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Merz N, Hartel JC, Grösch S. How ceramides affect the development of colon cancer: from normal colon to carcinoma. Pflugers Arch 2024:10.1007/s00424-024-02960-x. [PMID: 38635059 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02960-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The integrity of the colon and the development of colon cancer depend on the sphingolipid balance in colon epithelial cells. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on how ceramides and their complex derivatives influence normal colon development and colon cancer development. Ceramides, glucosylceramides and sphingomyelin are essential membrane components and, due to their biophysical properties, can influence the activation of membrane proteins, affecting protein-protein interactions and downstream signalling pathways. Here, we review the cellular mechanisms known to be affected by ceramides and their effects on colon development. We also describe which ceramides are deregulated during colorectal carcinogenesis, the molecular mechanisms involved in ceramide deregulation and how this affects carcinogenesis. Finally, we review new methods that are now state of the art for studying lipid-protein interactions in the physiological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Merz
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jennifer Christina Hartel
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sabine Grösch
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
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2
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Espinoza KS, Snider AJ. Therapeutic Potential for Sphingolipids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:789. [PMID: 38398179 PMCID: PMC10887199 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract, increases the risk for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Sphingolipids, which have been implicated in IBD and CRC, are a class of bioactive lipids that regulate cell signaling, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, and survival. The balance between ceramide (Cer), the central sphingolipid involved in apoptosis and differentiation, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a potent signaling molecule involved in proliferation and inflammation, is vital for the maintenance of normal cellular function. Altered sphingolipid metabolism has been implicated in IBD and CRC, with many studies highlighting the importance of S1P in inflammatory signaling and pro-survival pathways. A myriad of sphingolipid analogues, inhibitors, and modulators have been developed to target the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. In this review, the efficacy and therapeutic potential for modulation of sphingolipid metabolism in IBD and CRC will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keila S. Espinoza
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Ashley J. Snider
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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3
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Wang QH, Wu RX, Ji JN, Zhang J, Niu SF, Tang BG, Miao BB, Liang ZB. Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveal Changes in Cell Homeostasis and Energy Metabolism in Trachinotus ovatus in Response to Acute Hypoxic Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1054. [PMID: 38256129 PMCID: PMC10815975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Trachinotus ovatus is an economically important mariculture fish, and hypoxia has become a critical threat to this hypoxia-sensitive species. However, the molecular adaptation mechanism of T. ovatus liver to hypoxia remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of acute hypoxic stress (1.5 ± 0.1 mg·L-1 for 6 h) and re-oxygenation (5.8 ± 0.3 mg·L-1 for 12 h) in T. ovatus liver at both the transcriptomic and metabolic levels to elucidate hypoxia adaptation mechanism. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses identified 36 genes and seven metabolites as key molecules that were highly related to signal transduction, cell growth and death, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism, and all played key roles in hypoxia adaptation. Of these, the hub genes FOS and JUN were pivotal hypoxia adaptation biomarkers for regulating cell growth and death. During hypoxia, up-regulation of GADD45B and CDKN1A genes induced cell cycle arrest. Enhancing intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in combination with glutathione metabolism triggered apoptosis; meanwhile, anti-apoptosis mechanism was activated after hypoxia. Expression of genes related to glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, amino acid metabolism, fat mobilization, and fatty acid biosynthesis were up-regulated after acute hypoxic stress, promoting energy supply. After re-oxygenation for 12 h, continuous apoptosis favored cellular function and tissue repair. Shifting from anaerobic metabolism (glycolysis) during hypoxia to aerobic metabolism (fatty acid β-oxidation and TCA cycle) after re-oxygenation was an important energy metabolism adaptation mechanism. Hypoxia 6 h was a critical period for metabolism alteration and cellular homeostasis, and re-oxygenation intervention should be implemented in a timely way. This study thoroughly examined the molecular response mechanism of T. ovatus under acute hypoxic stress, which contributes to the molecular breeding of hypoxia-tolerant cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hua Wang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Q.-H.W.); (R.-X.W.); (J.-N.J.); (J.Z.); (B.-G.T.); (B.-B.M.); (Z.-B.L.)
| | - Ren-Xie Wu
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Q.-H.W.); (R.-X.W.); (J.-N.J.); (J.Z.); (B.-G.T.); (B.-B.M.); (Z.-B.L.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524025, China
| | - Jiao-Na Ji
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Q.-H.W.); (R.-X.W.); (J.-N.J.); (J.Z.); (B.-G.T.); (B.-B.M.); (Z.-B.L.)
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Q.-H.W.); (R.-X.W.); (J.-N.J.); (J.Z.); (B.-G.T.); (B.-B.M.); (Z.-B.L.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524025, China
| | - Su-Fang Niu
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Q.-H.W.); (R.-X.W.); (J.-N.J.); (J.Z.); (B.-G.T.); (B.-B.M.); (Z.-B.L.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524025, China
| | - Bao-Gui Tang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Q.-H.W.); (R.-X.W.); (J.-N.J.); (J.Z.); (B.-G.T.); (B.-B.M.); (Z.-B.L.)
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524025, China
| | - Ben-Ben Miao
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Q.-H.W.); (R.-X.W.); (J.-N.J.); (J.Z.); (B.-G.T.); (B.-B.M.); (Z.-B.L.)
| | - Zhen-Bang Liang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Q.-H.W.); (R.-X.W.); (J.-N.J.); (J.Z.); (B.-G.T.); (B.-B.M.); (Z.-B.L.)
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4
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Shi M, Tang C, Wu JX, Ji BW, Gong BM, Wu XH, Wang X. Mass Spectrometry Detects Sphingolipid Metabolites for Discovery of New Strategy for Cancer Therapy from the Aspect of Programmed Cell Death. Metabolites 2023; 13:867. [PMID: 37512574 PMCID: PMC10384871 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids, a type of bioactive lipid, play crucial roles within cells, serving as integral components of membranes and exhibiting strong signaling properties that have potential therapeutic implications in anti-cancer treatments. However, due to the diverse group of lipids and intricate mechanisms, sphingolipids still face challenges in enhancing the efficacy of different therapy approaches. In recent decades, mass spectrometry has made significant advancements in uncovering sphingolipid biomarkers and elucidating their impact on cancer development, progression, and resistance. Primary sphingolipids, such as ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate, exhibit contrasting roles in regulating cancer cell death and survival. The evasion of cell death is a characteristic hallmark of cancer cells, leading to treatment failure and a poor prognosis. The escape initiates with long-established apoptosis and extends to other programmed cell death (PCD) forms when patients experience chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or immunotherapy. Gradually, supportive evidence has uncovered the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying various forms of PCD leading to the development of innovative molecular, genetic, and pharmacological tools that specifically target sphingolipid signaling nodes. In this study, we provide a comprehensive overview of the sphingolipid biomarkers revealed through mass spectrometry in recent decades, as well as an in-depth analysis of the six main forms of PCD (apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis) in aspects of tumorigenesis, metastasis, and tumor response to treatments. We review the corresponding small-molecule compounds associated with these processes and their potential implications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Chao Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jia-Xing Wu
- SINO-SWISS Institute of Advanced Technology, School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Bao-Wei Ji
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bao-Ming Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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5
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Zhang M, Li Z, Liu Y, Ding X, Wang Y, Fan S. The ceramide synthase (CERS/LASS) family: Functions involved in cancer progression. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023:10.1007/s13402-023-00798-6. [PMID: 36947340 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00798-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ceramide synthases (CERSes) are also known longevity assurance (LASS) genes. CERSes play important roles in the regulation of cancer progression. The CERS family is expressed in a variety of human tumours and is involved in tumorigenesis. They are closely associated with the progression of liver, breast, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, head and neck squamous cell, gastric, lung, prostate, oesophageal, pancreatic and blood cancers. CERSes play diverse and important roles in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and drug resistance. The differential expression of CERSes in tumour and nontumour cells and survival analysis of cancer patients suggest that some CERSes could be used as potential prognostic markers. They are also important potential targets for cancer therapy. METHODS In this review, we summarize the available evidence on the inhibitory or promotive roles of CERSes in the progression of many cancers. Furthermore, we summarize the identified upstream and downstream molecular mechanisms that may regulate the function of CERSes in cancer settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Zhangyun Li
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Xiao Ding
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China.
| | - Shaohua Fan
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China.
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Rahimi S, Angaji SA, Majd A, Hatami B, Baghaei K. Evaluating the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on the progression of NASH disease by inhibiting ceramide synthesis and ER stress-related pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 942:175536. [PMID: 36693552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with intrahepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and hepatocyte death. Several studies have indicated that high-fat diets increase ceramide synthases-6 (CerS-6) expression and a concomitant elevation of C16-ceramides, which can modulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and further contribute to the progression of NASH. Ceramide levels have reportedly been impacted by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in various diseases. This study looked into the role of bFGF on CerS6/C16-ceramide and ER stress-related pathways in a mouse model of NASH. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a western diet (WD) combined with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for eight weeks. Next, bFGF was injected into the NASH mice for seven days of continuous treatment. The effects of bFGF on NASH endpoints (including steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis), ceramide levels and ER-stress-induced inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis were evaluated. Treatment with bFGF significantly reduced CerS-6/C16-ceramide. Further, the inflammatory condition was alleviated with reduction of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene expression. ROS level was also reduced. ER stress-related cell death diminished by reducing C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) mRNA expression and caspase 3 activity. Furthermore, activation of the hepatic stellate cells was inhibited in the bFGF-treated mice by lowering the amount of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) at the mRNA and protein level. According to our findings, CerS-6/C16-ceramide alteration impacts ER stress-mediated inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The bFGF treatment effectively attenuated the development of NASH by downregulating CerS-6/C16-ceramide and subsequent ER stress-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Rahimi
- Department of Genetic, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, 1651153311, Iran
| | - Seyyed Abdolhamid Angaji
- Department of Genetic, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, 1651153311, Iran; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, 1571914911, Iran
| | - Ahmad Majd
- Department of Biology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, 1651153311, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran; Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran.
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7
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Wang X, Qiu Z, Dong W, Yang Z, Wang J, Xu H, Sun T, Huang Z, Jin J. S1PR1 induces metabolic reprogramming of ceramide in vascular endothelial cells, affecting hepatocellular carcinoma angiogenesis and progression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:768. [PMID: 36068200 PMCID: PMC9448762 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a fundamental process underlying the occurrence, growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a prevalent tumour type with an extremely poor prognosis due to abundant vasculature. However, the underlying mechanism of angiogenesis in HCC remains largely unknown. Herein, we found that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) plays an important role in HCC angiogenesis. S1PR1 was found to be selectively and highly expressed in the blood vessels of HCC tissues compared with those of paratumour tissues. Functionally, high expression of S1PR1 in endothelial cells (ECs) promoted angiogenesis and progression of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, proangiogenic factors (S1P, IL-6, VEGFA) in conditioned medium from HCC cells induced the upregulation of S1PR1 in ECs via the phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705. Further study also revealed that S1PR1 promotes angiogenesis by decreasing ceramide levels via CerS3 downregulation. Interestingly, we demonstrated that S1PR1 downregulates CerS3 by inducing CerS6 translocation into the nucleus to inhibit CerS3 at the transcriptional level in ECs. In addition, we found that a high concentration of Lenvatinib significantly downregulated the expression of S1PR1 and obviously enhanced S1PR1 knockdown-mediated angiogenesis inhibition, indicating that S1PR1 may be a target by which Lenvatinib combats angiogenesis in HCC. Thus, S1PR1 may be an important target for suppressing angiogenesis in HCC, and inhibiting S1PR1 is a promising approach to antitumor therapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehong Wang
- grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, Hunan China ,grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548China‒USA Lipids in Health and Disease Research Center, Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China
| | - Zhidong Qiu
- grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, Hunan China ,grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548China‒USA Lipids in Health and Disease Research Center, Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,Department of General Surgery, Yantian District People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, 518081 Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Dong
- grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, Hunan China ,grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548China‒USA Lipids in Health and Disease Research Center, Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China
| | - Zebin Yang
- grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548China‒USA Lipids in Health and Disease Research Center, Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China
| | - Junnan Wang
- grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548China‒USA Lipids in Health and Disease Research Center, Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China
| | - Hailiang Xu
- grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548China‒USA Lipids in Health and Disease Research Center, Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China
| | - Tian Sun
- grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548China‒USA Lipids in Health and Disease Research Center, Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China
| | - Zhaoquan Huang
- grid.412594.f0000 0004 1757 2961Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 530000 Nanning, Guangxi China ,grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Department of Pathology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China
| | - Junfei Jin
- grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine in Liver Injury and Repair, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.452806.d0000 0004 1758 1729Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China ,grid.443385.d0000 0004 1798 9548China‒USA Lipids in Health and Disease Research Center, Guilin Medical University, 541001 Guilin, Guangxi China
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Sphingolipid Metabolism and Signaling in Lung Cancer: A Potential Therapeutic Target. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:9099612. [PMID: 35799611 PMCID: PMC9256431 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9099612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids are important bioactive lipids that not only play an important role in maintaining the barrier function and fluidity of cell membranes but also regulate multiple processes in cancer development by controlling multiple signaling pathways in the signal transduction network. Dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism is thought to be one of the most important dysregulated pathways in lung cancer, the most prevalent type of cancer in terms of incidence and mortality worldwide. This article focuses on lung cancer, reviewing the important lipids in sphingolipid metabolism and the related enzymes in relation to lung cancer progression and their effects on the tumor microenvironment and discussing their roles in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
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9
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Xing J, Yi J. Comprehensive analysis of LASS6 expression and prognostic value in ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:117. [PMID: 34488809 PMCID: PMC8422657 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ceramide plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumor. The synthesis of ceramide needs the participation of LASS. Current studies have shown that different LASS family members play different functions in tumors, especially LASS6, has been proved to play a key role in breast cancer, gastric cancer, melanoma and so on, but the research on ovarian cancer is very limited. METHODS Bioinformatics web resources, including Oncomine, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and TIMER were used to analyze the expression profile, prognostic value and immune infiltration of LASS6. The related genes of LASS6 in ovarian cancer were mined by Regulome Explorer and LinkedOmics database, and cluster analysis was done by DAVID. The PPI network involving LASS6 was constructed by STRING database. Finally, the correlation between 10 genes and LASS6 was analyzed by GEPIA database, and their prognostic value in ovarian cancer was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotter. RESULTS The expression of LASS6 was up-regulated in ovarian cancer, which was related to the progression and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. Through GO/KEGG cluster analysis, we also found that LASS6 may affect calcium ion channel and its transport pathways. The analysis of regulatory network involved in LASS6 showed that the high mRNAs of 7 key genes were associated with poor prognosis of OS in patients with ovarian cancer, among which DEGS1 was the most significant. CONCLUSIONS LASS6 may play an important role in the regulation of calcium pathway and become a new therapeutic target and potential prognostic marker in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshan Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Jingyan Yi
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.
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10
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Robida PA, Chumanevich AP, Gandy AO, Fuseler JW, Nagarkatti P, Nagarkatti M, Oskeritzian CA. Skin Mast Cell-Driven Ceramides Drive Early Apoptosis in Pre-Symptomatic Eczema in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7851. [PMID: 34360617 PMCID: PMC8346072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD or eczema) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorder worldwide. Ceramides (Cer) maintain skin barrier functions, which are disrupted in lesional skin of AD patients. However, Cer status during the pre-lesional phase of AD is not well defined. Using a variation of human AD-like preclinical model consisting of a 7-day topical exposure to ovalbumin (OVA), or control, we observed elevation of Cer C16 and C24. Skin mRNA quantification of enzymes involved in Cer metabolism [Cer synthases (CerS) and ceramidases (Asah1/Asah2)], which revealed augmented CerS 4, 5 and 6 and Asah1. Given the overall pro-apoptotic nature of Cer, local apoptosis was assessed, then quantified using novel morphometric measurements of cleaved caspase (Casp)-3-restricted immunofluorescence signal in skin samples. Apoptosis was induced in response to OVA. Because apoptosis may occur downstream of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, we measured markers of ER stress-induced apoptosis and found elevated skin-associated CHOP protein upon OVA treatment. We previously substantiated the importance of mast cells (MC) in initiating early skin inflammation. OVA-induced Cer increase and local apoptosis were prevented in MC-deficient mice; however, they were restored following MC reconstitution. We propose that the MC/Cer axis is an essential pathogenic feature of pre-lesional AD, whose targeting may prevent disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carole A. Oskeritzian
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (P.A.R.); (A.P.C.); (A.O.G.); (J.W.F.); (P.N.); (M.N.)
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11
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Moraes JGN, Behura SK, Geary TW, Spencer TE. Analysis of the uterine lumen in fertility-classified heifers: I. Glucose, prostaglandins, and lipids†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:456-474. [PMID: 31616913 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival and growth of the bovine conceptus (embryo and associated extraembryonic membranes) are dependent on endometrial secretions or histotroph found in the uterine lumen. Previously, serial embryo transfer was used to classify heifers as high fertile (HF), subfertile (SF), or infertile (IF). Here, we investigated specific histotroph components [glucose, prostaglandins (PGs), and lipids] in the uterine lumen of day 17 pregnant and open fertility-classified heifers. Concentrations of glucose in the uterine lumen were increased by pregnancy but did not differ among fertility-classified heifers. Differences in expression of genes encoding glucose transporters and involved with glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were observed between conceptuses collected from HF and SF heifers. In the uterine lumen, PGE2 and PGF2α were increased by pregnancy, and HF heifers had higher concentrations of PGE2, PGF2α, and 6-keto-PFG1α than SF heifers. Differences were found in expression of genes regulating PG signaling, arachidonic acid metabolism, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling among conceptuses and endometrium from fertility-classified heifers. Lipidomics was conducted exclusively in samples from HF heifers, and phosphatidylcholine was the main lipid class that increased in the uterine lumen by pregnancy. Expression of several lipid metabolism genes differed between HF and SF conceptuses, and a number of fatty acids were differentially abundant in the uterine lumen of pregnant HF and SF heifers. These results support the ideas that uterine luminal histotroph impacts conceptus survival and programs its development and is a facet of dysregulated conceptus-endometrial interactions that result in loss of the conceptus in SF cattle during the implantation period of pregnancy establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao G N Moraes
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Thomas W Geary
- USDA-ARS, Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, Montana, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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12
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Ceramide Synthase 6 Maximizes p53 Function to Prevent Progeny Formation from Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092212. [PMID: 34062962 PMCID: PMC8125704 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary One mechanism that contributes to cancer recurrence is the ability of some malignant cells to temporarily halt cell division and accumulate multiple nuclei that are later released as progeny, which resume cell division. The release of progeny occurs via primitive cleavage and is highly dependent on the sphingolipid enzyme acid ceramidase but the role of sphingolipid metabolism in this process remains to be elucidated. This study highlights differences in sphingolipid metabolism between non-polyploid and polyploid cancer cells and shows that ceramide synthase 6, which preferentially generates C16-ceramide maximizes the ability of the tumor suppressor p53 to inhibit progeny formation in polyploid cancer cells. These results offer an explanation as to why non-cancerous polyploid cells, which express wildtype p53, do not generate progeny and suggest that cancer cells with deregulated p53 function pose a higher risk of evading therapy especially if enzymes that generate C16-ceramide are also dysregulated. Abstract Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCC) constitute a transiently senescent subpopulation of cancer cells that arises in response to stress. PGCC are capable of generating progeny via a primitive, cleavage-like cell division that is dependent on the sphingolipid enzyme acid ceramidase (ASAH1). The goal of this study was to understand differences in sphingolipid metabolism between non-polyploid and polyploid cancer cells to gain an understanding of the ASAH1-dependence in the PGCC population. Steady-state and flux analysis of sphingolipids did not support our initial hypothesis that the ASAH1 product sphingosine is rapidly converted into the pro-survival lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate. Instead, our results suggest that ASAH1 activity is important for preventing the accumulation of long chain ceramides such as C16-ceramide. We therefore determined how modulation of C16-ceramide, either through CerS6 or p53, a known PGCC suppressor and enhancer of CerS6-derived C16-ceramide, affected PGCC progeny formation. Co-expression of the CerS6 and p53 abrogated the ability of PGCC to form offspring, suggesting that the two genes form a positive feedback loop. CerS6 enhanced the effect of p53 by significantly increasing protein half-life. Our results support the idea that sphingolipid metabolism is of functional importance in PGCC and that targeting this signaling pathway has potential for clinical intervention.
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Vethakanraj HS, Chandrasekaran N, Sekar AK. Acid ceramidase, a double-edged sword in cancer aggression: A minireview. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 21:CCDT-EPUB-112652. [PMID: 33357194 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666201223154621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acid ceramidase (AC), the key enzyme of the ceramide metabolic pathway hydrolyzes pro-apoptotic ceramide to sphingosine, which by the action of sphingosine-1-kinase is metabolized to mitogenic sphingosine-1-phosphate. The intracellular level of AC determines ceramide/sphingosine-1-phosphate rheostat which in turn decides the cell fate. The upregulated AC expression during cancerous condition acts as a "double-edged sword" by converting pro-apoptotic ceramide to anti-apoptotic sphingosine-1-phosphate, wherein on one end, the level of ceramide is decreased and on the other end, the level of sphingosine-1-phosphate is increased, thus altogether aggravating the cancer progression. In addition, cancer cells with upregulated AC expression exhibited increased cell proliferation, metastasis, chemoresistance, radioresistance and numerous strategies were developed in the past to effectively target the enzyme. Gene silencing and pharmacological inhibition of AC sensitized the resistant cells to chemo/radiotherapy thereby promoting cell death. The core objective of this review is to explore AC mediated tumour progression and the potential role of AC inhibitors in various cancer cell lines/models.
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14
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Duarte C, Akkaoui J, Yamada C, Ho A, Mao C, Movila A. Elusive Roles of the Different Ceramidases in Human Health, Pathophysiology, and Tissue Regeneration. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061379. [PMID: 32498325 PMCID: PMC7349419 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceramide and sphingosine are important interconvertible sphingolipid metabolites which govern various signaling pathways related to different aspects of cell survival and senescence. The conversion of ceramide into sphingosine is mediated by ceramidases. Altogether, five human ceramidases—named acid ceramidase, neutral ceramidase, alkaline ceramidase 1, alkaline ceramidase 2, and alkaline ceramidase 3—have been identified as having maximal activities in acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments, respectively. All five ceramidases have received increased attention for their implications in various diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Farber disease. Furthermore, the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of ceramidases in host cells exposed to pathogenic bacteria and viruses have also been demonstrated. While ceramidases have been a subject of study in recent decades, our knowledge of their pathophysiology remains limited. Thus, this review provides a critical evaluation and interpretive analysis of existing literature on the role of acid, neutral, and alkaline ceramidases in relation to human health and various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. In addition, the essential impact of ceramidases on tissue regeneration, as well as their usefulness in enzyme replacement therapy, is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Duarte
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324, USA; (J.A.); (C.Y.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence: (C.D.); (A.M.); Tel.: +1-954-262-7306 (A.M.)
| | - Juliet Akkaoui
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324, USA; (J.A.); (C.Y.); (A.H.)
| | - Chiaki Yamada
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324, USA; (J.A.); (C.Y.); (A.H.)
| | - Anny Ho
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324, USA; (J.A.); (C.Y.); (A.H.)
| | - Cungui Mao
- Department of Medicine, The State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
- Cancer Center, The State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Alexandru Movila
- Department of Periodontology, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324, USA; (J.A.); (C.Y.); (A.H.)
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324, USA
- Correspondence: (C.D.); (A.M.); Tel.: +1-954-262-7306 (A.M.)
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15
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Yaribeygi H, Bo S, Ruscica M, Sahebkar A. Ceramides and diabetes mellitus: an update on the potential molecular relationships. Diabet Med 2020; 37:11-19. [PMID: 30803019 DOI: 10.1111/dme.13943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that ceramides can play an important pathophysiological role in the development of diabetes. Ceramides are primarily recognized as lipid bilayer building blocks, but recent work has shown that these endogenous molecules are important intracellular signalling mediators and may exert some diabetogenic effects via molecular pathways involved in insulin resistance, β-cell apoptosis and inflammation. In the present review, we consider the available evidence on the possible roles of ceramides in diabetes mellitus and introduce eight different molecular mechanisms mediating the diabetogenic action of ceramides, categorized into those predominantly related to insulin resistance vs those mainly implicated in β-cell dysfunction. Specifically, the mechanistic evidence involves β-cell apoptosis, pancreatic inflammation, mitochondrial stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, adipokine release, insulin receptor substrate 1 phosphorylation, oxidative stress and insulin synthesis. Collectively, the evidence suggests that therapeutic agents aimed at reducing ceramide synthesis and lowering circulating levels may be beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes and its related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Yaribeygi
- Chronic Kidney Disease Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Bo
- Department of Medical Sciences, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - M Ruscica
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Sahebkar
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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16
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Abstract
Mechanistic details for the roles of sphingolipids and their downstream targets in the regulation of tumor growth, response to chemo/radiotherapy, and metastasis have been investigated in recent studies using innovative molecular, genetic and pharmacologic tools in various cancer models. Induction of ceramide generation in response to cellular stress by chemotherapy, radiation, or exogenous ceramide analog drugs mediates cell death via apoptosis, necroptosis, or mitophagy. In this chapter, distinct functions and mechanisms of action of endogenous ceramides with different fatty acyl chain lengths in the regulation of cancer cell death versus survival will be discussed. In addition, importance of ceramide subcellular localization, trafficking, and lipid-protein binding between ceramide and various target proteins in cancer cells will be reviewed. Moreover, clinical trials from structure-function-based studies to restore antiproliferative ceramide signaling by activating ceramide synthesis will also be analyzed. Future studies are important to understand the mechanistic involvement of ceramide-mediated cell death in anticancer therapy, including immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Nganga
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Natalia Oleinik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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17
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White-Gilbertson S, Lu P, Norris JS, Voelkel-Johnson C. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of acid ceramidase prevents asymmetric cell division by neosis. J Lipid Res 2019; 60:1225-1235. [PMID: 30988134 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m092247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation treatment failure or relapse after initial response to chemotherapy presents significant clinical challenges in cancer patients. Escape from initial courses of treatment can involve reactivation of embryonic developmental stages, with the formation of polynuclear giant cancer cells (PGCCs). This strategy of dedifferentiation can insulate cancer cells from a variety of treatments and allows a residual subpopulation to reestablish tumors after treatment. Using radiation or docetaxel chemotherapy, we generated PGCCs from prostate cancer cells. Here, we show that expression of acid ceramidase (ASAH1), an enzyme in the sphingolipid pathway linked to therapy resistance and poor outcomes, is elevated in PGCCs. Targeting ASAH1 with shRNA or treatment with the ASAH1 inhibitor, LCL-521, did not impair the formation of PGCCs, but prevented the formation of PGCC progeny that arise through an asymmetric cell division called neosis. Similar results were obtained in lung cancer cells that had been exposed to radiation or cisplatin chemotherapy as stressors. In summary, our data suggest that endoreplication occurs independent of ASAH1 while neosis is ASAH1-dependent in both prostate and lung cancer cells. Because ASAH1 knockout is embryonic lethal but not deleterious to adult animals, targeting this enzyme has the potential to be highly specific to cells undergoing the dedifferentiation process to escape cancer treatments. Pharmacological inhibition of ASAH1 is a potentially powerful strategy to eliminate cells that could otherwise serve as seed populations for recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai White-Gilbertson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - James S Norris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
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18
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Lu P, White-Gilbertson S, Nganga R, Kester M, Voelkel-Johnson C. Expression of the SNAI2 transcriptional repressor is regulated by C 16-ceramide. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:922-930. [PMID: 30836822 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1579962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) is an enzyme that preferentially generates pro-apoptotic C16-ceramide in the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. Reduced expression of CerS6 has been associated with apoptosis resistance and recent studies point to a role for CerS6 in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Because cells that undergo EMT are also more resistant to apoptosis, we hypothesized that reduced expression of CerS6 could induce changes that are associated with EMT. We found that shRNA-mediated knockdown of CerS6 increases expression of the EMT transcription factor SNAI2 but not SNAI1 or TWIST. Treatment with C6-ceramide nanoliposomes (CNL) resulted in a preferential increase in C16-ceramide and suppressed SNAI2 transcriptional activation and protein expression. The increase in C16-ceramide following CNL treatment was dependent on CerS activity and occurred even when CerS6 shRNA was expressed. shRNA against CerS5, which like CerS6 preferentially generates C16-ceramide, also decreased transcriptional activation of SNAI2, suggesting a role for C16-ceramide rather than a specific enzyme in the regulation of this transcription factor. While loss of CerS6 has been associated with apoptosis resistance, we found that cells lacking this protein are more susceptible to the effects CNL. In summary, our study identifies SNAI2 as a novel target whose expression can be influenced by C16-ceramide levels. The potential of CNL to suppress SNAI2 expression has important clinical implications, since elevated expression of this transcription factor has been associated with an aggressive phenotype or poor outcomes in several types of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Shai White-Gilbertson
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Rose Nganga
- b Hollings Cancer Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,c Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Mark Kester
- d Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
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19
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Acid ceramidase, an emerging target for anti-cancer and anti-angiogenesis. Arch Pharm Res 2019; 42:232-243. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-019-01114-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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20
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Voelkel-Johnson C, Norris JS, White-Gilbertson S. Interdiction of Sphingolipid Metabolism Revisited: Focus on Prostate Cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2018; 140:265-293. [PMID: 30060812 PMCID: PMC6460930 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipid metabolism is known to play a role in cell death, survival, and therapy resistance in cancer. Sphingolipids, particularly dihydroceramide and ceramide, are associated with antiproliferative or cell death responses, respectively, and are central to effective cancer therapy. Within the last decade, strides have been made in elucidating many intricacies of sphingolipid metabolism. New information has emerged on the mechanisms by which sphingolipid metabolism is dysregulated during malignancy and how cancer cells survive and/or escape therapeutic interventions. This chapter focuses on three main themes: (1) sphingolipid enzymes that are dysregulated in cancer, particularly in prostate cancer; (2) inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism that antagonize prosurvival responses; and (3) sphingolipid-driven escape mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade therapies. We explore clinical and preclinical approaches to interdict sphingolipid metabolism and provide a rationale for combining strategies to drive the generation of antiproliferative ceramides with prevention of ceramide clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - James S. Norris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Shai White-Gilbertson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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21
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Molecular Targeting of Acid Ceramidase in Glioblastoma: A Review of Its Role, Potential Treatment, and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2018; 10:pharmaceutics10020045. [PMID: 29642535 PMCID: PMC6027516 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10020045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common, malignant primary tumor of the central nervous system. The average prognosis for life expectancy after diagnosis, with the triad of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, is less than 1.5 years. Chemotherapy treatment is mostly limited to temozolomide. In this paper, the authors review an emerging, novel drug called acid ceramidase, which targets glioblastoma. Its role in cancer treatment in general, and more specifically, in the treatment of glioblastoma, are discussed. In addition, the authors provide insights on acid ceramidase as a potential druggable target for glioblastoma.
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22
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Helke K, Angel P, Lu P, Garrett-Mayer E, Ogretmen B, Drake R, Voelkel-Johnson C. Ceramide Synthase 6 Deficiency Enhances Inflammation in the DSS model of Colitis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1627. [PMID: 29374263 PMCID: PMC5786068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20102-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colitis, an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract, is increasing in incidence and prevalence. Intestinal inflammation can occur as a consequence of dysfunctions in sphingolipid metabolism. In this study we used ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) deficient mice, which have a reduced ability to generate long chain C16-ceramide, to investigate the role of this enzyme in dextran sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis. While CerS6-deficient mice are protected from T cell mediated colitis, in the T cell independent DSS model lack of CerS6 resulted in a more rapid onset of disease symptoms. CerS6-deficient mice maintained low levels of C16-ceramide after DSS treatment, but the inflammatory lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate was significantly increased in colon tissue. In the absence of CerS6, DSS induced more severe pathology in the colon including enhanced neutrophil infiltration. In vivo analysis of myeloperoxidase activity, an enzyme released from neutrophils, was approximately 2.5-fold higher in CerS6-deficient mice compared to wild type. Differences in intestinal permeability did not account for the increase in neutrophils. Our study suggests that lack of CerS6 expression differentially impacts the development of colitis, depending on the model used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi Helke
- Departments of Comparative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Peggi Angel
- Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ping Lu
- Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Besim Ogretmen
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Richard Drake
- Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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23
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Schwartz NU, Linzer RW, Truman JP, Gurevich M, Hannun YA, Senkal CE, Obeid LM. Decreased ceramide underlies mitochondrial dysfunction in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2F. FASEB J 2018; 32:1716-1728. [PMID: 29133339 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701067r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most commonly inherited neurologic disorder, but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. One variant of CMT, 2F, is characterized by mutations in heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27). As bioactive sphingolipids have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, we sought to determine if their dysregulation is involved in CMT. Here, we show that Hsp27 knockout mice demonstrated decreases in ceramide in peripheral nerve tissue and that the disease-associated Hsp27 S135F mutant demonstrated decreases in mitochondrial ceramide. Given that Hsp27 is a chaperone protein, we examined its role in regulating ceramide synthases (CerSs), an enzyme family responsible for catalyzing generation of the sphingolipid ceramide. We determined that CerSs colocalized with Hsp27, and upon the presence of S135F mutants, CerS1 lost its colocalization with mitochondria suggesting that decreased mitochondrial ceramides result from reduced mitochondrial CerS localization rather than decreased CerS activity. Mitochondria in mutant cells appeared larger with increased interconnectivity. Furthermore, mutant cell lines demonstrated decreased mitochondrial respiratory function and increased autophagic flux. Mitochondrial structural and functional changes were recapitulated by blocking ceramide generation pharmacologically. These results suggest that mutant Hsp27 decreases mitochondrial ceramide levels, producing structural and functional changes in mitochondria leading to neuronal degeneration.-Schwartz, N. U., Linzer, R. W., Truman, J.-P., Gurevich, M., Hannun, Y. A., Senkal, C. E., Obeid, L. M. Decreased ceramide underlies mitochondrial dysfunction in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas U Schwartz
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Ryan W Linzer
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Jean-Philip Truman
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Mikhail Gurevich
- Department of Pharmacology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA; and
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Can E Senkal
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Lina M Obeid
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA.,Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
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24
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Abstract
Sphingolipids, including the two central bioactive lipids ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), have opposing roles in regulating cancer cell death and survival, respectively, and there have been exciting developments in understanding how sphingolipid metabolism and signalling regulate these processes in response to anticancer therapy. Recent studies have provided mechanistic details of the roles of sphingolipids and their downstream targets in the regulation of tumour growth and response to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or immunotherapy using innovative molecular, genetic and pharmacological tools to target sphingolipid signalling nodes in cancer cells. For example, structure-function-based studies have provided innovative opportunities to develop mechanism-based anticancer therapeutic strategies to restore anti-proliferative ceramide signalling and/or inhibit pro-survival S1P-S1P receptor (S1PR) signalling. This Review summarizes how ceramide-induced cellular stress mediates cancer cell death through various mechanisms involving the induction of apoptosis, necroptosis and/or mitophagy. Moreover, the metabolism of ceramide for S1P biosynthesis, which is mediated by sphingosine kinase 1 and 2, and its role in influencing cancer cell growth, drug resistance and tumour metastasis through S1PR-dependent or receptor-independent signalling are highlighted. Finally, studies targeting enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism and/or signalling and their clinical implications for improving cancer therapeutics are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, MSC 957, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA
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25
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Adoptive Transfer of Ceramide Synthase 6 Deficient Splenocytes Reduces the Development of Colitis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15552. [PMID: 29138469 PMCID: PMC5686186 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids regulate critical cellular processes including inflammation. Ceramide, which serves a central role in sphingolipid metabolism, is generated by six ceramide synthases (CerS) that differ in substrate specificity. CerS6 preferentially generates C16-ceramide and its mRNA is highly expressed in immune tissues. In this study we analyzed how deficiency of CerS6 impacts on the development of colitis using an adoptive transfer model. Adoptive transfer of CerS6-deficient splenocytes, which have significantly decreased levels of C16-ceramide, showed that CerS6-deficiency protected against the development of colitis. However, adoptively transferred cells isolated from the lamina propria of the large intestine from wild type or CerS6-deficient groups showed no differences in the percentages of immune-suppressive regulatory T cells, pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, or their ability to express IL-17. In vitro polarization of wild type or CerS6-deficient splenocytes also revealed no defects in the development of T cell subsets. Our data suggest that protection from colitis following adoptive transfer of CerS6-deficient splenocytes maybe related to their ability to migrate and proliferate in vivo rather than subset development or cytokine expression.
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26
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Mendelson K, Pandey S, Hisano Y, Carellini F, Das BC, Hla T, Evans T. The ceramide synthase 2b gene mediates genomic sensing and regulation of sphingosine levels during zebrafish embryogenesis. eLife 2017; 6:21992. [PMID: 28956531 PMCID: PMC5650468 DOI: 10.7554/elife.21992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is generated through phosphorylation of sphingosine by sphingosine kinases (Sphk1 and Sphk2). We show that sphk2 maternal-zygotic mutant zebrafish embryos (sphk2MZ) display early developmental phenotypes, including a delay in epiboly, depleted S1P levels, elevated levels of sphingosine, and resistance to sphingosine toxicity. The sphk2MZ embryos also have strikingly increased levels of maternal transcripts encoding ceramide synthase 2b (Cers2b), and loss of Cers2b in sphk2MZ embryos phenocopies sphingosine toxicity. An upstream region of the cers2b promoter supports enhanced expression of a reporter gene in sphk2MZ embryos compared to wildtype embryos. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Cers2b protein itself reduces activity of the promoter, and this repression is relieved by exogenous sphingosine. Therefore, the sphk2MZ genome recognizes the lack of sphingosine kinase activity and up-regulates cers2b as a salvage pathway for sphingosine turnover. Cers2b can also function as a sphingolipid-responsive factor to mediate at least part of a feedback regulatory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Mendelson
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, United States.,Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Suveg Pandey
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Yu Hisano
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Frank Carellini
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Bhaskar C Das
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Timothy Hla
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, United States
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27
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Camp ER, Patterson LD, Kester M, Voelkel-Johnson C. Therapeutic implications of bioactive sphingolipids: A focus on colorectal cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2017; 18:640-650. [PMID: 28686076 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2017.1345396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC), especially a subset known as locally advanced rectal cancer, is challenged by progression and recurrence. Sphingolipids, a lipid subtype with vital roles in cellular function, play an important role in CRC and impact on therapeutic outcomes. In this review we discuss how dietary sphingolipids or the gut microbiome via alterations in sphingolipids influence CRC carcinogenesis. In addition, we discuss the expression of sphingolipid enzymes in the gastro-intestinal tract, their alterations in CRC, and the implications for therapy responsiveness. Lastly, we highlight some novel therapeutics that target sphingolipid signaling and have potential applications in the treatment of CRC. Understanding how sphingolipid metabolism impacts cell death susceptibility and drug resistance will be critical toward improving therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ramsay Camp
- a Department of Surgery Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston SC , USA
| | - Logan D Patterson
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville VA , USA
| | - Mark Kester
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville VA , USA
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- c Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston SC , USA
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28
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Sofi MH, Heinrichs J, Dany M, Nguyen H, Dai M, Bastian D, Schutt S, Wu Y, Daenthanasanmak A, Gencer S, Zivkovic A, Szulc Z, Stark H, Liu C, Chang YJ, Ogretmen B, Yu XZ. Ceramide synthesis regulates T cell activity and GVHD development. JCI Insight 2017; 2:91701. [PMID: 28515365 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.91701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is an effective immunotherapy for a variety of hematologic malignances, yet its efficacy is impeded by the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD is characterized by activation, expansion, cytokine production, and migration of alloreactive donor T cells. Hence, strategies to limit GVHD are highly desirable. Ceramides are known to contribute to inflammation and autoimmunity. However, their involvement in T-cell responses to alloantigens is undefined. In the current study, we specifically characterized the role of ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) after allo-HCT using genetic and pharmacologic approaches. We found that CerS6 was required for optimal T cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production in response to alloantigen and for subsequent induction of GVHD. However, CerS6 was partially dispensable for the T cell-mediated antileukemia effect. At the molecular level, CerS6 was required for efficient TCR signal transduction, including tyrosine phosphorylation, ZAP-70 activation, and PKCθ/TCR colocalization. Impaired generation of C16-ceramide was responsible for diminished allogeneic T cell responses. Furthermore, targeting CerS6 using a specific inhibitor significantly reduced T cell activation in mouse and human T cells in vitro. Our study provides a rationale for targeting CerS6 to control GVHD, which would enhance the efficacy of allo-HCT as an immunotherapy for hematologic malignancies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammed Dany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | - Min Dai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | | | - Yongxia Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | - Salih Gencer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Aleksandra Zivkovic
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Zdzislaw Szulc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ying-Jun Chang
- Peking University People's Hospital and Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Wegner MS, Schiffmann S, Parnham MJ, Geisslinger G, Grösch S. The enigma of ceramide synthase regulation in mammalian cells. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 63:93-119. [PMID: 27180613 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ceramide synthases (CerS) are key enzymes in the lipid metabolism of eukaryotic cells. Their products, ceramides (Cer), are components of cellular membranes but also mediate signaling functions in physiological processes such as proliferation, skin barrier function and cerebellar development. In pathophysiological processes such as multiple sclerosis and tumor progression, ceramide levels are altered, which can be ascribed, partly, to dysregulation of CerS gene transcription. Most publications deal with the effects of altered ceramide levels on physiological and pathophysiological processes, but the regulation of the appropriate CerS is frequently not investigated. This is insufficient for the clarification of the role of ceramides, because most ceramide species are generated by at least two CerS. The mechanisms of CerS regulation are manifold and it seems that each CerS isoform is regulated individually. For this reason, we discuss the different CerS separately in this review. From transcriptional regulation to alteration of protein activity, the possibilities to influence CerS are diverse. Furthermore, CerS are influenced by a variety of molecules including hormones and lipids. Without claiming completeness, we provide a résumé of the regulatory mechanisms for each CerS in mammalian cells and how dysregulation of these mechanisms during physiological processes may lead to pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe-Susanna Wegner
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael John Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabine Grösch
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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30
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Voelzmann A, Wulf AL, Eckardt F, Thielisch M, Brondolin M, Pesch YY, Sociale M, Bauer R, Hoch M. NuclearDrosophilaCerS Schlank regulates lipid homeostasis via the homeodomain, independent of the lag1p motif. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:971-81. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- André Voelzmann
- Program Unit Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology; Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology; LIMES-Institute; University of Bonn; Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Wulf
- Program Unit Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology; Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology; LIMES-Institute; University of Bonn; Germany
| | - Franka Eckardt
- Program Unit Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology; Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology; LIMES-Institute; University of Bonn; Germany
| | - Melanie Thielisch
- Program Unit Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology; Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology; LIMES-Institute; University of Bonn; Germany
| | - Mirco Brondolin
- Program Unit Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology; Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology; LIMES-Institute; University of Bonn; Germany
| | - Yanina-Yasmin Pesch
- Program Unit Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology; Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology; LIMES-Institute; University of Bonn; Germany
| | - Mariangela Sociale
- Program Unit Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology; Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology; LIMES-Institute; University of Bonn; Germany
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- Program Unit Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology; Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology; LIMES-Institute; University of Bonn; Germany
| | - Michael Hoch
- Program Unit Development, Genetics & Molecular Physiology; Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology; LIMES-Institute; University of Bonn; Germany
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Ceramide Synthase 6 Is a Novel Target of Methotrexate Mediating Its Antiproliferative Effect in a p53-Dependent Manner. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146618. [PMID: 26783755 PMCID: PMC4718595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) is elevated in response to folate stress in cancer cells, leading to enhanced production of C16-ceramide and apoptosis. Antifolate methotrexate (MTX), a drug commonly used in chemotherapy of several types of cancer, is a strong inhibitor of folate metabolism. Here we investigated whether this drug targets CerS6. We observed that CerS6 protein was markedly elevated in several cancer cell lines treated with MTX. In agreement with the enzyme elevation, its product C16-ceramide was also strongly elevated, so as several other ceramide species. The increase in C16-ceramide, however, was eliminated in MTX-treated cells lacking CerS6 through siRNA silencing, while the increase in other ceramides sustained. Furthermore, the siRNA silencing of CerS6 robustly protected A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells from MTX toxicity, while the silencing of another ceramide synthase, CerS4, which was also responsive to folate stress in our previous study, did not interfere with the MTX effect. The rescue effect of CerS6 silencing upon MTX treatment was further confirmed in HCT116 and HepG2 cell lines. Interestingly, CerS6 itself, but not CerS4, induced strong antiproliferative effect in several cancer cell lines if elevated by transient transfection. The effect of MTX on CerS6 elevation was likely p53 dependent, which is in agreement with the hypothesis that the protein is a transcriptional target of p53. In line with this notion, lometrexol, the antifolate inducing cytotoxicity through the p53-independent mechanism, did not affect CerS6 levels. We have also found that MTX induces the formation of ER aggregates, enriched with CerS6 protein. We further demonstrated that such aggregation requires CerS6 and suggests that it is an indication of ER stress. Overall, our study identified CerS6 and ceramide pathways as a novel MTX target.
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