1
|
Yin WJ. A bacterial enzyme may correct 2-HG accumulation in human cancers. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1235191. [PMID: 37546420 PMCID: PMC10399246 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1235191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of lower-grade glioma as well as many other types of human cancers are associated with neomorphic mutations in IDH1/2 genes (mIDH1/2). These mutations lead to an aberrant accumulation of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). Interestingly, even cancers without mIDH1/2 can exhibit increased levels of 2-HG due to factors like hypoxia and extracellular acidity. Mounting evidence demonstrates that 2-HG competitively inhibits α-ketoglutarate dependent enzymes, such as JmjC-domain-containing histone demethylases (JHDMs), ten-eleven translocation enzymes (TETs), and various dioxygenases (e.g., RNA m6A demethylases and prolyl hydroxylases). Consequently, the hypermethylation of DNA, RNA, and histones, and the abnormal activities of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) have profound impacts on the establishment of cancer metabolism and microenvironment, which promote tumor progression. This connection between the oncometabolite 2-HG and glioma holds crucial implications for treatments targeting this disease. Here, I hypothesize that an ectopic introduction of a bacterial 2-hydroxyglutarate synthase (2-HG synthase) enzyme into cancer cells with 2-HG accumulation could serve as a promising enzyme therapy for glioma and other types of cancers. While absent in human metabolism, 2-HG synthase in bacterial species catalyzes the conversion of 2-HG into propionyl-CoA and glyoxylate, two metabolites that potentially possess anti-tumor effects. For a broad spectrum of human cancers with 2-HG accumulation, 2-HG synthase-based enzyme therapy holds the potential to not only correct 2-HG induced cancer metabolism but also transform an oncometabolite into metabolic challenges within cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J. Yin
- Oconee County High School, Watkinsville, GA, United States
- Bio-Imaging Research Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alyahya AAI, Asad M, Alhussaini MS, Abdelsalam KEA, Alenezi EA. The antidiabetic effect of methanolic extract of Holarrhena pubescens seeds is mediated through multiple mechanisms of action. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:824-833. [PMID: 37228324 PMCID: PMC10203776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Holarrhena pubescens is widely used in Indian and Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetes. The current work determined the oral hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects of seed extract in rats. The probable mechanism of action was evaluated in-vitro by α - glucosidase inhibition, glucose metabolism in insulinoma (INS-1) cells to reflect secretion of insulin, and protein glycation inhibition. Its potential for herb-drug interaction was evaluated in the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition assay. The seed extract increased serum insulin levels and reduced serum blood glucose levels in the oral glucose tolerance test. It also reduced the serum glucose levels in streptozocin-induced diabetes. The extract also inhibited α -glucosidase enzyme activity and demonstrated that it can increase the secretion of insulin from INS to 1-rat insulinoma cell line cells in-vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. However, it had a very weak inhibitory effect on protein glycation and it did not affect the activity of CYP3A4. The results of the study showed that H. pubescens seed extract increases insulin secretion and inhibits glucose absorption both in-vivo and in-vitro with a weak protein glycation inhibitory effect. The herb is devoid of CYP3A4 inhibitory effect indicating that it may not have pharmacokinetic interaction with the drug metabolized by this enzyme.
Collapse
|
3
|
Luo Y, Tian G, Fang X, Bai S, Yuan G, Pan Y. Ferroptosis and Its Potential Role in Glioma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2123. [PMID: 36358495 PMCID: PMC9686959 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common intracranial malignant tumor, and the current main standard treatment option is a combination of tumor surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Due to the terribly poor five-year survival rate of patients with gliomas and the high recurrence rate of gliomas, some new and efficient therapeutic strategies are expected. Recently, ferroptosis, as a new form of cell death, has played a significant role in the treatment of gliomas. Specifically, studies have revealed key processes of ferroptosis, including iron overload in cells, occurrence of lipid peroxidation, inactivation of cysteine/glutathione antiporter system Xc- (xCT) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). In the present review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and introduced the application and challenges of ferroptosis in the development and treatment of gliomas. Moreover, we highlighted the therapeutic opportunities of manipulating ferroptosis to improve glioma treatments, which may improve the clinical outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusong Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Guopeng Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Shengwei Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Guoqiang Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yawen Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fahmy SA, Dawoud A, Zeinelabdeen YA, Kiriacos CJ, Daniel KA, Eltahtawy O, Abdelhalim MM, Braoudaki M, Youness RA. Molecular Engines, Therapeutic Targets, and Challenges in Pediatric Brain Tumors: A Special Emphasis on Hydrogen Sulfide and RNA-Based Nano-Delivery. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5244. [PMID: 36358663 PMCID: PMC9657918 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric primary brain tumors represent a real challenge in the oncology arena. Besides the psychosocial burden, brain tumors are considered one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies due to their sophisticated cellular and molecular pathophysiology. Notwithstanding the advances in research and the substantial efforts to develop a suitable therapy, a full understanding of the molecular pathways involved in primary brain tumors is still demanded. On the other hand, the physiological nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the efficiency of many available treatments, including molecular therapeutic approaches. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), as a member of the gasotransmitters family, and its synthesizing machinery have represented promising molecular targets for plentiful cancer types. However, its role in primary brain tumors, generally, and pediatric types, particularly, is barely investigated. In this review, the authors shed the light on the novel role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a prominent player in pediatric brain tumor pathophysiology and its potential as a therapeutic avenue for brain tumors. In addition, the review also focuses on the challenges and opportunities of several molecular targeting approaches and proposes promising brain-delivery strategies for the sake of achieving better therapeutic results for brain tumor patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, R5 New Capital City, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Yousra Ahmed Zeinelabdeen
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Faculty of Medical Sciences/UMCG, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Joseph Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Kerolos Ashraf Daniel
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Omar Eltahtawy
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Miriam Mokhtar Abdelhalim
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Maria Braoudaki
- Clinical, Pharmaceutical, and Biological Science Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pharmacological Inhibition of Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuates Breast Cancer Progression. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134049. [PMID: 35807290 PMCID: PMC9268373 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous signaling molecule, is associated with the development of various malignancies via modulating various cellular signaling cascades. Published research has established the fact that inhibition of endogenous H2S production or exposure of H2S donors is an effective approach against cancer progression. However, the effect of pharmacological inhibition of endogenous H2S-producing enzymes (cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MPST)) on the growth of breast cancer (BC) remains unknown. In the present study, DL-propargylglycine (PAG, inhibitor of CSE), aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, inhibitor of CBS), and L-aspartic acid (L-Asp, inhibitor of 3-MPST) were used to determine the role of endogenous H2S in the growth of BC by in vitro and in vivo experiments. An in silico study was also performed to confirm the results. Corresponding to each enzyme in separate groups, we treated BC cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) with 10 mM of PAG, AOAA, and L-Asp for 24 h. Findings reveal that the combined dose (PAG + AOAA + L-Asp) group showed exclusive inhibitory effects on BC cells’ viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion compared to the control group. Further, treated cells exhibited increased apoptosis and a reduced level of phospho (p)-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases such as p-AKT, p-PI3K, and p-mTOR. Moreover, the combined group exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the growth of BC xenograft tumors in nude mice, without obvious toxicity. The molecular docking results were consistent with the wet lab experiments and enhanced the reliability of the drugs. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the inhibition of endogenous H2S production can significantly inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells via the AKT/PI3K/mTOR pathway and suggest that endogenous H2S may act as a promising therapeutic target in human BC cells. Our study also empowers the rationale to design novel H2S-based anti-tumor drugs to cure BC.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hvinden IC, Cadoux-Hudson T, Schofield CJ, McCullagh JS. Metabolic adaptations in cancers expressing isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations. Cell Rep Med 2021; 2:100469. [PMID: 35028610 PMCID: PMC8714851 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The most frequently mutated metabolic genes in human cancer are those encoding the enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and IDH2; these mutations have so far been identified in more than 20 tumor types. Since IDH mutations were first reported in glioma over a decade ago, extensive research has revealed their association with altered cellular processes. Mutations in IDH lead to a change in enzyme function, enabling efficient conversion of 2-oxoglutarate to R-2-hydroxyglutarate (R-2-HG). It is proposed that elevated cellular R-2-HG inhibits enzymes that regulate transcription and metabolism, subsequently affecting nuclear, cytoplasmic, and mitochondrial biochemistry. The significance of these biochemical changes for tumorigenesis and potential for therapeutic exploitation remains unclear. Here we comprehensively review reported direct and indirect metabolic changes linked to IDH mutations and discuss their clinical significance. We also review the metabolic effects of first-generation mutant IDH inhibitors and highlight the potential for combination treatment strategies and new metabolic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild Comfort Hvinden
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Tom Cadoux-Hudson
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Christopher J. Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
- Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, 12 Mansfield Road, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - James S.O. McCullagh
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| |
Collapse
|