1
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Mondello A, Dal Bo M, Toffoli G, Polano M. Machine learning in onco-pharmacogenomics: a path to precision medicine with many challenges. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1260276. [PMID: 38264526 PMCID: PMC10803549 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1260276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the approach to cancer research. Applications of NGS include the identification of tumor specific alterations that can influence tumor pathobiology and also impact diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic options. Pharmacogenomics (PGx) studies the role of inheritance of individual genetic patterns in drug response and has taken advantage of NGS technology as it provides access to high-throughput data that can, however, be difficult to manage. Machine learning (ML) has recently been used in the life sciences to discover hidden patterns from complex NGS data and to solve various PGx problems. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the NGS approaches that can be employed and the different PGx studies implicating the use of NGS data. We also provide an excursus of the ML algorithms that can exert a role as fundamental strategies in the PGx field to improve personalized medicine in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maurizio Polano
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
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2
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Valcarcel-Jimenez L, Frezza C. Fumarate hydratase (FH) and cancer: a paradigm of oncometabolism. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1546-1557. [PMID: 37689804 PMCID: PMC10645937 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02412-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fumarate hydratase (FH) is an enzyme of the Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle whose mutations lead to hereditary and sporadic forms of cancer. Although more than twenty years have passed since its discovery as the leading cause of the cancer syndrome Hereditary leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Carcinoma (HLRCC), it is still unclear how the loss of FH causes cancer in a tissue-specific manner and with such aggressive behaviour. It has been shown that FH loss, via the accumulation of FH substrate fumarate, activates a series of oncogenic cascades whose contribution to transformation is still under investigation. In this review, we will summarise these recent findings in an integrated fashion and put forward the case that understanding the biology of FH and how its mutations promote transformation will be vital to establish novel paradigms of oncometabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorea Valcarcel-Jimenez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
| | - Christian Frezza
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Genetics, Cluster of Excellence Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cluster of Excellence Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.
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3
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Giannikou K, Martin KR, Abdel-Azim AG, Pamir KJ, Hougard TR, Bagwe S, Tang Y, MacKeigan JP, Kwiatkowski DJ, Henske EP, Lam HC. Spectrum of germline and somatic mitochondrial DNA variants in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Front Genet 2023; 13:917993. [PMID: 36793390 PMCID: PMC9923026 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.917993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is caused by loss of function variants in either TSC1 or TSC2 and is characterized by broad phenotypic heterogeneity. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the role of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) in TSC pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of germline and somatic mtDNA variants in TSC and identify potential disease modifiers. Analysis of mtDNA amplicon massively parallel sequencing (aMPS) data, off-target mtDNA from whole-exome sequencing (WES), and/or qPCR, revealed mtDNA alterations in 270 diverse tissues (139 TSC-associated tumors and 131 normal tissue samples) from 199 patients and six healthy individuals. Correlation of clinical features to mtDNA variants and haplogroup analysis was done in 102 buccal swabs (age: 20-71 years). No correlation was found between clinical features and either mtDNA variants or haplogroups. No pathogenic variants were identified in the buccal swab samples. Using in silico analysis, we identified three predicted pathogenic variants in tumor samples: MT-ND4 (m.11742G>A, p. Cys328Tyr, VAF: 43%, kidney angiomyolipoma), MT-CYB (m.14775T>C, p. Leu10Pro, VAF: 43%, LAM abdominal tumor) and MT-CYB (m.15555C>T, p. Pro270Leu, VAF: 7%, renal cell carcinoma). Large deletions of the mitochondrial genome were not detected. Analysis of tumors from 23 patients with corresponding normal tissue did not reveal any recurrent tumor-associated somatic variants. The mtDNA/gDNA ratio between tumors and corresponding normal tissue was also unchanged. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the mitochondrial genome is highly stable across tissues and within TSC-associated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krinio Giannikou
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Katie R. Martin
- Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Ahmad G. Abdel-Azim
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kaila J. Pamir
- Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Thomas R. Hougard
- Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shefali Bagwe
- Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yan Tang
- Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeffrey P. MacKeigan
- Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - David J. Kwiatkowski
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth P. Henske
- Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hilaire C. Lam
- Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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4
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Linke F, Johnson JEC, Kern S, Bennett CD, Lourdusamy A, Lea D, Clifford SC, Merry CLR, Stolnik S, Alexander MR, Peet AC, Scurr DJ, Griffiths RL, Grabowska AM, Kerr ID, Coyle B. Identifying new biomarkers of aggressive Group 3 and SHH medulloblastoma using 3D hydrogel models, single cell RNA sequencing and 3D OrbiSIMS imaging. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:6. [PMID: 36631900 PMCID: PMC9835248 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common malignant brain tumour in children, medulloblastoma (MB), is subdivided into four clinically relevant molecular subgroups, although targeted therapy options informed by understanding of different cellular features are lacking. Here, by comparing the most aggressive subgroup (Group 3) with the intermediate (SHH) subgroup, we identify crucial differences in tumour heterogeneity, including unique metabolism-driven subpopulations in Group 3 and matrix-producing subpopulations in SHH. To analyse tumour heterogeneity, we profiled individual tumour nodules at the cellular level in 3D MB hydrogel models, which recapitulate subgroup specific phenotypes, by single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and 3D OrbiTrap Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (3D OrbiSIMS) imaging. In addition to identifying known metabolites characteristic of MB, we observed intra- and internodular heterogeneity and identified subgroup-specific tumour subpopulations. We showed that extracellular matrix factors and adhesion pathways defined unique SHH subpopulations, and made up a distinct shell-like structure of sulphur-containing species, comprising a combination of small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) including the collagen organiser lumican. In contrast, the Group 3 tumour model was characterized by multiple subpopulations with greatly enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity. Extensive TCA cycle metabolite measurements revealed very high levels of succinate and fumarate with malate levels almost undetectable particularly in Group 3 tumour models. In patients, high fumarate levels (NMR spectroscopy) alongside activated stress response pathways and high Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2; gene expression analyses) were associated with poorer survival. Based on these findings we predicted and confirmed that NRF2 inhibition increased sensitivity to vincristine in a long-term 3D drug treatment assay of Group 3 MB. Thus, by combining scRNAseq and 3D OrbiSIMS in a relevant model system we were able to define MB subgroup heterogeneity at the single cell level and elucidate new druggable biomarkers for aggressive Group 3 and low-risk SHH MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Linke
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - James E C Johnson
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stefanie Kern
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Christopher D Bennett
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anbarasu Lourdusamy
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Daniel Lea
- Digital Research Service, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Steven C Clifford
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Catherine L R Merry
- School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Snow Stolnik
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Andrew C Peet
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - David J Scurr
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Anna M Grabowska
- School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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5
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Li P, Wu Y, Wu H, Xiong Q, Zhao N, Chen G, Wu C, Xiao H. Functional Characterization of FH Mutation c.557G>A Underlies Uterine Leiomyomas. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031452. [PMID: 35163394 PMCID: PMC8836152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The FH gene encodes the fumarate hydratase of the Krebs cycle and functions as a homotetramer to catalyze the hydration of fumarate to malate. Mutations in FH result in uterine leiomyomas, a rare autosomal dominant inherited metabolic disease. However, how FH mutations result in this disease is poorly understood. Here, the FH mutation c.557G>A (p.S186N) was identified in a family with uterine leiomyomas phenotype. A series of studies were performed to confirm the pathogenicity of this mutation. Results showed that the FH mutant exhibited significantly lower fumarase enzyme activity and increased the fumarates level compared with the wildtype, which might be due to the impaired homotetramer formation in the native gel electrophoresis. Interestingly, the immunofluorescence study revealed that the overexpressed FH mutant exhibited puncta structures compared with the evenly expressed FH wildtype in cytoplasm suggesting that the altered amino acid might result in dysfunctional proteins which were accumulated to reduce its cytotoxicity. Importantly, the cells overexpressing the FH mutant exhibited higher proliferation and extracellular acidification rate value (ECAR) which might be caused by the upregulated HIF-1α indicating the tumor phenotype. Notably, phospho-mTOR was significantly increased and autophagy was inhibited in the FH mutant overexpression cells compared with the wildtype. Our work provides new insight into the FH mutation c.557G>A (p.S186N) underlies uterine leiomyomas and important information for accurate genetic counseling and clinical diagnosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Correspondence: (P.L.); (H.X.)
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6
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Wu H, He D, Biswas S, Shafiquzzaman M, Zhou X, Charron J, Wang Y, Nayak BK, Habib SL, Liu H, Li B. mTOR Activation Initiates Renal Cell Carcinoma Development by Coordinating ERK and p38MAPK. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3174-3186. [PMID: 33863779 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) mainly originates from renal proximal tubules. Intriguingly, disruption of genes frequently mutated in human RCC samples thus far has only generated RCC originated from other renal tubule parts in mouse models. This hampers our understanding of the pathogenesis of RCC. Here we show that mTOR signaling, often activated in RCC samples, initiates RCC development from renal proximal tubules. Ablation of Tsc1, encoding an mTOR suppressor, in proximal tubule cells led to multiple precancerous renal cysts. mTOR activation increased MEK1 expression and ERK activation, and Mek1 ablation or inhibition diminished cyst formation in Tsc1-deficient mice. mTOR activation also increased MKK6 expression and p38MAPK activation, and ablation of the p38α-encoding gene further enhanced cyst formation and led to RCC with clear cell RCC features. Mechanistically, Tsc1 deletion induced p53 and p16 expression in a p38MAPK-dependent manner, and deleting Tsc1 and Trp53 or Cdkn2a (encoding p16) enhanced renal cell carcinogenesis. Thus, mTOR activation in combination with inactivation of the p38MAPK-p53/p16 pathway drives RCC development from renal proximal tubules. Moreover, this study uncovers previously unidentified mechanisms by which mTOR controls cell proliferation and suggests the MEK-ERK axis to be a potential target for treatment of RCC. SIGNIFICANCE: Mouse modeling studies show that mTOR activation in combination with inactivation of the p38MAPK-p53/p16 axis initiates renal cell carcinoma that mimics human disease, identifying potential therapeutic targets for RCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Wu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan He
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Soma Biswas
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Md Shafiquzzaman
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jean Charron
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (axe Oncologie), Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Yibin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bijaya K Nayak
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Samy L Habib
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Baojie Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Bio-X-Renji Hospital Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Millet-Boureima C, He S, Le TBU, Gamberi C. Modeling Neoplastic Growth in Renal Cell Carcinoma and Polycystic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3918. [PMID: 33920158 PMCID: PMC8070407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) share several characteristics, including neoplastic cell growth, kidney cysts, and limited therapeutics. As well, both exhibit impaired vasculature and compensatory VEGF activation of angiogenesis. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/ERK pathways play important roles in regulating cystic and tumor cell proliferation and growth. Both RCC and ADPKD result in hypoxia, where HIF-α signaling is activated in response to oxygen deprivation. Primary cilia and altered cell metabolism may play a role in disease progression. Non-coding RNAs may regulate RCC carcinogenesis and ADPKD through their varied effects. Drosophila exhibits remarkable conservation of the pathways involved in RCC and ADPKD. Here, we review the progress towards understanding disease mechanisms, partially overlapping cellular and molecular dysfunctions in RCC and ADPKD and reflect on the potential for the agile Drosophila genetic model to accelerate discovery science, address unresolved mechanistic aspects of these diseases, and perform rapid pharmacological screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Millet-Boureima
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; (C.M.-B.); (S.H.); (T.B.U.L.)
| | - Stephanie He
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; (C.M.-B.); (S.H.); (T.B.U.L.)
| | - Thi Bich Uyen Le
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; (C.M.-B.); (S.H.); (T.B.U.L.)
- Haematology-Oncology Research Group, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Chiara Gamberi
- Department of Biology, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC 29528-6054, USA
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8
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Saliu F, Rizzo G, Bragonzi A, Cariani L, Cirillo DM, Colombo C, Daccò V, Girelli D, Rizzetto S, Sipione B, Cigana C, Lorè NI. Chronic infection by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae fuels airway inflammation. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00614-2020. [PMID: 33778054 PMCID: PMC7983230 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00614-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is commonly isolated from airways of patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD or cystic fibrosis (CF). However, to what extent NTHi long-term infection contributes to the lung inflammatory burden during chronic airway disease is still controversial. Here, we exploited human respiratory samples from a small cohort of CF patients and found that patients chronically infected with NTHi had significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and CXCL1 than those who were not infected. To better define the impact of chronic NTHi infection in fuelling inflammatory response in chronic lung diseases, we developed a new mouse model using both laboratory and clinical strains. Chronic NTHi infection was associated with chronic inflammation of the lung, characterised by recruitment of neutrophils and cytokine release keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CFS), IL-6, IL-17A and IL-17F) at 2 and 14 days post-infection. An increased burden of T-cell-mediated response (CD4+ and γδ cells) and higher levels of pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (pro-MMP9), known to be associated with tissue remodelling, were observed at 14 days post-infection. Of note we found that both CD4+IL-17+ cells and levels of IL-17 cytokines were enriched in mice at advanced stages of NTHi chronic infection. Moreover, by immunohistochemistry we found CD3+, B220+ and CXCL-13+ cells localised in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue-like structures at day 14. Our results demonstrate that chronic NTHi infection exerts a pro-inflammatory activity in the human and murine lung and could therefore contribute to the exaggerated burden of lung inflammation in patients at risk. The pathological impact of long-term infection by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is still debated. Chronic NTHi infection fuels lung inflammation in human samples and in a new mouse model of bacterial long-term persistence.https://bit.ly/3lvyvge
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Saliu
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Emerging bacterial pathogens Unit, Milan, Italy.,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Infections and cystic fibrosis unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Rizzo
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Infections and cystic fibrosis unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bragonzi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Infections and cystic fibrosis unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Lisa Cariani
- Cystic Fibrosis Microbiology Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela M Cirillo
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Emerging bacterial pathogens Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Colombo
- Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Daccò
- Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Girelli
- Cystic Fibrosis Microbiology Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Rizzetto
- Cystic Fibrosis Microbiology Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Sipione
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Infections and cystic fibrosis unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cigana
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Infections and cystic fibrosis unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola I Lorè
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Emerging bacterial pathogens Unit, Milan, Italy.,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Infections and cystic fibrosis unit, Milan, Italy
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9
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Abstract
Cells metabolize nutrients for biosynthetic and bioenergetic needs to fuel growth and proliferation. The uptake of nutrients from the environment and their intracellular metabolism is a highly controlled process that involves cross talk between growth signaling and metabolic pathways. Despite constant fluctuations in nutrient availability and environmental signals, normal cells restore metabolic homeostasis to maintain cellular functions and prevent disease. A central signaling molecule that integrates growth with metabolism is the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR is a protein kinase that responds to levels of nutrients and growth signals. mTOR forms two protein complexes, mTORC1, which is sensitive to rapamycin, and mTORC2, which is not directly inhibited by this drug. Rapamycin has facilitated the discovery of the various functions of mTORC1 in metabolism. Genetic models that disrupt either mTORC1 or mTORC2 have expanded our knowledge of their cellular, tissue, as well as systemic functions in metabolism. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the regulation and functions of mTORC2, particularly in metabolism, has lagged behind. Since mTOR is an important target for cancer, aging, and other metabolism-related pathologies, understanding the distinct and overlapping regulation and functions of the two mTOR complexes is vital for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the key discoveries and recent findings on the regulation and metabolic functions of the mTOR complexes. We highlight findings from cancer models but also discuss other examples of the mTOR-mediated metabolic reprogramming occurring in stem and immune cells, type 2 diabetes/obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelia Szwed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Eugene Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Estela Jacinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
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10
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Clerici S, Boletta A. Role of the KEAP1-NRF2 Axis in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3458. [PMID: 33233657 PMCID: PMC7699726 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NRF2 is a transcription factor that coordinates the antioxidant response in many different tissues, ensuring cytoprotection from endogenous and exogenous stress stimuli. In the kidney, its function is essential in appropriate cellular response to oxidative stress, however its aberrant activation supports progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapies in renal cell carcinoma, similarly to what happens in other nonrenal cancers. While at the moment direct inhibitors of NRF2 are not available, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate its hyperactivation in specific tumor types is crucial as it may open new therapeutic perspectives. Here, we focus our attention on renal cell carcinoma, describing how NRF2 hyperactivation can contribute to tumor progression and chemoresistance. Furthermore, we highlight the mechanism whereby the many pathways that are generally altered in these tumors converge to dysregulation of the KEAP1-NRF2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Boletta
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Molecular Basis of Cystic Kidney Diseases, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, 20132 Milan, Italy;
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11
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Stathopoulou C, Nikoleri D, Bertsias G. Immunometabolism: an overview and therapeutic prospects in autoimmune diseases. Immunotherapy 2020; 11:813-829. [PMID: 31120393 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism is a critical immune regulator under physiologic and pathologic conditions. Culminating evidence has disentangled the contribution of distinct metabolic pathways, namely glucolysis, pentose phosphate, fatty acid oxidation, glutaminolysis, Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, in modulating innate and adaptive immune cells based on their activation/differentiation state. Metabolic aberrations and changes in the intracellular levels of specific metabolites are linked to the inflammatory phenotype of immune cells implicated in autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Notably, targeting metabolism such as the mTOR by rapamycin, hexokinase by 2-deoxy-D-glucose, AMP-activated protein kinase by metformin, may be used to ameliorate autoimmune inflammation. Accordingly, research in immunometabolism is expected to offer novel opportunities for monitoring and treating immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula Stathopoulou
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology & Allergy, University Hospital of Heraklion, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.,Laboratory of Rheumatology, Autoimmunity & Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, N. Plastira 100, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitra Nikoleri
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology & Allergy, University Hospital of Heraklion, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.,Laboratory of Rheumatology, Autoimmunity & Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, N. Plastira 100, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology & Allergy, University Hospital of Heraklion, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.,Laboratory of Rheumatology, Autoimmunity & Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, N. Plastira 100, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
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12
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Wang C, Uemura M, Tomiyama E, Matsushita M, Koh Y, Nakano K, Hayashi Y, Ishizuya Y, Jingushi K, Kato T, Hatano K, Kawashima A, Ujike T, Nagahara A, Fujita K, Imamura R, Tsujikawa K, Nonomura N. MicroRNA-92b-3p is a prognostic oncomiR that targets TSC1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:1146-1155. [PMID: 31975504 PMCID: PMC7156823 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several studies have reported that microRNA (miR)‐92b‐3p is involved in various cellular processes related to carcinogenesis, its physiological role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. To clarify the role of miR‐92b‐3p in ccRCC, we compared miR‐92b‐3p expression levels in ccRCC tissues and adjacent normal renal tissues. Significant upregulation of miR‐92b‐3p was observed in ccRCC tissues. Overexpression of miR‐92b‐3p using a miRNA mimic promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion activities of ACHN cells. Functional inhibition of miR‐92b‐3p by a hairpin miRNA inhibitor suppressed Caki‐2 cell growth and invasion activities in vitro. Mechanistically, it was found that miR‐92b‐3p directly targeted the TSC1 gene, a known upstream regulator of mTOR. Overexpression of miR‐92b‐3p decreased the protein expression of TSC1 and enhanced the downstream phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase, suggesting that the mTOR signaling pathway was activated by miR‐92b‐3p in RCC cells. Importantly, a multivariate Cox proportion hazard model, based on TNM staging and high levels of miR‐92b‐3p, revealed that miR‐92b‐3p expression (high vs. low hazard ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.20‐6.83; P = .018) was a significant prognostic factor for overall survival of ccRCC patients with surgical management. Taken together, miR‐92b‐3p was found to act as an oncomiR, promoting cell proliferation by downregulating TSC1 in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Motohide Uemura
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Urological Immuno-Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Eisuke Tomiyama
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsushita
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yoko Koh
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kosuke Nakano
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yujiro Hayashi
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yu Ishizuya
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kentaro Jingushi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suita, Japan
| | - Taigo Kato
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Urological Immuno-Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Koji Hatano
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Atsunari Kawashima
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ujike
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Akira Nagahara
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Fujita
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Imamura
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kazutake Tsujikawa
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suita, Japan
| | - Norio Nonomura
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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13
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Chen J, Chen J, Huang J, Li Z, Gong Y, Zou B, Liu X, Ding L, Li P, Zhu Z, Zhang B, Guo H, Cai C, Li J. HIF-2α upregulation mediated by hypoxia promotes NAFLD-HCC progression by activating lipid synthesis via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:10839-10860. [PMID: 31796646 PMCID: PMC6932893 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a relevant risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Steatohepatitic HCC (SH-HCC), characterized by HCC with steatosis, is influenced by lipid metabolism disorders. A hypoxic microenvironment is common in HCC and affects lipid metabolism. However, whether hypoxia-induced HIF-2α upregulation exacerbates lipid accumulation to contribute to SH-HCC progression remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that HIF-2α was elevated in tissues from NAFLD-HCC patients and was associated with survival. Under hypoxic conditions, upregulated HIF-2α was accompanied by lipid accumulation and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway activation. HIF-2α knockdown (KD) in steatotic HCC ameliorated triglyceride accumulation and steatosis. HIF-2α-KD steatotic HCC showed minimal lipid synthesis in a hypoxic environment, which contributes to a reduction in malignant behaviours. However, treatment with MHY1485 restored these behaviours. STAM mice, a mouse model that develops NAFLD-HCC, exhibit more rapid tumour progression upon exposure to hypoxia. STAM mice treated with INK-128 presented abrogated mTOR expression and tumour progression under hypoxic conditions with lower triglycerides and steatosis. In conclusion, in a hypoxic microenvironment, HIF-2α upregulation promotes steatotic HCC progression by activating lipid synthesis via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. Therefore, HIF-2α can be a biomarker and target in developing specific therapeutic measures for NAFLD-HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxu Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jiandi Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhanyu Li
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yihang Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Baojia Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xialei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Lei Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Peiping Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhiquan Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, The Cancer Center of The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Baimeng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Chaonong Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
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14
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Margaria JP, Campa CC, De Santis MC, Hirsch E, Franco I. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in polycystic kidney disease: A complex interaction with polycystins and primary cilium. Cell Signal 2019; 66:109468. [PMID: 31715259 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Over-activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR network is a well-known pathogenic event that leads to hyper-proliferation. Pharmacological targeting of this pathway has been developed for the treatment of multiple diseases, including cancer. In polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the mTOR cascade promotes cyst growth by boosting proliferation, size and metabolism of kidney tubule epithelial cells. Therefore, mTOR inhibition has been tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies, but only the former showed positive results. This review reports recent discoveries describing the activity and molecular mechanisms of mTOR activation in tubule epithelial cells and cyst formation and discusses the evidence of an upstream regulation of mTOR by the PI3K/Akt axis. In particular, the complex interconnections of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR network with the principal signaling routes involved in the suppression of cyst formation are dissected. These interactions include the antagonism and the reciprocal negative regulation between mTOR complex 1 and the proteins whose deletion causes Autosomal Dominant PKD, the polycystins. In addition, the emerging role of phopshoinositides, membrane components modulated by PI3K, will be presented in the context of primary cilium signaling, cell polarization and protection from cyst formation. Overall, studies demonstrate that the activity of various members of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR network goes beyond the classical transduction of mitogenic signals and can impact several aspects of kidney tubule homeostasis and morphogenesis. These properties might be useful to guide the establishment of more effective treatment protocols to be tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Piero Margaria
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Carlo Cosimo Campa
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Chiara De Santis
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Irene Franco
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden.
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15
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Kumar A, Misra BB. Challenges and Opportunities in Cancer Metabolomics. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1900042. [PMID: 30950571 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201900042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Challenges in metabolomics for a given spectrum of disease are more or less comparable, ranging from the accurate measurement of metabolite abundance, compound annotation, identification of unknown constituents, and interpretation of untargeted and analysis of high throughput targeted metabolomics data leading to the identification of biomarkers. However, metabolomics approaches in cancer studies specifically suffer from several additional challenges and require robust ways to sample the cells and tissues in order to tackle the constantly evolving cancer landscape. These constraints include, but are not limited to, discriminating the signals from given cell types and those that are cancer specific, discerning signals that are systemic and confounded, cell culture-based challenges associated with cell line identities and media standardizations, the need to look beyond Warburg effects, citrate cycle, lactate metabolism, and identifying and developing technologies to precisely and effectively sample and profile the heterogeneous tumor environment. This review article discusses some of the current and pertinent hurdles in cancer metabolomics studies. In addition, it addresses some of the most recent and exciting developments in metabolomics that may address some of these issues. The aim of this article is to update the oncometabolomics research community about the challenges and potential solutions to these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kumar
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 7620 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
| | - Biswapriya B Misra
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
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16
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Fumarate hydratase in cancer: A multifaceted tumour suppressor. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 98:15-25. [PMID: 31085323 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is now considered a multifactorial disorder with different aetiologies and outcomes. Yet, all cancers share some common molecular features. Among these, the reprogramming of cellular metabolism has emerged as a key player in tumour initiation and progression. The finding that metabolic enzymes such as fumarate hydratase (FH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), when mutated, cause cancer suggested that metabolic dysregulation is not only a consequence of oncogenic transformation but that it can act as cancer driver. However, the mechanisms underpinning the link between metabolic dysregulation and cancer remain only partially understood. In this review we discuss the role of FH loss in tumorigenesis, focusing on the role of fumarate as a key activator of a variety of oncogenic cascades. We also discuss how these alterations are integrated and converge towards common biological processes. This review highlights the complexity of the signals elicited by FH loss, describes that fumarate can act as a bona fide oncogenic event, and provides a compelling hypothesis of the stepwise neoplastic progression after FH loss.
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17
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de la Cruz López KG, Toledo Guzmán ME, Sánchez EO, García Carrancá A. mTORC1 as a Regulator of Mitochondrial Functions and a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1373. [PMID: 31921637 PMCID: PMC6923780 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous proliferation of tumor cells requires constant adaptations of energy metabolism to rapidly fuel cell growth and division. This energetic adaptation often comprises deregulated glucose uptake and lactate production in the presence of oxygen, a process known as the "Warburg effect." For many years it was thought that the Warburg effect was a result of mitochondrial damage, however, unlike this proposal tumor cell mitochondria maintain their functionality, and is essential for integrating a variety of signals and adapting the metabolic activity of the tumor cell. The mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a master regulator of numerous cellular processes implicated in proliferation, metabolism, and cell growth. mTORC1 controls cellular metabolism mainly by regulating the translation and transcription of metabolic genes, such as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator-1 α (PGC-1α), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1/2 (SREBP1/2), and hypoxia inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α). Interestingly it has been shown that mTORC1 regulates mitochondrial metabolism, thus representing an important regulator in mitochondrial function. Here we present an overview on the role of mTORC1 in the regulation of mitochondrial functions in cancer, considering new evidences showing that mTORC1 regulates the translation of nucleus-encoded mitochondrial mRNAs that result in an increased ATP mitochondrial production. Moreover, we discuss the relationship between mTORC1 and glutaminolysis, as well as mitochondrial metabolites. In addition, mitochondrial fission processes regulated by mTORC1 and its impact on cancer are discussed. Finally, we also review the therapeutic efficacy of mTORC1 inhibitors in cancer treatments, considering its use in combination with other drugs, with particular focus on cellular metabolism inhibitors, that could help improve their anti neoplastic effect and eliminate cancer cells in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Griselda de la Cruz López
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Alejandro García Carrancá
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México & Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Alejandro García Carrancá
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18
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Drusian L, Boletta A. mTORC1-driven accumulation of the oncometabolite fumarate as a potential critical step in renal cancer progression. Mol Cell Oncol 2018; 6:1537709. [PMID: 30788416 PMCID: PMC6370368 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2018.1537709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Modeling renal cancer in the mouse has been challenging. We recently showed that upregulation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in a restricted segment of the renal tubule leads to downregulation of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzyme fumarate hydratase, to accumulation of the oncometabolite fumarate, and gradual transformation from benign cysts into cystadenomas and papillary carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Drusian
- Molecular Basis of Cystic Kidney Disorders Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Program in Biology and Biotherapy of Cancer, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boletta
- Molecular Basis of Cystic Kidney Disorders Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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