1
|
Jeon SW, Kwon J, Ko HG, Yoon JS, Kim YA, Lee JR, Kang MH, Kim HY. Synthesis of Autotaxin-Inhibiting Lipid Nanoparticles to Regulate Autophagy and Inflammatory Responses in Activated Macrophages. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2025:10.1007/s13770-025-00705-0. [PMID: 39998744 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-025-00705-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2024] [Revised: 01/07/2025] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autotaxin (ATX), an ENPP2 enzyme, regulates lipid signaling by converting lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Dysregulation of the ATX/LPA axis promotes inflammation and disease progression. BMP-22, a lipid ATX inhibitor, effectively reduces LPA production. However, its clinical utility is hampered by limitations in solubility and pharmacokinetics. To overcome these limitations, we developed BMP-22-incorporated lipid nanoparticles (LNP-BMP) to improve utility while maintaining ATX inhibition efficacy. METHODS LNP-BMP was synthesized by incorporating DOTAP, DOPE, cholesterol, 18:0 PEG2000-PE, and together with BMP-22. The formulation of LNP-BMP was optimized and characterized by testing different molar ratios of BMP-22. The autophagy recovery and anti-inflammatory effects of LNP-BMP via ATX inhibition were evaluated in both macrophage cell line and mouse-derived primary macrophages. RESULTS LNP-BMP was shown to retain its functionality as an ATX inhibitor and maintain the physical characteristics upon BMP-22 integration. Synthesized LNP-BMP exerted superior ability to inhibit ATX activity. When applied to M1-induced macrophages, LNP-BMP exhibited substantial anti-inflammatory effects and successfully restored autophagy activity. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that LNP-BMP effectively inhibits ATX, achieving both anti-inflammatory effects and autophagy restoration, highlighting its potential as a standalone immunotherapeutic agent. Furthermore, the capacity to load therapeutic drugs into this formulation offers promising opportunities for further therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Won Jeon
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Kwon
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Gyeong Ko
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Sang Yoon
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun A Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Ro Lee
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Min-Ho Kang
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Young Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Z, He T, Xing Z, Zhu J, Wu W, Su A. Inhibition of THBS1 axis contributes to the antitumor effect of PA-MSHA in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Exp Cell Res 2025; 444:114373. [PMID: 39672500 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114373] [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: 08/27/2024] [Revised: 12/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/08/2024] [Indexed: 12/15/2024]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer, has the worst prognosis, and lacks effective treatment in clinical practice. Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) is a multifunctional extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein that regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis, and is considered a potential clinical biomarker for the monitoring and prognostication of various tumors. However, the specific roles and molecular mechanisms of action of THBS1 in ATC remain unclear. In this study, we found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa-mannose sensitive hemagglutinin (PA-MSHA), a THBS1 inhibitor, significantly inhibited ATC tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that THBS1 was the target gene of PA-MSHA in ATC and identified the THBS1/FAK/AKT axis as the key antitumor signaling pathway. Furthermore, we confirmed that THBS1 was overexpressed in ATC tumors and that high levels of THBS1 were associated with a poorer prognosis in thyroid cancer. Silencing THBS1 significantly decreased p-FAK and p-AKT levels, resulting in significant inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis in ATC cells. These findings suggest that the THBS1/FAK/AKT axis is a promising therapeutic target for ATC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Thyroid & Breast & Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting He
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhichao Xing
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jingqiang Zhu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenshuang Wu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Anping Su
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Laface C, Ricci AD, Vallarelli S, Ostuni C, Rizzo A, Ambrogio F, Centonze M, Schirizzi A, De Leonardis G, D’Alessandro R, Lotesoriere C, Giannelli G. Autotaxin-Lysophosphatidate Axis: Promoter of Cancer Development and Possible Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7737. [PMID: 39062979 PMCID: PMC11277072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147737] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autotaxin (ATX) is a member of the ectonucleotide pyrophosphate/phosphodiesterase (ENPP) family; it is encoded by the ENPP2 gene. ATX is a secreted glycoprotein and catalyzes the hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is responsible for the transduction of various signal pathways through the interaction with at least six G protein-coupled receptors, LPA Receptors 1 to 6 (LPAR1-6). The ATX-LPA axis is involved in various physiological and pathological processes, such as angiogenesis, embryonic development, inflammation, fibrosis, and obesity. However, significant research also reported its connection to carcinogenesis, immune escape, metastasis, tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells, and therapeutic resistance. Moreover, several studies suggested ATX and LPA as relevant biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. In this review of the literature, we aimed to deepen knowledge about the role of the ATX-LPA axis as a promoter of cancer development, progression and invasion, and therapeutic resistance. Finally, we explored its potential application as a prognostic/predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for tumor treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Laface
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Simona Vallarelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Carmela Ostuni
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Ambrogio
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Centonze
- Personalized Medicine Laboratory, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Schirizzi
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, National Institute of Gastroenterology, “IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (A.S.); (G.D.L.)
| | - Giampiero De Leonardis
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, National Institute of Gastroenterology, “IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (A.S.); (G.D.L.)
| | - Rosalba D’Alessandro
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, National Institute of Gastroenterology, “IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (A.S.); (G.D.L.)
| | - Claudio Lotesoriere
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Scientific Direction, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Karalis T, Poulogiannis G. The Emerging Role of LPA as an Oncometabolite. Cells 2024; 13:629. [PMID: 38607068 PMCID: PMC11011573 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070629] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a phospholipid that displays potent signalling activities that are regulated in both an autocrine and paracrine manner. It can be found both extra- and intracellularly, where it interacts with different receptors to activate signalling pathways that regulate a plethora of cellular processes, including mitosis, proliferation and migration. LPA metabolism is complex, and its biosynthesis and catabolism are under tight control to ensure proper LPA levels in the body. In cancer patient specimens, LPA levels are frequently higher compared to those of healthy individuals and often correlate with poor responses and more aggressive disease. Accordingly, LPA, through promoting cancer cell migration and invasion, enhances the metastasis and dissemination of tumour cells. In this review, we summarise the role of LPA in the regulation of critical aspects of tumour biology and further discuss the available pre-clinical and clinical evidence regarding the feasibility and efficacy of targeting LPA metabolism for effective anticancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - George Poulogiannis
- Signalling and Cancer Metabolism Laboratory, Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Başpınar A, Özkan D, Tokgöz S, Özkardeş AB, Kaya İO. Diagnostic value of serum autotaxin level in colorectal cancer. Biomark Med 2023; 17:787-798. [PMID: 38095984 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2023-0496] [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] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Autotaxin (ATX) is a nucleotide enzyme linked to cell growth, differentiation and migration. This study investigated serum levels of ATX in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: The study involved stage I-III CRC diagnosed between December 2020 and 2021, excluding those with neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy, or metastasis. Healthy volunteers were controls. Serum ATX levels were measured by ELISA and compared. Results: This study included 129 patients (91 in the patient group and 38 in the control group). The optimal cutoff value of ATX for CRC was 169.98 ng/ml, and sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 91.2% (95% CI: 89.4-96.2), 78.9% (95% CI: 62.7-90.4), 4.33 and 0.11, respectively. Conclusion: The serum ATX level is a useful biomarker for CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdurrahman Başpınar
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Science, Ankara, 06230, Turkey
| | - Didem Özkan
- Department of Microbiology, Etlik City Hospital, University of Health Science, Ankara, 06170, Turkey
| | - Serhat Tokgöz
- Department of General Surgery, Etlik City Hospital, University of Health Science, Ankara, 06170, Turkey
| | - Alper Bilal Özkardeş
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara Hospital, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, 06510, Turkey
| | - İsmail Oskay Kaya
- Department of General Surgery, Etlik City Hospital, University of Health Science, Ankara, 06170, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cruz-Soca M, Faundez-Contreras J, Córdova-Casanova A, Gallardo FS, Bock-Pereda A, Chun J, Casar JC, Brandan E. Activation of skeletal muscle FAPs by LPA requires the Hippo signaling via the FAK pathway. Matrix Biol 2023; 119:57-81. [PMID: 37137584 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lysophospholipid that signals through six G-protein coupled receptors (LPARs), LPA1 to LPA6. LPA has been described as a potent modulator of fibrosis in different pathologies. In skeletal muscle, LPA increases fibrosis-related proteins and the number of fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs). FAPs are the primary source of ECM-secreting myofibroblasts in acute and chronic damage. However, the effect of LPA on FAPs activation in vitro has not been explored. This study aimed to investigate FAPs' response to LPA and the downstream signaling mediators involved. Here, we demonstrated that LPA mediates FAPs activation by increasing their proliferation, expression of myofibroblasts markers, and upregulation of fibrosis-related proteins. Pretreatment with the LPA1/LPA3 antagonist Ki16425 or genetic deletion of LPA1 attenuated the LPA-induced FAPs activation, resulting in decreased expression of cyclin e1, α-SMA, and fibronectin. We also evaluated the activation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in response to LPA. Our results showed that LPA induces FAK phosphorylation in FAPs. Treatment with the P-FAK inhibitor PF-228 partially prevented the induction of cell responses involved in FAPs activation, suggesting that this pathway mediates LPA signaling. FAK activation controls downstream cell signaling within the cytoplasm, such as the Hippo pathway. LPA induced the dephosphorylation of the transcriptional coactivator YAP (Yes-associated protein) and promoted direct expression of target pathway genes such as Ctgf/Ccn2 and Ccn1. The blockage of YAP transcriptional activity with Super-TDU further confirmed the role of YAP in LPA-induced FAPs activation. Finally, we demonstrated that FAK is required for LPA-dependent YAP dephosphorylation and the induction of Hippo pathway target genes. In conclusion, LPA signals through LPA1 to regulate FAPs activation by activating FAK to control the Hippo pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meilyn Cruz-Soca
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile; Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jennifer Faundez-Contreras
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile; Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Adriana Córdova-Casanova
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile; Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe S Gallardo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile; Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexia Bock-Pereda
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile; Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jerold Chun
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Juan Carlos Casar
- Departamento de Neurología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile; Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Three-Dimensional-QSAR and Relative Binding Affinity Estimation of Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitors. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031464. [PMID: 36771129 PMCID: PMC9919860 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise binding affinity predictions are essential for structure-based drug discovery (SBDD). Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a member of the tyrosine kinase protein family and is overexpressed in a variety of human malignancies. Inhibition of FAK using small molecules is a promising therapeutic option for several types of cancer. Here, we conducted computational modeling of FAK-targeting inhibitors using three-dimensional structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR), molecular dynamics (MD), and hybrid topology-based free energy perturbation (FEP) methods. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies between the physicochemical descriptors and inhibitory activities of the chemical compounds were performed with reasonable statistical accuracy using CoMFA and CoMSIA. These are two well-known 3D-QSAR methods based on the principle of supervised machine learning (ML). Essential information regarding residue-specific binding interactions was determined using MD and MM-PB/GBSA methods. Finally, physics-based relative binding free energy (ΔΔGRBFEA→B) terms of analogous ligands were estimated using alchemical FEP simulation. An acceptable agreement was observed between the experimental and computed relative binding free energies. Overall, the results suggested that using ML and physics-based hybrid approaches could be useful in synergy for the rational optimization of accessible lead compounds with similar scaffolds targeting the FAK receptor.
Collapse
|