From infection to cancer: how DNA tumour viruses alter host cell central carbon and lipid metabolism

Identification of glucuronic acid as a biomarker of poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia based on plasma metabolomics

Metabolic abnormalities have been identified in various solid tumors and hematologic diseases, with reprogramming of central carbon metabolism occurring to promote disease progression. However, the metabolic profile of central carbon in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unknown. We employed targeted metabolomics to analyze the alterations in central carbon metabolites present in the blood of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Models constructed using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were utilized to evaluate intergroup differences in metabolite levels. Furthermore, a public database facilitated the kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Additionally, metabolites exhibiting significant differences were selected, and their effects on the proliferation and drug resistance of human myeloid leukemia cell lines were validated in vitro using CCK-8 analysis, MTT assays, and flow cytometry. Our results indicated that 27 targeted metabolites were up-regulated and eight targeted metabolites were down-regulated in the AML group. These metabolites were primarily enriched in pathways related to the biosynthesis of cofactors, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, glucagon signaling, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and central carbon metabolism in cancer. Notably, significant changes were observed in malic acid, alpha-ketoisovaleric acid, and glucuronic acid. In vitro experiments demonstrated that exogenous glucuronic acid can promote the growth and drug resistance of human AML cells. In conclusion, this study reveals alterations in central carbon metabolites in the blood of AML patients and identifies metabolites that may play a role in AML development and drug resistance.

Analysis of Metabolomic Reprogramming Induced by Infection with Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Using Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic double-stranded DNA virus. There are no vaccines or antiviral therapies for KSHV. Identifying the cellular metabolic pathways that KSHV manipulates can broaden the knowledge of how these pathways contribute to sustaining lytic infection, which can be targeted in future therapies to prevent viral spread. In this study, we performed an untargeted metabolomic analysis of KSHV infected telomerase-immortalized gingival keratinocytes (TIGK) cells at 4 h post-infection compared to mock-infected cells. We found that the metabolomic landscape of KSHV-infected TIGK differed from that of the mock. Specifically, a total of 804 differential metabolic features were detected in the two groups, with 741 metabolites that were significantly upregulated, and 63 that were significantly downregulated in KSHV-infected TIGK cells. The differential metabolites included ornithine, arginine, putrescine, dimethylarginine, orotate, glutamate, and glutamine, and were associated with pathways, such as the urea cycle, polyamine synthesis, dimethylarginine synthesis, and de novo pyrimidine synthesis. Overall, our untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that KSHV infection results in marked rapid alterations in the metabolic profile of the oral epithelial cells. We envision that a subset of these rapid metabolic changes might result in altered cellular functions that can promote viral lytic replication and transmission in the oral cavity.

The role of lipids and lipids lowering drugs in human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-associated cancers

Both women and men are now confronted with the grave threat of cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is estimated that 80% of women may encounter HPV over their lives. In the preponderance of cases involving anal, head and neck, oral, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and cervical malignancies, high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) is the causative agent. In 2019, HPV is believed to have been the cause of 620,000 new cases of cancer in women and 70,000 new cases of cancer in men worldwide. The bulk of the 530,000 cervical cancer cases (~ 270,000 fatalities) caused by HPV infection (86% of cases, 88% of deaths) happen in poor nations each year. Lipid metabolism is crucial in HPV infection and cancer development related to HPV. One of the most noticeable metabolic abnormalities in cancer is lipid metabolism reprogramming, in which cancer cells dysregulate lipid metabolism to obtain sufficient energy, building blocks for cell membranes, and signaling molecules necessary for invasion, metastasis, proliferation, and survival. Moreover, HPV proteins' stimulation of lipid production in infected cells will probably have a significant effect on oncogenesis. In addition, lipids are critical in producing cellular energy, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and therapy resistance of HPV-related cancers (HRCs). Therefore, lipids are essential in HPV infection and HRC development and may also be an important target for new approaches associated with treatments during HPV infection or cancer development. This review study looked at the role of lipids and lipid-lowering drugs in HPV and related cancers.

Metabolic self-feeding in HBV-associated hepatocarcinoma centered on feedback between circulation lipids and the cellular MAPK/mTOR axis

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is widely recognized as a "metabolic virus" that disrupts hepatic metabolic homeostasis, rendering it one of the foremost risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Except for antiviral therapy, the fundamental principles underlying HBV- and HBV+ HCC have remained unchanged, limiting HCC treatment options.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aim to identify the distinctive metabolic profile of HBV-associated HCC, with the promise of identifying novel metabolic targets that confer survival advantages and ultimately impede cancer progression.

METHODS

We employed a comprehensive methodology to evaluate metabolic alterations systematically. Initially, we analyzed transcriptomic and proteomic data obtained from a public database, subsequently validating these findings within our test cohort at both the proteomic and transcriptomic levels. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of tissue metabolomics profiles, lipidomics, and the activity of the MAPK and AKT signaling pathway to corroborate the abovementioned changes.

RESULTS

Our multi-omics approach revealed distinct metabolic dysfunctions associated with HBV-associated HCC. Specifically, we observed upregulated steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism in HBV-associated HCC patients' serum. Notably, metabolites involved in primary bile acid and sphingolipids can activate the MAPK/mTOR pathway. Tissue metabolomics and lipidomics analyses further validated the serum metabolic alterations, particularly alterations in lipid composition and accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasize the pivotal role of HBV in HCC metabolism, elucidating the activation of a unique MAPK/mTOR signaling axis by primary bile acids and sphingolipids. Moreover, the hyperactive MAPK/mTOR signaling axis transduction leads to significant reprogramming in lipid metabolism within HCC cells, further triggering the activation of the MAPK/mTOR pathway in turn, thereby establishing a self-feeding circle driven by primary bile acids and sphingolipids.

Integrated Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal deoxycholic acid promotes transmissible gastroenteritis virus infection by inhibiting phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT3

BACKGROUND

Acute diarrhea, dehydration and death in piglets are all symptoms of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), which results in significant financial losses in the pig industry. It is important to understand the pathogenesis and identify new antiviral targets by revealing the metabolic interactions between TGEV and host cells.

RESULTS

We performed metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of swine testicular cells infected with TGEV. A total of 1339 differential metabolites and 206 differentially expressed genes were detected post TEGV infection. The differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the HIF-1 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling. Integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes and differential metabolites indicated that they were significantly enriched in the metabolic processes such as nucleotide metabolism, biosynthesis of cofactors and purine metabolism. In addition, the results showed that most of the detected metabolites involved in the bile secretion was downregulated during TGEV infection. Furthermore, exogenous addition of key metabolite deoxycholic acid (DCA) significantly enhanced TGEV replication by NF-κB and STAT3 signal pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a significant metabolite, DCA, related to TGEV replication. It added TGEV replication in host cells by inhibiting phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT3. This study provided novel insights into the metabolomic and transcriptomic alterations related to TGEV infection and revealed potential molecular and metabolic targets for the regulation of TGEV infection.

The master antioxidant defense is activated during EBV latent infection

IMPORTANCE

To our knowledge, this is the first report delineating the activation of the master antioxidant defense during EBV latency. We show that EBV-triggered reactive oxygen species production activates the Keap1-NRF2 pathway in EBV-transformed cells, and LMP1 plays a major role in this event, and the stress-related kinase TBK1 is required for NRF2 activation. Moreover, we show that the Keap1-NRF2 pathway is important for cell proliferation and EBV latency maintenance. Our findings disclose how EBV controls the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense, which greatly improve our understanding of EBV latency and pathogenesis and may be leveraged to opportunities toward the improvement of therapeutic outcomes in EBV-associated diseases.

Analysis of the Whole-Genome Sequences from an Equus Parent-Offspring Trio Provides Insight into the Genomic Incompatibilities in the Hybrid Mule

Interspecific hybridization often shows negative effects on hybrids. However, only a few multicellular species, limited to a handful of plants and animals, have shown partial genetic mechanisms by which hybridization leads to low fitness in hybrids. Here, to explore the outcome of combining the two genomes of a horse and donkey, we analyzed the whole-genome sequences from an Equus parent-offspring trio using Illumina platforms. We generated 41.39× and 46.21× coverage sequences for the horse and mule, respectively. For the donkey, a 40.38× coverage sequence was generated and stored in our laboratory. Approximately 24.86 million alleles were discovered that varied from the reference genome. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were used as polymorphic markers for assigning alleles to their parental genomic inheritance. We identified 25,703 Mendelian inheritance error single nucleotide polymorphisms in the mule genome that were not inherited from the parents through Mendelian inheritance. A total of 555 de novo single nucleotide polymorphisms were also identified. The rate of de novo single nucleotide polymorphisms was 2.21 × 10^-7 in the mule from the Equus parent-offspring trio. This rate is obviously higher than the natural mutation rate for Equus, which is also consistent with the previous hypothesis that interracial crosses may have a high mutation rate. The genes associated with these single nucleotide polymorphisms are mainly involved in immune processes, DNA repair, and cancer processes. The results of the analysis of three genomes from an Equus parent-offspring trio improved our knowledge of the consequences of the integration of parental genomes in mules.

Interplay between cellular metabolism and DNA viruses

Viruses as intracellular pathogens take over the host metabolism and reprogram to facilitate optimal virus production. DNA viruses can cause alterations in several metabolic pathways, including aerobic glycolysis also known as the Warburg effect, pentose phosphate pathway activation, and amino acid catabolism such as glutaminolysis, nucleotide biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis. The available energy for productive infection can be increased in infected cells via modification of different carbon source utilization. This review discusses the metabolic alterations of the DNA viruses that will be the basis for future novel therapeutic approaches.

Exosomal miRNA-21 from Toxoplasma gondii-infected microglial cells induces the growth of U87 glioma cells by inhibiting tumor suppressor genes

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that can modulate the microenvironment of infected hosts and is known to be associated with the incidence of brain tumor growth. In this study, we suggested that the exosomal microRNA-21 derived from Toxoplasma infection would contribute to the growth of brain tumors. Exosomes of BV2 microglial cells infected with Toxoplasma were characterized and confirmed internalization to U87 glioma cells. Exosomal miRNA expression profiles were analyzed using microRNA array and miR-21A-5p associated with Toxoplasma and tumor sorted. We also examined the mRNA level of tumor-associated genes in U87 glioma cells by changing the level of miR-21 within exosomes and the effects of exosomes on the proliferation of human U87 glioma cells. Expression of miRNA-21 was increased and anti-tumorigenic genes (FoxO1, PTEN, and PDCD4) were decreased in exosomes within T. gondii-infected U87 glioma cells. Toxoplasma-infected BV2-derived exosomes induced proliferation of U87 glioma cells. The exosomes induced the growth of U87 cells in a mouse tumor model. We suggest that the increased exosomal miR-21 from Toxoplasma-infected BV2 microglial cells may play an important role as a cell growth promotor of U87 glioma cells through a down-regulation of anti-tumorigenic genes.

Identified lncRNAs functional modules and genes in prediabetes with hypertriglyceridemia by weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Background

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is one of the most important comorbidities in abnormal glucose patients. The aim of this study was to identify lncRNAs functional modules and hub genes related to triglyceride (TG) in prediabetes.

Methods

The study included 12 prediabetic patients: 6 participants with HTG and 6 participants with normal triglyceride (NTG). Whole peripheral blood RNA sequencing was performed for these samples to establish a lncRNA library. WGCNA, KEGG pathways analysis and the PPI network were used to construct co‐expression network, to obtain modules related to blood glucose, and to detect key lncRNAs. Meanwhile, GEO database and qRT-PCR were used to validate above key lncRNAs.

Results

We found out that the TCONS_00334653 and PVT1, whose target mRNA are MYC and HIST1H2BM, were downregulating in the prediabetes with HTG. Moreover, both of TCONS_00334653 and PVT1 were validated in the GEO database and qRT-PCR.

Conclusions

Therefore, the TCONS_00334653 and PVT1 were detected the key lncRNAs for the prediabetes with HTG, which might be a potential therapeutic or diagnostic target for the treatment of prediabetes with HTG according to the results of validation in the GEO database, qRT-PCR and ROC curves.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-022-00665-5.

Metabolic Control by DNA Tumor Virus-Encoded Proteins

Viruses co-opt a multitude of host cell metabolic processes in order to meet the energy and substrate requirements for successful viral replication. However, due to their limited coding capacity, viruses must enact most, if not all, of these metabolic changes by influencing the function of available host cell regulatory proteins. Typically, certain viral proteins, some of which can function as viral oncoproteins, interact with these cellular regulatory proteins directly in order to effect changes in downstream metabolic pathways. This review highlights recent research into how four different DNA tumor viruses, namely human adenovirus, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's associated-sarcoma herpesvirus, can influence host cell metabolism through their interactions with either MYC, p53 or the pRb/E2F complex. Interestingly, some of these host cell regulators can be activated or inhibited by the same virus, depending on which viral oncoprotein is interacting with the regulatory protein. This review highlights how MYC, p53 and pRb/E2F regulate host cell metabolism, followed by an outline of how each of these DNA tumor viruses control their activities. Understanding how DNA tumor viruses regulate metabolism through viral oncoproteins could assist in the discovery or repurposing of metabolic inhibitors for antiviral therapy or treatment of virus-dependent cancers.