triggering the accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species that promotes MYC oxidation and degradation in a mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC)-dependent manner. MPC inhibition blocks the acetylation of SOD2 and oxidation of MYC, restoring MYC abundance and self-renewal capacity in G3 MB cells following complex-I inhibition. Identification of this MPC-SOD2 signaling axis reveals a role for metabolism in regulating MYC protein abundance that has clinical implications for treating G3 MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Martell
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Helgi Kuzmychova
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Esha Kaul
- Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Harshal Senthil
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Ludivine Coudière Morrison
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Agnes Fresnoza
- Central Animal Care Services, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jamie Zagozewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Chitra Venugopal
- McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Chris M Anderson
- Neuroscience Research Program, Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sheila K Singh
- McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Versha Banerji
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Tamra E Werbowetski-Ogilvie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Tanveer Sharif
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Jiang C, Zhou Y, Yan L, Zheng J, Wang X, Li J, Jiang X. A prognostic NAD+ metabolism-related gene signature for predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitor in glioma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1051641. [PMID: 36845744 PMCID: PMC9945104 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1051641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism is involved in a series of cancer pathogenesis processes, and is considered a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. However, a comprehensive analysis of NAD+ metabolism events on immune regulation and cancer survival has not yet been conducted. Here, we constructed a prognostic NAD+ metabolism-related gene signature (NMRGS) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy in glioma. Methods 40 NAD+ metabolism-related genes (NMRGs) were obtained from the Reactome database and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Glioma cases with transcriptome data and clinical information were obtained from Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). NMRGS was constructed based on the calculated risk score using univariate analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, multivariate Cox regression, and nomogram. This NMRGS was verified in training (CGGA693) and validation (TCGA and CGGA325) cohorts. The immune characteristics, mutation profile, and response to ICI therapy were subsequently analyzed for different NMRGS subgroups. Results Six NAD+ metabolism-related genes, including CD38, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase (NADK), nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRT), nicotinamide/nicotinic acid mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 3 (NMNAT3), poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase family member 6 (PARP6), and poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase family member 9 (PARP9), were ultimately used to construct a comprehensive risk model for glioma patients. Patients in the NMRGS-high group showed a poorer survival outcome than those in the NMRGS-low group. The area under curve (AUC) indicated that NMRGS has good potential in glioma prognostic prediction. A nomogram with improved accuracy was established based on independent prognostic factors (NMRGS score, 1p19q codeletion status, and WHO grade). Furthermore, patients in the NMRGS-high group showed a more immunosuppressive microenvironment, higher tumor mutation burden (TMB), higher human leucocyte antigen (HLA) expression and a more therapeutic response to ICI therapy. Conclusions This study constructed a prognostic NAD+ metabolism-related signature associated with the immune landscape in glioma, which can be used for guiding individualized ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lizhao Yan
- Department of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianglin Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junjun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Junjun Li, ; Xiaobing Jiang,
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Junjun Li, ; Xiaobing Jiang,
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Li W, Gao M, Hu C, Chen X, Zhou Y. NMNAT2: An important metabolic enzyme affecting the disease progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114143. [PMID: 36528916 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2 (NMNAT2) is an evolutionarily conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthase located in the cytoplasm and Golgi apparatus. NMNAT2 has an important role in neurodegenerative diseases, malignant tumors, and other diseases that seriously endanger human health. NMNAT2 exerts a neuroprotective function through its NAD synthase activity and chaperone function. Among them, the NMNAT2-NAD+-Sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing 1 (SARM1) axis is closely related to Wallerian degeneration. Physical injury or pathological stimulation will cause a decrease in NMNAT2, which activates SARM1, leading to axonal degeneration and the occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, peripheral neuropathy, and other neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, NMNAT2 exerts a cancer-promoting role in solid tumors, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and glioma, and is closely related to tumor occurrence and development. This paper reviews the chromosomal and subcellular localization of NMNAT2 and its basic biological functions. We also summarize the NMNAT2-related signal transduction pathway and the role of NMNAT2 in diseases. We aimed to provide a new perspective to comprehensively understand the relationship between NMNAT2 and its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Mengxiang Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Chunhui Hu
- Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiuwen Chen
- Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.
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Prognosis-correlated Systems Involving Characteristic Diagnostic Gene Sets for Survival Analysis on Glioma. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:47-59. [PMID: 36562881 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02098-4] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As the most prevalent brain tumor, glioma is malignant with poor prognostic outcomes. As a result, it is of great importance to detect biomarkers for glioma diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, we determined grade-based characteristic gene clusters with gradual expression following grade change, including 1479 down- and 526 up-regulated genes. Combined interaction among proteins originating from these genes was analyzed, and hub genes were exhibited after GSEA enrichment, containing 12 and 11 genes which were correlated with prognostic outcomes, named as unfavorable and favorable gene sets, respectively. The GSVA score of each gene set was calculated and divided into high/low groups; we observed that cases in the low score group had better outcomes than the high score group based on the GSVA of the unfavorable set, while with favorable GSVA score, the low group had poorer outcomes than the high group. Eventually, we compared a variety of infiltrating immune cells between low/high GSVA subgroup, showing various immune cell types (B cell naive, activated mast cells, resting CD4 memory T cell, and so on) with opposite proportion. And interestingly, these cell types also accounted for a contrary percentage between unfavorable and favorable conditions. In conclusion, these two hub gene sets are of good importance as an evaluation system for clinical grade classification and prognosis prediction.
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11
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Zhu T, Zheng JY, Huang LL, Wang YH, Yao DF, Dai HB. Human PARP1 substrates and regulators of its catalytic activity: An updated overview. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1137151. [PMID: 36909172 PMCID: PMC9995695 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1137151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a key DNA damage sensor that is recruited to damaged sites after DNA strand breaks to initiate DNA repair. This is achieved by catalyzing attachment of ADP-ribose moieties, which are donated from NAD+, on the amino acid residues of itself or other acceptor proteins. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) that inhibit PARP catalytic activity and induce PARP trapping are commonly used for treating BRCA1/2-deficient breast and ovarian cancers through synergistic lethality. Unfortunately, resistance to PARPi frequently occurs. In this review, we present the novel substrates and regulators of the PARP1-catalyzed poly (ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylatison) that have been identified in the last 3 years. The overall aim is the presentation of protein interactions of potential therapeutic intervention for overcoming the resistance to PARPi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ju-Yan Zheng
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling-Ling Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Hong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di-Fei Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Bin Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Anti-Colorectal Cancer Effects of a Novel Camptothecin Derivative PCC0208037 In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010053. [PMID: 36678550 PMCID: PMC9862597 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and the topoisomerase inhibitor irinotecan (CPT-11)-based chemotherapeutic regimen is currently the first-line treatment with impressive therapeutic efficacy. However, irinotecan has several clinically significant side effects, including diarrhea, which limit its clinical utility and efficacy in many patients. In an effort to discover better and improved pharmacotherapy against colorectal cancer, we synthesized a novel topoisomerase inhibitor, PCC0208037, examined its anti-tumor efficacy and related molecular mechanisms, and characterized its toxicity and pharmacokinetic profiles. PCC0208037 suppressed colorectal cancer cell (CRC) proliferation and increased cell cycle arrest, which may be related to its effects on up-regulating DNA damage response (DDR)-related molecules and apoptosis-related proteins. PCC0208037 demonstrated robust anti-tumor activity in vivo in a colorectal cancer cell xenograft model, which was comparable to or slightly better than CPT-11. In a preliminary toxicology study, PCC0208037 demonstrated much weaker tissue damage to colorectal tissue than CPT-11, and its impacts on food intake and body weight loss were more transient and recovered faster than CPT-11 in mice. This could be partially explained by the pharmacokinetic findings, which showed that PCC0208037 and its active metabolite, SN-38, were more accumulated in tumor tissue than in the intestine, as compared to CPT-11. Taken together, these results described a novel Topo I inhibitor with a comparative advantage over the standard treatment of colorectal cancer CPT-11 and could be a promising candidate compound for the treatment of colorectal cancer that warrants further investigation.
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Guo T, Bao A, Xie Y, Qiu J, Piao H. Single-Cell Sequencing Analysis Identified ASTN2 as a Migration Biomarker in Adult Glioblastoma. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1472. [PMID: 36358398 PMCID: PMC9688571 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary central nervous system malignant tumors. With the development of targeted sequencing and proteomic profiling technology, some new tumor types have been established and a series of novel molecular markers have also been identified. The 2021 updated World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors first mentioned the classification of adult glioma and pediatric glioma based on the molecular diagnosis. Thus, we used single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to explore the diversity and similarities in the occurrence and development of adult and pediatric types. ASTN2, which primarily encodes astrotactin, has been reported to be dysregulated in various neurodevelopmental disorders. Although some studies have demonstrated that ASTN2 plays an important role in glial-guided neuronal migration, there are no studies about its impact on glioblastoma cell migration. Subsequent single-cell RNA sequencing revealed ASTN2 to be a hub gene of a cell cluster which had a poor effect on clinical prognosis. Eventually, a western blot assay and a wound-healing assay first confirmed that ASTN2 expression in glioblastoma cell lines is higher than that in normal human astrocytes and affects the migration ability of glioblastoma cells, making it a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tangjun Guo
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Aijun Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hefei Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The Second People’s Hospital of Hefei, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Yandong Xie
- Graduate School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jianting Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The People’s Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110042, China
| | - Haozhe Piao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang 110042, China
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Zhu Y, Lobato AG, Zhai RG, Pinto M. Human Nmnat1 Promotes Autophagic Clearance of Amyloid Plaques in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:852972. [PMID: 35401143 PMCID: PMC8988035 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.852972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by irreversible cognitive decline with limited therapeutic approaches. We characterized a Drosophila model of amyloid pathology that expresses human amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP695) and β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE) in the nervous system. Our model recapitulates in vivo the age-dependent accumulation of BACE-derived C-terminal fragment (CTF) and amyloid plaques in the brain, one of the key pathological hallmarks of AD. Using this model, we assessed the effects on plaque formation of Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat), an evolutionarily conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthase involved in cellular metabolism and neuroprotection. We compared the effects of overexpression of Drosophila Nmnat (dNmnat), human Nmnat1 (hNmnat1), human Nmnat2 (hNmnat2), and human Nmnat3 (hNmnat3), and observed that hNmnat1 has the highest efficacy in reducing amyloid aggregation and APP-CTF accumulation. Interestingly, we demonstrated that overexpression of hNmnat1 reduces amyloid plaques by promoting autophagic clearance. Our findings uncover a role of hNmnat1 in amyloid clearance and suggest an exciting neuroprotective potential of hNmnat1 in amyloid pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Amanda G. Lobato
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - R. Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Milena Pinto,
| | - Milena Pinto
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Milena Pinto,
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