1
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Moon D, Hauck JS, Jiang X, Quang H, Xu L, Zhang F, Gao X, Wild R, Everitt JI, Macias E, He Y, Huang J. Targeting glutamine dependence with DRP-104 inhibits proliferation and tumor growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prostate 2024; 84:349-357. [PMID: 38084059 PMCID: PMC10872917 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24654] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in men. While androgen deprivation therapy is initially effective, castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) often recurs and has limited treatment options. Our previous study identified glutamine metabolism to be critical for CRPC growth. The glutamine antagonist 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON) blocks both carbon and nitrogen pathways but has dose-limiting toxicity. The prodrug DRP-104 is expected to be preferentially converted to DON in tumor cells to inhibit glutamine utilization with minimal toxicity. However, CRPC cells' susceptibility to DRP-104 remains unclear. METHODS Human PCa cell lines (LNCaP, LAPC4, C4-2/MDVR, PC-3, 22RV1, NCI-H660) were treated with DRP-104, and effects on proliferation and cell death were assessed. Unbiased metabolic profiling and isotope tracing evaluated the effects of DRP-104 on glutamine pathways. Efficacy of DRP-104 in vivo was evaluated in a mouse xenograft model of neuroendocrine PCa, NCI-H660. RESULTS DRP-104 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in CRPC cell lines. Metabolite profiling showed decreases in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and nucleotide synthesis metabolites. Glutamine isotope tracing confirmed the blockade of both carbon pathway and nitrogen pathways. DRP-104 treated CRPC cells were rescued by the addition of nucleosides. DRP-104 inhibited neuroendocrine PCa xenograft growth without detectable toxicity. CONCLUSIONS The prodrug DRP-104 blocks glutamine carbon and nitrogen utilization, thereby inhibiting CRPC growth and inducing apoptosis. Targeting glutamine metabolism pathways with DRP-104 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Moon
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - J Spencer Hauck
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xue Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Holly Quang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lingfan Xu
- Urology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert Wild
- Dracen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey I Everitt
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Everardo Macias
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yiping He
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jiaoti Huang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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2
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Taghehchian N, Lotfi M, Zangouei AS, Akhlaghipour I, Moghbeli M. MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of Forkhead box protein family during gynecological and breast tumor progression and metastasis. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:330. [PMID: 37689738 PMCID: PMC10492305 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01329-7] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecological and breast tumors are one of the main causes of cancer-related mortalities among women. Despite recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, tumor relapse is observed in a high percentage of these patients due to the treatment failure. Late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages is one of the main reasons for the treatment failure and recurrence in these tumors. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the molecular mechanisms involved in progression of these tumors to introduce the efficient early diagnostic markers. Fokhead Box (FOX) is a family of transcription factors with a key role in regulation of a wide variety of cellular mechanisms. Deregulation of FOX proteins has been observed in different cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as a group of non-coding RNAs have important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of the genes involved in cellular mechanisms. They are also the non-invasive diagnostic markers due to their high stability in body fluids. Considering the importance of FOX proteins in the progression of breast and gynecological tumors, we investigated the role of miRNAs in regulation of the FOX proteins in these tumors. MicroRNAs were mainly involved in progression of these tumors through FOXM, FOXP, and FOXO. The present review paves the way to suggest a non-invasive diagnostic panel marker based on the miRNAs/FOX axis in breast and gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Taghehchian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Malihe Lotfi
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Sadra Zangouei
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Iman Akhlaghipour
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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3
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Zhang Z, Li F, Li Y, Li Z, Jia G. In vitro Anti-malignant Property of PCMT1 Silencing and Identification of the SNHG16/miR-195/PCMT1 Regulatory Axis in Breast Cancer Cells. Clin Breast Cancer 2023; 23:302-316. [PMID: 36639265 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein L-isoaspartate (D-aspartate) O-methyltransferase (PCMT1) is a highly conserved protein repair enzyme that participates in regulating the progression of human cancers. We therefore studied the function and the related mechanisms of PCMT1 in breast cancer cells. METHODS Expression profile and prognostic analysis of PCMT1 in breast cancer patients were analyzed using online databases. PCMT1 expression in breast cancer cells was detected by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry analysis and caspase-3/7 activity assay. Cell invasion was assessed by Transwell invasion assay. The small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16)/miR-195/PCMT1 regulatory axis was identified using bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS PCMT1 expression was increased in breast cancer tissues and cells. High PCMT1 expression was correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. PCMT1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation ability in breast cancer cells. Moreover, PCMT1 knockdown induced apoptosis and restrained the invasive ability in breast cancer cells. PCMT1 overexpression increased the proliferative and invasive abilities of breast cancer cells. miR-195 was identified as the unique upstream miRNA of PCMT1. SNHG16 was identified as the unique upstream lncRNA of miR-195. SNHG16 knockdown downregulated PCMT1 by increasing miR-195 expression. Breast cancer cell proliferation was regulated by the SNHG16/miR-195/PCMT1 axis. CONCLUSION PCMT1 silencing inhibited cell proliferation and invasion and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells and the SNHG16/miR-195/PCMT1 regulatory axis might serve as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongji Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, China; Key Laboratory of Thyroid Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Nanyang First People's Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, China
| | - Fengbo Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanshi Hospital of Nanyang, Nanyang, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, China
| | - Guangwei Jia
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital Affiliated to Henan University, Nanyang, China.
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4
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Tatar G, Taskin Tok T, Ozpolat B, Ay M. Structure prediction of eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase and identification of the binding mechanisms of its inhibitors: homology modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:13355-13365. [PMID: 30880628 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1592024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinases emerged as one of the most successful families of drug targets due to their increased activity and involvement in mediating critical signal transduction pathways in cancer cells. Recent evidence suggests that eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K) is a potential therapeutic target for treating some highly aggressive solid cancers, including lung, pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancers. Thus, several compounds have been developed for the inhibition of the enzyme activity, but they are not sufficiently specific and potent. Besides, the crystal structure of this kinase remains unknown. Hence, the functional organization and regulation of eEF-2K remain poorly characterized. For this purpose, we constructed a homology model of eEF-2K and then used docking methodology to better understanding the binding mechanism of eEF-2K with 58 compounds that have been proposed as existing inhibitors. The results of this analysis were compared with the experimental results and the compounds effective against eEF-2K were determined against eEF-2K as a result of both studies. And finally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for the stability of eEF-2K with these compounds. According to these study defined that the binding mechanism of eEF-2K with inhibitors at the molecular level and elucidated the residues of eEF-2K that play an important role in enzyme selectivity and ligand affinity. This information may lead to new selective and potential drug molecules to be for inhibition of eEF-2K.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Tatar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Tugba Taskin Tok
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas-Houston MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - Mehmet Ay
- Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Çanakkale, TURKEY
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5
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Zhdanov AV, Golubeva AV, Yordanova MM, Andreev DE, Ventura-Silva AP, Schellekens H, Baranov PV, Cryan JF, Papkovsky DB. Ghrelin rapidly elevates protein synthesis in vitro by employing the rpS6K-eEF2K-eEF2 signalling axis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:426. [PMID: 35841486 PMCID: PMC9288388 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04446-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Activated ghrelin receptor GHS-R1α triggers cell signalling pathways that modulate energy homeostasis and biosynthetic processes. However, the effects of ghrelin on mRNA translation are unknown. Using various reporter assays, here we demonstrate a rapid elevation of protein synthesis in cells within 15–30 min upon stimulation of GHS-R1α by ghrelin. We further show that ghrelin-induced activation of translation is mediated, at least in part, through the de-phosphorylation (de-suppression) of elongation factor 2 (eEF2). The levels of eEF2 phosphorylation at Thr56 decrease due to the reduced activity of eEF2 kinase, which is inhibited via Ser366 phosphorylation by rpS6 kinases. Being stress-susceptible, the ghrelin-mediated decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation can be abolished by glucose deprivation and mitochondrial uncoupling. We believe that the observed burst of translation benefits rapid restocking of neuropeptides, which are released upon GHS-R1α activation, and represents the most time- and energy-efficient way of prompt recharging the orexigenic neuronal circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Zhdanov
- School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cavanagh Pharmacy Building, College Road, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Anna V Golubeva
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Martina M Yordanova
- School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cavanagh Pharmacy Building, College Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Dmitry E Andreev
- Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ana Paula Ventura-Silva
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Harriet Schellekens
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Pavel V Baranov
- School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cavanagh Pharmacy Building, College Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Dmitri B Papkovsky
- School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cavanagh Pharmacy Building, College Road, Cork, Ireland
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6
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Liu Z, Jiang A, Wang Y, Xu P, Zhang Q, Wang Y, He S, Wang N, Jin H, Zhang B. In silico, synthesis and anticancer evaluation of benzamide tryptamine derivatives as novel eEF2K inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 67:128759. [PMID: 35483594 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128759] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), a member of the atypical α-kinase family, is highly expressed in a variety of tumor tissues. Inhibition of eEF2K function can effectively kill cancer cells without affecting the function of normal cells. Therefore, eEF2K is a promising new target for cancer therapy. In this study, a series of benzamide tryptamine derivatives were designed and synthesized as novel eEF2K inhibitors. The druggability properties of the synthesized compounds were predicted in silico and performed well. The MTT assay indicated that most of these compounds displayed good antiproliferative activity against human leukemia CCRF-CEM and K562 cell lines. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) revealed that substituents with different electronic effects on the C5 position of indole ring or C2', C4' positions of benzene ring have a great influence on the anti-proliferative activity. Among them, 5j demonstrated the highest anti-proliferative activity with IC50 value of 1.63-3.54 μM. this compound displayed an effective eEF2K inhibition by down-regulated the level of phosphorylated eEF2 in CCRF-CEM cells. Additionally, the western blot analysis further revealed that 5j also significantly affected eEF2K-related signaling pathways. Anticancer mechanism studies have shown that 5j arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 and induced CCRF-CEM cells apoptosis. Furthermore, 5j activated cleaved caspase-9, 8, 3 and cleaved PARP in a time-dependent manner, which suggesting that 5j induced cancer cells apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. In summary, benzamide tryptamine derivative 5j represents a novel and promising lead structure for the development of eEF2K inhibitors in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zedong Liu
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aili Jiang
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pei Xu
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiting Zhang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinda Wang
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan He
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China; Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315800, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Haixiao Jin
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Bin Zhang
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315800, Zhejiang, China.
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7
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Fernando S, Salagaras T, Schwarz N, Sandeman L, Tan JTM, Xie J, Zareh J, Jensen K, Williamson A, Dimasi C, Chhay P, Toledo-Flores D, Long A, Manavis J, Worthington M, Fitridge R, Di Bartolo BA, Bursill CA, Nicholls SJ, Proud CG, Psaltis PJ. Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase regulates foam cell formation via translation of CD36. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22154. [PMID: 35032419 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101034r] [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: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) is an atypical protein kinase that controls protein synthesis in cells under stress. Although well studied in cancer, less is known about its roles in chronic inflammatory diseases. Here, we examined its regulation of macrophage cholesterol handling in the context of atherosclerosis. eEF2K mRNA expression and protein activity were upregulated in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (oxLDL). When incubated with oxLDL, BMDMs from eEF2K knockout (Eef2k-/- ) mice formed fewer Oil Red O+ foam cells than Eef2k+/+ BMDMs (12.5% ± 2.3% vs. 32.3% ± 2.0%, p < .01). Treatment with a selective eEF2K inhibitor, JAN-384, also decreased foam cell formation for C57BL/6J BMDMs and human monocyte-derived macrophages. Disabling eEF2K selectively decreased protein expression of the CD36 cholesterol uptake receptor, mediated by a reduction in the proportion of translationally active Cd36 mRNA. Eef2k-/- mice bred onto the Ldlr-/- background developed aortic sinus atherosclerotic plaques that were 30% smaller than Eef2k+/+ -Ldlr-/- mice after 16 weeks of high cholesterol diet (p < .05). Although accompanied by a reduction in plaque CD36+ staining (p < .05) and lower CD36 expression in circulating monocytes (p < .01), this was not associated with reduced lipid content in plaques as measured by oil red O staining. Finally, EEF2K and CD36 mRNA levels were higher in blood mononuclear cells from patients with coronary artery disease and recent myocardial infarction compared to healthy controls without coronary artery disease. These results reveal a new role for eEF2K in translationally regulating CD36 expression and foam cell formation in macrophages. Further studies are required to explore therapeutic targeting of eEF2K in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanuja Fernando
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Thalia Salagaras
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nisha Schwarz
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lauren Sandeman
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joanne T M Tan
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jianling Xie
- Lifelong Health in Nutrition and Metabolism, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jonar Zareh
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kirk Jensen
- Lifelong Health in Nutrition and Metabolism, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anna Williamson
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine Dimasi
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Pich Chhay
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Deborah Toledo-Flores
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Aaron Long
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jim Manavis
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Worthington
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert Fitridge
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Belinda A Di Bartolo
- The Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christina A Bursill
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen J Nicholls
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- Lifelong Health in Nutrition and Metabolism, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter J Psaltis
- Vascular Research Centre, Heart and Vascular Program, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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8
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Lant JT, Kiri R, Duennwald ML, O'Donoghue P. Formation and persistence of polyglutamine aggregates in mistranslating cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:11883-11899. [PMID: 34718744 PMCID: PMC8599886 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In neurodegenerative diseases, including pathologies with well-known causative alleles, genetic factors that modify severity or age of onset are not entirely understood. We recently documented the unexpected prevalence of transfer RNA (tRNA) mutants in the human population, including variants that cause amino acid mis-incorporation. We hypothesized that a mistranslating tRNA will exacerbate toxicity and modify the molecular pathology of Huntington's disease-causing alleles. We characterized a tRNAPro mutant that mistranslates proline codons with alanine, and tRNASer mutants, including a tRNASerAGA G35A variant with a phenylalanine anticodon (tRNASerAAA) found in ∼2% of the population. The tRNAPro mutant caused synthetic toxicity with a deleterious huntingtin poly-glutamine (polyQ) allele in neuronal cells. The tRNASerAAA variant showed synthetic toxicity with proteasome inhibition but did not enhance toxicity of the huntingtin allele. Cells mistranslating phenylalanine or proline codons with serine had significantly reduced rates of protein synthesis. Mistranslating cells were slow but effective in forming insoluble polyQ aggregates, defective in protein and aggregate degradation, and resistant to the neuroprotective integrated stress response inhibitor (ISRIB). Our findings identify mistranslating tRNA variants as genetic factors that slow protein aggregation kinetics, inhibit aggregate clearance, and increase drug resistance in cellular models of neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy T Lant
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rashmi Kiri
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Martin L Duennwald
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Patrick O'Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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9
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Ballard DJ, Peng HY, Das JK, Kumar A, Wang L, Ren Y, Xiong X, Ren X, Yang JM, Song J. Insights Into the Pathologic Roles and Regulation of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor-2 Kinase. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:727863. [PMID: 34532346 PMCID: PMC8438118 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.727863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic Elongation Factor-2 Kinase (eEF2K) acts as a negative regulator of protein synthesis, translation, and cell growth. As a structurally unique member of the alpha-kinase family, eEF2K is essential to cell survival under stressful conditions, as it contributes to both cell viability and proliferation. Known as the modulator of the global rate of protein translation, eEF2K inhibits eEF2 (eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2) and decreases translation elongation when active. eEF2K is regulated by various mechanisms, including phosphorylation through residues and autophosphorylation. Specifically, this protein kinase is downregulated through the phosphorylation of multiple sites via mTOR signaling and upregulated via the AMPK pathway. eEF2K plays important roles in numerous biological systems, including neurology, cardiology, myology, and immunology. This review provides further insights into the current roles of eEF2K and its potential to be explored as a therapeutic target for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby J. Ballard
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Hao-Yun Peng
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jugal Kishore Das
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Liqing Wang
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Yijie Ren
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Xiaofang Xiong
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Xingcong Ren
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jin-Ming Yang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
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10
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Jiang M, Qi L, Jin K, Li L, Wu Y, Song D, Gan J, Huang M, Li Y, Song C. eEF2K as a novel metastatic and prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer patients. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 225:153568. [PMID: 34352439 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) has been reported to be a potential oncogenic factor in many human cancers, its usefulness as a clinical prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer has not been investigated. METHODS In this study, data about 540 patients with stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) were analyzed from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to determine the expression of eEF2K. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blots, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were also performed to determine the clinical significance of eEF2K expression in 96 postoperative patients with gastric cancer. Among the 96 patients, 36 had low expression of eEF2K and 60 had high expression. RESULTS Analysis of the TCGA and GEO datasets revealed that eEF2K expression was significantly higher in the STAD tissue samples than in the non-tumorous gastric tissues. IHC, western blots, and RT-PCR confirmed these findings. The high expression level of eEF2K was found to be related to the presence of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that eEF2K was an independent indicator of prognosis for overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-2.79; p = 0.03) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.997-2.765; p = 0.052) in patients with surgically resected STAD. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings suggest that eEF2K is a clinical indicator of metastatic and prognostic significance for STAD survival and could serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Ling Qi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Kexin Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Lisha Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Yiming Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Dongfeng Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Junqing Gan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Mei Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Yanjing Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Chengxin Song
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China.
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11
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Zeng T, Xu M, Zhang W, Gu X, Zhao F, Liu X, Zhang X. Autophagy inhibition and microRNA‑199a‑5p upregulation in paclitaxel‑resistant A549/T lung cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2021; 46:149. [PMID: 34080652 PMCID: PMC8185510 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major reasons for the clinical failure of cancer chemotherapy. Autophagy activation serves a crucial role in MDR. However, the specific molecular mechanism linking autophagy with MDR remains unknown. The results of the present study demonstrated that autophagy was inhibited and microRNA (miR)-199a-5p levels were upregulated in MDR model lung cancer cells (A549/T and H1299/T) compared with those in the parental cell lines. Paclitaxel (PTX) treatment increased the expression levels of miR-199a-5p in parental lung cancer cells compared with those in PTX-untreated cells, and these expression levels were negatively correlated with PTX sensitivity of the cells. miR-199a-5p knockdown in A549/T cells induced autophagy and resensitized cells to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs including PTX, taxotere, topotecan, SN38, oxaliplatin and vinorelbine. By contrast, miR-199a-5p overexpression in A549 cells suppressed autophagy and desensitized cells to these chemotherapeutic drugs. Mechanistically, the results of the present study demonstrated that miR-199a-5p blocked autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibiting the protein expression of autophagy-related 5. Furthermore, p62 protein was identified as a direct target of miR-199a-5p; miR-199a-5p bound to p62 mRNA to decrease its mRNA and protein expression levels. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that miR-199a-5p may contribute to MDR development in lung cancer cells by inhibiting autophagy and targeting p62. The regulatory effect of miR-199a-5p on autophagy may provide novel insights for future multidrug-resistant lung cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Zeng
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Mingshi Xu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Wanli Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofan Gu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Xiongwen Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
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12
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Elongation factor eEF2 kinase and autophagy jointly promote survival of cancer cells. Biochem J 2021; 478:1547-1569. [PMID: 33779695 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells within solid tumours can become deprived of nutrients; in order to survive, they need to invoke mechanisms to conserve these resources. Using cancer cells in culture in the absence of key nutrients, we have explored the roles of two potential survival mechanisms, autophagy and elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), which, when activated, inhibits the resource-intensive elongation stage of protein synthesis. Both processes are regulated through the nutrient-sensitive AMP-activated protein kinase and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signalling pathways. We find that disabling both autophagy and eEF2K strongly compromises the survival of nutrient-deprived lung and breast cancer cells, whereas, for example, knocking out eEF2K alone has little effect. Contrary to some earlier reports, we find no evidence that eEF2K regulates autophagy. Unexpectedly, eEF2K does not facilitate survival of prostate cancer PC3 cells. Thus, eEF2K and autophagy enable survival of certain cell-types in a mutually complementary manner. To explore this further, we generated, by selection, cells which were able to survive nutrient starvation even when autophagy and eEF2K were disabled. Proteome profiling using mass spectrometry revealed that these 'resistant' cells showed lower levels of diverse proteins which are required for energy-consuming processes such as protein and fatty acid synthesis, although different clones of 'resistant cells' appear to adapt in dissimilar ways. Our data provide further information of the ways that human cells cope with nutrient limitation and to understanding of the utility of eEF2K as a potential target in oncology.
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13
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Progress in the Development of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K) Natural Product and Synthetic Small Molecule Inhibitors for Cancer Chemotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052408. [PMID: 33673713 PMCID: PMC7957638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, CAMKIII) is a new member of an atypical α-kinase family different from conventional protein kinases that is now considered as a potential target for the treatment of cancer. This protein regulates the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) to restrain activity and inhibit the elongation stage of protein synthesis. Mounting evidence shows that eEF2K regulates the cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in several types of cancers. The expression of eEF2K promotes survival of cancer cells, and the level of this protein is increased in many cancer cells to adapt them to the microenvironment conditions including hypoxia, nutrient depletion, and acidosis. The physiological function of eEF2K and its role in the development and progression of cancer are here reviewed in detail. In addition, a summary of progress for in vitro eEF2K inhibitors from anti-cancer drug discovery research in recent years, along with their structure-activity relationships (SARs) and synthetic routes or natural sources, is also described. Special attention is given to those inhibitors that have been already validated in vivo, with the overall aim to provide reference context for the further development of new first-in-class anti-cancer drugs that target eEF2K.
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14
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Steinmetz J, Senkowski W, Lengqvist J, Rubin J, Ossipova E, Herman S, Larsson R, Jakobsson PJ, Fryknäs M, Kultima K. Descriptive Proteome Analysis to Investigate Context-Dependent Treatment Responses to OXPHOS Inhibition in Colon Carcinoma Cells Grown as Monolayer and Multicellular Tumor Spheroids. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:17242-17254. [PMID: 32715210 PMCID: PMC7376893 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We have previously identified selective upregulation of the mevalonate pathway genes upon inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in quiescent cancer cells. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we here investigated whether these responses are corroborated on the protein level and whether proteomics could yield unique insights into context-dependent biology. HCT116 colon carcinoma cells were cultured as monolayer cultures, proliferative multicellular tumor spheroids (P-MCTS), or quiescent (Q-MCTS) multicellular tumor spheroids and exposed to OXPHOS inhibitors: nitazoxanide, FCCP, oligomycin, and salinomycin or the HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitor simvastatin at two different doses for 6 and 24 h. Samples were processed using an in-depth bottom-up proteomics workflow resulting in a total of 9286 identified protein groups. Gene set enrichment analysis showed profound differences between the three cell systems and confirmed differential enrichment of hypoxia, OXPHOS, and cell cycle progression-related protein responses in P-MCTS and Q-MCTS. Treatment experiments showed that the observed drug-induced alterations in gene expression of metabolically challenged cells are not translated directly to the protein level, but the results reaffirmed OXPHOS as a selective vulnerability of quiescent cancer cells. This work provides rationale for the use of deep proteome profiling to identify context-dependent treatment responses and encourages further studies investigating metabolic processes that could be co-targeted together with OXPHOS to eradicate quiescent cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Steinmetz
- Division
of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wojciech Senkowski
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 05, Sweden
| | - Johan Lengqvist
- Department
of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Jenny Rubin
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 05, Sweden
| | - Elena Ossipova
- Division
of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephanie Herman
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Rolf Larsson
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 05, Sweden
| | - Per-Johan Jakobsson
- Division
of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fryknäs
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 05, Sweden
| | - Kim Kultima
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
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15
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Lim IK. Cunning maneuver regulating chemotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer by eEF2K and autophagy. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:845. [PMID: 32793689 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.04.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- In Kyoung Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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16
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Karakas D, Ozpolat B. Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K) signaling in tumor and microenvironment as a novel molecular target. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:775-787. [PMID: 32377852 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01917-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K), an atypical member of alpha-kinase family, is highly overexpressed in breast, pancreatic, brain, and lung cancers, and associated with poor survival in patients. eEF2K promotes cell proliferation, survival, and aggressive tumor characteristics, leading to tumor growth and progression. While initial studies indicated that eEF2K acts as a negative regulator of protein synthesis by suppressing peptide elongation phase, later studies demonstrated that it has multiple functions and promotes cell cycle, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion as well as induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition through induction of integrin β1, SRC/FAK, PI3K/AKT, cyclin D1, VEGF, ZEB1, Snail, and MMP-2. Under stress conditions such as hypoxia and metabolic distress, eEF2K is activated by several signaling pathways and slows down protein synthesis and helping cells to save energy and survive. In vivo therapeutic targeting of eEF2K by genetic methods inhibits tumor growth in various tumor models, validating it as a potential molecular target. Recent studies suggest that eEF2K plays a role in tumor microenvironment cells by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and accumulation of tumor-associated macrophages. Due to its clinical significance and the pivotal role in tumorigenesis and progression, eEF2K is considered as an important therapeutic target in solid tumors. However, currently, there is no specific and potent inhibitor for translation into clinical studies. Here, we aim to systematically review current knowledge regarding eEF2K in tumor biology, microenvironment, and development of eEF2K targeted inhibitors and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Karakas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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17
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Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) kinase/eEF2 plays protective roles against glucose deprivation-induced cell death in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Apoptosis 2020; 24:359-368. [PMID: 30737648 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-019-01525-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
During the development of cardiac hypertrophy, glucose deprivation (GD) associated with coronary microvascular rarefaction is caused, leading to cardiomyocyte death. Phosphorylation (inactivation) of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) by eEF2 kinase (eEF2K) inhibits protein translation, a highly energy consuming process, which plays protective roles against nutrient deprivation-induced cell death. We previously showed that eEF2 phosphorylation was increased in isolated heart from several cardiac hypertrophy models. In this study, we investigated whether eEF2K/eEF2 mediates the inhibition of cardiomyocyte death under GD condition. In H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts cultured with serum-free medium, GD significantly augmented eEF2 phosphorylation and signals related to autophagy [increase of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II to LC3-I ratio] and apoptosis (cleavage of caspase-3) as determined by Western blotting. GD induced cell death, which was augmented by eEF2K gene knockdown using a small interfering RNA. eEF2K gene knockdown significantly augmented GD-induced cleavage of caspase-3 and apoptotic nuclear condensation as determined by 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. In contrast, eEF2K gene knockdown significantly inhibited GD-induced increase of LC3-II to LC3-I ratio and autophagosome formation as determined by an immunofluorescence staining. An inhibitor of autophagy, 3-methyladenine or bafilomycin A1 significantly augmented GD-induced cleavage of caspase-3. Further, eEF2K gene knockdown significantly inhibited GD-induced phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α and its downstream substrate, unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase (ULK)1. An inhibitor of AMPK, dorsomorphin significantly inhibited GD-induced increase of LC3-II to LC3-I ratio. In conclusion, we for the first time revealed that eEF2K/eEF2 axis under GD condition mediates the inhibition of apoptotic H9c2 cell death at least in part via promotion of autophagy through AMPKα/ULK1 signaling pathway.
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18
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Ato S, Maruyama Y, Yoshizato H, Ogasawara R. Habitual high-protein diet does not influence muscle protein synthesis in response to acute resistance exercise in rats. Nutrition 2020; 78:110795. [PMID: 32480256 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2020.110795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Resistance training combined with consumption of a high-protein diet (HPD) is typically recommended to increase muscle mass, as both acute resistance exercise (RE) and dietary protein intake stimulate mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and muscle protein synthesis (MPS). However, the effect of chronic HPD consumption on MPS response to an acute RE remains to be determined. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 10 wk were fed HPD (50 kcal % protein, for 4 wk) or normal protein diet (NPD; 20 kcal % protein). After the 4-wk dietary intervention, the rats were fasted overnight and the right gastrocnemius muscle was subjected to percutaneous electrical stimulation to mimic acute RE, whereas the left gastrocnemius muscle served as control. The rats were sacrificed 6 h after exercise and the tissues were sampled immediately. RESULTS The HPD group showed significantly lower fat mass and higher skeletal muscle mass than the NPD group without affecting body weight. Resting mTORC1 activity did not differ between the groups. Additionally, resting MPS was also unchanged after HPD. Acute RE significantly increased mTORC1 activity and MPS in both groups. However, differences in diet did not influence the response of mTORC1 activation to acute RE. Furthermore, HPD did not affect the response of MPS to acute RE. CONCLUSION The present results suggested that although 4 wk of HPD reduces body fat and increases skeletal muscle mass, it does not affect muscle protein synthesis at basal state, and in response to acute RE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Ato
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuki Maruyama
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideo Yoshizato
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Riki Ogasawara
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan.
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19
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Xiao M, Xie J, Wu Y, Wang G, Qi X, Liu Z, Wang Y, Wang X, Hoque A, Oakhill J, Proud CG, Li J. The eEF2 kinase-induced STAT3 inactivation inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation by phosphorylation of PKM2. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:25. [PMID: 32054489 PMCID: PMC7020344 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-0528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K) is a Ca 2+ /calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase that inhibits protein synthesis. However, the role of eEF2K in cancer development was reported paradoxically and remains to be elucidated. METHODS Herein, A549 cells with eEF2K depletion or overexpression by stably transfected lentivirus plasmids were used in vitro and in vivo study. MTT and colony assays were used to detect cell proliferation and growth. Extracellular glucose and lactate concentration were measured using test kit. Immunoblot and co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to examine the molecular biology changes and molecular interaction in these cells. LC-MS/MS analysis and [γ- 32 P] ATP kinase assay were used to identify combining protein and phosphorylation site. Nude mice was utilized to study the correlation of eEF2K and tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS We demonstrated that eEF2K inhibited lung cancer cells proliferation and affected the inhibitory effects of EGFR inhibitor gefitinib. Mechanistically, we showed that eEF2K formed a complex with PKM2 and STAT3, thereby phosphorylated PKM2 at T129, leading to reduced dimerization of PKM2. Subsequently, PKM2 impeded STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3-dependent c-Myc expression. eEF2K depletion promoted the nuclear translocation of PKM2 and increased aerobic glycolysis reflected by increased lactate secretion and glucose. CONCLUSIONS Our findings define a novel mechanism underlying the regulation of cancer cell proliferation by eEF2K independent of its role in protein synthesis, disclosing the diverse roles of eEF2K in cell biology, which lays foundation for the development of new anticancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianling Xie
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Yu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Genzhu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zailiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemin Wang
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Ashfaqul Hoque
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, SA, 4312, Australia
| | - Jon Oakhill
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, SA, 4312, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China.
- Open Studio for Druggability Research of Marine Natural Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Wang RX, Xu XE, Huang L, Chen S, Shao ZM. eEF2 kinase mediated autophagy as a potential therapeutic target for paclitaxel-resistant triple-negative breast cancer. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:783. [PMID: 32042799 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.11.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are initially responsive to chemotherapy, but most recurrent TNBCs develop resistance. Autophagy is believed to play dual roles in cancer and might contribute to chemoresistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of autophagy and its regulator, eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), in determining the biological nature of TNBC. Methods We used in vitro models of TNBC, namely, paclitaxel-resistant cell lines derived from sensitive cell lines. Various approaches to measuring autophagy flux were applied. We assessed the effects of inhibiting autophagy and silencing eEF2K on cell viability, tumor formation and invasion. We also collected residual tumor samples from 222 breast cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and measured eEF2K and LC3 expression levels by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Multivariate survival analysis was used to determine prognostic variables. Results Compared to the parental lines, the chemoresistant lines exhibited enhanced starvation-stimulated autophagy and showed significant decreases in cell viability, growth and invasion upon treatment with autophagy inhibitors. eEF2K silencing also resulted in the suppression of autophagic activity and in aggressive biological behavior. In the survival analysis, residual tumor LC3 (P=0.001) and eEF2K (P=0.027) expression levels were independent prognostic factors for patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, especially in those with TNBC. Conclusions Our study indicated that eEF2K and autophagy play key roles in the maintenance of aggressive tumor behavior and chemoresistance in resistant TNBC. eEF2K silencing may be a novel strategy for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Xi Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-En Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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21
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Ng TH, Sham KWY, Xie CM, Ng SSM, To KF, Tong JHM, Liu WYZ, Zhang L, Chan MTV, Wu WKK, Cheng CHK. Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase expression is an independent prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:649. [PMID: 31266475 PMCID: PMC6607603 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prognostication of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) currently relies on tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging but clinical outcomes of patients of the same histoclinical stage are heterogeneous. It is therefore imperative to devise novel molecular tests to stratify CRC patients. Our previous work demonstrated that eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (EEF2K) is a tumor suppressor in CRC. Herein, we investigated EEF2K expression in CRC and determined its relationship with clinicopathological parameters. Methods Quantitative RT-PCR and Westerns blots were used to examine EEF2K expression in primary tumor and the adjacent non-tumor tissues of CRC patients (n = 20). Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were used to assess the association between clinical outcomes of CRC patients and EEF2K protein expression determined by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray (n = 151). Results EEF2K was significantly downregulated at both mRNA and protein levels in tumors of CRC patients. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that CRC patients with high tumor grade, advanced TNM staging and low EEF2K expression were associated with worse overall survival. Multivariate analysis further demonstrated that low EEF2K expression was an independent factor for predicting poorer overall survival in CRC patients (p = 0.014; Hazard ratio = 2.951; 95% confidence interval: 1.240–7.024). The 5-year survival rate was 82.8% in the EEF2K-high-expression group versus 63.9% in the EEF2K-low-expression group (p = 0.0118). The association of overall survival with EEF2K expression in CRC patients was verified in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Conclusions EEF2K is downregulated in CRC and its expression can be employed as a prognostic marker for CRC patients independent of TNM staging. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5873-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung H Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathy W Y Sham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chuan M Xie
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Simon S M Ng
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, Institute of Digestive Diseases and LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka F To
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, Institute of Digestive Diseases and LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Anatomical & Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joanna H M Tong
- Department of Anatomical & Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Y Z Liu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, Institute of Digestive Diseases and LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Matthew T V Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William K K Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, Institute of Digestive Diseases and LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Christopher H K Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
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22
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Bircan HA, Gurbuz N, Pataer A, Caner A, Kahraman N, Bayraktar E, Bayraktar R, Erdogan MA, Kabil N, Ozpolat B. Elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF-2K) expression is associated with poor patient survival and promotes proliferation, invasion and tumor growth of lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2018; 124:31-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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23
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Eukaryotic elongation factors 2 promotes tumor cell proliferation and correlates with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. Tissue Cell 2018; 53:53-60. [PMID: 30060827 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factors 2 (eEF2) plays an essential role in the GTP-dependent translocation of the ribosome along mRNA. Previous studies have shown that eEF2 is overexpressed in various tumors. However, little is known about the role of eEF2 in ovarian cancer. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of eEF2 on ovarian cancer proliferation. We first measured eEF2 protein expression by western blot using six fresh ovarian cancer tissues from G1 to G3. The results showed that eEF2 expression gradually increased from G1 to G3. Additionally, eEF2 expression correlated significantly with grade (P = 0.045), FIGO stage (P = 0.035) and Ki67 (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive association between eEF2 expression and Ki67 (r = 0.855). Cox's proportional hazards model also showed that eEF2 (P = 0.004) and Ki67 (P < 0.001) were an independent prognostic factor of overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. In vitro, after the release of ovarian cancer cell line (HO8910) from serum starvation, the expression of eEF2, cyclinD1 and PCNA was up-regulated. Moreover, silencing eEF2 in HO8910 cells decreased cell proliferation. Finally, we hypothesize that eEF2 may be activated in a positive feedback cycle through inactivation of eEF2K via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. These data provide novel insights into developing experimental therapies for ovarian cancer.
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24
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Mesclon F, Lambert-Langlais S, Carraro V, Parry L, Hainault I, Jousse C, Maurin AC, Bruhat A, Fafournoux P, Averous J. Decreased ATF4 expression as a mechanism of acquired resistance to long-term amino acid limitation in cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:27440-27453. [PMID: 28460466 PMCID: PMC5432347 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The uncontrolled growth of tumor can lead to the formation of area deprived in nutrients. Due to their high genetic instability, tumor cells can adapt and develop resistance to this pro-apoptotic environment. Among the resistance mechanisms, those involved in the resistance to long-term amino acid restriction are not elucidated. A long-term amino acid restriction is particularly deleterious since nine of them cannot be synthetized by the cells. In order to determine how cancer cells face a long-term amino acid deprivation, we developed a cell model selected for its capacity to resist a long-term amino acid limitation. We exerted a selection pressure on mouse embryonic fibroblast to isolate clones able to survive with low amino acid concentration. The study of several clones revealed an alteration of the eiF2α/ATF4 pathway. Compared to the parental cells, the clones exhibited a decreased expression of the transcription factor ATF4 and its target genes. Likewise, the knock-down of ATF4 in parental cells renders them resistant to amino acid deprivation. Moreover, this association between a low level of ATF4 protein and the resistance to amino acid deprivation was also observed in the cancer cell line BxPC-3. This resistance was abolished when ATF4 was overexpressed. Therefore, decreasing ATF4 expression may be one important mechanism for cancer cells to survive under prolonged amino acid deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Mesclon
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sarah Lambert-Langlais
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - Valérie Carraro
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Parry
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Isabelle Hainault
- Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM, UMR S1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Céline Jousse
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Catherine Maurin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Alain Bruhat
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Fafournoux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien Averous
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, Unité de Nutrition Humaine, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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25
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El-Naggar AM, Sorensen PH. Translational control of aberrant stress responses as a hallmark of cancer. J Pathol 2018; 244:650-666. [PMID: 29293271 DOI: 10.1002/path.5030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Altered mRNA translational control is emerging as a critical factor in cancer development and progression. Targeting specific elements of the translational machinery, such as mTORC1 or eIF4E, is emerging as a new strategy for innovative cancer therapy. While translation of most mRNAs takes place through cap-dependent mechanisms, a sub-population of cellular mRNA species, particularly stress-inducible mRNAs with highly structured 5'-UTR regions, are primarily translated through cap-independent mechanisms. Intriguingly, many of these mRNAs encode proteins that are involved in tumour cell adaptation to microenvironmental stress, and thus linked to aggressive behaviour including tumour invasion and metastasis. This necessitates a rigorous search for links between microenvironmental stress and aggressive tumour phenotypes. Under stress, cells block global protein synthesis to preserve energy while maintaining selective synthesis of proteins that support cell survival. One highly conserved mechanism to regulate protein synthesis under cell stress is to sequester mRNAs into cytosolic aggregates called stress granules (SGs), where their translation is silenced. SGs confer survival advantages and chemotherapeutic resistance to tumour cells under stress. Recently, it has been shown that genetically blocking SG formation dramatically reduces tumour invasive and metastatic capacity in vivo. Therefore, targeting SG formation might represent a potential treatment strategy to block cancer metastasis. Here, we present the critical link between selective mRNA translation, stress adaptation, SGs, and tumour progression. Further, we also explain how deciphering mechanisms of selective mRNA translation occurs under cell stress holds great promise for the identification of new targets in the treatment of cancer. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal M El-Naggar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada
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26
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Wang Y, Huang G, Wang Z, Qin H, Mo B, Wang C. Elongation factor-2 kinase acts downstream of p38 MAPK to regulate proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy in human lung fibroblasts. Exp Cell Res 2018; 363:291-298. [PMID: 29355493 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, fatal and progressive fibro-proliferative lung disease, and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation is a crucial process in the development of IPF. Elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K) has been reported to play an important role in various disease types, but the role of eEF2K in IPF is unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of eEF2K in normal lung fibroblast (NHLF) proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy as well as the interaction between eEF2K and p38 MAPK signaling through in vitro experiments. We found that the inhibition of eEF2K markedly augmented cell proliferation and differentiation, suppressed apoptosis and autophagy, and reversed the anti-fibrotic effects of a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Together, our results indicate that eEF2K might inhibit TGF-β1-induced NHLF proliferation and differentiation and activate NHLF cell apoptosis and autophagy through p38 MAPK signaling, which might ameliorate lung fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medcine (Department of Respiiratory and Critical Care Medcine), Key Cite of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease. Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guojin Huang
- Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 15 Lequn Road, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhixia Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medcine (Department of Respiiratory and Critical Care Medcine), Key Cite of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease. Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiping Qin
- Department of Respiratory Medcine (Department of Respiiratory and Critical Care Medcine), Key Cite of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease. Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Biwen Mo
- Department of Respiratory, Guilin People's Hospital affiliated of Guilin Medical University, 15 Lequn Road, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Changming Wang
- Department of Respiratory, Guilin People's Hospital affiliated of Guilin Medical University, 12 Wenming Road, Guilin, Guangxi, China.
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27
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Xie J, Shen K, Lenchine RV, Gethings LA, Trim PJ, Snel MF, Zhou Y, Kenney JW, Kamei M, Kochetkova M, Wang X, Proud CG. Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase upregulates the expression of proteins implicated in cell migration and cancer cell metastasis. Int J Cancer 2017; 142:1865-1877. [PMID: 29235102 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) negatively regulates the elongation phase of mRNA translation and hence protein synthesis. Increasing evidence indicates that eEF2K plays an important role in the survival and migration of cancer cells and in tumor progression. As demonstrated by two-dimensional wound-healing and three-dimensional transwell invasion assays, knocking down or inhibiting eEF2K in cancer cells impairs migration and invasion of cancer cells. Conversely, exogenous expression of eEF2K or knocking down eEF2 (the substrate of eEF2K) accelerates wound healing and invasion. Importantly, using LC-HDMSE analysis, we identify 150 proteins whose expression is decreased and 73 proteins which are increased upon knocking down eEF2K in human lung carcinoma cells. Of interest, 34 downregulated proteins are integrins and other proteins implicated in cell migration, suggesting that inhibiting eEF2K may help prevent cancer cell mobility and metastasis. Interestingly, eEF2K promotes the association of integrin mRNAs with polysomes, providing a mechanism by which eEF2K may enhance their cellular levels. Consistent with this, genetic knock down or pharmacological inhibition of eEF2K reduces the protein expression levels of integrins. Notably, pharmacological or genetic inhibition of eEF2K almost completely blocked tumor growth and effectively prevented the spread of tumor cells in vivo. High levels of eEF2K expression were associated with invasive carcinoma and metastatic tumors. These data provide the evidence that eEF2K is a new potential therapeutic target for preventing tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Xie
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Kaikai Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Roman V Lenchine
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lee A Gethings
- Waters Corporation, Stamford Avenue, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Trim
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marten F Snel
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Justin W Kenney
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Makoto Kamei
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marina Kochetkova
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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28
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Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K) in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9120162. [PMID: 29186827 PMCID: PMC5742810 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9120162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) is a highly unusual protein kinase that negatively regulates the elongation step of protein synthesis. This step uses the vast majority of the large amount of energy and amino acids required for protein synthesis. eEF2K activity is controlled by an array of regulatory inputs, including inhibition by signalling through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). eEF2K is activated under conditions of stress, such as energy depletion or nutrient deprivation, which can arise in poorly-vascularised tumours. In many such stress conditions, eEF2K exerts cytoprotective effects. A growing body of data indicates eEF2K aids the growth of solid tumours in vivo. Since eEF2K is not essential (in mice) under ‘normal’ conditions, eEF2K may be a useful target in the treatment of solid tumours. However, some reports suggest that eEF2K may actually impair tumorigenesis in some situations. Such a dual role of eEF2K in cancer would be analogous to the situation for other pathways involved in cell metabolism, such as autophagy and mTORC1. Further studies are needed to define the role of eEF2K in different tumour types and at differing stages in tumorigenesis, and to assess its utility as a therapeutic target in oncology.
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29
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Lindqvist LM, Tandoc K, Topisirovic I, Furic L. Cross-talk between protein synthesis, energy metabolism and autophagy in cancer. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2017; 48:104-111. [PMID: 29179096 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Translation is a pivotal step in the regulation of gene expression as well as one of the most energy consuming processes in the cell. Dysregulation of translation caused by the aberrant function of upstream signaling pathways and/or perturbations in the expression or function of components of the translation machinery is frequent in cancer. In this review, we discuss emerging findings that highlight hitherto unappreciated aspects of signaling to the translation apparatus with the particular focus on emerging connections between protein synthesis, autophagy and energy homeostasis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Lindqvist
- Cell Signalling and Cell Death Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Kristofferson Tandoc
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1E2; Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada
| | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD JGH, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1E2; Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada
| | - Luc Furic
- Prostate Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Cancer Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.
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30
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Acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells are sensitive to disturbances in protein homeostasis induced by proteasome deubiquitinase inhibition. Oncotarget 2017; 8:21115-21127. [PMID: 28423502 PMCID: PMC5400570 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-genotoxic nature of proteasome inhibition makes it an attractive therapeutic option for the treatment of pediatric malignancies. We recently described the small molecule VLX1570 as an inhibitor of proteasome deubiquitinase (DUB) activity that induces proteotoxic stress and apoptosis in cancer cells. Here we show that acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells are highly sensitive to treatment with VLX1570, resulting in the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteasome substrates and loss of cell viability. VLX1570 treatment increased the levels of a number of proteins, including the chaperone HSP70B', the oxidative stress marker heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the cell cycle regulator p21Cip1. Unexpectedly, polybiquitin accumulation was found to be uncoupled from ER stress in ALL cells. Thus, increased phosphorylation of eIF2α occurred only at supra-pharmacological VLX1570 concentrations and did not correlate with polybiquitin accumulation. Total cellular protein synthesis was found to decrease in the absence of eIF2α phosphorylation. Furthermore, ISRIB (Integrated Stress Response inhibitor) did not overcome the inhibition of protein synthesis. We finally show that VLX1570 can be combined with L-asparaginase for additive or synergistic antiproliferative effects on ALL cells. We conclude that ALL cells are highly sensitive to the proteasome DUB inhibitor VLX1570 suggesting a novel therapeutic option for this disease.
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31
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Kameshima S, Okada M, Yamawaki H. [Mechanisms of control of cardiovascular, tumorous and neuronal diseases by eEF2K/eEF2 signaling and suggestion of eEF2K/eEF2 as pharmacotherapeutic target]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2017; 149:194-199. [PMID: 28484099 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.149.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
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32
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McKnight RA, Yost CC, Zinkhan EK, Fu Q, Callaway CW, Fung CM. Intrauterine growth restriction inhibits expression of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase, a regulator of protein translation. Physiol Genomics 2016; 48:616-25. [PMID: 27317589 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00045.2016] [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: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrient deprivation suppresses protein synthesis by blocking peptide elongation. Transcriptional upregulation and activation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) blocks peptide elongation by phosphorylating eukaryotic elongation factor 2. Previous studies examining placentas from intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) newborn infants show decreased eEF2K expression and activity despite chronic nutrient deprivation. However, the effect of IUGR on hepatic eEF2K expression in the fetus is unknown. We, therefore, examined the transcriptional regulation of hepatic eEF2K gene expression in a Sprague-Dawley rat model of IUGR. We found decreased hepatic eEF2K mRNA and protein levels in IUGR offspring at birth compared with control, consistent with previous placental observations. Furthermore, the CpG island within the eEF2K promoter demonstrated increased methylation at a critical USF 1/2 transcription factor binding site. In vitro methylation of this binding site caused near complete loss of eEF2K promoter activity, designating this promoter as methylation sensitive. The eEF2K promotor in IUGR offspring also lost the protective histone covalent modifications associated with unmethylated CGIs. In addition, the +1 nucleosome was displaced 3' and RNA polymerase loading was reduced at the IUGR eEF2K promoter. Our findings provide evidence to explain why IUGR-induced chronic nutrient deprivation does not result in the upregulation of eEF2K gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A McKnight
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Christian C Yost
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Erin K Zinkhan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Qi Fu
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Christopher W Callaway
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
| | - Camille M Fung
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
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33
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Fritzen AM, Frøsig C, Jeppesen J, Jensen TE, Lundsgaard AM, Serup AK, Schjerling P, Proud CG, Richter EA, Kiens B. Role of AMPK in regulation of LC3 lipidation as a marker of autophagy in skeletal muscle. Cell Signal 2016; 28:663-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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