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Uchihara D, Shimajiri S, Harada Y, Kumamoto K, Oe S, Miyagawa K, Nakamura K, Katafuchi E, Nuratdinova F, Honma Y, Shibata M, Harada M, Nakayama T. Long-chain fatty acyl CoA synthetase 4 expression in pancreatic cancer: a marker for malignant lesions and prognostic indicator for recurrence. Diagn Pathol 2025; 20:59. [PMID: 40349055 PMCID: PMC12065365 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-025-01659-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2025] [Accepted: 04/30/2025] [Indexed: 05/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-chain fatty acyl CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) is crucial for lipid metabolism, primarily catalyzing the formation of 12-20 carbon chain fatty acids. ACSL4 is upregulated in various cancers and linked to aggressive behavior and poor survival. A bioinformatics study showing ACSL4 upregulation in pancreatic cancer. However, utility for actual pathological diagnosis and clinical significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) are unexplored. This study aimed to investigate ACSL4 expression in PDAC and IPMN, and evaluate its clinical implications. METHODS We examined ACSL4 expression using immunohistochemistry in 165 patients with PDAC and IPMN. Differences in ACSL4 expression between malignant and benign lesions were evaluated using the Pearson χ2 test. The association between ACSL4 expression, pathological parameters, and survival was assessed through Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses in 96 patients with invasive cancer. RESULTS Compared to normal pancreatic ducts, low-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm, and intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma (IPMA) (3.3%, 3.4%, and 2.7%, respectively), ACSL4 expression was significantly higher in invasive PDAC, noninvasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC), and invasive IPMC (77%, 86.7%, and 93.9%, respectively). In invasive cancers, low ACSL4 expression was associated with a higher frequency of lymphovascular invasion and recurrence and shorter disease-free survival (P = 0.006). Additionally, low ACSL4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for shorter disease-free survival in multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR = 2.409, 95% CI: 1.121-5.180, P = 0.024). CONCLUSION ACSL4 expression helps differentiate cancerous from precancerous lesions in pancreatic cancer, but low expression is linked to a higher frequency of lymphovascular invasion and shorter disease-free survival in invasive cases. Due to the limited sample size and broad confidence intervals, the findings of this study should be interpreted with caution and require validation in larger, independent cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Uchihara
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Shohei Shimajiri
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Harada
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Kumamoto
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Shinji Oe
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Koichiro Miyagawa
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Eisuke Katafuchi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Fariza Nuratdinova
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yuichi Honma
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Michihiko Shibata
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Masaru Harada
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Nakayama
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Iglesias-Matesanz P, Lacalle-Gonzalez C, Lopez-Blazquez C, Ochieng’ Otieno M, Garcia-Foncillas J, Martinez-Useros J. Glutathione Peroxidases: An Emerging and Promising Therapeutic Target for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:1405. [PMID: 39594547 PMCID: PMC11591168 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13111405] [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: 09/25/2024] [Revised: 11/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) are a family of enzymes that play a critical role in cellular redox homeostasis through the reduction of lipid hydroperoxides to alcohols, using glutathione as a substrate. Among them, GPx4 is particularly of interest in the regulation of ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent programmed cell death driven by the accumulation of lipid peroxides in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and plasma membrane. Ferroptosis has emerged as a crucial pathway in the context of cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer, which is notoriously resistant to conventional therapies. GPx4 acts as a key inhibitor of ferroptosis by detoxifying lipid peroxides, thereby preventing cell death. However, this protective mechanism also enables cancer cells to survive under oxidative stress, which makes GPx4 a potential druggable target in cancer therapy. The inhibition of GPx4 can trigger ferroptosis selectively in cancer cells, especially in those that rely heavily on this pathway for survival, such as pancreatic cancer cells. Consequently, targeting GPx4 and other GPX family members offers a promising therapeutic strategy to sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to ferroptosis, potentially overcoming resistance to current treatments and improving patient outcomes. Current research is focusing on the development of small-molecule inhibitors of GPx4 as potential candidates for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Iglesias-Matesanz
- Genomics and Therapeutics in Prostate Cancer Group, I+12 Biomedical Research Institute, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Carlos Lopez-Blazquez
- Translational Oncology Division, OncoHealth Institute, Health Research Institute Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Fundación Jimenez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.L.-B.); (M.O.O.); (J.G.-F.)
| | - Michael Ochieng’ Otieno
- Translational Oncology Division, OncoHealth Institute, Health Research Institute Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Fundación Jimenez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.L.-B.); (M.O.O.); (J.G.-F.)
| | - Jesus Garcia-Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, OncoHealth Institute, Health Research Institute Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Fundación Jimenez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.L.-B.); (M.O.O.); (J.G.-F.)
- Medical Oncology Department, Fundación Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Martinez-Useros
- Translational Oncology Division, OncoHealth Institute, Health Research Institute Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Fundación Jimenez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.L.-B.); (M.O.O.); (J.G.-F.)
- Area of Physiology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
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Decker ST, Funai K. Mitochondrial membrane lipids in the regulation of bioenergetic flux. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1963-1978. [PMID: 39178855 PMCID: PMC11374467 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) occurs through and across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Mitochondrial membranes contain a distinct lipid composition, aided by lipid biosynthetic machinery localized in the IMM and class-specific lipid transporters that limit lipid traffic in and out of mitochondria. This unique lipid composition appears to be essential for functions of mitochondria, particularly OXPHOS, by its effects on direct lipid-to-protein interactions, membrane properties, and cristae ultrastructure. This review highlights the biological significance of mitochondrial lipids, with a particular spotlight on the role of lipids in mitochondrial bioenergetics. We describe pathways for the biosynthesis of mitochondrial lipids and provide evidence for their roles in physiology, their implications in human disease, and the mechanisms by which they regulate mitochondrial bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Thomas Decker
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Katsuhiko Funai
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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García-Montero C, Fraile-Martinez O, Cobo-Prieto D, De Leon-Oliva D, Boaru DL, De Castro-Martinez P, Pekarek L, Gragera R, Hernández-Fernández M, Guijarro LG, Toledo-Lobo MDV, López-González L, Díaz-Pedrero R, Monserrat J, Álvarez-Mon M, Saez MA, Ortega MA. Abnormal Histopathological Expression of Klotho, Ferroptosis, and Circadian Clock Regulators in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Prognostic Implications and Correlation Analyses. Biomolecules 2024; 14:947. [PMID: 39199335 PMCID: PMC11353028 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080947] [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: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely lethal tumor with increasing incidence, presenting numerous clinical challenges. The histopathological examination of novel, unexplored biomarkers offers a promising avenue for research, with significant translational potential for improving patient outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic significance of ferroptosis markers (TFRC, ALOX-5, ACSL-4, and GPX-4), circadian clock regulators (CLOCK, BMAL1, PER1, PER2), and KLOTHO in a retrospective cohort of 41 patients deceased by PDAC. Immunohistochemical techniques (IHC) and multiple statistical analyses (Kaplan-Meier curves, correlograms, and multinomial linear regression models) were performed. Our findings reveal that ferroptosis markers are directly associated with PDAC mortality, while circadian regulators and KLOTHO are inversely associated. Notably, TFRC emerged as the strongest risk marker associated with mortality (HR = 35.905), whereas CLOCK was identified as the most significant protective marker (HR = 0.01832). Correlation analyses indicate that ferroptosis markers are positively correlated with each other, as are circadian regulators, which also positively correlate with KLOTHO expression. In contrast, KLOTHO and circadian regulators exhibit inverse correlations with ferroptosis markers. Among the clinical variables examined, only the presence of chronic pathologies showed an association with the expression patterns of several proteins studied. These findings underscore the complexity of PDAC pathogenesis and highlight the need for further research into the specific molecular mechanisms driving disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cielo García-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
| | - David Cobo-Prieto
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology Service, Central University Hospital of Defence-UAH Madrid, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Diego De Leon-Oliva
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
| | - Diego Liviu Boaru
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
| | - Patricia De Castro-Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
| | - Leonel Pekarek
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
| | - Raquel Gragera
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Mauricio Hernández-Fernández
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain;
| | - Luis G. Guijarro
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of System Biology (CIBEREHD), University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - María Del Val Toledo-Lobo
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Laura López-González
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain;
| | - Raul Díaz-Pedrero
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain;
| | - Jorge Monserrat
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Service, University Hospital Prince of Asturias, Networking Research Center on for Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), 28806 Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Saez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
- Pathological Anatomy Service, University Hospital Gómez-Ulla, 28806 Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities (CIBEREHD), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (D.C.-P.); (D.D.L.-O.); (D.L.B.); (P.D.C.-M.); (L.P.); (R.G.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.S.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.G.); (M.D.V.T.-L.); (L.L.-G.); (R.D.-P.)
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Gu M, Liu Y, Xin P, Guo W, Zhao Z, Yang X, Ma R, Jiao T, Zheng W. Fundamental insights and molecular interactions in pancreatic cancer: Pathways to therapeutic approaches. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216738. [PMID: 38401887 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216738] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract can be affected by a number of diseases that pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant manifestation of them. The prognosis of PC patients is unfavorable and because of their diagnosis at advanced stage, the treatment of this tumor is problematic. Owing to low survival rate, there is much interest towards understanding the molecular profile of PC in an attempt in developing more effective therapeutics. The conventional therapeutics for PC include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as emerging immunotherapy. However, PC is still incurable and more effort should be performed. The molecular landscape of PC is an underlying factor involved in increase in progression of tumor cells. In the presence review, the newest advances in understanding the molecular and biological events in PC are discussed. The dysregulation of molecular pathways including AMPK, MAPK, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin and non-coding RNA transcripts has been suggested as a factor in development of tumorigenesis in PC. Moreover, cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and necroptosis demonstrate abnormal levels. The EMT and glycolysis in PC cells enhance to ensure their metastasis and proliferation. Furthermore, such abnormal changes have been used to develop corresponding pharmacological and nanotechnological therapeutics for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Peng Xin
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Zimo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Ruiyang Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Taiwei Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Wenhui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
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Ding K, Liu C, Li L, Yang M, Jiang N, Luo S, Sun L. Acyl-CoA synthase ACSL4: an essential target in ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2521-2537. [PMID: 37442770 PMCID: PMC10617883 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Long-chain acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthase 4 (ACSL4) is an enzyme that esterifies CoA into specific polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid and adrenic acid. Based on accumulated evidence, the ACSL4-catalyzed biosynthesis of arachidonoyl-CoA contributes to the execution of ferroptosis by triggering phospholipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death caused by iron-dependent peroxidation of lipids; ACSL4 and glutathione peroxidase 4 positively and negatively regulate ferroptosis, respectively. In addition, ACSL4 is an essential regulator of fatty acid (FA) metabolism. ACSL4 remodels the phospholipid composition of cell membranes, regulates steroidogenesis, and balances eicosanoid biosynthesis. In addition, ACSL4-mediated metabolic reprogramming and antitumor immunity have attracted much attention in cancer biology. Because it facilitates the cross-talk between ferroptosis and FA metabolism, ACSL4 is also a research hotspot in metabolic diseases and ischemia/reperfusion injuries. In this review, we focus on the structure, biological function, and unique role of ASCL4 in various human diseases. Finally, we propose that ACSL4 might be a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Ding
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Chongbin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Na Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Shilu Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
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Zhang R, Kang R, Tang D. Ferroptosis in gastrointestinal cancer: From mechanisms to implications. Cancer Lett 2023; 561:216147. [PMID: 36965540 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that is initiated by excessive lipid peroxidation that results in plasma membrane damage and the release of damage-associated molecular patterns. In recent years, ferroptosis has gained significant attention in cancer research due to its unique mechanism compared to other forms of regulated cell death, especially caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer encompasses malignancies that arise in the digestive tract, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, colon, liver, rectum, anus, and biliary system. These cancers are a global health concern, with high incidence and mortality rates. Despite advances in medical treatments, drug resistance caused by defects in apoptotic pathways remains a persistent challenge in the management of GI cancer. Hence, exploring the role of ferroptosis in GI cancers may lead to more efficacious treatment strategies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the core mechanism of ferroptosis and discuss its function, regulation, and implications in the context of GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Zhang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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ACSL3 and ACSL4, Distinct Roles in Ferroptosis and Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235896. [PMID: 36497375 PMCID: PMC9739553 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-chain fatty acyl CoA synthetase (ACSLs) family of enzymes contributes significantly to lipid metabolism and produces acyl-coenzyme A by catalyzing fatty acid oxidation. The dysregulation of ACSL3 and ACSL4, which belong to the five isoforms of ACSLs, plays a key role in cancer initiation, development, metastasis, and tumor immunity and may provide several possible therapeutic strategies. Moreover, ACSL3 and ACSL4 are crucial for ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic cell death triggered by the accumulation of membrane lipid peroxides due to iron overload. Here, we present a summary of the current knowledge on ACSL3 and ACSL4 and their functions in various cancers. Research on the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of ferroptosis is critical to developing targeted therapies for cancer.
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