Cellular iron depletion and the mechanisms involved in the iron-dependent regulation of the growth arrest and DNA damage family of genes

Iron Deposition and Functional Connectivity Differences in Females With Migraine Without Aura: A Comparative Study of Headache Sides

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying migraine without aura (MwoA) in females remain incompletely elucidated. Currently, the association between headache laterality and iron deposition (ID), and functional connectivity (FC) in female MwoA patients has not been fully studied.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 63 female patients with MwoA and 31 matched healthy controls (HC) from the hospital. ID and FC among the four groups were analyzed using two-sample t-tests (with cluster-wise family-wise error [FWE] correction). Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between clinical variables and both ID and FC values. Significance level: p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Compared to HC, left-sided MwoA exhibited differences in ID in various brain regions, including the cerebellum, left orbital inferior frontal gyrus, left calcarine gyrus, right putamen, and left caudate nucleus, as well as exhibited enhanced FC between the left lobule III of the cerebellum and the right superior temporal gyrus. Compared to bilateral MwoA, left-sided MwoA showed significantly enhanced in FC values in the left calcarine gyrus, the right precentral gyrus, the right postcentral gyrus, and the right lingual gyrus. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the Pearson correlations between clinical variables and both ID and FC in the female MwoA subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided preliminary evidence indicating significant differences in ID, FC, and correlations among subgroups of female MwoA. This provides neuroimaging references for further subclassifying MwoA patients. This offers valuable insights into potential pathophysiological mechanisms linked to the brain functional impairment in female MwoA.

Iron Supplementation Increases Tumor Burden and Alters Protein Expression in a Mouse Model of Human Intestinal Cancer

Iron supplements are widely consumed. However, excess iron may accelerate intestinal tumorigenesis. To determine the effect of excess iron on intestinal tumor burden and protein expression changes between tumor and normal tissues, ApcMin/+ mice were fed control (adequate) and excess iron (45 and 450 mg iron/kg diet, respectively; n = 9/group) for 10 wk. Tumor burden was measured, and two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins in tumor and normal intestinal tissues. There was a significant increase (78.3%; p ≤ 0.05) in intestinal tumor burden (mm2/cm) with excess iron at wk 10. Of 980 analyzed protein spots, 69 differentially expressed (p ≤ 0.05) protein isoforms were identified, representing 55 genes. Of the isoforms, 56 differed (p ≤ 0.05) between tumor vs. normal tissues from the adequate iron group and 23 differed (p ≤ 0.05) between tumors from the adequate vs. excess iron. Differentially expressed proteins include those involved in cell integrity and adaptive response to reactive oxygen species (including, by gene ID: ANPEP, DPP7, ITGB1, PSMA1 HSPA5). Biochemical pathway analysis found that iron supplementation modulated four highly significant (p ≤ 0.05) functional networks. These findings enhance our understanding of interplay between dietary iron and intestinal tumorigenesis and may help develop more specific dietary guidelines regarding trace element intake.

A Water-Soluble Chitosan Derivative for the Release of Bioactive Deferoxamine

Deferoxamine (DFO) is a water-soluble iron chelator used pharmacologically for the management of patients with transfusional iron overload. However, DFO is not cell-permeable and has a short plasma half-life, which necessitates lengthy parenteral administration with an infusion pump. We previously reported the synthesis of chitosan (CS) nanoparticles for sustained slow release of DFO. In the present study, we developed solid dispersions and nanoparticles of a carboxymethyl water-soluble chitosan derivative (CMCS) for improved DFO encapsulation and release. CS dispersions and nanoparticles with DFO have been prepared by ironical gelation using sodium triphosphate (TPP) and were examined for comparison purposes. The successful presence of DFO in CMCS polymeric dispersions and nanoparticles was confirmed through FTIR measurements. Furthermore, the formation of CMCS nanoparticles led to inclusion of DFO in an amorphous state, while dispersion of DFO in the polymeric matrix led to a decrease in its crystallinity according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results. An in vitro release assay indicated sustained release of DFO from CS and CMCS nanoparticles over 48 h and 24 h, respectively. Application of CMCS-DFO dispersions to murine RAW 264.7 macrophages or human HeLa cervical carcinoma cells triggered cellular responses to iron deficiency. These were exemplified in the induction of the mRNA encoding transferrin receptor 1, the major iron uptake protein, and the suppression of ferritin, the iron storage protein. Our data indicate that CMCS-DFO nanoparticles release bioactive DFO that causes effective iron chelation in cultured cells.

Depletion of Labile Iron Induces Replication Stress and Enhances Responses to Chemoradiation in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The intracellular redox-active labile iron pool (LIP) is weakly chelated and available for integration into the iron metalloproteins that are involved in diverse cellular processes, including cancer cell-specific metabolic oxidative stress. Abnormal iron metabolism and elevated LIP levels are linked to the poor survival of lung cancer patients, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Depletion of the LIP in non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines using the doxycycline-inducible overexpression of the ferritin heavy chain (Ft-H) (H1299 and H292), or treatment with deferoxamine (DFO) (H1299 and A549), inhibited cell growth and decreased clonogenic survival. The Ft-H overexpression-induced inhibition of H1299 and H292 cell growth was also accompanied by a significant delay in transit through the S-phase. In addition, both Ft-H overexpression and DFO in H1299 resulted in increased single- and double-strand DNA breaks, supporting the involvement of replication stress in the response to LIP depletion. The Ft-H and DFO treatment also sensitized H1299 to VE-821, an inhibitor of ataxia telangiectasis and Rad2-related (ATR) kinase, highlighting the potential of LIP depletion, combined with DNA damage response modifiers, to alter lung cancer cell responses. In contrast, only DFO treatment effectively reduced the LIP, clonogenic survival, cell growth, and sensitivity to VE-821 in A549 non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Importantly, the Ft-H and DFO sensitized both H1299 and A549 to chemoradiation in vitro, and Ft-H overexpression increased the efficacy of chemoradiation in vivo in H1299. These results support the hypothesis that the depletion of the LIP can induce genomic instability, cell death, and potentiate therapeutic responses to chemoradiation in NSCLC.

Role of iron in host-microbiota interaction and its effects on intestinal mucosal growth and immune plasticity in a piglet model

Iron is an essential trace element for both the host and resident microbes in the gut. In this study, iron was administered orally and parenterally to anemic piglets to investigate the role of iron in host-microbiota interaction and its effects on intestinal mucosal growth and immune plasticity. We found that oral iron administration easily increased the abundance of Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella, and decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus in the ileum. Furthermore, similar bacterial changes, namely an increase in Proteobacteria, Escherichia-Shigella, and Fusobacterium and a reduction in the Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, were observed in the colon of both iron-supplemented groups. Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that the changed Fusobacterium, Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria in the colon were positively correlated with hemoglobin, colon and spleen iron levels. Nevertheless, it was found that activated mTOR1 signaling, improved villous height and crypt depth in the ileum, enhanced immune communication, and increased protein expression of IL-22 and IL-10 in the colon of both iron-supplemented groups. In conclusion, the benefits of improved host iron outweigh the risks of altered gut microbiota for intestinal mucosal growth and immune regulation in treating iron deficiency anemia.

Relation of Metal-Binding Property and Selective Toxicity of 8-Hydroxyquinoline Derived Mannich Bases Targeting Multidrug Resistant Cancer Cells

Simple Summary

Effective treatment of cancer is often limited by the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. A well-described mechanism supporting multidrug resistance (MDR) relies on the efflux of toxic drugs from cancer cells, mediated by P-glycoprotein (Pgp). Circumventing Pgp-mediated resistance is expected to make a significant contribution to improved therapy of malignancies. Interestingly, MDR cells exhibit paradoxical hypersensitivity towards a diverse set of anticancer chelators. In this study we explore the relation of chemical and structural properties influencing metal binding and toxicity of a set of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives to reveal key characteristics governing “MDR-selective” activity. We find that subtle changes in the stability and redox activity of the biologically relevant metal complexes significantly influence MDR-selective toxicity. Our results underline the importance of chelation in MDR-selective toxicity, suggesting that the collateral sensitivity of MDR cells may be targeted by preferential iron deprivation or the formation of redox-active copper(II) complexes.

Abstract

Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is a major obstacle in cancer treatment. A recently proposed strategy is to target the collateral sensitivity of multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer. Paradoxically, the toxicity of certain metal chelating agents is increased, rather than decreased, by the function of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), which is known to confer resistance by effluxing chemotherapeutic compounds from cancer cells. We have recently characterized and compared the solution’s chemical properties including ligand protonation and the metal binding properties of a set of structurally related 8-hydroxyquinoline derived Mannich bases. Here we characterize the impact of the solution stability and redox activity of their iron(III) and copper(II) complexes on MDR-selective toxicity. Our results show that the MDR-selective anticancer activity of the studied 8-hydroxyquinoline derived Mannich bases is associated with the iron deprivation of MDR cells and the preferential formation of redox-active copper(II) complexes, which undergo intracellular redox-cycling to induce oxidative stress.

Genome-Protecting Compounds as Potential Geroprotectors

Throughout life, organisms are exposed to various exogenous and endogenous factors that cause DNA damages and somatic mutations provoking genomic instability. At a young age, compensatory mechanisms of genome protection are activated to prevent phenotypic and functional changes. However, the increasing stress and age-related deterioration in the functioning of these mechanisms result in damage accumulation, overcoming the functional threshold. This leads to aging and the development of age-related diseases. There are several ways to counteract these changes: 1) prevention of DNA damage through stimulation of antioxidant and detoxification systems, as well as transition metal chelation; 2) regulation of DNA methylation, chromatin structure, non-coding RNA activity and prevention of nuclear architecture alterations; 3) improving DNA damage response and repair; 4) selective removal of damaged non-functional and senescent cells. In the article, we have reviewed data about the effects of various trace elements, vitamins, polyphenols, terpenes, and other phytochemicals, as well as a number of synthetic pharmacological substances in these ways. Most of the compounds demonstrate the geroprotective potential and increase the lifespan in model organisms. However, their genome-protecting effects are non-selective and often are conditioned by hormesis. Consequently, the development of selective drugs targeting genome protection is an advanced direction.

Acireductone dioxygenase 1 (ADI1) is regulated by cellular iron by a mechanism involving the iron chaperone, PCBP1, with PCBP2 acting as a potential co-chaperone

The iron-containing protein, acireductone dioxygenase 1 (ADI1), is a dioxygenase important for polyamine synthesis and proliferation. Using differential proteomics, the studies herein demonstrated that ADI1 was significantly down-regulated by cellular iron depletion. This is important, since ADI1 contains a non-heme, iron-binding site critical for its activity. Examination of multiple human cell-types demonstrated a significant decrease in ADI1 mRNA and protein after incubation with iron chelators. The decrease in ADI1 after iron depletion was reversible upon incubation of cells with the iron salt, ferric ammonium citrate (FAC). A significant decrease in ADI1 mRNA levels was observed after 14 h of iron depletion. In contrast, the chelator-mediated reduction in ADI1 protein occurred earlier after 10 h of iron depletion, suggesting additional post-transcriptional regulation. The proteasome inhibitor, MG-132, prevented the iron chelator-mediated decrease in ADI1 expression, while the lysosomotropic agent, chloroquine, had no effect. These results suggest an iron-dependent, proteasome-mediated, degradation mechanism. Poly r(C)-binding protein (PCBPs) 1 and 2 act as iron delivery chaperones to other iron-containing dioxygenases and were shown herein for the first time to be regulated by iron levels. Silencing of PCBP1, but not PCBP2, led to loss of ADI1 expression. Confocal microscopy co-localization studies and proximity ligation assays both demonstrated decreased interaction of ADI1 with PCBP1 and PCBP2 under conditions of iron depletion using DFO. These data indicate PCBP1 and PCBP2 interact with ADI1, but only PCBP1 plays a role in ADI1 expression. In fact, PCBP2 appeared to play an accessory role, being involved as a potential co-chaperone.

Iron and hepcidin mediate human colorectal cancer cell growth

High dietary iron intake is a risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. However, how iron subsequently impacts the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells remains unclear. This study determined the expression of six iron regulatory genes in twenty-one human colorectal cancer (CRC) biopsies and matched normal colonic tissue. The results show that only hepcidin and ferritin heavy chain expression were increased in CRC biopsies as compared to matched normal tissues. Four established human CRC cell lines, HT-29, HCT-116, SW-620 and SW-480 were subsequently examined for their growth in response to increasing concentrations of iron, and iron depletion. Real time cell growth assay showed a significant inhibitory effect of acute iron loading in HCT-116 cells (IC₅₀ = 258.25 μM at 72 h), and no significant effects in other cell types. However, ten week treatment with iron significantly reduced HT-29 and SW-620 cell growth, whereas no effect was seen in HCT-116 and SW-480 cells. Intracellular labile iron depletion induced the complete growth arrest and detachment of all of the CRC cell types except for the SW-620 cell line which was not affected in its growth. Treatment of starved CRC cells with hepcidin, the major regulator of iron metabolism, induced a significant stimulation of HT-29 cell growth but did not affect the growth of the other cell types. Collectively these results show that iron is central to CRC cell growth in a manner that is not identical between acute and chronic loading, and that is specific to the CRC cell type.

Salinomycin and its derivatives - A new class of multiple-targeted "magic bullets"

The history of drug development clearly shows the scale of painstaking effort leading to a finished product - a highly biologically active agent that would be at the same time no or little toxic to human organism. Moreover, the aim of modern drug discovery can move from "one-molecule one-target" concept to more promising "one-molecule multiple-targets" one, particularly in the context of effective fight against cancer and other complex diseases. Gratifyingly, natural compounds are excellent source of potential drug leads. One of such promising naturally-occurring drug candidates is a polyether ionophore - salinomycin (SAL). This compound should be identified as multi-target agent for two reasons. Firstly, SAL combines a broad spectrum of bioactivity, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic and anticancer activity, with high selectivity of action, proving its significant therapeutic potential. Secondly, the multimodal mechanism of action of SAL has been shown to be related to its interactions with multiple molecular targets and signalling pathways that are synergistic for achieving a therapeutic anticancer effect. On the other hand, according to the Paul Ehrlich's "magic bullet" concept, invariably inspiring the scientists working on design of novel target-selective molecules, a very interesting direction of research is rational chemical modification of SAL. Importantly, many of SAL derivatives have been found to be more promising as chemotherapeutics than the native structure. This concise review article is focused both on the possible role of SAL and its selected analogues in future antimicrobial and/or cancer therapy, and on the potential use of SAL as a new class of multiple-targeted "magic bullet" because of its multimodal mechanism of action.

Effects of Ferroportin-Mediated Iron Depletion in Cells Representative of Different Histological Subtypes of Prostate Cancer

AIMS

Ferroportin (FPN) is an iron exporter that plays an important role in cellular and systemic iron metabolism. Our previous work has demonstrated that FPN is decreased in prostate tumors. We sought to identify the molecular pathways regulated by FPN in prostate cancer cells.

RESULTS

We show that overexpression of FPN induces profound effects in cells representative of multiple histological subtypes of prostate cancer by activating different but converging pathways. Induction of FPN induces autophagy and activates the transcription factors tumor protein 53 (p53) and Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) and their common downstream target, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21). FPN also induces cell cycle arrest and stress-induced DNA-damage genes. Effects of FPN are attributable to its effects on intracellular iron and can be reproduced with iron chelators. Importantly, expression of FPN not only inhibits proliferation of all prostate cancer cells studied but also reduces growth of tumors derived from castrate-resistant adenocarcinoma C4-2 cells in vivo.

INNOVATION

We use a novel model of FPN expression to interrogate molecular pathways triggered by iron depletion in prostate cancer cells. Since prostate cancer encompasses different subtypes with a highly variable clinical course, we further explore how histopathological subtype influences the response to iron depletion. We demonstrate that prostate cancer cells that derive from different histopathological subtypes activate converging pathways in response to FPN-mediated iron depletion. Activation of these pathways is sufficient to significantly reduce the growth of treatment-refractory C4-2 prostate tumors in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results may explain why FPN is dramatically suppressed in cancer cells, and they suggest that FPN agonists may be beneficial in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Perturbation of Iron Metabolism by Cisplatin through Inhibition of Iron Regulatory Protein 2

Cisplatin is classically known to exhibit anticancer activity through DNA damage in the nucleus. Here we found a mechanism by which cisplatin affects iron metabolism, leading to toxicity and cell death. Cisplatin causes intracellular iron deficiency through direct inhibition of the master regulator of iron metabolism, iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP2) with marginal effects on IRP1. Cisplatin, but not carboplatin or transplatin, binds human IRP2 at Cys512 and Cys516 and impairs IRP2 binding to iron-responsive elements of ferritin and transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1) mRNAs. IRP2 inhibition by cisplatin caused ferritin upregulation and TfR1 downregulation leading to sustained intracellular iron deficiency. Cys512/516Ala mutant IRP2 made cells more resistant to cisplatin. Furthermore, combination of cisplatin and the iron chelator desferrioxamine enhanced cytotoxicity through augmented iron depletion in culture and xenograft mouse model. Collectively, cisplatin is an inhibitor of IRP2 that induces intracellular iron deficiency.

Iron Prevents Hypoxia-Associated Inflammation Through the Regulation of Nuclear Factor-κB in the Intestinal Epithelium

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hypoxia-associated pathways influence the development of inflammatory bowel disease. Adaptive responses to hypoxia are mediated through hypoxia-inducible factors, which are regulated by iron-dependent hydroxylases. Signals reflecting oxygen tension and iron levels in enterocytes regulate iron metabolism. Conversely, iron availability modulates responses to hypoxia. In the present study we sought to elucidate how iron influences the responses to hypoxia in the intestinal epithelium.

METHODS

Human subjects were exposed to hypoxia, and colonic biopsy specimens and serum samples were collected. HT-29, Caco-2, and T84 cells were subjected to normoxia or hypoxia in the presence of iron or the iron chelator deferoxamine. Changes in inflammatory gene expression and signaling were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed using antibodies against nuclear factor (NF)-κB and primers for the promoter of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)1β.

RESULTS

Human subjects presented reduced levels of ferritin in the intestinal epithelium after hypoxia. Hypoxia reduced iron deprivation-associated TNF and IL1β expression in HT-29 cells through the induction of autophagy. Contrarily, hypoxia triggered TNF and IL1β expression, and NF-κB activation in Caco-2 and T84 cells. Iron blocked autophagy in Caco-2 cells, while reducing hypoxia-associated TNF and IL1β expression through the inhibition of NF-κB binding to the promoter of TNF and IL1β.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxia promotes iron mobilization from the intestinal epithelium. Hypoxia-associated autophagy reduces inflammatory processes in HT-29 cells. In Caco-2 cells, iron uptake is essential to counteract hypoxia-induced inflammation. Iron mobilization into enterocytes may be a vital protective mechanism in the hypoxic inflamed mucosa.

Coupling of the polyamine and iron metabolism pathways in the regulation of proliferation: Mechanistic links to alterations in key polyamine biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes

Many biological processes result from the coupling of metabolic pathways. Considering this, proliferation depends on adequate iron and polyamines, and although iron-depletion impairs proliferation, the metabolic link between iron and polyamine metabolism has never been thoroughly investigated. This is important to decipher, as many disease states demonstrate co-dysregulation of iron and polyamine metabolism. Herein, for the first time, we demonstrate that cellular iron levels robustly regulate 13 polyamine pathway proteins. Seven of these were regulated in a conserved manner by iron-depletion across different cell-types, with four proteins being down-regulated (i.e., acireductone dioxygenase 1 [ADI1], methionine adenosyltransferase 2α [MAT2α], Antizyme and polyamine oxidase [PAOX]) and three proteins being up-regulated (i.e., S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase [AMD1], Antizyme inhibitor 1 [AZIN1] and spermidine/spermine-N¹-acetyltransferase 1 [SAT1]). Depletion of iron also markedly decreased polyamine pools (i.e., spermidine and/or spermine, but not putrescine). Accordingly, iron-depletion also decreased S-adenosylmethionine that is essential for spermidine/spermine biosynthesis. Iron-depletion additionally reduced ³H-spermidine uptake in direct agreement with the lowered levels of the polyamine importer, SLC22A16. Regarding mechanism, the "reprogramming" of polyamine metabolism by iron-depletion is consistent with the down-regulation of ADI1 and MAT2α, and the up-regulation of SAT1. Moreover, changes in ADI1 (biosynthetic) and SAT1 (catabolic) partially depended on the iron-regulated changes in c-Myc and/or p53. The ability of iron chelators to inhibit proliferation was rescuable by putrescine and spermidine, and under some conditions by spermine. Collectively, iron and polyamine metabolism are intimately coupled, which has significant ramifications for understanding the integrated role of iron and polyamine metabolism in proliferation.

Ciclopirox activates ATR-Chk1 signaling pathway leading to Cdc25A protein degradation

Ciclopirox olamine (CPX), an off-patent anti-fungal drug, has been found to inhibit the G1-cyclin dependent kinases partly by increasing the phosphorylation and degradation of Cdc25A. However, little is known about the molecular target(s) of CPX responsible for Cdc25A degradation. Here, we show that CPX induced the degradation of Cdc25A neither by increasing CK1α or decreasing DUB3 expression, nor via activating GSK3β, but through activating Chk1 in rhabdomyosarcoma (Rh30) and breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cells. This is strongly supported by the findings that inhibition of Chk1 with TCS2312 or knockdown of Chk1 profoundly attenuated CPX-induced Cdc25A degradation in the cells. Furthermore, we observed that CPX caused DNA damage, which was independent of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, but related to iron chelation. CPX treatment resulted in the activation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ATM-and RAD3-related (ATR) kinases. Treatment with Ku55933 (a selective ATM inhibitor) failed to prevent CPX-induced Chk1 phosphorylation and Cdc25A degradation. In contrast, knockdown of ATR conferred high resistance to CPX-induced Chk1 phosphorylation and Cdc25A degradation. Therefore, the results suggest that CPX-induced degradation of Cdc25A is attributed to the activation of ATR-Chk1 signaling pathway, a consequence of iron chelation-induced DNA damage.

Translation initiation factors and their relevance in cancer

Deregulation of several translation initiation factors occurs in numerous types of cancers. Translation initiation factors are not merely ancillary players in cancer development and progression, but rather, they are key participants in cellular transformation and tumor development. In fact, the altered expression of translation initiation factors is involved in cancer cell survival, metastasis and tumor angiogenesis. Although the exact mechanisms remain to be fully characterized, translation initiation factors comprise novel targets for pharmacologic intervention. Here we review the most recently established roles of initiation factors in cancer development and progression, as well as unique methods used to study translational regulation.

Iron depletion suppresses mTORC1-directed signalling in intestinal Caco-2 cells via induction of REDD1

Iron is an indispensable micronutrient that regulates many aspects of cell function, including growth and proliferation. These processes are critically dependent upon signalling via the mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Herein, we test whether iron depletion induced by cell incubation with the iron chelator, deferoxamine (DFO), mediates its effects on cell growth through mTORC1-directed signalling and protein synthesis. We have used Caco-2 cells, a well-established in vitro model of human intestinal epithelia. Iron depletion increased expression of iron-regulated proteins (TfR, transferrin receptor and DMT1, divalent metal transporter, as predicted, but it also promoted a marked reduction in growth and proliferation of Caco-2 cells. This was strongly associated with suppressed mTORC1 signalling, as judged by reduced phosphorylation of mTOR substrates, S6K1 and 4E-BP1, and diminished protein synthesis. The reduction in mTORC1 signalling was tightly coupled with increased expression and accumulation of REDD1 (regulated in DNA damage and development 1) and reduced phosphorylation of Akt and TSC2. The increase in REDD1 abundance was rapidly reversed upon iron repletion of cells but was also attenuated by inhibitors of gene transcription, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and by REDD1 siRNA--strategies that also antagonised the loss in mTORC1 signalling associated with iron depletion. Our findings implicate REDD1 and PP2A as crucial regulators of mTORC1 activity in iron-depleted cells and indicate that their modulation may help mitigate atrophy of the intestinal mucosa that may occur in response to iron deficiency.

Novel Mechanism of Cytotoxicity for the Selective Selenosemicarbazone, 2-Acetylpyridine 4,4-Dimethyl-3-selenosemicarbazone (Ap44mSe): Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization

Selenosemicarbazones show marked antitumor activity. However, their mechanism of action remains unknown. We examined the medicinal chemistry of the selenosemicarbazone, 2-acetylpyridine 4,4-dimethyl-3-selenosemicarbazone (Ap44mSe), and its iron and copper complexes to elucidate its mechanisms of action. Ap44mSe demonstrated a pronounced improvement in selectivity toward neoplastic relative to normal cells compared to its parent thiosemicarbazone. It also effectively depleted cellular Fe, resulting in transferrin receptor-1 up-regulation, ferritin down-regulation, and increased expression of the potent metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1. Significantly, Ap44mSe limited deleterious methemoglobin formation, highlighting its usefulness in overcoming toxicities of clinically relevant thiosemicarbazones. Furthermore, Cu-Ap44mSe mediated intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, which was attenuated by the antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or Cu sequestration. Notably, Ap44mSe forms redox active Cu complexes that target the lysosome to induce lysosomal membrane permeabilization. This investigation highlights novel structure-activity relationships for future chemotherapeutic design and underlines the potential of Ap44mSe as a selective anticancer/antimetastatic agent.

Modulation of iron metabolism by iron chelation regulates intracellular calcium and increases sensitivity to doxorubicin

Increased intracellular iron levels can both promote cell proliferation and death, as such; iron has a "two-sided effect" in the delicate balance of human health. Though the role of iron in the development of cancer remains unclear, investigations of iron chelators as anti-tumor agents have revealed promising results. Here, we investigated the influence of iron and desferrioxamine (DFO), the iron chelating agent on intracellular calcium in a human leukemia cell line, K562. Iron uptake is associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Therefore, we showed that iron also caused dose-dependent ROS generation in K562 cells. The measurement of intracellular calcium was determined using Furo-2 with a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The iron delivery process to the cytoplasmic iron pool was examined by monitoring the fluorescence of cells loaded with calcein-acetoxymethyl. Our data showed that iron increased intracellular calcium, and this response was 8 times higher when cells were incubated with DFO. K562 cells with DFO caused a 3.5 times increase of intracellular calcium in the presence of doxorubicin (DOX). In conclusion, DFO induces intracellular calcium and increases their sensitivity to DOX, a chemotherapeutic agent.

Emerging therapeutic targets of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is linked to high morbidity and mortality. To date, singular approaches to target specific pathways known to contribute to the pathogenesis of SA-AKI have failed. Because of the complexity of the pathogenesis of SA-AKI, a reassessment necessitates integrative approaches to therapeutics of SA-AKI that include general supportive therapies such as the use of vasopressors, fluids, antimicrobials, and target-specific and time-dependent therapeutics. There has been recent progress in our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of SA-AKI including the temporal nature of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. In this review, we discuss the clinical and experimental basis of emerging therapeutic approaches that focus on targeting early proinflammatory and late anti-inflammatory processes, as well as therapeutics that may enhance cellular survival and recovery. Finally, we include ongoing clinical trials in sepsis.

Iron Deprivation May Enhance Insulin Receptor and Glut4 Transcription in Skeletal Muscle of Adult Rats

OBJECTIVES

Considering that phenotype related to iron overload associated with pathological conditions differs from that caused by dietary iron excess, our study set out to evaluate the impact of dietary iron restriction and dietary iron supplementation on oxidative stress and functional outcome in adult, healthy rats.

METHODS

adult rats were divided into the three groups and fed diets containing 10, 35 or 350 mg/kg iron (restricted-diet, control-diet and supplemented- diet groups, respectively) for 78 days. Hematological variables, fasting blood glucose, hepatic enzyme activity and C-reactive protein levels were analyzed. Iron and glycogen concentrations in liver and skeletal muscle were determined. The extent of tissue damage caused by either dietary iron restriction or iron supplementation was accessed by measuring malondialdehyde, carbonyl, NADPH oxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-s-transferase in various tissues. The mRNA expression levels of insulin receptor, glucose transporter 4 and p53 were also determined.

RESULTS

Fasting blood glucose values trended toward a decrease by dietary iron restriction, moreover, hepatic glycogen content decreased with concomitant increases in skeletal muscle. In addition, dietary iron restriction resulted in a twofold increase in mRNA expression of Insr and fourfold increase in Glut4 expression in skeletal muscle. Although the dietary iron restriction did not affect body iron status, it caused hepatic low oxidative damages. However, high liver NADPH oxidase activity and increased levels of protein oxidation in muscle were observed. Chronic feeding of high iron diet induces iron overload and resulted in elevated levels of stress markers in tissues.

CONCLUSION

Dietary iron deprivation may improve insulin receptor and glucose transporter transcription in muscle; however, our results show that dietary iron restriction can prevent and/or promote oxidative damage in a tissue-specific manner, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal iron intake.

Pharmacological Suppression of CNS Scarring by Deferoxamine Reduces Lesion Volume and Increases Regeneration in an In Vitro Model for Astroglial-Fibrotic Scarring and in Rat Spinal Cord Injury In Vivo

Lesion-induced scarring is a major impediment for regeneration of injured axons in the central nervous system (CNS). The collagen-rich glial-fibrous scar contains numerous axon growth inhibitory factors forming a regeneration-barrier for axons. We demonstrated previously that the combination of the iron chelator 2,2’-bipyridine-5,5’-decarboxylic acid (BPY-DCA) and 8-Br-cyclic AMP (cAMP) inhibits scar formation and collagen deposition, leading to enhanced axon regeneration and partial functional recovery after spinal cord injury. While BPY-DCA is not a clinical drug, the clinically approved iron chelator deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) may be a suitable alternative for anti-scarring treatment (AST). In order to prove the scar-suppressing efficacy of DFO we modified a recently published in vitro model for CNS scarring. The model comprises a co-culture system of cerebral astrocytes and meningeal fibroblasts, which form scar-like clusters when stimulated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We studied the mechanisms of TGF-β-induced CNS scarring and compared the efficiency of different putative pharmacological scar-reducing treatments, including BPY-DCA, DFO and cAMP as well as combinations thereof. We observed modulation of TGF-β-induced scarring at the level of fibroblast proliferation and contraction as well as specific changes in the expression of extracellular matrix molecules and axon growth inhibitory proteins. The individual and combinatorial pharmacological treatments had distinct effects on the cellular and molecular aspects of in vitro scarring. DFO could be identified as a putative anti-scarring treatment for CNS trauma. We subsequently validated this by local application of DFO to a dorsal hemisection in the rat thoracic spinal cord. DFO treatment led to significant reduction of scarring, slightly increased regeneration of corticospinal tract as well as ascending CGRP-positive axons and moderately improved locomotion. We conclude that the in vitro model for CNS scarring is suitable for efficient pre-screening and identification of putative scar-suppressing agents prior to in vivo application and validation, thus saving costs, time and laboratory animals.

Up-regulation of Gadd45α after exposure to metal nanoparticles: the role of hypoxia inducible factor 1α

The increased development and use of nanoparticles in various fields may lead to increased exposure, directly affecting human health. Our current knowledge of the health effects of metal nanoparticles such as cobalt and titanium dioxide (Nano-Co and Nano-TiO2 ) is limited but suggests that some metal nanoparticles may cause genotoxic effects including cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis. The growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45α protein (Gadd45α) has been characterized as one of the key players in the cellular responses to a variety of DNA damaging agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration of Gadd45α expression in mouse embryo fibroblasts (PW) exposed to metal nanoparticles and the possible mechanisms. Non-toxic doses of Nano-Co and Nano-TiO2 were selected to treat cells. Our results showed that Nano-Co caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in Gadd45α expression, but Nano-TiO2 did not. To investigate the potential pathways involved in Nano-Co-induced Gadd45α up-regulation, we measured the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in PW cells exposed to Nano-Co and Nano-TiO2 . Our results showed that exposure to Nano-Co caused HIF-1α accumulation in the nucleus. In addition, hypoxia inducible factor 1α knock-out cells [HIF-1α (-/-)] and its wild-type cells [HIF-1α (+/+)] were used. Our results demonstrated that Nano-Co caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in Gadd45α expression in wild-type HIF-1α (+/+) cells, but only a slight increase in HIF-1α (-/-) cells. Pre-treatment of PW cells with heat shock protein 90 inhibitor, 17-(Allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), prior to exposure to Nano-Co significantly abolished Nano-Co-induced Gadd45α expression. These results suggest that HIF-1α accumulation may be partially involved in the increased Gadd45α expression in cells exposed to Nano-Co. These findings may have important implications for understanding the potential health effects of metal nanoparticle exposure.

Synthesis and biological activity evaluation of hydrazone derivatives based on a Tröger's base skeleton

We report the design and synthesis of novel anticancer agents based on bis-hydrazones separated by a rigid Tröger's base skeleton. This novel approach combines a biologically active moiety (hydrazone) with this scaffold (Tröger's base) to construct DNA intercalators. Evaluation of the anticancer activity of these agents using seven cancer cell lines and two healthy cell lines found that several derivatives had potent anticancer activity and excellent selectivity indexes toward cancer cells. The antimicrobial activities were tested on a set of thirteen bacterial stains, but the prepared compounds were not active. Complexation studies using biologically important metal ions demonstrated that these compounds are able to bind Cu(2+), Fe(3+), Co(2+), Ni(2+) and Zn(2+). DNA intercalation studies showed that the compounds themselves do not interact with DNA, but their metallocomplexes do interact, most likely via intercalation into DNA.

Evidence for the Influence of the Iron Regulatory MHC Class I Molecule HFE on Tumor Progression in Experimental Models and Clinical Populations

Proteins involved in iron regulation are modifiers of cancer risk and progression. Of these, the HFE protein (high iron gene and its protein product) is of particular interest because of its interaction with both iron handling and immune function and the high rate of genetic polymorphisms resulting in a mutant protein. Clinical studies suggest that HFE polymorphisms increase the risk of certain cancers, but the inconsistent outcomes suggest a more nuanced effect, possibly interacting with other genetic or environmental factors. Some basic science research has been conducted to begin to understand the implications of variant HFE genotype on cancer, but the story is far from complete. In particular, putative mechanisms exist for HFE to affect tumor progression through its role in iron handling and its major histocompatibility complex class I structural features. In this review, the current understanding of the role of HFE in cancer is described and models for future directions are identified.

Functional implications of K63-linked ubiquitination in the iron deficiency response of Arabidopsis roots

Iron is an essential micronutrient that plays important roles as a redox cofactor in a variety of processes, many of which are related to DNA metabolism. The E2 ubiquitin conjugase UBC13, the only E2 protein that is capable of catalyzing the formation of non-canonical K63-linked ubiquitin chains, has been associated with the DNA damage tolerance pathway in eukaryotes, critical for maintenance of genome stability and integrity. We previously showed that UBC13 and an interacting E3 ubiquitin ligase, RGLG, affect the differentiation of root epidermal cells in Arabidopsis. When grown on iron-free media, Arabidopsis plants develops root hairs that are branched at their base, a response that has been interpreted as an adaption to reduced iron availability. Mutations in UBC13A abolished the branched root hair phenotype. Unexpectedly, mutations in RGLG genes caused constitutive root hair branching. Based on recent results that link endocytotic turnover of plasma membrane-bound PIN transporters to K63-linked ubiquitination, we reinterpreted our results in a context that classifies the root hair phenotype of iron-deficient plants as a consequence of altered auxin distribution. We show here that UBC13A/B and RGLG1/2 are involved in DNA damage repair and hypothesize that UBC13 protein becomes limited under iron-deficient conditions to prioritize DNA metabolism. The data suggest that genes involved in combating detrimental effects on genome stability may represent essential components in the plant's stress response.

"Function-first" lead discovery: mode of action profiling of natural product libraries using image-based screening

Cytological profiling is a high-content image-based screening technology that provides insight into the mode of action (MOA) for test compounds by directly measuring hundreds of phenotypic cellular features. We have extended this recently reported technology to the mechanistic characterization of unknown natural products libraries for the direct prediction of compound MOAs at the primary screening stage. By analyzing a training set of commercial compounds of known mechanism and comparing these profiles to those obtained from natural product library members, we have successfully annotated extracts based on MOA, dereplicated known compounds based on biological similarity to the training set, and identified and predicted the MOA of a unique family of iron siderophores. Coupled with traditional analytical techniques, cytological profiling provides an avenue for the creation of "function-first" approaches to natural products discovery.

Effect of iron deficiency on c-kit⁺ cardiac stem cells in vitro

AIM

Iron deficiency is a common comorbidity in chronic heart failure (CHF) which may exacerbate CHF. The c-kit⁺ cardiac stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in cardiac function repair. However, much is unknown regarding the role of iron deficiency in regulating c-kit⁺ CSCs function. In this study, we investigated whether iron deficiency regulates c-kit⁺ CSCs proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and differentiation in vitro.

METHOD

All c-kit⁺ CSCs were isolated from adult C57BL/6 mice. The c-kit⁺ CSCs were cultured with deferoxamine (DFO, an iron chelator), mimosine (MIM, another iron chelator), or a complex of DFO and iron (Fe(III)), respectively. Cell migration was assayed using a 48-well chamber system. Proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of c-kit⁺ CSCs were analyzed with BrdU labeling, population doubling time assay, CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry. Caspase-3 protein level and activity were examined with Western blotting and spectrophotometric detection. The changes in the expression of cardiac-specific proteins (GATA-4,TNI, and β-MHC) and cell cycle-related proteins (cyclin D1, RB, and pRB) were detected with Western blotting.

RESULT

DFO and MIM suppressed c-kit⁺ CSCs proliferation and differentiation. They also modulated cell cycle and cardiac-specific protein expression. Iron chelators down-regulated the expression and phosphorylation of cell cycle-related proteins. Iron reversed those suppressive effects of DFO. DFO and MIM didn't affect c-kit⁺ CSCs migration and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Iron deficiency suppressed proliferation and differentiation of c-kit⁺ CSCs. This may partly explain how iron deficiency affects CHF prognosis.

Modulation of intracellular iron metabolism by iron chelation affects chromatin remodeling proteins and corresponding epigenetic modifications in breast cancer cells and increases their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents

Iron plays a vital role in the normal functioning of cells via the regulation of essential cellular metabolic reactions, including several DNA and histone-modifying proteins. The metabolic status of iron and the regulation of epigenetic mechanisms are well-balanced and tightly controlled in normal cells; however, in cancer cells these processes are profoundly disturbed. Cancer-related abnormalities in iron metabolism have been corrected through the use of iron-chelating agents, which cause an inhibition of DNA synthesis, G₁-S phase arrest, an inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the activation of apoptosis. In the present study, we show that, in addition to these well-studied molecular mechanisms, the treatment of wild-type TP53 MCF-7 and mutant TP53 MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells with desferrioxamine (DFO), a model iron chelator, causes significant epigenetic alterations at the global and gene-specific levels. Specifically, DFO treatment decreased the protein levels of the histone H3 lysine 9 demethylase, Jumonji domain-containing protein 2A (JMJD2A), in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and down-regulated the levels of the histone H3 lysine 4 demethylase, lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), in the MDA-MB-231 cells. These changes were accompanied by alterations in corresponding metabolically sensitive histone marks. Additionally, we demonstrate that DFO treatment activates apoptotic programs in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells and enhances their sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agents, doxorubicin and cisplatin; however, the mechanisms underlying this activation differ. The induction of apoptosis in wild-type TP53 MCF-7 cells was p53-dependent, triggered mainly by the down-regulation of the JMJD2A histone demethylase, while in mutant TP53 MDA-MB-231 cells, the activation of the p53-independent apoptotic program was driven predominantly by the epigenetic up-regulation of p21.

Iron chelators with topoisomerase-inhibitory activity and their anticancer applications

SIGNIFICANCE

Iron and topoisomerases are abundant and essential cellular components. Iron is required for several key processes such as DNA synthesis, mitochondrial electron transport, synthesis of heme, and as a co-factor for many redox enzymes. Topoisomerases serve as critical enzymes that resolve topological problems during DNA synthesis, transcription, and repair. Neoplastic cells have higher uptake and utilization of iron, as well as elevated levels of topoisomerase family members. Separately, the chelation of iron and the cytotoxic inhibition of topoisomerase have yielded potent anticancer agents.

RECENT ADVANCES

The chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and dexrazoxane both chelate iron and target topoisomerase 2 alpha (top2α). Newer chelators such as di-2-pyridylketone-4,4,-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone and thiosemicarbazone -24 have recently been identified as top2α inhibitors. The growing list of agents that appear to chelate iron and inhibit topoisomerases prompts the question of whether and how these two distinct mechanisms might interplay for a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic outcome.

CRITICAL ISSUES

While iron chelation and topoisomerase inhibition each represent mechanistically advantageous anticancer therapeutic strategies, dual targeting agents present an attractive multi-modal opportunity for enhanced anticancer tumor killing and overcoming drug resistance. The commonalities and caveats of dual inhibition are presented in this review.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Gaps in knowledge, relevant biomarkers, and strategies for future in vivo studies with dual inhibitors are discussed.

N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) is regulated by eukaryotic initiation factor 3a (eIF3a) during cellular stress caused by iron depletion

Iron is critical for cellular proliferation and its depletion leads to a suppression of both DNA synthesis and global translation. These observations suggest that iron depletion may trigger a cellular “stress response”. A canonical response of cells to stress is the formation of stress granules, which are dynamic cytoplasmic aggregates containing stalled pre-initiation complexes that function as mRNA triage centers. By differentially prioritizing mRNA translation, stress granules allow for the continued and selective translation of stress response proteins. Although the multi-subunit eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) is required for translation initiation, its largest subunit, eIF3a, may not be essential for this activity. Instead, eIF3a is a vital constituent of stress granules and appears to act, in part, by differentially regulating specific mRNAs during iron depletion. Considering this, we investigated eIF3a’s role in modulating iron-regulated genes/proteins that are critically involved in proliferation and metastasis. In this study, eIF3a was down-regulated and recruited into stress granules by iron depletion as well as by the classical stress-inducers, hypoxia and tunicamycin. Iron depletion also increased expression of the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), and a known downstream repressed target of eIF3a, namely the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p27^kip1. To determine if eIF3a regulates NDRG1 expression, eIF3a was inducibly over-expressed or ablated. Importantly, eIF3a positively regulated NDRG1 expression and negatively regulated p27^kip1 expression during iron depletion. This activity of eIF3a could be due to its recruitment to stress granules and/or its ability to differentially regulate mRNA translation during cellular stress. Additionally, eIF3a positively regulated proliferation, but negatively regulated cell motility and invasion, which may be due to the eIF3a-dependent changes in expression of NDRG1 and p27^kip1 observed under these conditions.

Novel second-generation di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones show synergism with standard chemotherapeutics and demonstrate potent activity against lung cancer xenografts after oral and intravenous administration in vivo

We developed a series of second-generation di-2-pyridyl ketone thiosemicarbazone (DpT) and 2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (BpT) ligands to improve the efficacy and safety profile of these potential antitumor agents. Two novel DpT analogues, Dp4e4mT and DpC, exhibited pronounced and selective activity against human lung cancer xenografts in vivo via the intravenous and oral routes. Importantly, these analogues did not induce the cardiotoxicity observed at high nonoptimal doses of the first-generation DpT analogue, Dp44mT. The Cu(II) complexes of these ligands exhibited potent antiproliferative activity having redox potentials in a range accessible to biological reductants. The activity of the copper complexes of Dp4e4mT and DpC against lung cancer cells was synergistic in combination with gemcitabine or cisplatin. It was demonstrated by EPR spectroscopy that dimeric copper compounds of the type [CuLCl](2), identified crystallographically, dissociate in solution to give monomeric 1:1 Cu:ligand complexes. These monomers represent the biologically active form of the complex.

Research Spotlight: Iron chelation: deciphering novel molecular targets for cancer therapy. The tip of the iceberg of a web of iron-regulated molecules

The response of cells to cellular iron depletion is complex with multiple molecules and signaling pathways being involved. Indeed, this is far broader than just the effect on the classical target, ribonucleotide reductase. It is likely that a network of interactions exists between the molecular players and that the relationships currently known only represent the ‘tip of an iceberg’ in terms of understanding the response of cells to iron deprivation. This article describes some of the research being undertaken in this area by the Richardson group at the University of Sydney, Australia.