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Cai Z, Li W, Hager S, Wilson JL, Afjehi-Sadat L, Heiss EH, Weichhart T, Heffeter P, Weckwerth W. Targeting PHGDH reverses the immunosuppressive phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages through α-ketoglutarate and mTORC1 signaling. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:448-465. [PMID: 38409249 PMCID: PMC11061172 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) has emerged as a crucial factor in macromolecule synthesis, neutralizing oxidative stress, and regulating methylation reactions in cancer cells, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells. However, the role of PHGDH in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is poorly understood. Here, we found that the T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine interleukin-4 and tumor-conditioned media upregulate the expression of PHGDH in macrophages and promote immunosuppressive M2 macrophage activation and proliferation. Loss of PHGDH disrupts cellular metabolism and mitochondrial respiration, which are essential for immunosuppressive macrophages. Mechanistically, PHGDH-mediated serine biosynthesis promotes α-ketoglutarate production, which activates mTORC1 signaling and contributes to the maintenance of an M2-like macrophage phenotype in the tumor microenvironment. Genetic ablation of PHGDH in macrophages from tumor-bearing mice results in attenuated tumor growth, reduced TAM infiltration, a phenotypic shift of M2-like TAMs toward an M1-like phenotype, downregulated PD-L1 expression and enhanced antitumor T-cell immunity. Our study provides a strong basis for further exploration of PHGDH as a potential target to counteract TAM-mediated immunosuppression and hinder tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengnan Cai
- Molecular Systems Biology (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wan Li
- Molecular Systems Biology (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Hager
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jayne Louise Wilson
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leila Afjehi-Sadat
- Research Support Facility, Mass Spectrometry Unit, Faculty of Life Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elke H Heiss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Weichhart
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Heffeter
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- Molecular Systems Biology (MOSYS), Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Vienna Metabolomics Center (VIME), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Shunxi W, Xiaoxue Y, Guanbin S, Li Y, Junyu J, Wanqian L. Serine Metabolic Reprogramming in Tumorigenesis, Tumor Immunity, and Clinical Treatment. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1050-1066. [PMID: 37187454 PMCID: PMC10509429 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine has been recently identified as an essential metabolite for oncogenesis, progression, and adaptive immunity. Influenced by many physiologic or tumor environmental factors, the metabolic pathways of serine synthesis, uptake, and usage are heterogeneously reprogrammed and frequently amplified in tumor or tumor-associated cells. The hyperactivation of serine metabolism promotes abnormal cellular nucleotide/protein/lipid synthesis, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic modifications, which drive malignant transformation, unlimited proliferation, metastasis, immunosuppression, and drug resistance of tumor cells. Dietary restriction of serine or phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase depletion mitigates tumor growth and extends the survival of tumor patients. Correspondingly, these findings triggered a boom in the development of novel therapeutic agents targeting serine metabolism. In this study, recent discoveries in the underlying mechanism and cellular function of serine metabolic reprogramming are summarized. The vital role of serine metabolism in oncogenesis, tumor stemness, tumor immunity, and therapeutic resistance is outlined. Finally, some potential tumor therapeutic concepts, strategies, and limitations of targeting the serine metabolic pathway are described in detail. Taken together, this review underscores the importance of serine metabolic reprogramming in tumorigenesis and progression and highlights new opportunities for dietary restriction or selective pharmacologic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Shunxi
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Xiaoxue
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Song Guanbin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Junyu
- Department of Oncology, Chenjiaqiao Hospital, Shapingba, Chongqing, China.
| | - Liu Wanqian
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
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3
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Sun W, Liu R, Gao X, Lin Z, Tang H, Cui H, Zhao E. Targeting serine-glycine-one-carbon metabolism as a vulnerability in cancers. Biomark Res 2023; 11:48. [PMID: 37147729 PMCID: PMC10161514 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine-glycine-one-carbon (SGOC) metabolic pathway is critical for DNA methylation, histone methylation, and redox homeostasis, in addition to protein, lipid, and nucleotide biosynthesis. The SGOC pathway is a crucial metabolic network in tumorigenesis, wherein the outputs are required for cell survival and proliferation and are particularly likely to be co-opted by aggressive cancers. SGOC metabolism provides an integration point in cell metabolism and is of crucial clinical significance. The mechanism of how this network is regulated is the key to understanding tumor heterogeneity and overcoming the potential mechanism of tumor recurrence. Herein, we review the role of SGOC metabolism in cancer by focusing on key enzymes with tumor-promoting functions and important products with physiological significance in tumorigenesis. In addition, we introduce the ways in which cancer cells acquire and use one-carbon unit, and discuss the recently clarified role of SGOC metabolic enzymes in tumorigenesis and development, as well as their relationship with cancer immunotherapy and ferroptosis. The targeting of SGOC metabolism may be a potential therapeutic strategy to improve clinical outcomes in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Xinyue Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Zini Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
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Syamprasad NP, Jain S, Rajdev B, Prasad N, Kallipalli R, Naidu VGM. Aldose reductase and cancer metabolism: The master regulator in the limelight. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 211:115528. [PMID: 37011733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
It is strongly established that metabolic reprogramming mediates the initiation, progression, and metastasis of a variety of cancers. However, there is no common biomarker identified to link the dysregulated metabolism and cancer progression. Recent studies strongly advise the involvement of aldose reductase (AR) in cancer metabolism. AR-mediated glucose metabolism creates a Warburg-like effect and an acidic tumour microenvironment in cancer cells. Moreover, AR overexpression is associated with the impairment of mitochondria and the accumulation of free fatty acids in cancer cells. Further, AR-mediated reduction of lipid aldehydes and chemotherapeutics are involved in the activation of factors promoting proliferation and chemo-resistance. In this review, we have delineated the possible mechanisms by which AR modulates cellular metabolism for cancer proliferation and survival. An in-depth understanding of cancer metabolism and the role of AR might lead to the use of AR inhibitors as metabolic modulating agents for the therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- N P Syamprasad
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Sila Village, Changsari, Assam 781101, India
| | - Siddhi Jain
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Sila Village, Changsari, Assam 781101, India
| | - Bishal Rajdev
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Sila Village, Changsari, Assam 781101, India
| | - Neethu Prasad
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Sila Village, Changsari, Assam 781101, India
| | - Ravindra Kallipalli
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Sila Village, Changsari, Assam 781101, India
| | - V G M Naidu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Sila Village, Changsari, Assam 781101, India.
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Identification of novel antiviral drug candidates using an optimized SARS-CoV-2 phenotypic screening platform. iScience 2023; 26:105944. [PMID: 36644320 PMCID: PMC9822553 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable, easy-to-handle phenotypic screening platforms are needed for the identification of anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. Here, we present caspase 3/7 activity as a readout for monitoring the replication of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from different variants, including a remdesivir-resistant strain, and of other coronaviruses in numerous cell culture models, independently of cytopathogenic effect formation. Compared to other models, the Caco-2 subline Caco-2-F03 displayed superior performance. It possesses a stable SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility phenotype and does not produce false-positive hits due to drug-induced phospholipidosis. A proof-of-concept screen of 1,796 kinase inhibitors identified known and novel antiviral drug candidates including inhibitors of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), CDC like kinase 1 (CLK-1), and colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). The activity of the PHGDH inhibitor NCT-503 was further increased in combination with the hexokinase II (HK2) inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose, which is in clinical development for COVID-19. In conclusion, caspase 3/7 activity detection in SARS-CoV-2-infected Caco-2-F03 cells provides a simple phenotypic high-throughput screening platform for SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates that reduces false-positive hits.
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Identification of Novel Natural Inhibitors to Human 3-Phosphoglycerate Dehydrogenase (PHGDH) for Cancer Treatment. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27186108. [PMID: 36144843 PMCID: PMC9501931 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the serine biosynthesis pathway enzymes has turned up as a novel strategy for anti-cancer therapeutics. 3- Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 3-Phosphoglyceric acid (3-PG) into 3-Phosphohydroxy pyruvate (3-PPyr) in the first step of serine synthesis pathway and perform a critical role in cancer progression. PHGDH has been reported to be overexpressed in different types of cancers and emerged as a novel target for cancer therapeutics. During this study, virtual screening tools were used for the identification of inhibitors of PHGDH. A library of phenolic compounds was docked against two binding sites of PHGDH using Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) software. Out of 169 virtually tested compounds, Salvianolic acid C and Schizotenuin F possess good binding potential to co-factor binding site of PHGDH while Salvianolic acid I and Chicoric acid were identified as the best binding compounds toward the substrate binding site of PHGDH. The top selected compounds were evaluated for different physiochemical and ADMET properties, the obtained results showed that none of these hit compounds violated the Pfizer Rule and they possess acceptable ADMET profiles. Further, a commercially available hit compound, Chicoric acid, was evaluated for its anti-cancer potential against PHGDH-expressing gastric cancer cell lines (MGC-803 and SGC-7901) as well as cell lines with low expression of PHGDH (MCF-7 and MDA-MB2-31), which demonstrated that Chicoric acid possesses selective cytotoxicity toward PHGDH expressing cancer cell lines. Thus, this study has unveiled the potential of phenolic compounds, which could serve as novel candidates for the development of PHGDH inhibitors as anti-cancer agents.
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